Podcast Summary: The Thyroid Fixer

Episode 587: Before You Try Carnivore...Listen to This! What Works, What Backfires and Why
Host: Dr. Amie Hornaman
Guest: Jenny Mitich (also referred to as "A" in transcript)
Date: December 16, 2025

Episode Theme:

This episode explores the carnivore diet through the lens of thyroid health, autoimmune conditions, and general wellness. Dr. Amie Hornaman and guest Jenny Mitich, carnivore enthusiast and cookbook author, discuss what works and what doesn’t with this way of eating—how it can help or hinder those struggling with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, weight gain, inflammation, and even mental health. The conversation offers firsthand experience, practical tips, and debunks popular nutrition myths around vegetal and animal-based diets.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jenny’s Journey to Carnivore (09:21–11:39)

• Jenny’s catalyst was postpartum weight gain (70 lbs with twins), unsuccessful attempts to lose it “her way,” and eventual discovery (through her husband and Dr. Ken Berry) of the carnivore diet.
• Despite skepticism, Jenny lost 50 lbs and saw metabolic improvements after adopting carnivore.
• At 4 months in, she suffered a Hashimoto’s flare, which led her to Dr. Amie and proper diagnosis and treatment.
  • Quote:
    “I told him he was crazy, there’s no way you can get everything you need just eating meat... I finally gave it a shot at the end of 2022 and been on it for almost three years now.” (Jenny, 09:55)
  • Striking theme: Carnivore and proper thyroid care need to go hand in hand for optimal results.

2. Overcoming Carnivore Resistance & Common Myths (12:19–14:06)

• Cultural conditioning around plant-based nutrition and fear of animal fats were primary initial barriers.
• Jenny references “The Big Fat Surprise” by Nina Teicholz for science backing animal fats.
• Emphasis on self-experimentation: “Jump in for 30 days — you’ll most likely be pleasantly surprised.”
  • Quote:
    “We have been brainwashed over the past, I don’t know, seven decades to think that we’re getting all of our nutrients from plants. And I’ve now since learned that that’s not true. The most nutrient dense food is the meat that you’re consuming.” (Jenny, 12:41 & see opening)

3. Blood Markers & Health Outcomes on Carnivore (14:06–18:46)

• Most concerns center on cholesterol, but triglycerides and HDL are more meaningful on carnivore.
• Specifics:
  • Triglycerides drop drastically (target: under 100 mg/dL US)
  • HDL rises (target: over 50 mg/dL US)
  • LDL response is variable.
  • Blood glucose and A1C typically normalize; fasting insulin drops quickly (target: 2–6).
• Protein worry (“gluconeogenesis”): Not a substantial issue since carnivore is high fat, moderate protein (70%/30% typical ratio).
• Protein intake: At least 100g/day for women; some adjust higher based on goals.

4. Dirty Carnivore & Beginner Transitions (19:35–21:09)

• “Dirty carnivore” is analogous to “dirty keto”—processed meats, lots of cheese/cream.
• For those transitioning from a standard American diet, “dirty” versions may be a reasonable first step, but cutting dairy becomes important for weight loss or autoimmune flare reduction.
• Carnivore experience sharpens food sensitivity awareness—symptoms become clearer after eliminating and reintroducing foods.
  • Quote:
    “You become so much more in tune with how your body speaks to you, which is through symptoms. You know, it doesn’t speak with words, it’s symptoms.” (Jenny, 20:25)

5. Autoimmune, Inflammation & Plant Controversy (22:12–26:47)

• Strict carnivore (even “lion diet”: ruminant meat, salt, water) can powerfully reduce autoimmune flares and inflammation.
• Jenny shares sensitivity to carbs, even from fruit/salad, leading to weight gain and inflammation.
• Plant “toxins” (oxalates, lectins, nightshades) can aggravate some people; high oxalate foods (spinach, sweet potatoes, dark chocolate) are particularly problematic for Jenny.
  • Quote:
    “There are some plants I just wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole. Like spinach, sweet potatoes... I just don’t anymore.” (Jenny, 24:36)
• Carnivore theory: Plants evolved defensive chemicals, making some of them disruptive to human health.

6. Carnivore Flexibility & Personalization (28:00–29:23)

• Carnivore can range from strict animal-only to “meat and fruit” (more for athletes/lifters).
• Personal context matters: Highly active individuals may tolerate more fruit; those with significant metabolic disease should avoid.

7. The Antioxidant & Supplement Debate (33:12–35:10)

• Fruits/veg often praised for antioxidants, but Jenny argues this is marketing hype; bioavailability after digestion is questionable.
• Most humans historically consumed few fruits/vegetables (outside of equatorial zones), and modern produce is vastly different due to hybridization and pesticides.
  • Quote:
    “We’ve never really consumed very many of [antioxidants], so why would we start needing them now?” (Jenny, 35:06)

8. Additional Benefits of Carnivore (35:38–38:04)

• Weight loss, normalization of blood sugar and pressure, dramatic mental health improvements (anxiety, depression, even stories of schizophrenia and bipolar remissions), and skin conditions (eczema, rosacea, cystic acne) often improve quickly.
  • Quote:
    “Within three months of going carnivore, I didn’t have anxiety attacks anymore. They were just gone.” (Jenny, 35:55)
• Gut healing: GI discomforts like IBS, Crohn’s often resolve.
• Chronic pain and inflammation (fibromyalgia, joint pain) also respond positively.

9. Troubleshooting & Community Advice (40:24–42:27)

• Many overlook the power of diet in favor of meds/supplements; direct dietary changes are often the fastest route to reduced pain/inflammation.
• Try it for 30–90 days; “what’s there to lose?”
  • Quote:
    “Once you have the veil pulled from your eyes and you’re like, it’s the food... you make the shift... you’re brave... and you’re like, oh my gosh, I actually feel good again.” (Jenny, 40:40)

10. From Theory to Table: The Complete Carnivore Cookbook (42:27–47:38)

• Jenny’s book, The Complete Carnivore: Achieving Better Health, is a thorough guide and cookbook:
  • Covers: Getting started, blood work, troubleshooting, dealing with setbacks, addressing popular myths, and 80+ recipes (strict to bridge recipes with dairy).
  • Special sections on adaptations for those without a gallbladder, bariatric surgery patients, high histamine issues, and more.
  • Dessert recipes are designed to satisfy cravings without breaking progress; raw dairy sometimes preferable for the sensitive.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Carnivore and Nutrient Density:
  “The most nutrient dense food is the meat that you’re consuming.” (Jenny, 12:41)

• Challenging Food Marketing:
  “It’s marketing. It’s marketing for vitamins, it’s marketing for big food. I mean, it’s just really good marketing.” (Dr. Amie, 35:10)

• Mental Health Shifts:
  “Within, like, three months of going carnivore, I didn’t have anxiety attacks anymore. They were just gone.” (Jenny, 35:55)

• On Trying Carnivore:
  “Just try it out... If you are suffering, you can’t lose the weight... or you have skin conditions... Give this a try. It will hurt nothing to try.” (Dr. Amie, 48:14)

• On Personalized Success:
  “All I know is that when I’m eating ribeyes, ground beef, eggs, bacon, sausage and chicken wings, I feel my best, my antibodies are the lowest, my fatigue is improved...” (Jenny, 41:49)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Jenny’s Health Journey & Discovery of Carnivore: [09:21–11:39]
• Lifestyle Resistance, Naysayers, and Plant Myths: [12:19–14:06]
• Lipid/Blood Sugar Markers & Protein Intake Clarified: [14:06–18:46]
• Dirty Carnivore—Transition Strategies: [19:35–21:09]
• Carnivore for Autoimmunity & Plant Reaction Discussion: [22:12–26:47]
• Plant Toxins and Oxalate Dumping: [24:36–26:47]
• Personalization: Meat Only vs. “Meat and Fruit”: [28:00–29:23]
• Antioxidant & Fruit Marketing Myth: [33:12–35:10]
• Benefits Beyond Thyroid: Mental Health, Skin, GI: [35:38–38:04]
• Troubleshooting, Motivation, and Community Support: [40:24–42:27]
• Jenny’s Cookbook: Comprehensive Guide & Recipes: [42:27–47:38]
• Final Motivation & Success Update: [48:14–49:09]

Where to Find Jenny Mitich

• YouTube: Jenny Mitich
• Instagram: Accessible via her YouTube
• Book: The Complete Carnivore: Achieving Better Health (links in show notes)

Closing Takeaway

Jenny and Dr. Amie urge listeners struggling with persistent health concerns—be it weight, mood, or autoimmune symptoms—to consider a carnivore approach, even temporarily, and observe the changes. With support resources like Jenny’s comprehensive cookbook, the transition can be empowering, data-driven, and—importantly—delicious!

Note: The summary omits advertisements, lengthy disclaimers, and non-content segments. For medical advice, listeners should always consult a healthcare provider.