So, i've mentioned in the past that i was diagnosed with a heart murmur before i started eating a high fat diet with grass fed meat and raw dairy. To make the story short, i paid the doctor a visit this morning and apparently my murmur has gotten way worse, and the obstruction is considerable. I may even have to get surgery to remove a part of the muscle. Of course, i was incredibly saddened by the news, but at the same time, ready to punch a brick wall. I called my mom to tell her and her response? "Maybe you shouldn't eat so much fat!".... like just what i needed to hear right. And here i was trying to persuade her and teach her that conventional medicine is all wrong and that saturated fats should not be feared. But who is to believe the guy who has heart problems? I'm only 20 years old and frankly, this sucks. I don't know what to do. Even though, i'm not fat, i think according to the bmi, i am overweight by like 10 pounds. I'm thinking the fact that i'm overweight and stocky might have something to do with this. If i lose some extra pounds, maybe i'll prevent this murmur from getting any worse. Thoughts and advice please?

Can you guys just please post some tips and advice for someone about to start the zero carb (or close to zero carb) diet. I've tried this before in the past for a little while and my biggest issues were constipation and lack of energy which is why I've always added fruit. But I feel now that the fruit is getting a little out of hand (almost a wai type diet situation) and I find myself often consuming non-organic persimmons, pomegranates, clementines because they are available in the house and so convenient. I know certain foods are more vital to consume organic, so I figure it's not a big deal. But that's not entirely why I'm starting zero carb, even though I know it's bad to consume non-organic fruits, I think I'm still receiving the benefits of the fruit and I personally have no grudge against fructose (even though I'm going zero carb)
The main reason I'm going zero carb is to get leaner and healthier (than I was at least)

I usually count calories (consuming 1800-1900 cals a day) in which I've gotten results and I know they matter to an extent. I realize I'm probably one of the only people that counts calories on this forum, but I believe based on experience that it really helps with losing fat and keeping my body controlled (no overeating that causes drowsiness,sickness etc.) I believe calories matter, but I also believe carbs matter a great deal as well, which is why so many people have lost fat on diets such as atkins. I think limiting both from one's diet would further increase fat loss and prevent aging.  I know I'm gonna run into the same problems with constipation and energy as I did before, what do you guys advise I do? Should I take a probiotic supplement? I don't want to drink any stimulated beverage to give me energy because I'm trying to avoid that for now because of a heart murmur.

thanks.

As many of you may know, many of the so called "raw" almonds that are being sold in stores aren't actually raw and are put through the process of pasteurization. Of course, i've heard countless times about the ill effects of pasteurized milk. I guess, i'm just wondering if the same applies to almonds. i'm on and off with almonds. I'll go a couple weeks without them, then start again stuffing my face with them for a good couple days then stop again. I'm just wondering if i should really be worried about get the fake raw almonds from a place like trader joes.(they sell at a pretty reasonable price and are so addictive, but then again so are sugar and fructose)

Also, if you could give me your thoughts on nuts. I know it may be different for everyone depending on how their body reacts to it, but as far as a snack in terms of good health and nutrition.