August 26, 2025 | 10:49 am
A carnivore diet emphasizes consuming only animal products and nearly eliminates all plant sources. While some people may experience benefits such as weight loss or increased energy, this eating pattern also poses health risks that need to be considered. Understanding these impacts is crucial before deciding to adopt a carnivore diet to maintain overall health.
As reported by the British Health Foundation, Harvard Health Publishing, and Cleveland Clinic, here are several health risks of a carnivore diet:
1. Increased Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
Consuming high levels of saturated fat from red meat and animal products can raise levels of harmful cholesterol (non-HDL). Processed meats rich in salt also have the potential to elevate blood pressure, both of which increase the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
2. Kidney Strain
Eating excessive amounts of meat means a very high protein intake. A high-protein diet can strain the kidneys as they have to work harder to process the waste products of protein metabolism. This condition poses a risk to kidney function if maintained over the long term.
3. Lack of Essential Nutrients
A carnivore diet contains minimal to no fruits, vegetables, or fiber. A lack of fiber can disrupt digestion, leading to constipation and increased levels of harmful cholesterol, and is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and vascular disorders.
4. Long-Term Health Disorders
A carnivore diet can increase the risk of kidney stones, uric acid, and osteoporosis due to the very high protein intake. Excessive protein intake can also reduce kidney function over time.
5. Extremely Low Carbohydrate Content
As an extremely ketogenic diet, the carnivore diet contains almost no carbohydrates. This differs from the standard keto diet, which targets 70-75 percent of calories from fat, 20 percent from protein, and a maximum of 10 percent from carbohydrates. In the carnivore diet, the fat content is not determined and depends on the type and quantity of consumed meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products.
6. Risk of Heart Disease
The high saturated fat content of a carnivore diet can increase levels of harmful cholesterol (LDL), thereby raising the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends limiting red meat consumption to maintain heart health. High saturated fat levels can also trigger inflammation in blood vessels and worsen heart health. Excessive consumption of red meat can accelerate the development of plaque in the arteries, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes.
7. Cancer Risk
Consuming large amounts of red meat is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, including cancers of the colon and rectum, as well as several other types of cancer. Meat processing methods such as smoking or curing can also add carcinogenic compounds. Low fiber intake, as in the carnivore diet, can worsen the risk of colon cancer because digestion slows down and toxins accumulate for a longer duration in the digestive tract.
8. Digestive Issues
Meat takes longer to digest, and the lack of fiber in a carnivore diet can cause constipation and other digestive disturbances. A lack of fiber can also disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, affecting overall digestion. These disruptions can lead to daily discomfort such as bloating, pain, and discomfort if this diet is followed in the long term.
9. Muscle Cramps
A lack of essential nutrients in a carnivore diet can cause an electrolyte imbalance leading to muscle cramps, dizziness, fatigue, and general weakness. Furthermore, a lack of vitamins and minerals from vegetables and fruits can worsen this condition. Electrolyte imbalance can also affect the function of heart muscles and increase the risk of chronic fatigue and decreased physical performance.
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