REVERSED: How the Carnivore Diet Is Transforming Type 2 Diabetes in 2024 Docuseries
Twelve years ago, Charles Maddox received a life-changing diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. This diagnosis sparked a global journey to understand the condition better and find ways to not only control but potentially reverse it. Now, as the director and producer of "Reversed Carnivore," Charles is bringing together experts and participants to explore how a meat-based diet might transform health outcomes for those with diabetes and other conditions.
Following the success of last year's keto-focused series in Costa Rica, this new installment focuses on the carnivore approach, which some experts describe as "keto for the masses, carnivore for the masters." The series features renowned health experts including Dr. Ken Berry, Dr. Kiltz, Dr. Anthony Chafee, and Maria Emmerich, who have traveled from across the world to share their knowledge. Throughout the program, participants with various health challenges will learn about nutrition, explore the effects of different foods on their bodies, and potentially experience significant health transformations.
Key Takeaways
Charles Maddox's personal diabetes diagnosis led him to create the "Reversed" series exploring alternative nutritional approaches.
The carnivore-focused season brings together experts and participants to examine the potential health benefits of a meat-based diet.
"Reversed" aims to transform not just physical health but also participants' mental and spiritual wellbeing through education and community support.
Charles' Journey with Diabetes
The Diagnosis and Worldwide Exploration
Twelve years ago, Charles Maddox received a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. This life-altering news set him on a path to gain deeper understanding of the condition. His quest for knowledge took him across the globe, fueled by his desire to transform not only his own health but also the lives of others affected by diabetes.
Charles collaborated with leading health experts to discover methods for controlling and potentially reversing diabetes. His philosophy centers on the belief that living for others creates a meaningful legacy. Through his journey, Charles aims to demonstrate that hope can be the beginning of a better future.
Developing "Reversed"
"Reversed" emerged as the culmination of Charles' experiences and research. As director and producer of the series, he created a platform to showcase different nutritional approaches to health. The first season focused on the ketogenic diet and featured several health experts.
For the new season, Charles shifted the focus to the carnivore diet. He initially approached this concept with skepticism, questioning how a diet centered on animal products could be beneficial. After conducting research and experiencing positive results himself, he became convinced of its potential health benefits.
Charles assembled an impressive team of experts for the new season, including Dr. Ken Berry, Dr. Kiltz, Dr. Anthony Chafee, Dr. Tony, Maria Emmerich, Kelly, and Sarah. These specialists traveled from places as distant as Australia and Hawaii to participate in the project.
The series features real people with diabetes, like Dennis from New York, who lost 70 pounds through diet changes and exercise after his diagnosis in 2015. It also includes Susan and Tim from Saskatchewan, Canada, with Susan seeking to reverse her 2021 diabetes diagnosis, and Maria Jimena from Costa Rica, whose health had been struggling for years.
Charles emphasizes that "Reversed" is about more than just addressing diabetes—it aims to transform mental, physical, and spiritual states through education and inspiration.
Meat-Based Nutrition Approach
Ketogenic Success in Central America
My experience with the ketogenic diet in Costa Rica proved remarkable last year. The featured expert lineup included Maria Emmerich and Dr. Ken Berry, who provided valuable insights during that phase of the journey. While the program had positive outcomes, we unfortunately lost Jerome, who had participated in the show but later passed away due to heart complications. This transition to the next level of nutritional therapy represents an evolution in understanding metabolic health.
Shifting to All-Animal Foods
The move from ketogenic to carnivore nutrition represents a natural progression in the metabolic health journey. As Dr. Kiltz explains, "keto is for the masses, carnivore is for the Masters." This approach contradicts conventional dietary wisdom about fruits, vegetables, and multiple daily meals. Many participants have reported remarkable improvements in various conditions including arthritis, psoriasis, kidney stones, and digestive issues by focusing on animal-based foods like beef, eggs, bacon, and butter while eliminating plant foods. The initial skepticism about consuming primarily animal products gives way to curiosity as research reveals potential benefits.
Medical Professionals' Perspectives on Animal-Based Eating
The carnivore approach has attracted numerous health experts including Dr. Ken Berry, Dr. Kiltz, Dr. Anthony Chaffee, Dr. Tony, Maria Emmerich, Kelly, and Sarah. These specialists have traveled from as far as Australia and Hawaii to share their expertise. Their collective knowledge helps participants understand how carbohydrates, starches, sugars and processed foods affect the body.
Many participants like Dennis Ford from New York found this approach after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and taking multiple medications. Through research and working with experts like Dr. Chaffee, Dennis discovered how eliminating carbohydrates and sugars could positively impact his health condition.
Tim and Susan from Saskatchewan, Canada bring another valuable perspective. Susan was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in September 2021 and sought solutions beyond conventional management. Tim's background in farming and cattle raising aligns perfectly with the carnivore lifestyle, creating a natural synergy between their livelihood and health approach.
Life Stories and Personal Journeys
Living with Type 2 Diabetes
Charles Maddox was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes twelve years ago, which began his journey to understand the condition better. This diagnosis took him around the world as he sought ways to change his life and help others with the same condition. Dennis Ford from Commack, New York received his type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2015. Doctors immediately put him on three different medications. After about a year of medication, Dennis researched his condition and discovered it could be controlled through diet and exercise.
Susan, a former teacher from Saskatchewan, Canada, received her type 2 diabetes diagnosis in September 2021. The chronic nature of the diagnosis was shocking to her. She firmly believed she could turn the condition around with proper diet, movement, and support. Maria Jimena Bakit from Costa Rica also joined the group, noting that her health had been "on the edge" for many years.
Transformation Through Nutrition
Dennis implemented significant lifestyle changes after his diagnosis. He began exercising regularly and practicing intermittent fasting, which helped him lose approximately 70 pounds over two years. When his weight loss stalled, he researched the carnivore diet and connected with Dr. Chafee's carnivore challenge. For Dennis, the carnivore approach made sense because it eliminated carbohydrates and sugars that negatively affected his body as a type 2 diabetic.
Tim Kasper, Susan's husband, transitioned from working in healthcare to becoming a full-time farmer. He expanded his operation to include cattle, which aligned perfectly with his new carnivore lifestyle. Susan had previously tried a low-carb diet but was open to trying the carnivore approach when she learned about it. She recognized it as a protein-focused, extremely low-carb option that might help lower her blood sugar levels.
Embracing New Approaches
Susan demonstrated remarkable openness toward trying different methods to improve her health. She was willing to experiment with anything that could help her live with "longevity," "health," and "hope." Her motivation stemmed from a desire to not only improve her own condition but also to share this knowledge with friends and family in Canada and the Caribbean, where she originally came from.
Dennis showed similar willingness to experiment after his initial success with intermittent fasting and exercise. When his progress plateaued, he didn't give up but instead researched alternative approaches. This led him to the carnivore diet and Dr. Chafee's challenge. Despite initial skepticism about whether "eating bacon and eggs and hamburgers can be good for you," Charles Maddox also embraced the carnivore lifestyle after research, becoming approximately 95% carnivore himself.
Tim's background of growing up on a mixed farm with cattle made his transition to a carnivore diet feel natural. He described it as "a perfect fit" with his farming lifestyle, showing how personal history can sometimes align with new health approaches.
Educational Objectives of "Reversed"
Transforming Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Wellness
"Reversed" is not solely about reversing diabetes or other health conditions. The program focuses on transforming individuals' mental, physical, and spiritual states through education and inspiration. The show brings together experts from around the world—including Dr. Ken Berry, Dr. Kiltz, Dr. Anthony Chafee, Dr. Tony, Maria Emmerich, Kelly, and Sarah—some traveling from as far as Australia and Hawaii to contribute their knowledge. These specialists share their expertise with guests and viewers alike, creating opportunities for meaningful change in people's lives.
The program emphasizes that many health conditions can improve when individuals gain proper understanding and adopt appropriate nutritional approaches. By gathering leading authorities in the field, "Reversed" creates an environment where transformation becomes possible through knowledge and community support.
Demonstrating Nutritional Impact on Health
"Reversed" aims to illustrate how the body responds to proper nutrition by documenting real experiences of participants. The show highlights individuals like Dennis Ford, who controlled his type 2 diabetes through diet changes and exercise, losing approximately 70 pounds over two years. Another participant, Susan, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in September 2021, joined the program with the belief that her condition could be improved through appropriate dietary choices and lifestyle modifications.
The series specifically explores the carnivore dietary approach, which focuses on animal-based foods while eliminating plant foods. This approach is described by one expert as "keto for the masses, carnivore for the masters." Participants share remarkable health transformations, including improvements in conditions such as:
Type 2 diabetes
Arthritis
Psoriasis
Kidney stones
Migraines
Digestive issues
Through these personal stories, "Reversed" demonstrates the potential impact of nutritional changes on various health conditions and provides viewers with educational content about how food choices may influence overall wellness.
Participant Profiles
Dennis Ford's Journey and Selection
Dennis Ford from Commack, New York brings valuable firsthand experience to the Carnivore Series. In 2015, he received a type 2 diabetes diagnosis and was initially prescribed three different medications. After researching his condition, Dennis realized diet and exercise could help manage his diabetes. Through intermittent fasting and physical activity, he lost approximately 70 pounds over two years.
When his weight loss progress stalled, Dennis discovered Dr. Chafee's Carnivore Challenge. The carnivore approach appealed to him specifically because it eliminated carbohydrates and sugars—substances that negatively affected his diabetic condition. His enthusiasm and openness about sharing his health journey made him an ideal candidate for the upcoming series in Costa Rica.
Susan and Tim Kasper's Health Mission
Susan Kasper, a former educator from Saskatchewan, Canada, received her type 2 diabetes diagnosis in September 2021. With her passion for learning and people, she refused to accept diabetes as an irreversible condition. Susan firmly believes that with proper diet, movement, and support, she can overcome this health challenge.
Tim Kasper, Susan's husband, brings a unique perspective as a full-time farmer who was raised on a mixed farm with cattle. His background in healthcare and current work in cattle farming aligns perfectly with the carnivore lifestyle. The couple's determination to find effective health solutions led them to consider the carnivore approach after Susan had already attempted low-carb dieting. Their shared vision for longevity, health, and hope earned them both invitations to participate in the Carnivore Series in Costa Rica.
Maria Jimena Bakit's Health Transformation
Maria Jimena Bakit, a Costa Rican mother of three children—Sebastian (17), Gabi (14), and Ari (9)—expressed strong interest in participating in the Carnivore Series. After struggling with health issues "on the edge" for many years, Maria views the series as an opportunity for significant change.
Her local connection to Costa Rica, where the series will be filmed, combined with her personal health challenges makes her participation particularly meaningful. Maria's perspective as someone dealing with ongoing health difficulties will provide valuable insights into how the carnivore approach might benefit individuals facing similar struggles.
Concluding Thoughts
Words of Thanks and Closing Reflections
The journey toward better health through nutritional approaches like the carnivore diet has been remarkable and transformative. The Reversed Carnivore series brought together passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds—each with their own health struggles and triumphs. From Dennis Ford, who successfully managed his type 2 diabetes through diet modifications, to Susan and Tim Kasper, who approached this journey with openness and determination to find a better way forward.
Participants traveled from as far as Australia and Hawaii to share their experiences and expertise. The gathering of minds including Dr. Ken Berry, Dr. Kiltz, Dr. Anthony Chaffee, Dr. Tony, Maria Emmerich, Kelly, and Sarah created a powerful environment for learning and growth.
The series wasn't merely about reversing diabetes or specific health conditions—it was about fundamentally transforming mental, physical, and spiritual states through education and inspiration. Costa Rica's Puerto Vida provided the perfect backdrop for this exploration of health and healing through the carnivore approach.
