Are you considering trying a carnivore diet? Have you ever wondered about the real world experiences of those who have successfully adopted this lifestyle? Then, this post about the carnivore diet for ulcerative colitis is for you!
In a world where dietary trends come and go, it’s always refreshing to find someone who has embraced a unique approach to health and experienced transformative results. I had the privilege of sitting down with Nicole Carter, a health enthusiast and advocate of the carnivore diet, to discuss her remarkable journey of overcoming thyroid dysfunction and digestive problems, including ulcerative colitis.
Healing Ulcerative Colitis: A Carnivore Diet Success Story with Nicole Carter
Nicole’s story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of dietary choices in shaping our well being. In this interview, we dive deep into how she healed IBS and ulcerative colitis with zero carb carnivore diet, her experiences, challenges, and triumphs as she navigated her path to health and vitality.
Even if you’re already on the path to a carnivore diet, you might fine tune your approach after hearing about common mistakes and effective strategies from Nicole Carter. Nicole’s personal journey and expertise provide a roadmap for those seeking to optimize their health through dietary changes.
Nicole Carter’s path to well being wasn’t without its share of challenges. Dealing with both thyroid dysfunction and colitis, she faced the daunting task of finding a way to heal her body and regain control over her health. Her battle with thyroid issues illuminated the complexities of hormonal balance and its profound impact on overall well being. Simultaneously, her struggle with colitis underscored the debilitating effects of inflammatory bowel diseases, affecting not only physical health but also the quality of her daily life.
Frustrated with conventional treatments that provided only temporary relief, Nicole embarked on a holistic journey to healing. Through meticulous research, unwavering dedication, and a willingness to explore alternative approaches, she discovered the profound potential of the carnivore diet. By nourishing her body with a nutrient dense, animal based diet, Nicole found a path to true healing, gradually alleviating her symptoms and regaining her vitality. Her journey from battling illness to embracing vibrant health serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of making intentional choices in pursuit of a brighter, healthier future.
You can also watch the insightful video interview with Nicole Carter below as she shares her journey to healing ulcerative colitis and thyroid dysfunction through the carnivore diet. Gain valuable insights and inspiration from her firsthand experience.
If you are considering to take step on your own carnivore diet journey to heal conditions like ulcerative colitis and thyroid dysfunction?
Dive into Nicole Carter’s carnivore diet journey to healing ulcerative colitis and thyroid dysfunction and how she found relief after 15 years on a vegan diet.
In Conversation with Carnivore Advocate Nicole Carter:
Caitlin Weeks: Thank you for joining us, Nicole. We’re genuinely excited to have you here today. We’re eager to learn about your health journey and how the carnivore diet has played a role in your transformation. It’s incredibly inspiring to see someone who has overcome digestive issues and embraced an unconventional approach to wellness.
Nicole Carter: Thank you so much for having me. It’s a journey that’s always evolving, but it’s definitely been worth every step. Making dietary changes has had a profound impact on my life, and I’ve not only become healthier but also discovered a newfound enjoyment in the way I eat and live.
Caitlin Weeks: Could you share a bit about your journey, how you initially started experiencing health issues, and what eventually led you to embrace a meat-based diet?
Nicole Carter: Certainly, my journey has been quite a transformation. I began my health journey as a vegan, driven by a desire to optimize my well being. As a fitness enthusiast and a runner, I was dedicated to staying at the top of my health and wellness game. Around the age of 18, I adopted a vegan diet to pursue what I believed would be a healthier lifestyle. For years, I felt great and enjoyed the foods I was eating, which included grains, sprouted nuts, seeds, and beans. During this period, I even experimented with a raw vegan diet to address low energy levels. However, after some years, things took a turn. Around a decade into my vegan lifestyle, I began to experience severe fatigue, hair loss, hormonal imbalances, anxiety, depression, fertility issues, and even endometriosis.
My pursuit of a solution led me down various dietary paths. I tried vegan variations, the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, and eventually the ketogenic diet. Despite not using medications, I didn’t achieve the results I desired. I had hit a wall with my health issues, including a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis in 2012. My past stressors, including the death of a family member, a divorce, relocation, and job changes, seemed to have ignited my autoimmune condition. My diet played a role in setting the stage for these problems, but the stressors acted as triggers. Notably, I had also developed an intolerance to sugar, which I suspect was due to the excessive consumption of raw fruits and smoothies.
My journey was marked by bleeding stools, extreme pain, and debilitating symptoms. Despite my outward appearance of health as a bikini model, I was struggling internally. My attempts to find relief included various diets, but my condition didn’t significantly improve. It was during this time that I discovered the stories of Amber O’Hearn and Shawn Baker. The connection between gut health and mental well being resonated with me. Inspired, I decided to give the carnivore diet a try. After 30 days, while my colitis wasn’t fully healed, I felt better, experiencing reduced pain and inflammation. This prompted me to continue, and as I experimented with different meat options, eliminated problematic foods like nuts and increased grass fed beef, I noticed a gradual improvement.
Within four months, my symptoms vanished, and over the past year and a half, I’ve remained symptom free. This journey taught me that healing is multi faceted. The diet was a central piece, but I also embraced fasting, stress management, meditation, and yoga. The diet isn’t a one size fits all approach, and I have learned to tailor it to my needs. I prioritize grass fed beef, lamb, and some fish for their omega-3 content and environmental benefits. Contrary to conventional wisdom, my story stands as proof that it is possible to overcome autoimmune conditions with a thoughtful, personalized approach to diet and lifestyle.
Caitlin Weeks: How do you view the role of medications and dietary changes, especially in conditions like Hashimoto’s as you have been on thyroid medication for so long?
Here I share my 7 ways or strategies to achieve remission from Autoimmune Thyroid Disease using carnivore diet in this video. I hope it will be helpful for readers struggling with Hashimoto’s.
Nicole Carter: It’s crucial to recognize that there’s a time and place for medications. I don’t believe in an absolute rejection of all drugs. However, our society often relies on medications as the first line of defense, overlooking the potential of dietary changes. I’ll share a personal example as I had a dysfunctional thyroid and was on thyroid medication for a significant period. However, after about a year on the Carnivore diet, my blood tests showed ideal results without the need for thyroid medication. This transformation took time but it underscored the power of dietary adjustments.
I would like to bring up a recent article I came across about metformin. This drug is primarily prescribed to manage blood sugar levels, but researchers have discovered it might also reduce the risk of various diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. The mechanism behind this lies in lowering blood sugar and subsequently insulin levels. Interestingly, we can achieve similar effects by modifying our diet. Alzheimer’s disease, for instance, is often referred to as diabetes type 3 due to its correlation with blood sugar issues. While metformin might provide benefits, it’s essential to recognize that dietary changes can offer comparable advantages without the need for pharmaceutical interventions.
It’s worth acknowledging that the medical industry, particularly Western medicine, tends to lean heavily on drug solutions. While there’s value in the pharmaceutical industry’s innovations, some medications are pushed unnecessarily, often for conditions that could be managed through lifestyle changes. Our society’s increasing prevalence of chronic diseases like anxiety, depression, and diabetes is a testament to this issue. These conditions not only impact our well being but also strain our economy, with billions and even trillions of dollars spent annually to manage them.
Caitlin Weeks: That’s fascinating. How did your doctors react when you decided to no longer seek their guidance and treatment?
Nicole Carter: Interestingly, I haven’t returned to my doctors since I began this journey. While my doctors might not completely understand my approach, I’ve become symptom free and medication free, which has allowed me to avoid medical visits. Some might suggest going back for follow up procedures like colonoscopies to confirm my progress. However, I approach these suggestions with caution. Unnecessary medical procedures carry substantial risks, often leading to what’s known as iatrogenic illness or death—health problems caused by medical interventions. Considering these risks, I find it hard to justify undergoing invasive tests without any symptoms. It’s a bit counterintuitive to put your body through such procedures when you’re not experiencing any issues.
I am wary of blindly accepting the notion that one can’t be truly cured of autoimmune conditions. While I acknowledge that the carnivore diet plays a significant role in my healing, I also attribute it to my mindset and belief that healing is possible. This perspective recently sparked a conversation on my YouTube channel where someone argued that remission, not cure, is the reality. However, this debate is largely fueled by conditioned beliefs. I firmly believe that through dietary changes, mindset shifts, and holistic approaches, it’s possible to not just achieve remission, but actual healing.
Caitlin Weeks: Your professional background is quite interesting, especially as a workforce health consultant. Can you tell us more about your role in helping organizations improve employee wellness?
Nicole Carter: Certainly. In addition to being a health coach, I have a day job as a workforce health consultant. My work involves collaborating with organizations to enhance population health. Drawing from my graduate studies, my focus revolves around optimizing large groups of people within these organizations for better functioning. This effort is significant because it directly affects the company’s bottom line. Businesses recognize the connection between employee health, productivity, and cost savings. When individuals are frequently absent due to illness or are dealing with health issues, it has a tangible impact on the business.
My role primarily entails emphasizing stress management and overall well being rather than delving into detailed nutritional advice. Stress plays a substantial role in our health, with about 90% of diseases being stress related. My aim is to address this key factor in the workplace. Often, people are aware of the need for better nutrition and exercise, but they struggle to integrate these changes into their lives consistently. My work revolves around identifying the reasons behind this struggle, whether it’s understanding, motivation, habit formation, or accessibility.
It’s about bridging the gap between knowledge and action. People generally comprehend the significance of good nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction. However, turning this knowledge into habits requires a deeper understanding of motivation, behavior change, and practical strategies. This is where my role comes in—helping individuals in organizations build effective habits that contribute to their overall well being and, in turn, positively impact their work and lives.
Caitlin Weeks: Do you think people truly understand what’s best for their health, given the confusing abundance of advice? It’s amazing how misleading information can be out there. Many people genuinely believe they’re making healthy choices, only to find out later that their efforts might have been detrimental. I can personally relate, I was so focused on my health and followed what the media and magazines advocated. Unfortunately, this ended up making me even sicker, like with tofu.
Nicole Carter: Absolutely, it’s a significant challenge, and you bring up a valid point about media influence. The pervasive diet culture in mainstream media and on platforms like social media can be overwhelming. For instance, there’s this prevailing notion that high intensity interval training (HIIT) and extreme plant based diets are universally beneficial. However, this isn’t accurate, especially when considering individuals with autoimmune conditions, particularly women. Engaging in intense workouts or adopting strict plant based diets can exacerbate health issues for these individuals.
I have personally experienced the repercussions of these misguided approaches, and my journey has reinforced the importance of seeking evidence based information. While I’m active on social media, my primary motivation is to provide a counter narrative to the prevailing diet culture. The misinformation and trends that push extreme workouts, calorie restriction, and plant based diets can lead people down the wrong path. For women with autoimmune conditions, HIIT exercises can be detrimental, and the supposed benefits of a plant based diet often mask hidden downsides.
Social media plays a significant role in perpetuating these misconceptions. There’s a concept called “greenwashing,” where terms like “plant based” are used to market products that might not necessarily lead to improved health. This practice is something that concerns me deeply. For instance, seeing shampoos or conditioners labeled as “plant based” seems irrelevant when considering hair care. These marketing tactics can be misleading and contribute to the confusing health landscape.
My frustration with these issues has led me to include hashtags like #SayNoToPlantBased in my Instagram posts. It might seem like a small gesture, but my hope is that it will contribute to challenging the misguided notion that plant based is the ultimate solution for health, both for our bodies and the environment.
Caitlin Weeks: You’re absolutely right. The misconceptions around environmental impact are striking. A simple shift in perspective can reveal that there’s more to the story than the conventional “plant based is the ultimate solution.” For instance, consider the idea that eating locally sourced, grass-fed meat might actually have a more positive environmental impact than adhering to a strict plant based diet. If you were to consume a cow that was raised nearby and sustainably, it could potentially have a far lesser ecological footprint.
Nicole Carter: Exactly, and this point is often overlooked. Animals, especially grass fed ones, play a significant role in healing the environment. They contribute to revitalizing the soil and improving the overall health of the planet. It’s unfortunate that many people fail to recognize this truth.
Interestingly, the idea that animals are the primary culprits for environmental issues is not entirely accurate. In reality, there are more impactful actions individuals can take to protect the environment. For instance, if you genuinely want to make a substantial difference, consider reducing your reliance on vehicles and opting for more eco-friendly transportation alternatives, like cycling or walking. While plant based diets are often touted as the solution, this mindset oversimplifies the complex relationship between diet, sustainability, and environmental impact.
There are numerous avenues through which we can genuinely make a positive impact on the environment, and it’s important to recognize that animal agriculture is not the sole solution. Nevertheless, we have the potential to leverage animal culture to contribute to vital processes such as topsoil restoration and carbon removal. Grass based animals play a crucial role in this—they actively absorb carbon and play a role in healing the planet. This realization motivates me to support small farms, whether they are nearby or a bit farther away. Although opting for ethically raised meat might come with a higher price tag, I firmly believe it’s a worthwhile investment for our well being and for the planet’s health. The truth is, many people can afford it if they reconsider their spending habits and prioritize what truly matters. Remarkably, even though I predominantly consume grass fed animal products, my overall expenses are less compared to when I followed a plant based or vegan diet. This change has been significantly beneficial for my health and my wallet. I recall spending substantial amounts on supplements while attempting to recover from the nutritional gaps left by my previous dietary choices.
The principle of minimalism deeply resonates with me, as you mentioned. My life centers around simplicity—I purchase only what I need and use, thereby reducing unnecessary waste. The process is straightforward: I obtain meat from the butcher, packaged in paper that I subsequently recycle. Even the leftover scraps bring joy to my dog, aligning with my values of mindful consumption and sustainability. This approach highlights that minimalism is not just about reducing physical clutter but also encompasses making conscientious choices that align with our health and environmental well-being.
Caitlin Weeks: I recall listening to your interview with Scott on Carnivore Cast, where you mentioned not adding excessive fat to your meals. However, that doesn’t imply that your diet revolves around lean choices like chicken breast, correct?
Nicole Carter: Absolutely, you’re on point. I steer clear of chicken breast, I rarely include it in my diet. Occasionally, for my daughter, I might get organic rotisserie chicken from Whole Foods, which she relishes, including the skin, wings, and drumsticks. However, when it comes to chicken breast, I find ways to enhance its nutritional profile. To avoid wasting it, I might pair it with bacon and eggs, incorporating fat to create a more balanced meal.
While I don’t adhere to a low fat diet in any sense, I don’t consciously add excessive fat to every meal. For instance, I do enjoy coffee, but I don’t feel compelled to blend it with butter. Personal preferences play a role here—I tend to gravitate towards a leaner physique. This is not to say that everyone should follow the suit; its essential to strike a balance. Optimal health includes maintaining a leaner body composition to some extent, but it’s crucial to navigate this territory without veering into the pitfalls of diet culture, eating disorders, body image issues, and dysmorphia.
I have found that not piling on extra fat works well for me. There’s a delicate equilibrium to be found—while some amount of fat keeps me satiated throughout the day, an excess can leave me feeling sluggish. So, for my well-being, I’ve determined that finding this balance is key. I don’t typically slather my steak with butter, though I might indulge in bone marrow occasionally. My focus leans towards embracing the inherent fat content already present in the meat itself.
Caitlin Weeks: Can you walk us through a typical day of eating in your carnivore lifestyle?
Nicole Carter: Absolutely, my eating pattern generally revolves around two meals a day. I usually commence my day with the first meal at around noon, which essentially breaks my fast. This fasting window usually spans between 16 to 20 hours, and I base it on my hunger cues and daily variations. I have moved beyond meticulous measurements and instead attune myself to my body’s signals, such as appetite shifts and food preferences. A significant development is that I have become very skilled at recognizing when I am satiated, recently, I had these exquisite grass fed rib eyes that cost around $40, and surprisingly, I couldn’t consume even half of it. In contrast to my former self, who might have polished it off, I have learned to embrace flexibility.
Typically, my first meal around noon includes ground beef, possibly paired with sausage, chicken, or pork sausage. Eggs are also a staple in my breakfast, often accompanied by a variety of meats. Later, around 5 to 6 p.m., I have my second meal, which is usually centered around steak, ground beef, or bison. These options are cost effective and readily available, ensuring a consistent carnivore lifestyle.
While my food regimen might seem boring and monotonous, it aligns with my belief that food doesn’t need to be a constant celebration. Occasionally, I may enjoy a bit of excitement, but my focus primarily rests on the essential nourishment my body requires. This is reflected in the practical and realistic approach I take on Instagram, opting not to overly glamorize my meals, as they are meant to serve their purpose.
Regarding beverages, coffee holds a place in my routine. I have found myself partial to nitro brew, sometimes enriched with a touch of cream. I’ve experimented with periods of no coffee and no sweeteners, and the impact on my well being appears minimal. So if I feel like having a little monk fruit and cream in my coffee, I’ll have it. My drink choices extend to soda water and mineral water, particularly Gerolsteiner, known for its high bicarbonate content, which offers beneficial effects.
On occasion, I do introduce variety to my meals. Lamb, though relatively costly, is a periodic indulgence. And yes, there are moments when I savor keto ice cream from the Rebel brand. Typically, this coincides with the week before my period, and it’s a conscious choice grounded in self awareness and self care. I don’t let such deviations overshadow my commitment to the carnivore lifestyle; rather, they are integrated thoughtfully, and I swiftly return to my routine.
Importantly, I’ve learned to respect my body’s responses. While some carnivores can incorporate foods like chocolate and beer into their regimen, my system reacts negatively to sugar. Thus, I opt for alternatives that don’t induce discomfort and align more harmoniously with my individual needs and preferences.
Caitlin Weeks: Your carnivore lifestyle might seem unconventional to some, especially in the context of a romantic relationship. How do you navigate this with your boyfriend, considering that it might challenge traditional notions of femininity and eating habits?
Nicole Carter: Navigating my carnivore lifestyle within a romantic relationship has been an enlightening journey. Interestingly, my boyfriend and I embarked on our respective health journeys around the same time. I was already transitioning to a keto diet when we met, so he was aware of my dietary choices from the beginning. He has been unwaveringly supportive, as he witnessed the challenges I faced due to my previous health struggles. My journey resonated with him on a level that transcends societal norms.
He comprehends the healing imperative behind my choices and stands as a pillar of encouragement. This support has manifested in various ways, including sharing meals that adhere to my carnivore approach. When we’re together, he frequently takes charge of the grill, preparing delicious steaks and other carnivore friendly fare. Although he incorporates other foods into his diet, he understands the purpose behind my choices and respects the pivotal role they play in my well being.
My children also demonstrate similar understanding and respect. They acknowledge that my journey is driven by healing imperatives and have seen the transformation it has brought about. They comprehend the significance of my choices and support them, even as they make their own dietary decisions.
While my boyfriend’s dietary choices may diverge from mine, his constitution allows him to tolerate a wider range of foods without getting sick. Our food differences show how unique we are, and they don’t cause any issues for us. He can enjoy indulgences that might not suit me due to my health history, offering an example of how unique biological responses shape our experiences. So, this dissimilarity isn’t a source of discord but rather a testament to individuality.
Despite our diverse dietary paths, our relationship remains harmonious. We don’t frequently dine out, not only due to my carnivore commitment but also out of an understanding that we can create meals at home that align with our health goals. This choice mirrors our shared values and contributes to our collective journey towards holistic well being.
In essence, our relationship’s foundation rests on mutual respect, empathy, and an unwavering support for one another’s health pursuits. Through this partnership, we demonstrate that embracing unconventional approaches can strengthen bonds and create a space where both individuals thrive, irrespective of the societal norms they challenge.
Caitlin Weeks: There’s a common perception in the carnivore community that all plants are detrimental to health, which sometimes leads to skepticism about using plant based products like essential oils. How do you reconcile your use of essential oils, which come from plants, with your carnivore lifestyle?
Nicole Carter: The notion that all plants are universally harmful is valid for my personal experience. Based on my journey, I have discovered that many plants, when consumed, trigger adverse reactions within my body. Therefore, for me, the consumption of most plants is indeed detrimental. However, there are distinctions to be made.
Incorporating essential oils is different from ingesting whole plants. Essential oils are concentrated extracts, distilling the essence of a plant, often devoid of the fibers, oxalates, lectins, and other compounds that can pose issues. They offer a condensed form of plant benefits that can be applied topically or inhaled. This distinction is vital.
For instance, I have experienced positive outcomes from using essential oils topically and aromatically. They hold value in skin care, relaxation, stress reduction, and aiding sleep. These applications do not involve digestion or exposure to plant fibers that could provoke a negative response in my body.
Moreover, essential oils are an essential part of aromatherapy, and they interact with our limbic system through olfactory senses. The aromatic properties can influence emotions, which in turn affects our overall well being. While not a replacement for medical treatment, they can be an additional tool for improving our mental and emotional state.
I have also incorporated certain plant based tinctures, like adaptogens, to support my body’s resilience to stress. These are used judiciously and in extracted forms that mitigate exposure to potentially problematic plant compounds. Essential oils and these specific tinctures are areas where the benefits seem to outweigh the risks for me.
My decision to continue using essential oils is rooted in careful observation and experimentation. During a six month period of complete plant abstinence, I later reintroduced essential oils and noted that they did not elicit negative reactions. Contrastingly, when I reintroduced whole plant foods, I experienced immediate issues.
In essence, essential oils offer a way to harness the positive attributes of certain plants without exposing myself to the potential pitfalls of consuming whole plant matter. It’s important to remember that each individual’s journey is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. For me, essential oils remain a valuable and compatible addition to my carnivore lifestyle.
Caitlin Weeks: As a health coach with experience in the carnivore lifestyle, what are some common mistakes you’ve observed people making on the carnivore diet? If you were coaching them, what advice would you offer to help them overcome these pitfalls?
Here I share some of the things I was doing wrong on keto but I didn’t really realize until I started doing carnivore. So this will give you some insights on that topic and be helpful for my readers.
Nicole Carter: Absolutely, I have noticed a few recurring mistakes that people often make on the carnivore diet. First and foremost, many individuals with autoimmune conditions overlook the potential impact of dairy products. Dairy, including cheese, can be a trigger for autoimmune responses in some people. Often, individuals are reluctant to give up dairy, especially when trying to replicate non carnivore dishes like pizza. However, eliminating dairy, even temporarily, has shown to lead to improvements for many.
Another prevalent mistake revolves around weight management. On a carnivore diet, the sensation of fullness is distinct from that on a plant based diet due to differences in fiber content. People accustomed to the “fullness” brought on by plant fibers might find themselves overeating on a carnivore diet because they’re chasing that sensation. This could lead to weight gain. It’s important to understand that carnivore satiety feels different, and one should aim for satisfaction without overindulgence.
Tracking macros is another pitfall. While tracking can provide insights initially, overly relying on it can become counterproductive. Our bodies’ needs fluctuate day by day. Sometimes, counting macros can lead to overeating because we’re focused on meeting numbers rather than responding to our body’s actual signals. It’s better to develop a deeper awareness of hunger and satiety cues.
Plateaus and weight gain can be discouraging for some carnivore adopters. While it’s true that healing might involve some weight gain initially, this isn’t universal. If someone is consistently gaining weight, there’s likely something inappropriate. I don’t advocate for gaining weight as a blanket rule. It’s important to maintain a healthy body weight during the healing process. Gaining excessive weight can deter individuals from continuing the diet, which isn’t the goal. Listen to your body and work to maintain a balance.
In essence, my advice as a coach would be to approach the carnivore diet with an open mind and a keen sense of self awareness. Be willing to experiment and adjust according to your body’s feedback. Give ample consideration to triggers like dairy and focus on true satisfaction rather than chasing an artificial sense of fullness. Learn to trust your body’s signals, as it often knows best. Remember, every individual’s journey is unique, and it’s essential to find what works best for your own well being and healing.
Caitlin Weeks: For individuals who are new to the carnivore diet or perhaps feeling unsure about it, what suggestions and words of encouragement would you offer to guide them through their journey?
Nicole Carter: Absolutely, starting on the carnivore journey can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that your body is adapting to a new way of eating. If you experience any digestive discomfort initially, it might be due to your body adjusting to the increased fat intake and the absence of fiber. You can ease this by gradually reducing the fat content until your body adapts more comfortably.
Also, keep in mind that salt is your friend. Many people feel fatigued during the adaptation phase, and often, this can be remedied by ensuring you’re getting enough salt in your diet. Cravings might also arise, especially if you’re used to a diverse array of foods. However, unless you’re experiencing negative reactions from abstaining from certain plant based foods, these cravings should subside as your body adjusts to its new regimen.
Now, regarding alcohol, it’s essential to understand that alcohol consumption can significantly hinder your progress. Especially if you’re dealing with autoimmune issues, alcohol can delay healing and compromise your efforts. Wine, in particular, combines the negative effects of sugar and pesticides, making it particularly detrimental to your health. So, if you’re serious about your carnivore journey, it’s worth considering cutting down or eliminating alcohol.
Remember, healing takes time. If you’re dealing with an autoimmune disease or any significant health issue, it won’t be a quick fix. While there’s a lot of excitement around 30 day challenges, it’s important to realize that profound healing doesn’t happen overnight or within such a short period. The damage our bodies have experienced might be extensive, and it will require consistent effort and patience.
It’s also worth mentioning that autoimmune diseases often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, and they can manifest in unexpected ways. Even conditions like depression can be connected to autoimmune responses. Understanding that over 50 million Americans are diagnosed with autoimmune diseases, and likely many more remain undiagnosed, emphasizes the importance of taking steps toward better health.
I don’t advocate disregarding medical advice, but it’s crucial to realize that doctors might not be equipped to address all aspects of our well-being. Diet, yes, it’s a significant part, but it’s not the only piece of the puzzle. Managing stress, for instance, is often overlooked. Doctors typically don’t discuss how stress management impacts your gut health, and how it can essentially serve as a gateway to autoimmune issues and how it disrupts your blood sugar levels and causes diabetes. The focus seems to be on prescribing medications while not addressing the root causes. In my 17 years of working in public health, even within a large healthcare organization serving millions, I have seen a gap in these discussions. Stress management, diet, and holistic approaches are not always emphasized, despite their significance. This is why I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to share this message with you today. Every chance I get to talk about these aspects and offer insights, I am eager to take it.
People need to understand that they have choices, and most importantly, they have the potential to heal. It’s vital not to be swayed by the narrative that your body’s healing capacity is limited. Instead, believe in the power of informed decisions and taking charge of your health journey.
In conclusion, embrace your carnivore journey with patience and persistence. While challenges might arise, know that your body has incredible potential for healing. Listen to your body, adjust as needed, and give yourself the time and space to experience the positive changes that can come from this lifestyle shift.
Caitlin Weeks: That’s truly inspiring, Nicole. Your impact is bringing clarity to areas that often remain hidden. Your efforts are deeply appreciated by all of us. I encourage everyone to connect with you by following you on Instagram. Are there any other platforms or channels you’d like to mention and share with our readers?
Nicole Carter: Thank you so much, Caitlin. I truly appreciate your kind words. It’s my passion to shed light on these often overlooked aspects of health and wellness. To everyone listening, I’m grateful for your support.
For those interested in staying connected and learning more, you can find me on Instagram as “Healthy with Nicole.” Additionally, if you’re curious about the DIY approaches and want to explore further, I encourage you to check out my YouTube channel, also under the name “Healthy with Nicole.” And for a central hub of information, resources, and updates, visit my website, healthywithnicole.com.
Can you relate to Nicole Carter’s powerful journey to healing through the carnivore diet, overcoming challenges like ulcerative colitis and thyroid dysfunction? Share your own experiences on how dietary changes can transform health and well being!”