Carnivore Diet Updat 4: I Have Achieved All of My Goals
Today is Day number 286 of my carnivore diet journey, and I have only eaten animal-based foods. I did have a few small departures. I had salami a few times, which contains spices, and I have had steak at restaurants two or three times, where I think they sprinkled some pepper against my wishes. I also had some alcohol on three occasions, which I will talk more about later.
I started the diet with two specific goals: eliminating chronic medial epicondylitis and tenosynovitis in my left thumb. I stopped the epicondylitis after three weeks and wrote a blog about it here. I am happy to report that my tenosynovitis is officially gone as well. Tenosynovitis is a kind of tendonitis where the swollen tendon can't glide through its sheath. The result is a finger that gets stuck when trying to bend it. The tendon can click through the impasse painfully with effort (if the inflammation is not too severe). The finger can then be stuck in the extended position and require the same effort to curl. Immagine a rope and pulley where the rope has a knot in it. The knot will bind and need extra force to pass through.
I believe my case was due to holding the handle of a dental mirror for decades. A few years ago, it was so severe that I could not straighten it out, which presented problems when trying to do subtle manipulations like tying my shoes.
The treatment recommended was cortisone injections, which helped, but were temporary and not something I was comfortable doing. Having repeated injections can cause multiple harmful side-effects. As a consequence, I dealt with it for around five frustrating years. I was able to get some relief by placing cylindrical pads over the mirror handle to ease my grip. Incidentally, this solution was given to me by my physical therapist while treating my elbow. The doctor did not think the inability to use my thumb was important enough to require therapy!
I noticed improvements in my condition almost right away, but would still have the clicking in the mornings for a few minutes. The problem is now thankfully resolved. I have no limitations to my usual range of motion and no pain. I will continue to use the pads on my mirror as a preventative measure.
The question is, should I stop? After all, I have achieved my goals. The answer is no. I am experiencing too many other nice perks:
Much improved sleep and wake patterns
Much more physical energy
Much more power of concentration
Prolonged satiety between meals
Easier fasting periods
Better workouts
Better body composition (less fat, more muscle)
No daily aches and pains elsewhere in my body
More creativity
As a result of all of these improvements, workdays seem almost effortless. On my days off, I am taking on projects I would never have dreamt of, like making new carriage house doors from scratch, which is more work than I imagined. I have been working all day on occasion and skipping lunch at times without any problems. Not that I want to do this all of the time. Winter is approaching, and fall cleanup duties have commenced, hence the long days of finishing the carpentry project.
As I write this, I am reminded that the doors almost represent my recent dietary journey: An improved entry to a better life. Corny, I know, but in my case, valid. Can you expect the same results? I have no idea. I would assume that you would, as we all share very similar physiologies. If you think my results are good, you should check out my friend Al Danenberg’s blog. He is thriving years after being diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer!
I would like to finish with a brief final word on alcohol consumption; I have tried consuming it on three occasions, and it did not go well. I believe I am allergic to wine, and will never drink it again, the outcome is that bad. I have not consumed beer for decades, as I have a gluten allergy. Last night I tried enough gluten-free vodka in club soda to feel the effects; in my case, two drinks. The feeling was not pleasant where it used to be. I was surprised. I was extra thirsty during the night, and feel that I did not sleep as well.
Is it upsetting? Not really. Plenty of folks don't drink. I really have not had alcohol all year. On a few occasions, others were upset that I was not "partying" along with them. Still, hopefully, they got over their disappointments. I guess I could start and build a tolerance, but why bother? It is a toxin, after all. There are worse things than being accused of being a tea-totaller.