Doctors warn that carnivorous diet could cause serious heart problems and dementia; learn how

The carnivore diet, which consists exclusively of meat and animal products, claims to help you lose weight, regulate blood sugar levels, and even regulate mood swings. However, this restrictive diet is likely to be unhealthy in the long run. While many people insist that it has helped them become healthier than ever, experts are skeptical about the true benefits of following this rigid diet.

NHS GP Dr Rupi Aujla has warned that those who are strict carnivores alongside those on the ketogenic diet (which involves a low-carb menu) could “be pro-inflammatory and pro-ageing”, pointing to previous research. “They looked at changes in key organs such as the heart and kidneys, where the build-up of senescent cells contributed to systemic inflammation and toxicity,” she explained, according to an article in Express.

“The immune system doesn’t eliminate them; they are cells that we don’t want to have in excess and that can contribute to general systemic inflammation,” he added.

Many previous studies have also raised concerns about the amount of nutrients provided by this meat-rich, vegetable-free diet. The carnivore diet eliminates all plant-based foods and is therefore low in vitamin C and folate, has no fiber, and is difficult to maintain.

Aujla noted that the carnivorous lifestyle could also increase the risk of cardiofibrosis and mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as raising cholesterol levels. “This is something that worries me, that people are putting themselves at risk for cardiovascular disease and even dementia,” he said, adding that a short-term iteration of the diet could prove beneficial for “those with genuine intolerances,” he said.

How does a carnivore diet cause heart problems?

Eating too much meat at every meal can cause serious digestive problems, and consuming only saturated fats, which are abundant in the carnivorous diet, raises LDL cholesterol and increases the risk of heart disease. In addition, some processed meats such as bacon and other breakfast staples like sausages and hams also contain large amounts of sodium.

Eating too many of these foods on the carnivore diet can lead to excessive sodium intake, which has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, kidney disease, and other negative health outcomes.

How does a carnivorous diet cause dementia?

Studies say that foods high in fat, sugar and saturated fat are associated with early and premature degeneration of brain health, leading to problems such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.

In addition, there is growing research showing that processed meats, loaded with sodium and preservatives, can lead to premature decline in brain health. In addition, eating plant-based foods is necessary to reduce the risk of certain long-term diseases, such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes, and dementia. This is not only due to the high vitamin, fiber, and mineral content of plant foods, but also to their beneficial plant compounds and antioxidants.

What to eat instead of a meat-only diet?

According to experts, for overall health and well-being, there must be a complete balance of foods, both plant-based and animal-based. Eliminate processed foods, especially red meat, from your diet completely and consume servings of vegetables and fruits along with fiber, nutrients, minerals, and vitamins to provide adequate benefits to both your body and brain.

In addition, to reduce the risk of heart problems and brain damage, experts also recommend following a healthy lifestyle, including getting enough sleep, regular exercise, social contact, and leisure activities. All of these things contribute to better health.