The Carnivore Diet

An opinion from a Clinical Nutritionist

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Ok, so there is a major hype around the carnivore diet, and initially, you may see symptom reduction after starting. My opinion on this diet refers to the extreme version that avoids all other food sources, specifically fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.

Many individuals report feeling better shortly after adopting a meat-only diet, but it’s essential to understand that most of the time, symptom disappearance occurs because of various underlying factors:

1. You had a deficiency in your diet (such as zinc, iron, vitamin B12, protein/amino acids, and omega fatty acids) to begin with, which was driving hormonal imbalances, brain fog, fatigue, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, pica, and poor skin barrier function. These deficiencies can create a cascade of health issues, and the sudden influx of nutrients from a carnivore diet can temporarily alleviate these symptoms, giving the impression of improved health.

   
   

2. You had/have a parasite or microbial overgrowth in your gastrointestinal (GIT) microbiome, which is being starved out by the lack of fiber. This imbalance can manifest as discomfort, bloating, or irregular bowel movements, which may temporarily improve when switching to a meat-based diet.

   
   

3. You were eating an unknown allergen. Many people consume foods that they are intolerant or allergic to without realizing it. By eliminating a wide range of foods and focusing solely on meat, you may inadvertently remove the offending allergen from your diet, resulting in symptom relief.

   
   

4. You have undiagnosed celiac disease. This autoimmune condition can cause significant gastrointestinal distress when gluten is consumed. If you switch to a carnivore diet, you are eliminating gluten-containing grains, which may lead to a reduction in symptoms, masking the underlying issue.

   
   

5. You are battling Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Both conditions can cause significant digestive discomfort, and the restriction of certain foods may lead to temporary relief. However, this does not address the root cause of these disorders.

   
   

6. You have had multiple rounds of antibiotics, which have led to trouble digesting fibers. Antibiotics can disrupt the microbiome and impair digestion. By switching to a meat-only diet, you may avoid the fibrous foods that are currently causing you discomfort, but this does not heal the underlying imbalance in your gut.

   
   

7. Your diet wasn’t balanced to begin with, and by cutting out a wide variety of foods, you may feel better simply because you are no longer consuming foods that were contributing to your health issues. This drastic change can create a false sense of well-being.

   
   

BUT here’s why going all in on meat might not be the best move for your health in the long run:

🔴 Gut Health Struggles – Without fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you starve out your good bacteria, leading to sluggish digestion, poor digestive enzyme production, and imbalanced gut bacteria (dysbiosis). This imbalance can result in foul-smelling stools and a host of other digestive issues, which can cause or further exacerbate your intolerance to fibers, that are essential for nurturing the good bacteria in your gut.

🔴 Nutrient Gaps – While meat is undeniably rich in protein and certain vital vitamins (such as B12, zinc, and iron), it lacks a variety of key nutrients that are crucial for overall health, including vitamin C, magnesium, fiber, phytochemicals and more. These nutrients play significant roles in immune function, bone health, and digestive health, and their absence can lead to long-term health complications.

🔴 Heart Health Risks – A diet high in saturated fats derived from meat can elevate LDL cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease over time. This is particularly concerning for individuals with a family history of heart conditions, entering a ‘cholesterol risk’ life stage or those who already have elevated cholesterol levels.

Equilibrium is key.

Nothing in extremes is good for us, whether you just ate meat or you just ate broccoli.. we humans need balance, we are complex.

Instead of going to extremes, a well-rounded diet that incorporates whole foods, lean meats/proteins, and a plethora of colourful plants is essential for supporting both short- and long-term health.

This balanced approach provides the necessary nutrients for optimal body function and helps prevent chronic diseases.

If you are experiencing digestion or hormonal troubles and are unsure how to navigate these challenges, it is time to consult with a health professional. We can help you identify the root causes of your discomfort and develop a tailored approach to your nutrition.

So, while the short-term gains associated with the carnivore diet may seem appealing, the potential long-term health risks far outweigh the temporary benefits. A more inclusive and balanced dietary approach is likely to yield better health outcomes and overall well-being.

Need to know more?

Reach out to me!