Carnivore for neurological autoimmune disease. Initial high, now a bit lost

zerocarb

#1

Hi everyone, I’ve just joined the forum. I’ve been zero carb for about three weeks now, primarily eating lamb, beef, chicken broth, liver, ghee, tallow, olive oil.

I started this WOE looking for relief from a litany of autoimmune symptoms. I have a disease called multifocal motor neuropathy, where my peripheral nerves are malfunctioning, causing weakness in my arms and hands. I also have intermittent, chronic fatigue, mood problems, itchy skin, brain fog, and depression. I came at zero carb from an autoimmune protocol style diet which then morphed into a Whalls style keto diet over the course of a couple of years. On the standard keto I didn’t feel great. I got loads of itchy spots all over my legs, my itching got worst, and all the coconut made me feel nauseous. My energy levels did improve though. I ditched the coconut products, increased olive oil and bone broth and felt a bit better. I found that I couldn’t digest kale that well and I was having uncomfortable, unsatisfying BMs. I decided to reduce the veg intake, particularly the kale, and suddenly I felt way better. I removed the veg completely. I felt the most profound improvement in my health. My anxiety evaporated, my emotional and physical energy skyrocketed. For the first time in years I wanted to attack exercise, I wanted to call all my friends (after years of neglect) I wanted to build things. I could think clearly and speak clearly, I felt strong, calm, and happy and for about two or three days. It was bliss, like I had woken from a long depressive sleep. I’m 27, and the last time I felt that good was when I was a child. Now it’s two weeks later, and I’ve continued to eat only meat, fat and broth, but I’ve found a lot of the fatigue and depression has slipped back in, particularly in the afternoons.

I feel a bit lost, because clearly the meat only thing did me some good, but the feeling doesn’t seem to have lasted. Has anyone experienced anything similar?

Alex


(Elizabeth ) #2

I would ditch the olive oil, and there’s no need to add extra fat to your meat, you probably need more nutrients coming from meat. Also, adaptation is a real thing and it can take three to six months to really figure out what kind of results you’re going to have eating this way.


(Elizabeth ) #3

also here’s a podcast with a guy that lives in my town I’ve actually met him at a local barbecue joint where we had nine carnivores meat up together for dinner. [Carnivore Cast] Brett Lloyd - Curing Major Depression and Never Giving Up
http://podplayer.net/?id=61745005 via @PodcastAddict


(Chris) #4

Might consider consulting with a clinician that specifically uses this protocol to treat tough diseases, if all else fails.

https://www.paleomedicina.com/en/

These guys seem legit, tbh.


(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #5

I agree about the olive oil. Stick to animal fats for cooking. You can even make mayonnaise with bacon grease (see the Recipes forum).

Also, what is in that chicken broth? Do you make it yourself, or is it store-bought? If the latter, take a very close look at the list of ingredients, not just the nutrition panel.


(Chris) #6

This makes the best deviled eggs. Bonus points for crumbled bacon in place or along with paprika.