Exploring the Carnivore Diet: The Zero-Carb Trend for Fast Weight Loss
The carnivore diet, a zero-carb trend, is gaining attention for rapid weight loss. But while it provides short-term benefits, its long-term effects on health and nutrition remain a matter of concern.
Are you following one of the many diets invented in the race to lose weight? While intermittent fasting, the Mediterranean diet, vegetarianism and keto diets have long been center stage, some people are now opting for a carnivore diet.
A non-vegetarian diet consists only of meat, fish and other animal-based foods such as eggs and some dairy products like butter. This does not include all other foods including fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts and seeds. This diet has gained popularity, with many social media influencers claiming that it aids rapid weight loss.
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The carnivore diet, a type of ketogenic diet, is sometimes called a “zero-carb” diet. A typical keto diet plan suggests that approximately 70% to 75% of daily calories come from fat, 20% from protein, and no more than 10% from carbohydrates.
Ketogenic diets work like this: They lack substantial calories from glucose and other sugars. As a result, the body begins to burn fat for energy, producing ketones in the process. These ketones enter the bloodstream, altering the normal acid-base balance of the blood, making it more acidic – a condition called ketosis.
Benefits of non-vegetarian diet
A non-vegetarian diet can jumpstart a weight loss program. It helps in weight loss as it has high protein content, which provides more satiety and keeps you full for longer.
“It helps with insulin resistance and diabetes, as does a high-protein diet better manage sugar levels. It also reduces inflammation, especially for people with autoimmune diseases, and the food Improves sensitivity. It may also help some people with food sensitivities like celiac disease and IBS,” said dietician Preeti Kakkar, diabetes dietitian at DietWise.
A non-vegetarian diet provides essential nutrients for building and repairing muscles. “The non-vegetarian diet is highly restrictive and provides short-term benefits. If followed for a long time, it can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems,” he said.
Risks of Carnivore Diet
Some nutrients, such as potassium and magnesium, are found only in plant-based foods. Animal food lacks these nutrients. Plant-based foods are also rich in antioxidants, which play a protective role against cancer and oxidative stress.
“A non-vegetarian diet can lead to a deficiency of nutrients and vitamins, especially vitamin C, which is primarily found in fruits and vegetables. Constipation due to lack of fruits and vegetables is another major issue that affects digestive health. Fiber is essential for healthy bowel movements,” said Preeti Kakkar.
Animal fat is mostly saturated fat, which is the most unhealthy type of fat because it increases LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
According to a Harvard study, a non-vegetarian diet may increase the risk of kidney stones, arthritis, osteoporosis, heart attacks and stroke.
“The non-vegetarian diet is highly restrictive, making it difficult to stick to social gatherings, especially in India, where plant-based foods play a major role in the diet,” Preeti Kakkar said.
Choosing a diet can be difficult and intimidating. One can feel overwhelmed by the amount of time and effort it takes to prepare diet-based meals, as well as the amount of information shared by social media influencers.
In conclusion, if a non-vegetarian diet is followed for a long period of time, it can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems. A balanced diet that includes both plant-based and animal-based foods is generally recommended for continued health.
Doctor advice: Get regular blood tests (every six months) to monitor cholesterol/triglycerides, kidney function and blood pressure. Seek professional advice to ensure a balanced diet.
