Florida Man Claims 'Lion Diet' Cured Psoriasis and Depression

A 50-year-old Florida man has reported a dramatic recovery from severe psoriasis, chronic pain, and depression, attributing his transformation to an extreme dietary regimen known as the "lion diet." Stephen Lashbrook, of Pensacola, stated that his lifelong struggles with these conditions began in childhood and worsened through his early adulthood.

Lashbrook described his psoriasis as covering approximately 90% of his body, leading to severe itching and pain. His depression, which began at age four, was compounded by sleeplessness and a feeling of hopelessness, exacerbated by failed treatments including creams, steroids, and recommendations for expensive long-term injections. He stated that these experiences led him to feel suicidal.

After learning about the carnivore diet from an online influencer, Lashbrook began by eliminating sugar, grains, fruits, and vegetables. On January 1, 2024, he adopted the "lion diet," which primarily consists of ruminant animal meat such as beef, lamb, and goat. He typically consumes one meal a day, consisting of 1.5 to 2 pounds of high-fat ground beef or steak.

Within a week of starting the diet, Lashbrook reported that his itching and suicidal thoughts ceased. Within a month, his skin began to clear, his pain subsided, and his depression vanished. He claims to have experienced no further symptoms of his previous conditions and feels he is "reverse aging."

However, medical professionals urge caution regarding such restrictive diets. Dr. Michael Aziz, an internist and regenerative medicine specialist, noted that while some individuals may feel better after eliminating processed foods and sugars, this does not validate the carnivore diet as a treatment for chronic conditions like psoriasis. He warned that long-term effects on lifespan are not fully understood and that carnivore diets, lacking fiber, can lead to issues such as constipation, kidney stones, and increased risks of heart attack and stroke.

The carnivore diet, which emphasizes meat and protein, has gained attention as some individuals seek to reduce intake of ultra-processed foods. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly stated he follows a similar diet, citing benefits for weight loss and mental clarity. Like Lashbrook, Kennedy has acknowledged that such diets may not be suitable for everyone, and experts continue to express concerns about the long-term health impacts.