Strictly Come Dancing star Adam Thomas has told how his new diet has left him “pain free” after years of struggling with arthritis. The actor was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis two years ago, just ahead of his appearance on the hit show.
The Emmerdale star previously told how he was left in agony and despite trying different medications nothing had worked. He said last February how he had just faced the “toughest period” of his life and was suffering – but didn’t want to suffer in silence any longer.
The star posted regular updates on his health battle on Instagram and last month told how he quit his medication to try a strict diet, essentially eating just two things. He switched his mealtimes to the carnivore diet which only features meat and eggs.
He said he made the change just before Christmas after his medication which was “like a short dose of chemotherapy” had left him feeling constantly sick, fatigued and drowsy. And he said at the time he was already feeling better for it.
Now in a fresh update on whether the carnivore diet was working he said: “The answer is YES.” He continued: “For someone who has been battling arthritis now for over 2 and half years having tried loads of different medication this is the best I’ve ever felt!!
“I was really feeling great at the end of jan like literally pain free!!! I hadn’t touched a carb,no sugar,no meds…nothing… but meat and eggs!
“But I’ll be honest with you…I fell off a few days ago and thought f””k it! Am feeling great,am losing weight, Am going to eat what I want! And I noticed my pain slowly creep back in,it’s not as severe as it was but I’ve noticed a huge difference!”
But he said he was pleased it had happened, because he now know sticking to the diet “really helps!”. He added: “This isn’t going to be a quick fix I know that much,but it sure as hell is better than the side effects of the meds I was on.
“So back to sticking to my diet now and hoping the inflammation reduces over the next few days or so… one of the benefits of also turning to the carnivore diet is the weight am losing too … I’ve lost nearly a stone in just over 6 weeks and someone who struggles with diets etc this is by far the easiest one I’ve done! With that being said I’ve not really been able to train or push myself in the gym like this before…so being back to training again has also really helped! But time to zone in now even more!”
And he recommended the diet to others saying: “If you are struggling I’d highly recommend doing it alongside your meds and seeing if it helps x”
The star who appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2023, is also known for his stint on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here in 2016. He partnered Luba Mushtuk on the BBC reality dance show.
He left in week seven following a dance-off with Angela Rippon and her professional dance partner Kai Widdrington. He finished in third place on I’m a Celebrity, placing behind winner Scarlett Moffatt and runner-up Joel Dommett.
The actor first came to fame in 2006 when he appeared as Donte Charles in the BBC One drama Waterloo Road. Soap fans will also know him from his time in Emmerdale where he played Adam Barton from 2009 to 2018.
Fans reacted to his post with delight. Sam said: “You are looking great” while Nathanial said: “This is incredible! You’ve really fought through this and showed incredible strength while still being the lovely and funny guy you are, much love to you Adam.”
Claire said: “Congrats for finding the carnivore diet and seeing the benefits! It can be quite hard to adjust but it’s so rewarding slow cooked pork belly is the best. I found the longer I was on it the fuller I’d become quicker because your body has everything it needs! Keep going x”
Laura said he had inspired her to try it. She said she had been on the “exact same journey” as Adam at the same time and had found the medication failed to help.
She posted: “I started carnivore when I saw you on This Morning and I have done a couple of 1 mile walks since! Before I couldn’t even walk down the street. Also, losing weight and the brain fog. Feel like I’m getting my life back. Your stories inspired me to keep going.”
But some questioned if he was getting his vitamins and minerals in such a limited diet. And Jacqui warned: “Your diet is depleting you of some nutrients. You’ve also been on it only short term so maybe do some tests after 6 months or so….”