Episode 238 – Unlock the Healing Power of the Carnivore Diet for MS and Neurological Health

Dr. Deb 0:00Welcome back to Let’s Talk wellness now. I’m your host, Dr, Deb, and today we’re diving into a fascinating topic that’s taking the wellness world by storm, the carnivore diet. Yes, you’ve heard me right, a diet that’s all about meat and animal products and nothing else. For some this may sound extreme, but for others, it’s been a transformative way to heal chronic conditions, lose weight and take control of their health.

Dr. Deb 0:29Today, we’re going to explore what the carnivore diet is, why it’s gaining so much attention, and how it might just be the key to healing your body, especially if you’re dealing with conditions like MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease, or other neurological challenges. I’ll share practical tips with you to get you started common pitfalls to avoid and why this way of eating is a game changer for your gut and brain health. So grab your favorite cup of coffee or tea, and let’s jump right in today.

Dr. Deb 1:08So what is this thing called the carnivore diet? Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like, a diet focused entirely on animal based foods, thin steak, chicken, eggs, fish, butter and organ meats. That’s it sounds like a man’s dream, right? Well, there’s no fruits, no vegetables, no grains, no plant based oils. Why? Because the philosophy behind carnivore is simple. Our ancestors thrived on nutrient dense animal foods, and by eliminating plant based foods that can trigger inflammation or gut issues, we allow our bodies to heal from the inside out. Now I want to talk a little bit with you about the history behind the carnivore diet. To truly understand the carnivore diet, it’s important to look at its historical roots. So for 1000s of years, humans relied heavily on animal based foods for survival. Early hunter gatherer societies prioritized hunting large game and fishing, and these provided the most calorie dense and nutrient rich sustenance available. These practices shaped our biology, our digestive systems and efficiently utilized animal proteins and fats. Even more recent history, certain cultures have thrived on predominantly carnivore diets. Inuit people of Arctic, for example, consumed a diet primarily consisting of fish, seals and whale blubber, not really my favorite idea of a dinner, but that’s okay. They had little to no plants, yet they remained remarkably healthy. Similarly, the Masaya tribe in East Africa traditionally ate a diet based on meat, blood and milk, boasting robust health and low incidences of chronic diseases. The resurgence of the carnivore diet in modern times is largely credited to advocates seeking relief from autoimmune conditions, obesity and metabolic disorders, and by looking back at these historical dietary patterns, we’re rediscovering the profound benefits of diet centered around nutrient dense animal based foods. So is there really science behind all of this? Well, there is the success of a carnivore diet lies in its ability to reduce systemic inflammation, stabilize blood sugar and repair the gut lining. When you eliminate carbohydrates from your body, it your body actually shifts to using fat for fuel through a process called ketosis. We know this very well from the ketogenic diet. This process actually reduces insulin levels and promotes cellular repair and animal based foods, particularly red meat and organ meat, provide all the essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals that your body needs without the interference of plant based anti nutrients. So for individuals with neurological conditions like MS, this shift is especially important. Studies show that ketones, the byproducts of fat metabolism, can have neuroprotective effects, and they fuel the brain cells more efficiently than glucose, and may help reduce oxidative stress, a key factor in neurodegeneration. Additionally, the high levels of omega three fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon, support brain health and reduce inflammation. I.

Dr. Deb 5:00Yeah. Now why does this matter for people with neurological conditions like Ms? Well, because research is showing us that gut health is directly tied to brain health. If your gut is inflamed, your brain is likely inflamed too, and by repairing the gut brain axis through the carnivore diet, you may experience a reduction in inflammation, you may have improved energy and even fewer neurological symptoms. For my listeners with MS, this could be life changing. Imagine fewer flare ups, less brain fog, and more days where you feel like your best self. That’s the promise of focusing on healing your gut and brain with a carnivore approach. So why does carnivore diet help Ms flares anyway? Well, Ms Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath, the protective coating around the neurons in the brain.

Dr. Deb 6:01These flare ups often result from heightened immune activity and systemic inflammation. The carnivore diet can help mitigate these issues in several ways. They reduce systemic inflammation by eliminating plant based anti nutrients like lectins and oxalates. The carnivore diet minimizes potential gut irritants that can contribute to the immune system’s over activation, especially things like gluten,

Dr. Deb 6:28ketones and neurological health. The ketogenic nature of the carnivore diet produces ketones, which serve as an efficient fuel source for the brain. Ketones have neuroprotective properties and can help reduce the oxidative stress, a critical factor in MS flare ups gut healing. A compromised gut lining can lead to increased intestinal permeability, or what we call leaky gut, which has been linked to autoimmune conditions like MS, the nutrient dense, easily digestible animal foods in the carnivore diet help repair the gut lining and reduce the influx of inflammatory molecules that enter the bloodstream.

Dr. Deb 7:09Let’s not forget stabilizing blood sugar. Blood sugar spikes and insulin resistance can exasperate inflammation.

Dr. Deb 7:17The carnivore diet stabilizes blood sugar levels, reducing one of the triggers for inflammatory processes, and we have enhanced immune regulation by supporting a balanced gut microbiome and reducing inflammation. The diet helps modulate immune activity, potentially decreasing the frequency and severity of MS flare ups. This is why the carnivore diet isn’t just about what you eat. It’s about giving your body the tools it needs to heal, protect and thrive. For our neurological patients suffering from MS, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s, it can mean fewer flare ups, better energy and high quality of life.

Dr. Deb 8:02Now, let’s get started on talking about what this carnivore diet actually looks like. If you’re curious about trying carnivore, here’s some good news. Getting started is simple. There are three easy steps. First, start with the basics. Stick to high quality animal foods like beef, lamb, chicken and fish. Eggs and butter are great, too. If you’re feeling adventurous, incorporate organ meats like liver and nutritional powerhouses. Eggs are powerful because they’re full of choline, and choline crosses the blood brain barrier and repairs the neurological damage that’s occurring in there. Choose organ meats that are organic. Actually choose any meat that’s organic and grass fed, this is where the Quality Matters. Organic and grass fed meats are not only nutrient dense, but also free from harmful toxins like antibiotics, hormones and pesticides that are commonly found in conventionally raised meats. Grass fed beef, for example, contains higher levels of omega three fatty acids and CLA conjugated linoleic acid, both of which support anti inflammatory processes. On the other hand, conventional meats may expose you to chemicals and residues that can disrupt hormones and increase inflammation, counteracting the healthy benefits of the diet. When we’re dealing with neurological issues, we’re trying to get these toxins out of the body, because most of the time, they’re overburdened in the body, or there’s a person that has a genetic defect that can’t eliminate these toxins. So adding them into your diet when all you’re doing is carnivore really defeats the purpose of doing carnivore.

Dr. Deb 9:49You want to ditch the processed foods. Say goodbye to anything added sugars, preservatives or artificial ingredients. Your focus should be on whole on.

Dr. Deb 10:00Processed foods. So when you’re shopping, only shop the outside edge of the grocery store, but avoid where the fruits and vegetables section is. For this part, we usually talk about just shopping on the outside. When you’re doing carnivore, you got to avoid the fruits and vegetable aisle. You want to make sure you really stay hydrated and mind your electrolytes. This is critical. As your body adapts to carnivore, you might lose water weight, which can deplete electrolytes. Adding salt to your food and sipping on bone broth can make all the difference in the world on how you’re feeling. I want to give you a pro tip. Keep it simple and listen to your body if you’re hungry, eat if you’re not, don’t force it. Carnivore naturally helps regulate your appetite, so you’ll find yourself eating more intuitively.

Dr. Deb 10:51And here’s a little bonus tip for my coffee lovers out there, if you’re struggling to give up cream and sweetener, try adding a bit of butter or heavy cream instead. It’s truly a game changer.

Dr. Deb 11:04All right, before we dive into something incredible like success stories and strategies for breakthrough

Dr. Deb 11:11and looking at our common challenges, let’s take a quick break and hear from today’s sponsor. Stick around because you don’t want to miss the tips I’m about to share with you. They’ll help you thrive on this diet, and you haven’t. If you haven’t already liked, subscribed or shared, it means a lot to me and kee...