Chad Mendes, a well known MMA fighter and YouTuber, had battled plaque psoriasis since childhood. The condition left his legs, scalp, ears, and torso covered in painful, scaly plaques. Like many patients, he cycled through steroid creams, prescription pills, and other standard treatments, none of which offered lasting relief.

The Struggle: Years of Pain, Plaques, and Prescriptions

Doctors repeatedly told him that diet had little to do with his flare ups, a belief that has been increasingly challenged by emerging research on inflammation and autoimmune disease.

The Turning Point: An Extreme Diet Experiment

Frustrated, Mendes turned to Dr. Paul Saladino, a prominent advocate of the carnivore and “animal based” diet. Under Saladino's guidance, Mendes adopted a strict regimen built around:

• Meat (beef, pork, lamb, poultry, venison)
• Organ meats (liver, heart, kidney, even brain)
• Animal fats (tallow, lard, butter, ghee)
• Raw dairy, fruit, and honey

Within two weeks, Mendes saw dramatic improvements. After a few months, his psoriasis had nearly vanished.

Why Diet Might Matter More Than We Thought

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. This leads to the thick, inflamed plaques characteristic of the disease.

Research increasingly shows that:

• Processed foods, refined carbs, sugar, and certain fats can worsen inflammation.
• Poor gut health may contribute to autoimmune flare ups.
• Dietary patterns among psoriasis patients tend to be low in nutrients and high in inflammatory triggers.

The animal based diet attempts to eliminate potential irritants, such as gluten, vegetable oils, and certain plant compounds, while emphasizing nutrient dense foods.

The Debate: Miracle Cure or Risky Trend?

While Mendes' transformation is compelling, experts caution that the carnivore or animal based diet isn't a universal solution.

Potential Benefits

• Eliminates common inflammatory foods
• Provides high levels of protein and micronutrients
• May improve gut health for some individuals

Potential Drawbacks

• High intake of red meat can raise certain inflammation markers
• Processed meats are linked to increased CRP levels
• Long term effects of extreme elimination diets remain unclear

A 2022 study cited in the article found that unprocessed red meat alone did not significantly raise inflammation markers, suggesting that quality and preparation matter.

The Bigger Issue: Gaps in Conventional Care

The article highlights a recurring theme: many psoriasis patients are offered steroids, immunosuppressants, or biologics without any structured dietary guidance. These medications can reduce symptoms but don't address underlying inflammation or immune dysfunction.

Mendes' experience underscores the need for:

• More research on diet autoimmune connections
• More holistic treatment options
• Better patient education on lifestyle factors

A Personal Victory With Broader Implications

Chad Mendes' story is not a universal prescription, but it is a powerful reminder that diet can play a meaningful role in autoimmune conditions. His transformation long held assumptions in Western medicine and opens the door to more integrative approaches to chronic inflammatory diseases.

If nothing else, his journey shows that sometimes the most profound changes begin with what's on our plate.