Carnivore Keto: Does It Work?

The carnivore diet is a subset of the keto diet, which involves eating only animal products and eliminating all plant-based foods. The keto diet, on the other hand, restricts carbohydrates but allows for the consumption of some plant-based foods. Both diets are high-fat, high-protein, and low-carb, but the carnivore diet is more restrictive in terms of food choices. While the carnivore diet may offer some health benefits, it is not considered healthier than the keto diet due to its restrictive nature and potential for nutritional deficiencies.

Carnivore keto may lead to nutrient deficiencies

The carnivore keto diet is a highly restrictive diet that eliminates all food groups except meat and animal products. This means that it cuts out highly nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

The diet is low in vitamin C and folate, and because it contains no fiber, it can lead to constipation and other gut issues. Fiber is important for maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, and suboptimal gut health has been linked to colon cancer. The carnivore keto diet is also lacking in beneficial plant compounds and antioxidants, which are associated with a lower risk of long-term conditions like heart disease, certain cancers, Alzheimer's, and type 2 diabetes.

In addition, the carnivore keto diet may not be suitable for certain populations. For example, those with chronic kidney disease should not follow the diet due to its high protein content. It may also be problematic for those who are sensitive to cholesterol, as it contains high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol.

Overall, the highly restrictive nature of the carnivore keto diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies and may be difficult to maintain in the long term.

It may be challenging to maintain

The carnivore keto diet can be challenging to maintain due to its extreme dietary restrictions. The diet is a zero-carb, zero-plant diet that eliminates all food groups except meat and animal products. This means cutting out coffee, tea, seasonings, and other food and drink options, which can be difficult to sustain over an extended period. The restrictive nature of the diet can also be socially alienating.

The carnivore keto diet is a combination of the keto and carnivore diets, which are two of the top trending low-carb diets. The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to enter the metabolic state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for energy. The carnivore diet takes this a step further and eliminates almost all sources of carbohydrates, relying solely on meat as a source of nutrition.

The simplicity of the carnivore keto diet makes deciding what to eat easy, but it can also be restrictive. The diet requires eliminating all plants and plant-based products, including coffee and tea, which can be challenging for some people to stick to. The diet is also lacking in certain micronutrients and beneficial plant compounds, including fiber, which is only found in plant foods and promotes gut health and healthy bowel movements.

The carnivore keto diet may be challenging for some people to maintain due to its extreme restrictions and the potential for social alienation. It is important to consult a professional before starting any radical elimination diet, as these diets can also lead to a broad range of health problems when essential nutrients are not included.

It can be restrictive

The carnivore keto diet is restrictive in that it eliminates all plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds. This means that the diet is low in vitamin C, folate, and fibre, which are typically found in plant-based foods. The lack of fibre in the diet may lead to constipation and other gut health issues.

The carnivore keto diet is also restrictive in terms of food choices and can be repetitive, making it challenging to adhere to long-term. It is primarily a meat-based diet, which can lead to an excessive intake of processed meats and an increased risk of several health issues, including nutrient deficiencies, imbalanced microbiome, and gastrointestinal issues.

Additionally, the carnivore keto diet may not be suitable for certain populations, such as those with chronic kidney disease, high cholesterol, or special nutrient needs, like children and pregnant or lactating individuals.

The restrictive nature of the diet may also make it difficult to maintain long-term, as it lacks the flexibility to include a variety of food choices. This lack of flexibility can make the diet socially isolating and challenging to sustain.

Overall, while the carnivore keto diet may offer some potential health benefits, its restrictive nature and limited food choices can make it challenging to follow and may lead to potential health risks.

It may be unhealthy long-term

The carnivore diet is likely unhealthy in the long term. Firstly, it is extremely restrictive and difficult to maintain. It eliminates all foods except meat and animal products, cutting out fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds. This means that the diet is low in vitamin C, folate, and fibre, and those following it may struggle to get enough of certain micronutrients and beneficial plant compounds. Fibre, for example, is only found in plant foods and promotes gut health and healthy bowel movements. The lack of fibre in the carnivore diet may lead to constipation.

Secondly, the carnivore diet is high in fat, cholesterol, and sodium. It can be high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which may raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase your risk of heart disease. Processed meats, which the diet allows, are also high in salt, which can raise blood pressure. Red and processed meat intake has also been linked to higher rates of certain types of cancer, including colon and rectal cancer.

Thirdly, the carnivore diet may not be suited for some populations. For example, it may be problematic for those who need to limit their protein intake, such as people with chronic kidney disease. It may also be unsuitable for those who are more sensitive to cholesterol in foods, those with special nutrient needs (such as children and pregnant or lactating people), and those with a history of disordered eating.

Finally, the carnivore diet is not a sustainable diet. It is too restrictive and boring to follow long-term, and eventually, food cravings are likely to kick in.

It may not be suitable for everyone

The carnivore keto diet may not be suitable for everyone. Firstly, it is a highly restrictive diet that eliminates most food groups and can be challenging to maintain due to the extreme dietary restrictions. The lack of variety in food choices can make it difficult for people to stick to this diet long-term. The diet is also high in fat, cholesterol, and sodium, which can be concerning for those sensitive to cholesterol in foods or those with high cholesterol.

Secondly, the carnivore keto diet may not be suitable for certain populations, such as children, adolescents, athletes, the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those with kidney and liver problems. It may also not be appropriate for people with increased nutritional needs or those at risk of nutrient deficiencies due to malabsorption issues or eating disorders.

Additionally, the diet can lead to several nutrient deficiencies, including phytonutrients and antioxidants, which are typically found in plant-based foods. The high protein content can also be detrimental, as it can damage kidney and liver function and trigger insulin spikes, making it unsuitable for individuals with diabetes or those aiming for improved blood sugar control.

Lastly, the carnivore keto diet may not be suitable for those with anxiety about food or a history of disordered eating, as it is very restrictive and can be challenging to follow long-term. Overall, while the carnivore keto diet may offer some benefits, it is important to consider individual needs and circumstances before adopting this or any other restrictive diet.

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