The carnivore diet has been a favorite among some popular influencers and enthusiasts in the last few years, who say it can promote weight loss, enhance mood, and stabilize blood sugar levels. But doctors have revealed its possible health dangers.
Literal to its name, the carnivore diet is strictly limited and holds only animal-source foods and is zero in carbs. Meats, poultry, eggs, fish, seafood, and milk foods are included in the diet but vegetables, fruits, cereals, beans, seeds, and nuts are completely avoided.
Despite some fans of the diet claiming it has advantages, doctors caution that excluding whole categories of foods causes severe health conditions.
Doctor raises concerns about the viral diet
Dr. Suraj Kukadia, aka Dr. Sooj on social media, voiced his concerns in a TikTok video, reports have said. He was curious as to why so many were on this diet and mentioned its potential risks.
"Why are so many people following this diet?" he asked on social media, NY Post reported. "Can someone explain it to me because I don't really get it?
He described how excessive red meat and processed meat intake, with minimal fibre, fruits, and vegetables, would be likely to increase the risk of bowel cancer.
Most of the people are unaware that higher consumption of red meat, high consumption of processed meat, and a low fibre intake all contribute to a higher risk of bowel cancer, likely a higher risk of other cancers too," he warned.
Cancer Research UK attests to this fact by affirming that the consumption of huge quantities of red and processed meats is responsible for about 13% of cases of bowel cancer in the UK. In addition, the failure to eat adequate fibre has been associated with 28% of cases.
Additional health hazards associated with the diet
Outside of cancer, the carnivore diet has also been linked with high cholesterol, which will lead to heart disease and strokes in an individual.
Is it ever beneficial?
Dr. Kukadia accepted that, on the odd occasion, the diet could benefit those with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), where some foods derived from plants can cause upset. But he assured that the drawbacks far exceed the benefits. "The carnivore diet is essentially a diet of deprivation," he said. "If you stick with it, you're depriving yourself of so many critical nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. I just don't get it. I would never recommend it to a patient."
There are no scientifically backed studies that support the health claims of this viral diet's benefits. Most health professionals strongly discourage this diet because it lacks essential nutrients like fibre and antioxidants that play a very important role in maintainting overall health.
It is always advisable to seek a medical doctor's opinion if you plan to make such drastic changes in your diet.
