Switching From Keto To Carnivore Transformed My Health

I sat down with Dave Schmitz, who runs Keto Keto Carnivore in Kingman, Arizona. Dave's story is part kitchen, part clinic, and part family diary. He went from deep mental fog and dependence on meds and substances to a life rebuilt around food, faith, and family. His experience shows how simple changes can have big effects.

Who Is Dave Schmitz?

Dave and his wife run a small restaurant and online bakery that started on Etsy. Their focus is simple: real food cooked in butter, tallow, or lard. They serve people who need gluten-free and low-carb options. Dave is also a dad of seven. He homeschools the kids and helps run the shop.

What Changed Dave's Life Forever

Dave grew up with low-carb ideas. His father, an ER doctor, used a high-protein plan back in the 1990s. Later, in his 30s, Dave struggled with severe anxiety and a paranoid episode. A psychiatrist labeled him bipolar and put him on medication that numbed his emotions.

He was also using marijuana, working long hours with aluminum parts, and had old mercury dental fillings. Over time he felt his mind and motivation slipping away. He says the medication helped stop the worst of the mania but left him feeling disconnected from life.

Three things pushed Dave back toward health:

• Food: Eating high-fat, high-protein meals (eggs, grass-fed beef, and fatty sausages) made a big difference. He went near-carnivore for months and noticed steady mental improvement.
• Environmental Fixes: He stopped marijuana, quit vaping, and cut seed oils. He also began using supplements like colloidal gold for sleep and tried fenbendazole, a dewormer some people use experimentally. He felt these moves helped reduce brain inflammation.
• Gratitude and Faith: Dave credits a moment of sincere thanks to God as a turning point. That sense of gratitude helped him take real action on his life.

Running a Big Family and a Business

Life with seven kids looks messy and full of fun. Dave and his wife use the Seton Press Catholic curriculum to homeschool. He wakes early, cooks breakfast, and gets his kids involved in the restaurant. The kids learn real skills (baking, cooking, even welding and sewing) often taught by curiosity and YouTube.

Business-wise, they sell online and run a Route 66 spot that serves travelers and locals. Dave says the goal is to give people an easy, tasty place to eat real food without the puffed-up modern junk.

Practical Lessons You Can Use

• Try Cleaning Up The Diet First: Cutting seed oils, refined carbs, and processed junk can reduce brain inflammation for some people.
• Be Careful With Substances: Marijuana and heavy nicotine use can worsen anxiety and paranoia for those already vulnerable.
• Small Steps Matter: Keto treats or a few low-carb swaps can be a bridge toward better eating. Dogma is not helpful; consistency is.
• Find Purpose and Gratitude: For Dave, faith and family gave a reason to change habits and stay consistent.

Where to Find Dave

Dave runs KetoKetoCarnivore. If you travel Route 66, stop in for breakfast cooked in butter. Dave says his wings are a favorite, and he still keeps meals simple and mostly animal-based.

FAQ

Q: Is carnivore the only way to fix mental health?

A: No. Diet is one powerful tool among many. Sleep, sunlight, stress management, screening for heavy metals or parasites, and good medical care all matter. Some people see big gains from low-carb or carnivore approaches. Others need different paths. Start simple and track how you feel.

Q: How quickly did Dave improve?

A: He saw steady gains over five to six months on a strict approach. Individual results vary. Consistency for several months is usually needed to notice real changes.

Q: Can kids learn at home while running a business?

A: Yes. Dave's kids study in the mornings and then help in the restaurant. Hands-on skills and focused lessons can replace long school days for many families.

Final Thoughts

Dave's story is not magic. It is persistence, simple food, reduced toxins, faith, and a family that works together. If you feel stuck, start with the basics: sleep, sunlight, real food, and gratitude. Small changes add up.

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