Jennifer’s Journey To A Full Carnivore Diet
Jennifer is a 32-year-old woman who has been following a “full carnivore diet for almost six or seven weeks.” She had taken an interest in the carnivore diet and lifestyle and “initially started in January but had some personal setbacks, so I put it on the back burner.”
Health Problems Before The Carnivore Diet
Her health history included a history of several different types of problems, which she would later find relief for through the carnivore diet. Jennifer suffered from migraines and generalized brain fog, which she may not have realized existed until she later observed how well her mind would work on her carnivore diet.
Additionally, she developed anxiety and OCD, and she frequently felt very depressed. These problems are a sign that the brain is unable to appropriately metabolize its fuel, and the result is a pendulum of anxiety, from a poor ability to attenuate anxious thoughts to oxidative stress, which causes depression.
Understanding The Link Between Diet And Mental Health
Oxidative stress happens when tissues like the neurons in the brain exceed their ability to metabolize energy, causing them to create harmful metabolic byproducts like free radicals.
The damage from these toxins slows brain function, causing depression. Both diet-related inflammation and unstable blood sugar from consuming carbohydrates are significant contributors to this functional model.
The Effects Of Oxidative Stress On The Brain
Jennifer found herself progressively gaining weight, and the extra load on her joints conspired with the systemic inflammation she had, causing an achy, painful feeling in the joints of her knees, ankles, and hands.
She found that not only did she also have problems with poor sleep and energy, but her skin began looking unhealthy as well. These changes reminded her of what she had wanted to do earlier.
Physical Changes After Switching To A Carnivore Diet
Jennifer got back on her carnivore diet, saying, “I regret not keeping up with it during that time period, but glad I started it again.” In the almost 2-month time period she has stayed on her diet, she reports the following improvements:
- Her cravings have stopped
- Her hair has stopped falling out like it did on “moderate protein” with keto and low calories
- Her skin is clearing up
- Her migraines have become nonexistent
- Her depression has greatly diminished
- Her anxiety and OCD have almost gone away
- Her high blood pressure is now in the normal ranges and easily stays there
- She has lost 15 lbs. so far and over 18 inches overall
- She sleeps like a baby
- Her joints no longer hurt in her hands/knees/ankles
- Her blood sugar levels are in the normal ranges
- She has a lot more energy and mental clarity
Jennifer’s Improvements On A Carnivore Diet
Jennifer is a happy carnivore so far and says, “It’s been a game changer for me. I am a much happier person than I was prior to Carnivore. Meal prep and grocery shopping are simple and quick, and I enjoy what I’m eating and have no temptation for junk food. I only wish I would have discovered and started this sooner.”
