Lichen Sclerosus
Natural Remedies

Natural Remedies for Lichen Sclerosus: Effective Treatments

| Modified on Feb 18, 2025
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Castor Oil.

Lichen Sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the genital and anal areas, leading to discomfort, itching, and skin thinning. While conventional treatments often rely on steroid creams, many people seek natural remedies to alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life. This article explores effective home remedies, dietary changes, and supplements to help manage Lichen Sclerosus naturally.

Understanding Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen Sclerosus is characterized by white patches of thinning skin, which can cause pain, itching, bruising, and, in severe cases, scarring. Without treatment, LS can lead to complications such as pain during intercourse, tearing, and even an increased risk of skin cancer. Early intervention with natural therapies may help manage symptoms and prevent worsening of the condition.

Top Natural Remedies for Lichen Sclerosus

Many Earth Clinic readers have shared their experiences with natural treatments for Lichen Sclerosus. Below are the most effective remedies that have provided relief:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Apple cider vinegar is widely used for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Applying a diluted solution of ACV and water to the affected areas can help reduce itching and irritation. Some users also take ACV orally to promote gut and skin health. A common ratio is 1 tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water, taken daily.

2. Borax

Borax is known for its antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects. A solution of borax and water applied topically can help soothe LS symptoms. Some individuals also take borax internally in very small doses (always consult a professional before using borax internally).

3. Castor Oil

Rich in healing compounds, castor oil deeply moisturizes the skin and helps reduce dryness and discomfort. Apply cold-pressed castor oil directly to affected areas to promote healing. Some users enhance its benefits by adding a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a soothing and anti-inflammatory plant widely used for skin conditions. Fresh aloe vera gel can be applied directly to the skin to reduce itching and promote faster healing.

5. Coconut Oil

Renowned for its antibacterial and moisturizing properties, coconut oil helps relieve itching and keeps the skin hydrated. Apply organic virgin coconut oil to affected areas 2-3 times daily for best results.

6. Vitamin D and E Supplements

Both Vitamin D and Vitamin E play crucial roles in skin health and immune function. Supplementing with these vitamins can reduce inflammation and support healing. Look for high-quality, natural sources of these vitamins for the best results.

7. Probiotics for Gut Health

There is a strong link between gut health and skin conditions. Taking probiotics or eating probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut may help reduce LS symptoms by strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation.

8. Dietary Changes

Many individuals with LS report symptom improvement through dietary adjustments. The most recommended dietary changes include:

  • Reducing sugar: Sugar can contribute to inflammation and worsen LS symptoms.
  • Eliminating processed foods: Avoid highly processed foods that contain artificial ingredients and preservatives.
  • Increasing anti-inflammatory foods: Include more leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds in your diet.

9. Essential Oils

Some essential oils can help reduce LS symptoms when diluted properly:

  • Lavender oil: Calms skin irritation and promotes healing.
  • Tea tree oil: Antifungal and antibacterial properties help reduce infections.
  • Frankincense oil: Known for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Mix a few drops of essential oil with coconut or castor oil before applying to the skin.

Additional Lifestyle Tips

Along with natural remedies, certain lifestyle adjustments can further improve symptoms:

  • Wear loose-fitting, breathable cotton clothing to reduce friction.
  • Avoid harsh soaps and scented products that may irritate sensitive skin.
  • Practice stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While natural remedies can be effective, consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

  • Persistent or worsening symptoms.
  • Severe pain or skin damage.
  • Signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus).

Conclusion

Lichen Sclerosus is a challenging condition, but many have found relief through natural remedies. By incorporating apple cider vinegar, borax, castor oil, aloe vera, coconut oil, dietary changes, probiotics, and essential oils, you can help manage symptoms and improve skin health naturally.

Have you tried any of these remedies for Lichen Sclerosus? Share your experience in the comments below! Continue reading to explore feedback from Earth Clinic readers on what worked best for them.


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Change Fabrics

2 User Reviews
5 star (1) 
  50%
4 star (1) 
  50%

Posted by San (UK) on 01/24/2024
★★★★☆

I have this condition and have had from some years now. I was prescribed Dermovite cream which is a steroid and although it works to reduce the inflammation I don't take kindly to anything prescribed by GP's, so rarely use it and found other ways to bring some comfort. I use Emuaid Cream, which has proved to be a great success. However, I think it may be certain fabrics that cause this problem because I always buy stretch fabric jeans and there is one particular pair that has more elastane in than others. I find that when I sit in them for a prolonged time, the itching begins. It could also be washing powders or softeners used in your machines. For now I'm going through the fabric experiment!

Replied by Sandra
(Somerset)
10/15/2024
★★★★★

I absolutely agree regarding certain stretch fabrics. The more elastane in jeans, the worse things are as I suffer from this condition too!


Chemical Link to LS

Posted by Anna (Toogoolawah, Queensland Australia) on 12/05/2010

Asian ladies report that LS is caused through the non washing of new under garments before wearing. I worked in China for 10 years and developed LS whilst there and went to see a doctor (Western man) he had no idea of what it was or how to treat it. I went to a pharmacy and the old gent told me the cause was due to new clothes unwashed first as they were contaminated with all sorts of chemicals. Same applies to chain store(cheap imported clothing) clothing.

I use Neem 100% pure oil after I have soaked in a small bath (baby bath if you can fit lower end in it) in Magnesium Chloride flakes once a week for about 20-30 minutes. 2 table spoons to half a bucket or 5 litres of warm water. Relax and read a book or something. Wont cure it but it brings relief and you wont be using dangerous/harmful drugs.

Replied by Maria
(Gippsland, Australia)
12/06/2010

It was either last year or early this year there was a report on a TV show (Landline I think) about the amount of formaldehyde that is in imported clothes that are made overseas. 700 times (and no the 700 is not a misprint) the normal level of formaldehyde was found when they tested them. It is used to help prevent creases and prevent insect and rodent damage whilst in storage. So who knows what other chemicals are used as well. I know of many people (myself included) who cannot even touch new clothes or any new material. It used to take 2 or 3 washes before I could use anything new. I used to have my mum or a friend do the 1st wash for me and then we could have it in our laundry. It now takes 7 - 8 washes before I can touch them. This includes soakings in bi-carb soda before washing. The last pkt of knickers have been washed so many times and left out in the rain but I still cannot get them clear. So it looks like the pennies will need to be saved to buy organic underwear.

Replied by Wendy
(Canada)
05/27/2014

I have had LS for 7 years. I always wash my clothing, etc before wearing them.


Clobetasol

4 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  50%
4 star (2) 
  50%

Posted by Melissa (TN) on 05/03/2021
★★★★★

On LS:

I have mine under control using a protocol found on a white paper from a doc in CA. It is:

20 min. hot bath every night for 6 weeks, immediately after, rub pea-size amount of clobetasol in for 90 sec. No less. Then 20 min Hot bath every other night for 6 weeks, immediately after rub cream in for 90 sec. Then 2x a week for life.

This has worked for me but I want it gone. On the relations part, idk cause I'm too worried to try.

I'm going to try some things I found today on here but wanted to post this for the lady who is having a hard time & can't get it under control.

The doc had a video showing how getting the thicker type skin down there hot via a 20min bath softens the layers then rubbing the cream in for 90 sec helps the cream Penetrate multiple layers. I have no itch. It's amazing & I'm very happy but I would really like to find a way to not have to use the cream at all.

Good Luck Ladies & I hope this helps someone.

M-

Replied by Julie
(England Essex)
11/05/2021

Hi Melissa, has the hot baths and cream application still working for you? I am also finding it difficult to get the itching and soreness under control I was diagnosed in June after a punch biopsy and recently had really dry skin on either side of my clitoris that has shrunk back as of yet no white plaques on vulva. Thank you.


Clobetasol
Posted by Marlene (Nc) on 09/25/2020
★★★★★

I have had LS for years and only had it diagnosed 2 years ago. My dermatologist put me on Clobetasol Propionate and it works wonders.


Clobetasol
Posted by Madeleine (Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada) on 10/10/2014
★★★★☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

I have had LS for 10 years and was prescribed Clobatesol. It did help in the beginning with the white patches and the itch but still got flare-ups that are excrutiating. I have never been able to stop using it for any lenght of time and would have flare-ups that lasted for weeks. This creme has done absolutely nothing for my LS for the past 4 months, I don't know if the area is now immune to it. I'm willing to change my diet but do not have a clue where to start. Are there certain foods that I should stay away from? I don't eat processed food or junk food, I eat lots of fruits and vegetables, I eat poultry and some fish. I thank you for any advice you can give me.

Replied by Janice
(Florida)
09/24/2015
★★★★☆

I have had LS for 4 years. The clobetasol worked for the itch but I still and very sensitive there and cannot have relations with my husband I'm afraid the skin is too thin and It may tear. This is a problem! I recently got a book the autoimmune solution by Dr. Amy Meyers and yes a change in diet which she goes over in detail. I started 16 days ago and have been caffeine, sugar, wheat, dairy, and gluten free ever since and I am losing weight, and strengthening my gut. I have hypothyroid and want OFF of the medicine which in 30 days she can have you well on your way The recipes are easy clean and so nourishing that I am NEVER hungry I recommend the auto immune paleo cookbook. Made several recipes and I LOVE it

Replied by Art
(California)
09/26/2020
2408 posts

Hi Marlene,

The clobetasol is one of the strongest topical steroids and the body seems to build resistance to it and it can not be used in multiple areas of the body such as the face, genital areas and the armpits as it can cause other issues such as thinning of the skin and discolorations of the skin. It can also cause high blood pressure if used over large areas of the body as well as blurred vision and high cholesterol. Hair loss is another side effect as is stretch marks. Itching is also a common one These side effects may or may not be reversible once the clobetasol is stopped.

https://www.drugs.com/sfx/clobetasol-topical-side-effects.html

I say this, not to scare you, but from experience.

Art


Coconut Oil

Posted by Victoria (Wichita, Kansas) on 12/06/2010

Has anyone tried Coconut Oil for this condition (LS) ?

Replied by Deziner
(Pennsylvania)
07/24/2020

Soy and Canola oils both cause severe itching swelling and inflammation. Grains of any kind also cause reactions. Eliminate wheat, oats, corn, rice, mullet, quinoa, barley, and all oils made from them. I'm convinced it's an allergy for me.


Coconut Oil, Homeopathy

2 User Reviews
4 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Linda (Auburn, Ca) on 05/01/2015
★★★★☆

I was diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosis on April 16, 2015 after my OB GYN did a vulvar biopsy. I had been suffering for 20 months with symptoms but the current flare up has been the worst ever. My doctor prescribed the steroid, clobetasol, but I must be allergic to one of the preservatives because my symptoms became even more intense. I have stopped the steroids and I'm searching for some type of relief. What has been very soothing is using organic coconut oil before (used as a barrier) and after going to the bathroom. Two days ago I picked up a homeopathic remedy for shingles at the health food store that has greatly reduced the itching and pain. It did sting when I applied it so I have been diluting it with castor oil.

My question: Has anyone tried UV Light Therapy as a treatment for LS?? I had a horrific eczema outbreak on my legs and after using the UV Light Therapy, it completely sent away and has never returned.

Replied by Rusty
(Lansing, Mi)
05/08/2015

Hi Linda, May I ask where you had your UV therapy done? Was it at a dermatologists office? Thanks.

Replied by Rusty
(Lansing, Mi)
05/08/2015

Hi Linda, May I ask where you had your UV therapy done? Was it at a dermatologists office? Thanks.

Replied by Pan
(Holland)
05/28/2015

I read about a 60 year old woman, here on EarthClinic, who has been healed by UVB light treatment (eximer laser). Her symptoms have been completely reversed. I wish she could tell us who gave her the treatment. And how comes this is not world news?

I will ask (again) for some Dutch doctors here and will let you know. In the meantime I sit in the sun, in lotus... now and then.

Replied by Ref
(Iowa)
09/11/2016
★★★★☆

I also have found coconut oil to be very helpful and it does not have the odor or expense associated with the creams for LS sold on Amazon. Also, I am afraid of using too much clobetasol proprionate and allowing it to thin the skin. Coconut oil lets me to spread the steroid on thinner and use it less frequently.


Cold Water, Evening Primrose Oil

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Ann (Kennesaw, Ga) on 05/18/2013
★★★★★

Have had LS for last six years. Severe pain and itching. Some days could hardly walk. I starting using cold water in a sitz bath every day what a relief. Every time I urinated poured cold water from tap overVJ. Also take evening primrose oil two or three a day. At night open a gel cap of the oil put on VJ. I am 90% better. I have tried everything. Cold Water is working for me.

Replied by Frankie
(Brooklyn Ny)
11/02/2016
★★★★★

You're right, cold water always work.

Replied by Thebiscuit
(Woodstock, Ga)
07/13/2020

Ann- I just read your post from years earlier. I am next door in Woodstock and similarly situated re the LS. How are you?

Replied by Elsa
(Beaupr)
04/23/2021

By VJ do you mean vulva?


Colloidal Silver

3 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  67%
4 star (1) 
  33%

Posted by Cari (Ca) on 03/26/2016
★★★★★

I use colloidal silver gel for lichen sclerosis. Helps immediately.

Replied by Elisa
(Utah)
06/06/2016
★★★★☆

For lichen sclerosis: I'm happy to see someone else on here trying colloidal silver gel. I have been using this also and it has helped a lot.

Hannes
(Vienna)
02/03/2023
★★★★★

Collodial Silver works wonders for me and my Lichen Sclerosis, I don't wanna miss it anymore!

Replied by Rebecca
(Penna)
09/07/2017

I have been using this also.

I also do the borax and baking soda soaks, which have given amazing results!

Replied by For ever better
(Israel)
05/29/2023

does it cure it?


Comfrey

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Anna (Queens, Ny) on 09/25/2016
★★★★★

I cured the LS with a comfrey cream imported from Croatia. I suffered so much the whole last year that I did not want to live. My Croatian friend gave me the comfrey root based Croatian cream. It healed me. I don't have the itch and the inflammation anymore. I use it once or twice a day consistently.

Replied by Compastella
(Middle East)
11/28/2016

Anna,

Please I need to know exactly what the cream is and where to get it urgently. The pain is immense.

Sue
(Fl)
10/24/2018

How about cbd cream?

Replied by Laurie
(Lady Lake, Fl)
01/24/2017

How can I get some of the comfrey cream from Croatia? I am desperate😟


CoQ10

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Ellie (Kansas City, Mo) on 08/17/2015
★★★★★

Recently diagnosed. Location in anal area, on chest, stomach, and legs. Oh holy night the Chronic anal itching during day is terrible!!! The SEVERE, wake me up, loss of sleep, night itch... makes me want to scream into my pillow and cry. Wait I have done that!!!! Punctured a COQ10 softgel and placed directly on anal affected area at 7:00 a.m. (Warning!!!! ' it Burned like hell but I felt instant itch relief. Burning sensation lasted 10 minutes) Just for testing purposes, I placed it again at 5:00 (still burned but way less this time) It is now 9:19, not one time did I have to sneak off into the bathroom at work to scratch and I have been laying in bed for over an hour without a hint of an itch. Crossing fingers (haven't had a solid night's sleep in 14 months & I hope this allows me to sleep through the night)!


Cyclosporine

Posted by Steve (Coastal Southern Oregon ) on 07/24/2023

Anyone Ever Try This?

My primary care doctor wrote me a prescription for 100 mg of Cyclosporine to try and clear up my LS. It's fairly expensive so I haven't gotten it yet. Thought I see if anyone has tried or heard of this treatment.

Replied by Art
(California)
07/24/2023
2408 posts

Steve,

Given the known side effects of cyclosporine :

https://www.drugs.com/mtm/cyclosporine.html#side-effects

It might be worth viewing ECs page on LS here and decide what you think would be most appropriate for you:

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/lichen-sclerosus.html

Art


Dietary Changes

7 User Reviews
5 star (7) 
  100%

Posted by Susan (Tacoma, wa) on 08/08/2024
★★★★★

Lichen Sclerosis

Hi there! I had a very severe case. Unfortunately, doctors are not helpful by not informing us that changing our diet is extremely effective. What we have to avoid are foods that have a medium to high content of oxalate. Unfortunately, I didn't know, and I was having spinach and soy milk often. After changing my diet, I rarely have itching.


Dietary Changes
Posted by Susie (Mi) on 12/24/2022
★★★★★

I have suffered from LS for many many years and like all of you tried so many different things somehow, some didn't but what I have found is a definitely boils down to diet when I went to my doctor she said my oxalates were high and she wondered why so she tested my candida it was high and high candida will make high oxalates so needless to say I do a low candida low oxalate diet and I do biocidin!

Within 4 weeks my LS had cleared up by 95%! I was ecstatic it definitely has to do with diet because I know as I fall off my diet and eat the wrong things again that are high and yeast and high in oxalates it comes right back my doctor said I should do it for about 6 months the protocol and I possibly could get rid of it completely for good. Hope this helps you.

Replied by Bliss
(FL)
10/08/2023

Did it work for you?


Dietary Changes
Posted by Robin (United States) on 05/05/2020
★★★★★

Hi All, want to share my story so others may benefit from my struggles.

I had LS for more than 10 maybe 15 years. Saw my gynecologist (no idea of what it was); saw my skin doctor who did help and I can't remember what the ointment was but could only use it for a short amount of time, 2-3 times per week for a limited amount of time. This did take the itching away but the ointment was not healthy to take every. single. day. Which is what I needed to eliminate the itching.

Sooooo, I quit using it and suffered, for years. I tried all the diets, no sugar for more than 5 years, no gluten which I'm still off both these. Sometimes, no sugar/gluten would help but then it would flare up and no help again. I had the paper slits on both sides of my labia, one side was always worse than the other. The itching was INTENSE! Then the pain from the slits or the itching too much would be intense...AARGH.

Ok, so fast forward to today, errr well, 2 months ago. I read about the carnivore diet many years ago and this was one I had never tried. 2 months ago, I tried it...100%. Amazed me. 3 days after starting the carnivore diet, 100%, the itching stopped and has never returned. I still have the paper slits scars but there is no, opps repeat here, NO itching! None, zero, ziltch! And, it's been over 2 months with me being on the carnivore diet with only one minor cheat (hot herbal tea, 2 cups, with 2 hours inbetween) terrible reaction but still...NO itching. The diet is easy but greasy. No food craving...none.

The itching has never returned. My eczema rashes are nearly gone, just discolored skin. They have flared up during this 2 months but I associate that with loss of fat. I've lost 22 #'s and feel great. NO ITCHING! Heaven. I truly hope this helps someone.

Replied by Karen
(Meridian, ID)
05/06/2020

Robin, this is amazing! Please share with us a typical day's meals, and update after being on this diet for a longer term. Blessings to you!

Robin
(United States)
05/07/2020

Hi Karen,

The Carnivore Code written by Dr. Paul Saladino has all the science/know how you could ask for. He also has a website with loads of info. Watch some of Strong.sistas youtube videos. Here is a link to one that describes what they eat in a day on the carnivore diet, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9C2O7F1UA4 .

They are a lot of fun to watch. They have been eating this way lots longer than myself. I'm so new and feel uncomfortable as I am such a beginner. The important thing here is, my crotch is normal now except for the scarring. It feels normal and behaves normal in every way. There are also lots of facebook pages on the carnivore diet; Women Carnivore Tribe, Carnivore for Beginners. I just found Strong.sistas and have learned a lot from them but you can get direct answers to your questions on the facebook pages. Finding out about all the toxins in plants to protect themselves from being preyed upon was an eye opener.

I've been organic and very healthy eating for years, not vegan tho but mostly salads with chicken or some sort of protein and a carb like sweet potato. You'll read a lot of healing stores from people who quit plants and went carnivore. It may not be for everyone but my LS took a quick nose dive and has not returned. My eczema is nearly all gone, just discolered skin. Lots of other subtle healings going on and I intend to stick to this diet, at first, for 3 months to see but the improvements are just great so am sticking to this diet for at least a year.

Good Luck on your journey and if you have LS, I pray you manage to get rid of it!

Replied by B. Latifa
(Algerie)
03/26/2022

هل ممكن ان تدليني عن هذه الحمية الخالية من اللحم، لاني مريضة منذ 4 سنوات بمرض الحزاز المتصلب وشكرا

Can you tell me about this meat-free diet, because I have been ill with lichen sclerosus for 4 years, and thank you.

Robin
(MI)
04/25/2023

It is not a meat free diet but a plant free diet. If it grows on a plant, I don't eat it and if it grows on a tree, I don't eat it. Seafood is good, wild caught fish and all kinds of meat is good. Carnivore diet was a big learning curve for me. The LS disappeared within 3 days of starting. Eating organ meats is where a lot of the minerals and vitamins are. Beef liver, heart etc. I learned that ruminants are the best for me. Single stomach animals not so good and can't explain but did not feel the greatest after eating chicken or pork. I lost 50 lbs. in about 6 months without trying to lose weight. I feel the best I've felt in many years. This is not for everyone. We are all so different and some can handle the toxins plants produce better than others. I have an allergy to dairy which causes my nose to run. I have learned alot about myself and what my body can and does tolerate by eating this way. Best to You!

Replied by Pyper
(FL)
04/01/2023
★★★★★

Robin, I've also been eating Carnivore and I can attest 100% that it does work. IF I go off though (like I did 3 days ago and had 2 glasses of dry red wine - I had an almost immediate terrible reaction, and became inflamed, in pain, and horrible itching. Many people with various autoimmune problems have tried Carnivore and had a lot of success. Basically, you are eating whole, one ingredient foods with none of the garbage that is put into processed foods. There are lots of support/community groups for those who wish to eat Carnivore - there are also three main types of Carnivore. 1) Carnivore where people try to eat as close to zero total carbs per day. 2) Ketovore - this is kind of a combination of the ketogenic diet with Carnivore (keeping carbs under 10 total carbs per day and eating whole foods) - it's more lenient than Carnivore. 3) The Lion Diet (also zero carb) but more strict. Lion Diet is nothing but water, and ruminant meats such as Beef, Bison, Lamb, Goat. I follow Carnivore. I DO allow spices (unless they have sugar/gluton/corn/rice in them) I make my own spice mixes whenever I can if I can't find what I want pre-made. I also discovered from my last flare up - I can NEVER have wine, peanut butter (even sugar-free organic) - and whey protein powder is still in question. Also, after my last flare up- in an effort to quickly calm things down, I fasted for 24 hrs (water only) I would like to incorporate longer fasts into this way of eating too - as occasional fasting can bring a lot of healing according to the research I've done. If anyone wants to try this food protocol - I would suggest using a food diary so that you can list any reactions if you have them.

Replied by Deaanna
(Illinois)
04/06/2023

Hi Robin, I too am trying the Carnivore diet. So far the changes I have noticed is my knee's don't hurt so bad. I was getting ready for knee replacement but now I am going to keep eating carnivore. The everyday pain and inflamation is gone. I watch Dr. Ken Barry on Youtube and also Dr. Anthony Chaffee. They will tell you all you need to know. They have been on the diet like for 20 years and their vitals are excellent.

Taz
(Canada)
04/06/2023

Carnivore diet is the best diet. Our military unit tried 3 different diets one year to learn which diet was best for deployment. We divided our unit into 3, and each was given a strict selected diet for 3 months. After which we were all evaluated mentally, physically, had scans, blood work, urine and fecal testing. You name it we had it done. Turns out after the 9 months after all 3 groups had been on all 3 diets for 3 months, the results were tabulated and it was proven that the majority of health benefits, recovery, strength and endurance were on the carni diet. We exhibited better recovery, better injury repair, better energy, more strength, and better mental outlook. As you mentioned, we had a team member with a chronic sore shoulder, and another with chronic hip issues. When each of these members was on the high protein or carni diet, their pains went away. Actually both had returning pain on the vegetarian diet. Since then, our deployment meals have changed. We take a lot of dehydrated beef and turkey now. A lot of our meals have been changed for more protein and fats and less carbs.

Liam
(Co Durham)
03/12/2024

Cite any long term studies on carnivore please, or even the one you're talking about, I know that they don't exist and that some carnivore websites actually take the testimonies from raw-vegans and use them as their own.

If you start out making 100 mistakes and you take away 50 of those mistakes your results will improve in the short term. That doesn't mean you are doing something right, it's just means you are doing less wrong.

Keto and Carnivore are both highly restrictive diets which utilize fasting and calorie restriction, essentially people lose weight because they are starving themselves in the short term. This is why so many people fall off the diet. You can only starve yourself for so long before your body screams for sugar and since most people on these diets don't understand their natural diet they don't feed on fruits when the body cries for sugar, instead they go for cake and cookies. The other reason that people appear to lose weight is extreme dehydration. The dark circles and sunken face are another sign of the dehydration, as are the veins bulging from the skin. If you hit a certain point of dehydration your body can no longer create life saving edema so they lose water weight. Since most people on a SAD diet eat salt their bodies are full of edema water weight which sheds when they dehydrate their body on a high protein diet. As soon as they fall off the diet the weight comes back quickly because the body starts to hydrate again and needs to dilute all those acids. Usually they put even more weight back on then before they started the diet because they have put even more acids into the system that require even more dilution. You see this with every high protein diet. The person calorie restricts and dehydrates leading to short term weight loss, then they binge because you can't starve that long, then they regain all the weight plus some. The body has no choice but to respond this way because it was never designed to handle high protein.

You can look at the marketing or you can look at the science and how your cells function. Keto and carnivore diets have good marketing. The carnivore diet even takes testimonials of raw vegans from their own websites and posts them on the carnivore diet site as if these people ate meat to recover their health.

Looking at the science and you see the mortality rates for Keto, 54% increase in mortality in just one year on the diet with a pre existing condition and 25% increase in mortality for "healthy" population. Meaning better than half the people with chronic disease who try keto die within one year on the diet and one quarter of people without a chronic disease diagnosis also die. Those are not statistics I would want to play around with.

It's important we understand the difference between marketing/advertising and science.

As for the carnivore diet, I would not wish that on my worst enemy. I cannot even put into words adequately the pain that people suffer on that diet. I hear from people every day trying to recover their health and with the carnivore diet it's always the same, I felt great for the first 1-3 years, (usually 1 year) and then I felt like I was dying. The pain was everywhere in my body. You can see the disease in their swollen faces before the pain hits too. First they get the sunken face with dark under eyes, then they get the swollen face like Shaun Baker has now. That swelling is edema. The body uses edema to dilute acids. Acids damage the bodies cells so the body floods the area with water as a protective mechanism to deal with the excessive quantities of acids surrounding the cells. Some people get away with it longer than others because of their bodies ability to create more edema to dilute the acids. Others hit the pain very quickly. It depends how bad of shape their body was in to get started. This is why Carnivore heavily targets the very young with their marketing. They know that a young body can go much longer and create more edema then an older body.

As for why people “feel good” on keto and carnivore and why they have short term success you have two primary reasons.

1. Meat is a stimulant drug, so people eating meat are literally getting high, with the same damaging effects on the body as taking cocaine or any other drug which stimulates and damages the body.

2. Most people who fall for the keto or carnivore marketing are coming from eating a SAD diet which includes Meat, Dairy, Eggs, cooked foods, salt, refined sugar, processed foods, alcohol, food coloring and many other poisons. If you start out doing 100 things wrong and then you remove 50 of those wrong things your performance is going to improve in the short term. Disease is all about burden. The more you burden your cells the more disease conditions are created in your body. So if you are making a lot of mistakes and you cut down some of those mistakes you will see some short term improvement. But ultimately if you are not providing your body with the necessities of nutrition which your physiology demands (fruits and tender leafy greens) then ultimately your system will shut down.

Improved obesity- not got to ideal weight - any time you calorie restrict and starve the body some weight will come off. Any time you dehydrate the body you lose water weight.

Improve hypertension - lose some weight and some burden is lifted. Improved is not healed, it's just a better number where the disease still exists but the score is lower. That's not healing.

Improved diabetes - this one is so ridiculous. If you are not eating sugar in the moment you will not have blood sugar spikes. But diabetes is a fat issue, it's never been a sugar issue. Fat blocks the absorption of sugar into the cell. When the body has excess fat coating the cells the cells are unable to push sugar into the cells so the sugar remains in the bloodstream. If you eat a keto or carnivore diet you are putting more fat in and making the situation far worse long term but you are hiding the damage being done short term because you are not putting in the warning indicator, the sugar. As soon as a person comes off the unsustainable carnivore diet and binges on sugar their diabetes shows that it was never gone in the first place.

Improved gastro symptoms- most gastro symptoms are a result of mixing foods which constipate and digest very slowly with natural foods which digest at normal speeds. If you put fruit into a system that is constipated from cooked foods and proteins then the sugars will ferment. If you remove the constipating and dehydrating substances from the diet then fruits digest as designed and there is no fermentation. If you put in only meat the body becomes highly constipated, hence the reason keto and carnivore diet followers poison their body with coffee, because coffee creates diarrhea as the body tries to rapidly flush out the poison, further dehydrating the body.

Improved psychiatric symptoms- most mental health issues are digestive issues. See above. Less digestive distress leads to less mental symptoms due to not combining foods which digest at different speeds. Lauren Whiteman

PS
(California)
02/14/2025

So much of this information is not true. I have only been on carnivore diet for 4 months, but there are many who've been doing it for YEARS. No, it's not for everyone, but SOooo many people have great results like the posts above.

Replied by Madelyn
(Idaho)
04/09/2023

This is incredible information and I wish it were shared more mainstream. I've recently begun learning more about the carnivore diet, so I was happy to read your post.

beverly
(Texas)
03/24/2024

I did not see a Dr. before your name. I think people need to investigate the carnivore diet for themselves. It does not have to be a long term solution but has many benefits.

beverly
(Texas)
03/24/2024

I suspect the reason that Dr Shaun Baker looks like he does is because he is a body builder. Take a look at Neurosurgeon Anthony Chaffee who has been on the carnivore diet for 20 years.

ANNA
(Pennsylvania)
08/23/2024

My husband left hospital 2 months ago--very very weak - he had anemia for the last 3 years and type 2 diabetes. His doctors were puzzled Why his RBCs were dropping (3.59 mln/ml in 01/24). His home diet for the last 2 months was a modified carnivore--mostly meat +some veggies in soup, scrambled eggs, but he likes to drink apple juice. He took bone marrow caps. He had blood tested last week. Blood sugar and cholesterol went down. A1c from 7.5 to 6.1. NO ANEMIA (RBC ARE 4.27) --still weak but improving.



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