Why Carnivore Diet Is Bad – Don’t Compromise Your Health!

I love being fit—who doesn’t? But why carnivore diet is bad choice? This is a key question for people who are already dieting or thinking about starting it.

The carnivore diet is very restrictive and can cause serious health problems like:

• Heart disease
• Digestive problems
• Nutrient deficiencies

The absence of fiber and key nutrients makes the diet difficult and potentially harmful for many. Balanced diets with a variety of foods are generally healthier and more sustainable.

Don’t worry! I’ve got some reasons why the carnivore diet can be problematic for some people. Stay tuned!

Why Carnivore Diet Is Bad– Research On It Is Limited! 

There’s little data on how safe this extreme diet is. Most evidence that it helps with weight loss comes from personal stories rather than solid research. People who promote the diet often believe that animal fats and proteins are best for health.

The carnivore diet hasn’t been studied much. We don’t know the long-term effects of cutting out all these important food groups,” says registered dietitian Natalie Allen from Missouri State University.

The carnivore diet is also controversial because it tries to have almost no carbohydrates. According to Baker, it allows for just 10 grams of carbs a day. This is very different from the FDA’s recommendation of 275 grams of carbs per day for a 2,000-calorie diet.

Walter Willett from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health says, that avoiding fruits and vegetables means missing out on fiber. These are important for gut health. Without these foods, you also miss antioxidants that help lower the risk of diseases like: 

• Type 2 diabetes 
• Cancer

However, Willett says the carnivore diet “seems like a really bad idea.”

After being aware of “ why carnivore diet is bad,” Let’s discuss some of its risks. For worldwide discussion, visit this Reddit website.

Risks Of The Carnivore Diet – Some Basic Reasons!

1. Heart Disease:

The carnivore diet can raise one’s risk of heart disease. It includes many high-fat foods, like fatty steaks, which can increase cholesterol levels, says Arsenault.

Cutting out fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds might also increase your risk of heart disease. However, according to Harkin, these foods are linked to lower rates of heart disease and other chronic conditions.

Eliminating these foods can also lead to metabolic acidosis. It is a condition with too much acid in your body. This can harm your kidneys and raise your risk of diabetes.

2. Digestive Health Issues:

If you stick to only animal products on the carnivore diet, you might feel nauseous and experience other side effects. Constipation is also common because you’re missing out on fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Read Also: Can You Drink Alcohol On Carnivore Diet – The Best And Worst Options!

Alison Acerra, a nutritionist in San Francisco, is worried about the lack of fiber. It can cause digestive issues and upset the balance of good bacteria in your gut. This can cause long-term health issues.”

Low fiber intake can increase your risk of serious health issues like: 

• Heart disease 
• High blood pressure 
• Some types of cancer

3. High In Fat, Cholesterol, And Sodium:

The carnivore diet, which only includes animal foods, can be high in saturated fat and cholesterol. This may raise LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase heart disease risk. However, recent studies suggest the link might not be as strong as once thought.

Eating a lot of saturated fat is concerning, and we don’t know the full impact of consuming only animal foods. Processed meats, like bacon, add extra sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and kidney problems. High consumption of red and processed meats is also linked to a higher risk of certain cancers.

Read Also: Cottage Cheese On Carnivore Diet –  Add Variety To Your Meal!

4. May Not Be Suited For Some Populations:

• People with chronic kidney disease should avoid it because they need to limit protein.
• Cholesterol-sensitive individuals should be careful with high-cholesterol foods.
• Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women and others with special nutrient needs might not get enough nutrients on this diet.
• People with food anxiety or a history of disordered eating should avoid this diet.

5. Vitamin And Mineral Deficiencies:

The carnivore diet can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies due to its restrictive nature. Without fruits and vegetables, it’s tough to get enough vitamins like A and C. It also missed essential nutrients such as vitamin B12. 

This lack of variety can also result in missing out on important minerals. Over time, these deficiencies might affect your overall health and energy levels

What Our Experts Say About The Carnivore Diet – Have A Look!

“Acerra says, ‘There are better diets with plant-based foods that can offer similar results. They’re healthier, help prevent chronic diseases, and are better for the environment.’”

Arsenault, who tried the carnivore diet, also advises against it. Meat and animal foods are low in fiber, making it hard to have regular bowel movements, she says. It’s very filling, but since it’s so low in carbs, I felt irritable and constipated.”

As a dietitian, I struggle to find real benefits in this diet. While some people may adapt to it temporarily, it often doesn’t lead to long-term improvements. For example, one of my clients still has blood sugar issues even after cutting out carbs. The main issue with this diet is gut health because it completely removes fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How unhealthy is the carnivore diet?

The carnivore diet is high in fat and lacks fiber and important plant compounds. It is also hard to stick with long-term. Overall, it’s too restrictive. A balanced diet with a mix of healthy foods is more sustainable. It offers better health benefits.

2. What do doctors say about carnivore diets?

The carnivore diet is very restrictive and doesn’t follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These guidelines suggest eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. By cutting out these food groups, you might not get all the nutrients you need to stay healthy.

3. Why do I feel bad on the carnivore diet?

Many people get what’s called the keto flu when they switch to a carnivore diet. This happens because their bodies are used to carbs, which help them keep water weight. When you switch to a diet high in protein and fat, your body doesn’t hold onto water as well.

Conclusion:

The carnivore diet is bad because it can raise the risk of heart disease by focusing on high-fat foods. It can increase cholesterol. It also lacks essential nutrients like fiber and antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds.

However, no controlled studies support its health benefits, making it potentially unsafe for some people.