Jenny McCarthy is recovering after a challenging year filled with health complications, including a series of surgeries related to a severe dental infection. In an interview with People published on November 26, 2023, McCarthy disclosed that she underwent a total of nine surgeries on her mouth over the past year. The 53-year-old actress and television personality explained that her health issues began following a failed ceramic dental implant, which resulted in tooth loss and subsequent infections.
McCarthy described her ordeal, stating, “I had one infection that turned into another and another, and then I had these growths show up on my eyeballs.” The complications escalated to the point where doctors had to perform invasive procedures on her jawbone to address a deep bone infection that had developed. “My teeth were falling out, implants falling out,” she recalled, emphasizing the severity of her situation.
As a result of her condition, McCarthy has been on antibiotics for a year and has had to limit her diet to soft foods. She shared that the stitches in her mouth restricted her eating capabilities, but she is now “able to chew again.” Despite this progress, she remains cautious, noting, “Every time we thought it had cleared up, it came back again.” McCarthy expressed a sense of frustration, saying, “I’d be in massive pain with my jaw swelling up, and at the same time, I was getting these growths popping up on my eyeballs.”
Weight Loss and Dietary Changes
In addition to her dental struggles, McCarthy has faced challenges related to her overall health. Earlier this year, she revealed her battles with Hashimoto’s Disease, a chronic autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid, and leaky gut syndrome. In an attempt to manage her symptoms, she experimented with a vegan diet, which she later described as detrimental to her health. “I tried vegan and I almost died,” McCarthy stated during a March episode of the “Heal Squad” podcast, highlighting the fatigue and illness she experienced while trying to adhere to the plant-based lifestyle.
Her dietary restrictions are compounded by her diagnosis of celiac disease, which complicates her ability to digest gluten. McCarthy explained, “I became so ill. I was exhausted and fatigued. I was a mess.” After consulting with her doctor, she transitioned to a “full carnivore” diet, which she initially found challenging. “I’m from Chicago so I can handle it, but it just felt very low vibrational heavy for me,” she admitted.
Despite her initial reservations, McCarthy reported positive results from this drastic dietary shift. “It has been incredible for me — and I stress for me,” she remarked, noting the improvements in her health following the change.
Public Sharing and Personal Reflections
McCarthy’s candid health updates have resonated with many, particularly as she recently shared her annual holiday card with her husband, Donnie Wahlberg. In the card, she posed in a red bikini, showcasing her slender figure. However, she acknowledged that her health issues have led to weight loss due to her limited food intake.
The actress and model’s transparency about her health struggles serves as an important reminder of the complexities of managing chronic conditions. “Some people work [and] heal better on a vegan diet and some people don’t,” she reflected, emphasizing the importance of listening to one’s body and following personal intuition regarding health choices.
As McCarthy continues her recovery, she remains optimistic while navigating the challenges of her health journey. Through her experiences, she aims to inspire others facing similar struggles, encouraging them to find what works best for their individual situations.
