Zero carbohydrates - does this help?

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cox1058
cox1058 Member Posts: 36
edited 26. May 2025, 09:06 in Food and Diet

Could anyone please tell me if they have experienced a reduction in pain levels for osteoarthritis when following the 'carnivore' diet….zero carbohydrates? I'm overweight which I know doesn't help, but I'm in so much pain daily now, predominantly hips, knees, legs in general, shoulder and hand. I know losing weight would probably help but I have a lot to lose and want something relatively speedy to get me off to a good start. I've never been great at diets and keeping the weight off, and now I have such a sedentary lifestyle, I think I need minimal calories as exercise is off the table. Any advice please?

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  • PJoanne
    PJoanne Moderator Posts: 316

    Hello @cox1058

    I've seen posts on the forum with people saying they have felt better on a 'mediterranean diet' - (there are lots of books availible online). I'm not heard anything about a zero carbs diet. It doesn't sound like a nutritous balanced diet! My friend did very well at a local slimfast type group (they meet in the church hall once a week), she found the social side very helpful than the other regimes she had tried.

    best Joanne

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • AchesNpains
    AchesNpains Member Posts: 2

    Hello cox1058

    I tend to have a sweet tooth and find it difficult to stop eating sugary stuff - however when I make my mind up to stop eating stuff with sugar in, and cut out the carbs as much as possible (which convert to sugar), I experience a significant reduction in my arthritis pain.

    Cheers

    Tony

  • wjf
    wjf Member Posts: 4

    I joined Slimming World and it's helped me. I haven't heard anything about eating zero carbs.

  • JanieG
    JanieG Member Posts: 2

    Try to increase your protein intake and your body will automatically switch to burning any existing fats that you have. Carbohydrate intake tends to stop our body burning off what we already have as excess. I've lost a stone so far doing this. As a snack I have cooked chicken breast and baby bels in my fridge and allow myself 2 baby bels and a few slices of chicken to appease my appetite, chew lots and eat slowly and you'll realise you are more full this way, reducing carbs by doing things like this has helped me to loose a stone so far so my knee pains have reduced slightly.

    I hope that helps.

  • cox1058
    cox1058 Member Posts: 36

    Thank you all.

    I'm 17 weeks in to the carnivore diet and definitely lost weight. I don't weigh because if I fail to lose one week, I get demotivated and then just quit. My clothes are much looser and people notice when they say me so I reckon I have probably lost a couple of stone. My daughter has been doing the same diet and has lost almost 3 stone now, though she is more active than me, with a toddler! Unfortunately, the only benefit I have seen healthwise is that the swelling I was getting in my ankles has gone. I still have worsening pain in my back, hips, legs - I feel almost as if the scaffolding in my body from the waist down has just deteriorated…I am going to continue, as have been told it can take up to a year for pain to subside noticeably, particularly if it's been severe. It brings into question whether I do have osteoarthritis, or if I have something else as well…no pain meds work for me, and I have never had any visible swelling of the joints. I've been told I may also have fibro because my pain seems so widespread, but nobody has gone on to do anything else about that.

  • Bobbibrowngirlie
    Bobbibrowngirlie Member Posts: 17

    I have found that using a weightloss injection has reduced my inflammation massively. It's also enabled me to cut out alcohol, eat more protein and stop eating processed foods which have in turn reduced my pain and flare ups (I also have fibro) which is awesome because I've found the acupuncture to not be effective and voltarol twice daily or diclofenac suppositories when it's really bad are the only things that bring me any relief otherwise. I also have a sedentary lifestyle due to my job. The jab is expensive but it's easy to administer, zero pain and because I eat much less I save money on food. Definitely worth considering if you feel your weight is adding to your misery.

  • Bobbibrowngirlie
    Bobbibrowngirlie Member Posts: 17

    I have found that using a weightloss injection has reduced my inflammation massively. It's also enabled me to cut out alcohol, eat more protein and stop eating processed foods which have in turn reduced my pain and flare ups (I also have fibro) which is awesome because I've found the acupuncture to not be effective and voltarol twice daily or diclofenac suppositories when it's really bad are the only things that bring me any relief otherwise. I also have a sedentary lifestyle due to my job. The jab is expensive but it's easy to administer, zero pain and because I eat much less I save money on food. Definitely worth considering if you feel your weight is adding to your misery.

  • JillB1
    JillB1 Member Posts: 1

    I have had weightloss injections for 6 months and lost 3 stone this has helped with reducing swollen legs and ankles and general flexibility. It is expensive but painless and food cravings disappear.

  • LGuzha
    LGuzha Member Posts: 1

    I am pleased to hear of your success and hope it continues. A reduction in swelling must be a great relief. I hope your continuing injections are successful too.

  • Ellen
    Ellen Moderator Posts: 1,987

    Apologies @cox1058 for hijacking your thread. I just wanted to welcome @LGuzha and @JillB1 to the online community.

    @JillB1 3 stone is a fantastic result and really good to hear how much improvement you have already noticed in your joints and reduced swelling.

    To both you and @LGuzha I hope you both feel welcome and will continue to post. The members using this forum have so much experience to share. Should either of you have anything you wanted to ask please do go ahead. If anyone can help I am sure they will.

    My best wishes

    Ellen.

  • dee4u
    dee4u Member Posts: 1

    interesting comments. I’m trying to work out how to manage my pain, being newly diagnosed. It’s so random, and I’m puzzled why I often get pain at night , in my knee foot and ankle, even though I’m lying down with no pressure on joints. Cutting on carbs is helping weight loss, but I’m I’m only about a stone overweight anyway. I’ll keep trying…

  • claudsl
    claudsl Moderator Posts: 214

    Hello @dee4u and welcome to our friendly online community :)

    Have you been given any medications yet to help manage your pain?

    Take care, Claudia x

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

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