Carnivore Diet

After following a strict meat-only diet for a year and then introducing carbohydrates, fats, and sugars, the body may experience digestive discomfort, changes in blood sugar levels, and potential weight fluctuations. These changes are a result of the body's adaptation to a new diet and the reintroduction of nutrients it had been lacking. 

Digestive Discomfort:

• Bloating and Gas:

The digestive system, accustomed to a high-protein, low-fiber diet, may struggle to process carbohydrates and fiber from fruits and vegetables, leading to bloating and gas. 

• Constipation or Diarrhea:

The shift in dietary fiber can cause changes in bowel habits, with some individuals experiencing constipation or diarrhea as their bodies adjust. 

• Heartburn and Acid Reflux:

Meat, especially when high in saturated fat, requires more digestive work than plant-based foods. Introducing carbs can further strain the digestive system, potentially leading to heartburn and acid reflux. 

Blood Sugar Fluctuations:

• Carbohydrate Intolerance:

If the body has been deprived of carbohydrates for a long time, it may struggle to process them efficiently, leading to blood sugar spikes and potential insulin resistance.

• Diminished Glucose Tolerance:

Studies have shown that individuals on an all-meat diet may have a reduced tolerance for glucose, meaning their body may not respond as efficiently to carbohydrate intake. 

Weight Fluctuations:

• Water Weight Gain:

As glycogen stores are replenished, the body retains more water, which can lead to a temporary increase in weight. 

• Potential for Weight Gain:

The reintroduction of carbohydrates, especially simple carbs, can lead to increased insulin levels, potentially promoting fat storage and weight gain. 

Other Potential Effects:

• Fatigue:

The body may experience fatigue as it adapts to the new dietary pattern and adjusts its energy sources. 

• Nutrient Deficiencies:

A strict meat-only diet may lead to deficiencies in certain micronutrients and beneficial plant compounds, which may be more apparent when introducing other food groups. 

Important Considerations:

• Gradual Introduction:

It's recommended to gradually reintroduce carbohydrates, fats, and sugars to minimize digestive discomfort and allow the body to adjust. 

• Individual Variation:

The body's response to changes in diet can vary significantly, and individuals may experience different symptoms and reactions. 

• Consultation with a Professional:

  
  

It's always a good idea to consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes, especially after a long period of dietary restriction.

The bottom line is everything you do to your body should be done in moderation. Clearly changing what you eat will have an effect on your wellbeing, and indeed the carnivore diet sounds encouraging.

If you do it for short periods it will help, but to keep it up the rest of your life will most likely be too much. Find the right balance that you can maintain throughout your life rather than entering a fad.

Take care!

Prof. Carl Boniface 

Vocabulary builder:

Wellbeing (n) = the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.

Fad (n) = an intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something, especially one that is short-lived and without basis in the object's qualities; a craze.