A Life-Altering Diagnosis
At age 36, Rebecca was nearing the completion of her PhD in Translation Studies when her world suddenly changed. What began as a few days of dizziness and nausea evolved into persistent double vision. After being admitted to the hospital for testing, she received devastating news – she had multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers in the brain.
The Descent into Disability
Following her diagnosis, Rebecca’s health declined rapidly. Despite managing to complete her PhD, she soon found herself unable to work due to overwhelming fatigue and cognitive difficulties. Daily injectable medications, antidepressants, and medicinal marijuana became part of her routine. Her mobility decreased to the point of needing a wheelchair, and she felt decades older than her actual age.
Seeking Sanctuary in Spain
Realizing that her situation in Birmingham was becoming increasingly hopeless, Rebecca made a bold decision to relocate to Spain. She moved to a remote mountain cabin, hoping that a change in environment might help her condition. While the move provided some relief, she continued to struggle with daily symptoms and limited functionality.
A Surprising Solution
In June 2023, Rebecca discovered the carnivore diet through YouTube videos. With no particular expectations, she decided to try it. Within a week, her bloating had subsided. By the end of the first month, her cognitive function had returned, her fatigue had lifted, and her core strength had improved significantly.
The Transformation
The changes went beyond just MS symptoms. Her eczema cleared up, anxiety levels decreased, and she maintained her youthful physique at age 44. Most importantly, she regained her ability to work, recently taking on a novel translation project – something that would have been impossible during her illness.
Life in Northern Spain
Today, Rebecca lives on farmland in Galicia, where she has access to high-quality local meat. She follows a strict carnivore diet, typically consuming bacon and eggs for breakfast and beef for her afternoon meal. She also practices intermittent fasting, which she found enhanced her results.
Breaking Free from Medications
Since 2018, Rebecca has been medication-free from her MS treatments. Additionally, she was able to discontinue her use of medicinal marijuana in April 2024, finding that she no longer needed it once her health improved through the carnivore diet.
Rebecca describes herself as “back to normal” and no longer thinks about MS or lives in fear of another relapse. While rebuilding her career gradually, she feels confident in her ability to earn an income again because she has regained her health. She’s exploring ways to make her diet more sustainable, including plans to raise her own animals and purchase meat directly from local farmers.
A New Community
Through sharing her story on her YouTube channel, Rebecca has connected with others in the carnivore community. She finds particular value in connecting with people who understand the experience of chronic illness and have taken their health into their own hands.
Despite concerns some might raise about an all-meat diet, Rebecca remains committed to her choice. The dramatic improvement in her quality of life far outweighs any theoretical risks. As she puts it, “There was no future, and now I’m able to live my life.” Her transformation has been so remarkable that friends who never knew her before her illness comment on the difference, with one noting that she now seems “whole.”
Prior to starting the carnivore diet, Rebecca’s most recent MRI showed 14 lesions in her brain. She awaits her next scan with interest, hoping it will provide objective evidence of the improvements she’s experienced. In the meantime, she continues to thrive on her new way of eating, having found a solution that works for her after years of struggling with conventional treatments.
