Cristie Kiehl shares her son’s transformative health journey, particularly in relation to his ADHD symptoms. She describes how her son, who was diagnosed with sensory integration processing disorder and later ADHD, struggled significantly with emotional regulation, meltdowns, and school performance from a young age. Traditional therapies and interventions, such as counseling and occupational therapy, failed to improve his behavior meaningfully, leaving the family in a state of constant stress. Over time, they sought alternative solutions to help manage his condition.
Kiehl explains how their breakthrough came when they began to incorporate a high-fat, ketogenic, and eventually carnivore diet. Starting with a 30-day trial, her son agreed to adopt this diet, and soon after, significant changes were noticed. His emotional stability improved drastically, his ability to regulate feelings increased, and behavioral outbursts became rare. Tasks that previously triggered meltdowns were managed with ease, and for the first time, he started taking responsibility for things like cleaning his room without being asked or getting upset.
One notable observation Kiehl highlights is the dramatic improvement in her son’s school performance. Before the diet change, he was frequently missing assignments, unable to focus, and failing to meet expectations in class. Post-diet, however, his schoolwork improved considerably, earning him accolades like “Freshman of the Month,” and he even completed extra credit work. His relationship with learning became more positive, and he began to express a greater willingness to engage in tasks he previously avoided.
Kiehl also notes improvements in her son’s social interactions and self-regulation, even when faced with tempting foods outside their home. Her son’s cravings for processed and sugary foods subsided over time, and he became content with eating a simple, meat-based diet. This new lifestyle has not only benefited his ADHD symptoms but also improved his overall health, growth, and energy levels, making social events more enjoyable and less stressful.
Dr. Chaffee emphasizes the broader implications of Kiehl’s story, noting the harmful effects of chemicals and additives in processed foods on children’s mental and physical health. He advocates for the benefits of a ketogenic or carnivore diet, particularly in improving mental health issues like ADHD. Kiehl’s son’s remarkable progress serves as a compelling case for the power of proper nutrition in addressing ADHD and related behavioral challenges, showing how dietary changes can bring significant, lasting improvements.