Doctor warns: Popular carnivore diet could pose health risks, triggering heart issues and dementia

Dr Rupy Aujla, a well-known figure in the health community and host of The Doctor’s Kitchen podcast, has raised serious concerns about the carnivore diet—a controversial eating trend that has gained popularity online. The diet, which restricts intake to only animal products, has been championed by high-profile figures like psychologist Jordan Peterson and his daughter Mikhaila. However, Dr Aujla warns that this diet might lead to dangerous health consequences, including an increased risk of heart disease and dementia. He stresses that understanding the carnivore diet health risks is crucial for anyone considering or currently following this restrictive eating plan.

In a recent episode of his podcast, Dr Aujla delved into the findings of a new study that assessed the long-term impacts of the carnivore and keto diets. He explained that while these diets may offer short-term benefits, they could potentially be harmful when followed over extended periods. “The study found that prolonged adherence to either the keto or carnivore diet may be pro-inflammatory and pro-ageing,” Dr Aujla shared. He elaborated on how these diets could accelerate the accumulation of senescent cells—aged cells that no longer function properly but linger in the body, contributing to systemic inflammation and toxicity.

One of the most alarming aspects of the study was the effect on key organs like the heart and kidneys. Dr Aujla noted that the accumulation of these senescent cells in vital organs could lead to conditions like cardio fibrosis and dysregulated mitochondrial function, both of which are precursors to serious health issues. He also highlighted a concerning rise in cholesterol levels among individuals following the carnivore diet, which could elevate their risk of cardiovascular diseases and cognitive decline, including dementia.

Dr Aujla emphasized that the lack of long-term studies on the effects of the carnivore diet makes it a risky choice. “This is playing with fire,” he cautioned, urging people to consider the potential dangers before adopting such a restrictive eating plan. Despite these warnings, Dr. Aujla acknowledged that the carnivore diet might offer some short-term benefits, particularly in improving glucose regulation due to the elimination of carbohydrates. However, he stressed that these benefits must be weighed against the potential long-term carnivore diet health risks.

He recommended that individuals considering or currently following the carnivore diet should do so with caution, regularly monitor their health, and be prepared to make changes if they experience negative symptoms like fatigue or lack of energy. Dr Aujla also advised taking breaks from the diet to prevent potential harm. “If you’re feeling sluggish or lacking energy on a carnivore diet, it’s time to take a break,” he said. For those committed to a keto lifestyle, he suggested incorporating “keto breaks” to mitigate the risks associated with prolonged adherence.

Dr Aujla concluded by reminding listeners that weight loss can be achieved through various diets, but the key is finding one that aligns with their body type, metabolic rate, and overall enjoyment. He urged individuals to prioritize their long-term health over short-term gains, especially when experimenting with extreme diets like the carnivore plan.

Analysis

Political Impact: The rise of the carnivore diet and similar extreme eating plans highlights the growing trend of individualism and self-reliance in health and wellness, often driven by political figures and influencers who advocate for personal responsibility over governmental regulations. This trend raises questions about the role of government in regulating health advice and dietary practices. Politicians may find themselves pressured to address the public health implications of such diets, especially if more cases of diet-related illnesses emerge. The debate could lead to calls for stricter guidelines on dietary recommendations and the regulation of health influencers who promote unproven or risky practices.

Social Impact:  Socially, the popularity of the carnivore diet reflects broader societal trends towards alternative health practices and scepticism of conventional medical advice. This skepticism is often fueled by social media, where influencers can easily spread information—accurate or not—to a wide audience. The diet’s emphasis on meat consumption also ties into ongoing debates about sustainability and ethical eating, as it stands in stark contrast to the growing movement towards plant-based diets for health and environmental reasons. Additionally, the potential carnivore diet health risks could further deepen social divides between those who prioritize personal freedom in dietary choices and those who advocate for more collective, sustainable approaches to health and food production.

Racial Impact: The carnivore diet’s rise could disproportionately affect certain racial groups, particularly those with higher predispositions to cardiovascular diseases and other diet-related health issues. Communities with limited access to healthcare and proper nutritional education may be more vulnerable to the dangers of extreme diets, as they might adopt these trends without fully understanding the potential risks. This highlights the need for culturally sensitive health education that addresses the specific needs and challenges of diverse populations, ensuring that all communities are equipped to make informed dietary choices.

Gender Impact: Gender plays a significant role in the adoption and impact of diets like the carnivore plan. Men, who are often targeted by messaging that equates meat consumption with masculinity, may be more likely to adopt the carnivore diet, potentially putting themselves at greater risk for the associated health issues. On the other hand, women, who are generally more health-conscious and more likely to follow medical advice, might be more skeptical of such extreme diets. However, the promotion of these diets by prominent female influencers could blur these lines, leading to wider adoption across genders. This trend could also perpetuate harmful stereotypes about gender and health, particularly the idea that men are less concerned with long-term health consequences.

Economic Impact: Economically, the popularity of the carnivore diet could have significant implications for the meat industry, potentially driving up demand for animal products. However, this could also lead to increased scrutiny of the meat production sector, particularly in terms of sustainability and ethical concerns. The diet’s long-term health risks might also place a greater burden on healthcare systems, especially if a significant number of people develop diet-related conditions like heart disease and dementia. This could lead to higher healthcare costs and increased insurance premiums, as well as a potential shift in public health strategies to address the consequences of extreme diets. Additionally, the diet’s reliance on animal products could exacerbate food inequality, as those with lower incomes may struggle to afford the high costs associated with a meat-heavy diet.