Autoimmune Disease Recovery: How the Carnivore Diet Transformed My Health After 54 Weeks
Autoimmune diseases can significantly impact daily life, causing chronic pain and limiting mobility. For individuals struggling with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and fibromyalgia, finding effective management strategies often becomes a lifelong journey. The carnivore diet, which emphasizes animal products while eliminating plant foods, has emerged as a potential approach for some autoimmune sufferers.
After 54 weeks on the carnivore diet, many individuals report substantial improvements in their autoimmune symptoms. From reduced joint pain and elimination of Raynaud's syndrome to decreased skin hypersensitivity, the benefits can be transformative. Blood work results often show measurable improvements, and some patients find themselves able to resume activities that were previously impossible due to pain and limited mobility.
Key Takeaways
The carnivore diet may significantly reduce autoimmune symptoms including joint pain, skin issues, and mobility limitations.
Noticeable improvements can begin within the first month of adopting the carnivore eating approach.
Regular rheumatology assessments can help track progress and document changes in autoimmune markers.
Journey to Carnivore Diet
My autoimmune journey started in my teenage years around age 18 when symptoms severely intensified. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and fibromyalgia. The symptoms significantly restricted my daily life.
My condition included various painful manifestations:
Raynaud's syndrome (decreased blood flow in extremities)
Skin hypersensitivity where even wind caused pain
Scaly skin patches and rashes
Painful nodules on my fingers
Severe joint pain limiting mobility
By age 32, I required a walker due to joint pain. Additionally, I was dealing with approximately 17 comorbidities including type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, elevated triglycerides, and a condition called HS (hidradenitis suppurativa).
Within the first month of adopting the carnivore diet, I noticed substantial improvements. My Raynaud's syndrome completely disappeared. The skin hypersensitivity resolved within a few months, and the scaly patches nearly vanished. The nodules on my hands significantly diminished, and my pain levels improved by approximately 95%.
My most recent rheumatology appointment showed remarkable progress. Blood tests revealed that my RA factor was on the cusp rather than elevated, though my doctor noted this can fluctuate with flare-ups. I still have anti-centromere antibodies indicating limited scleroderma, but this form primarily affects the skin rather than vital organs like the lungs and heart.
The fibromyalgia symptoms—chronic pain and exhaustion—have virtually disappeared. I'm curious to see further improvements as I continue losing weight, with about 100 pounds still to go. I discovered this approach through Michaela Peterson, who used the carnivore diet to address her juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
For anyone suffering from autoimmune conditions, I strongly recommend considering this dietary approach. The benefits far outweigh giving up certain foods.
Autoimmune Challenges Faced
My autoimmune journey began in my teenage years, around age 18, when symptoms became particularly severe. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), scleroderma, and fibromyalgia. These conditions created significant daily challenges and limitations.
The symptoms manifested in various ways. Raynaud's phenomenon caused decreased blood flow to my extremities, primarily affecting my hands and resulting in considerable pain. My skin developed hypersensitivity so severe that even gentle wind contact was painful. I also experienced unexplained rashes and scaly patches across my skin.
Joint pain became debilitating over time. Nodules formed on my fingers, making writing with pens or pencils impossible. Even typing for work became an insurmountable task. By age 32, mobility had declined so significantly that I required a walker for basic movement.
My health challenges extended beyond autoimmune conditions:
Type 2 diabetes
Fatty liver disease
Elevated triglycerides
HS (hidradenitis suppurativa)
Approximately 17 comorbidities in total
Medical interactions were often frustrating. One rheumatologist dismissed my symptoms as simply weight-related issues, despite my history dating back to adolescence. Only after pressing for blood work did she acknowledge the diagnoses. This experience led me to seek a different specialist who took a more comprehensive approach.
Blood work confirmed several markers of autoimmune disease:
Anti-centromere antibodies (indicative of limited scleroderma)
RA factor (borderline positive)
The limited form of scleroderma I experience primarily affects the skin rather than internal organs like the heart and lungs, which is fortunate. My rheumatologist explained that RA factor levels naturally fluctuate, which explains why readings might appear normal during periods without flare-ups.
The pain and exhaustion that led to my fibromyalgia diagnosis have improved dramatically. My experience suggests that some diagnoses may serve as placeholders when medical professionals lack clear explanations for symptoms.
After beginning a carnivore diet, improvements became noticeable within the first month. The Raynaud's symptoms disappeared completely. Skin hypersensitivity resolved within a few months, and the scaly patches became almost undetectable. The nodules on my hands nearly vanished.
Pain reduction has been remarkable—approximately 95% improvement. Daily tasks that were once challenging, like washing dishes or typing, are now accomplished without limitation. Occasional joint pain may occur with intense physical activity, but it resolves quickly rather than persisting.
I discovered this dietary approach through Michaela Peterson, who had juvenile RA. For anyone suffering from autoimmune conditions, temporarily giving up familiar foods might be worth considering for the potential relief it could provide.
Health Improvements
Elimination of Raynaud's Symptoms
After starting the carnivore diet, I experienced complete resolution of my Raynaud's symptoms within the first month. Before the diet change, my fingers would randomly lose blood flow, causing significant pain and constantly cold hands. This condition, which had severely affected my daily functioning, disappeared entirely. The improvement was dramatic and sustained throughout the 54 weeks on the carnivore diet.
Skin Issues and Nodule Reduction
The hypersensitivity in my skin, which previously made even a gentle breeze painful, completely vanished within a few months of dietary change. The scaly patches that used to appear randomly on my skin have almost entirely disappeared, with only trace evidence remaining. Hand nodules, which were previously prominent and painful, have significantly diminished. Now during occasional flare-ups, only small nodules appear, representing a substantial improvement from the previous condition.
Pain Reduction and Mobility Improvement
The most significant change has been in joint pain and mobility. From requiring a walker at age 32 and being unable to perform basic tasks like typing or washing dishes, I've experienced approximately a 95% reduction in pain. Daily activities that were once extremely difficult are now performed with minimal to no limitations. When engaging in heavy lifting or intense exercise, I might experience some temporary joint discomfort, but it resolves quickly rather than persisting as it did before.
My rheumatologist confirmed these improvements during a recent appointment. Despite having previously been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and fibromyalgia, many symptoms have dramatically reduced. Blood work shows changes that reflect these improvements, though I still have the anti-centromere antibodies associated with limited scleroderma.
Significant Health Milestones
My autoimmune journey began in my teenage years when I developed rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and fibromyalgia. By age 18, my symptoms became severe and included Raynaud's syndrome, skin hypersensitivity, rashes, scaly skin patches, and debilitating joint pain. I developed nodules on my fingers that made writing impossible and typing extremely painful.
By age 32, my condition had deteriorated to the point where I required a walker for mobility. I was also managing approximately 17 comorbidities, including:
Type 2 diabetes
Fatty liver disease
Elevated triglycerides
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)
After starting the carnivore diet, I experienced remarkable improvements within the first month. Here's a breakdown of my symptom changes:
Symptom Before Carnivore After Carnivore (54 weeks) Raynaud's syndrome Frequent episodes, cold hands Completely resolved within one month Skin hypersensitivity Wind on skin caused pain Gone within a few months Scaly skin patches Regular occurrence Almost completely disappeared Hand nodules Prominent Nearly vanished (small ones during flares only) Joint pain Debilitating 95% improved Mobility Required walker No significant limitations
I recently visited a new rheumatologist who conducted comprehensive testing. My anti-centromere antibody test confirmed limited scleroderma, which fortunately affects primarily the skin rather than vital organs like the lungs and heart. My rheumatoid factor was borderline, possibly because I wasn't experiencing a flare-up at the time of testing.
The fibromyalgia symptoms that led to my diagnosis—chronic pain and exhaustion—have essentially disappeared. I'm continuing this journey with approximately 100 pounds still to lose and am excited to see how much better I might feel once that additional inflammatory burden is removed.
For anyone suffering from autoimmune conditions, considering this dietary approach might be worthwhile. I discovered it through Michaela Peterson, who had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and it has transformed my quality of life dramatically.
My Rheumatological Journey
First Specialist Assessment
My rheumatological challenges began in my teenage years around age 18. The symptoms were debilitating, including Raynaud's phenomenon with decreased blood flow to my extremities causing significant pain. My skin developed hypersensitivity so severe that even wind contact was painful. I experienced rashes, scaly patches, and painful nodules on my fingers that made writing with pens impossible. Typing for work became unmanageable. Though I was only about 40-50 pounds overweight at the time, my joint pain severely limited mobility.
By age 32, my condition had deteriorated to the point of requiring a walker for daily movement. My initial rheumatologist in Washington State conducted baseline bloodwork but dismissed many of my concerns, attributing them primarily to my weight despite my history of symptoms since adolescence.
Recent Specialist Consultation
Last week, I visited a new rheumatologist who provided a much more positive experience. Both the doctor and physician's assistant were extremely attentive. They performed comprehensive testing to reassess my condition after approximately 54 weeks on a carnivore diet.
The improvements have been remarkable. Within the first month of dietary changes, my Raynaud's symptoms disappeared completely. The skin hypersensitivity resolved within a few months, and the scaly patches nearly vanished. The painful nodules on my hands have dramatically reduced, and my overall pain levels have improved by approximately 95%.
My current limitations are minimal. Occasionally, heavy lifting causes temporary joint pain beyond what would be normal, but it resolves quickly. The transformation in mobility and comfort is dramatic compared to my previous condition.
Diagnostic Evaluation Results
My blood tests revealed several significant findings. My anti-centromere antibody test, an ANA indicator of limited scleroderma, came back positive. This confirms I have the limited skin form rather than the more severe type that affects internal organs like the heart and lungs.
My rheumatoid factor was borderline positive. The rheumatologist explained that RF levels fluctuate with disease activity, so we'll reassess in six months to determine if the RA diagnosis should remain. Regarding fibromyalgia, I've experienced such significant improvement in the characteristic pain and fatigue that this diagnosis seems less relevant now.
The specialist ordered extensive autoimmune testing, more specific than previous evaluations. Earlier assessments at the Mayo Clinic had suggested lupus, but the anti-centromere results redirected the diagnosis toward scleroderma. I still have approximately 100 pounds to lose and am curious how much further my inflammation levels and symptoms might improve with additional weight loss.
Continued Journey and Weight Loss Goals
After 54 weeks on the carnivore diet, the transformation has been remarkable. Within just the first month, significant improvements in autoimmune symptoms became apparent. The Raynaud's issues completely disappeared, eliminating the painful reduced blood flow to the hands that had been a constant struggle. The skin hypersensitivity that made even a gentle breeze painful vanished within months.
The physical improvements extended beyond comfort. Scaly skin patches diminished to nearly nothing, and the painful nodules on the fingers largely disappeared. Now, during occasional flare-ups, only small nodules appear. The overall pain level has decreased by approximately 95%, creating a dramatic difference in quality of life.
Daily activities that were once challenging have become manageable again. Typing, washing dishes, and other routine tasks no longer cause debilitating pain. Though heavy lifting can still trigger temporary joint discomfort, it resolves quickly rather than persisting as it did before.
The recent rheumatology appointment brought mixed news. After changing to a more understanding physician, comprehensive testing showed anti-centromere antibodies, indicating limited scleroderma rather than the more severe type that affects internal organs. The RA factor results were borderline, potentially indicating the absence of a current flare-up. A follow-up appointment in six months will help reassess the rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis.
The fibromyalgia symptoms - unexplained pain and exhaustion - have largely subsided. With approximately 100 pounds still to lose, there's anticipation about how much better life might become with further weight reduction and inflammation decrease.
This journey began after learning about Michaela Peterson, who addressed her juvenile rheumatoid arthritis through dietary changes. For those suffering from autoimmune conditions, temporary dietary sacrifices may lead to significant relief that makes the lifestyle change worthwhile.
