Dr. Anthony Chaffee interviews Brandon Maxey on the Plant-Free MD Podcast, where Brandon shares his journey with IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease he was diagnosed with at 15. Over the years, his kidney function worsened, eventually leading to dialysis and the search for a kidney transplant. Throughout his life, he experimented with various diets, beginning with organic food and later transitioning into vegetarianism and veganism due to his involvement in yoga and meditation. However, these dietary choices led to chronic fatigue, anemia, and worsening health. Despite early warnings from a nutritionist to reintroduce meat, he continued down the plant-based path, eventually shifting to raw veganism and even fruitarianism, which further deteriorated his health.
By 2021, Brandon’s condition had worsened so much that he was hospitalized in Costa Rica with severe anemia (hemoglobin of 1.5), to the point where doctors were shocked he could even walk. After being transported back to the U.S., he was put on hemodialysis and later switched to peritoneal dialysis, which he describes as a major health setback that left him emaciated and weak. In early 2023, he discovered the carnivore diet through online research and influential figures like Dr. Chaffee and Dr. Ken Berry. Given that IgA nephropathy is autoimmune-related, he decided to adopt a strict Lion Diet (meat, salt, water) to eliminate potential dietary triggers. The transition was tough, with symptoms such as keto rash, oxalate dumping, and neuropathy, but over time, he began to see improvements.
One of the most significant changes was regaining weight and strength. He went from being wheelchair-bound to walking again, slowly progressing from using a walker to hiking sticks and eventually walking unassisted. Eating three 16-ounce ribeyes daily helped him rebuild his body, and within a year, he regained 45 pounds. He also noted improvements in neuropathy, digestive issues, and overall energy levels. However, he still requires dialysis three times a week, which consumes a large part of his time. He describes the dialysis environment, where many patients with diabetes-induced kidney failure continue to consume sugary foods and drinks, despite their condition being potentially reversible with diet.
Brandon also highlights disparities in healthcare quality between different regions and institutions. After experiencing subpar care in South Carolina, he transitioned to Mayo Clinic in Florida, a recognized center of excellence for kidney care. There, doctors provided superior diagnostics and treatment options, including newly developed drugs for IgA nephropathy that could delay disease progression if caught early. He expresses frustration with the corporate nature of dialysis centers, where treatment settings often prioritize company policies over individual patient needs. Despite advocating for adjustments to improve his comfort and effectiveness of treatment, he finds resistance from the system.
Now, Brandon is preparing for a kidney transplant with two potential living donors, one of whom is undergoing final testing in February 2025. If not a direct match, the kidney exchange program allows his donor to contribute to a pool, ensuring he gets a compatible kidney. He remains optimistic about his future, attributing his survival and recovery to the carnivore diet, which he believes should be explored earlier by others with kidney disease. Dr. Chaffee echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the potential of carnivore and ketogenic diets in preventing and even reversing metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes, which is a leading cause of kidney failure. The discussion ends with encouragement for others to be their own health advocates and seek out better medical care and dietary interventions for chronic illnesses.