Celebrities Swear By It! But This Popular Diet May Lead To Serious Kidney Disease, Experts Warn

A diet loved by influencers and celebrities, including Joe Rogan, may come with serious health risks, according to medical experts in the US. The carnivore diet, which focuses on eating only animal-based foods such as meat, eggs, and butter, has gained massive popularity on social media. Supporters claim that it offers numerous benefits, including weight loss and improved digestion. However, doctors from the Indiana University School of Medicine have now warned that this diet may lead to an increased risk of kidney stones.

The Risk of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard, stone-like lumps that form in the kidneys due to excess waste products in the body. In severe cases, they can block urine flow, leading to serious infections and even life-threatening conditions like sepsis.

The recent warning from US medics was triggered by a case study of a 68-year-old man who followed the carnivore diet after learning about it on YouTube. He lost nearly two stone (28 pounds) in weight while eating only meat. However, tests conducted a year after he started the diet showed that he was in the early stages of developing kidney stones. His body had elevated levels of compounds that contribute to three major types of kidney stones: calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, and uric acid.

After doctors convinced him to stop the carnivore diet and provided him with medication for gout—a type of arthritis he had hoped to manage through his diet—his kidney stone risk returned to normal within a year.

Why Does the Carnivore Diet Increase Kidney Stone Risk?

Doctors believe that several factors in the carnivore diet contribute to kidney stone formation:

- High Animal Protein Intake: Consuming excessive amounts of animal protein can lead to increased uric acid levels in the body, creating an environment where kidney stones are more likely to form.

- Lack of Dairy Products: Dairy is known to help balance calcium levels in the body. The absence of dairy in a strict carnivore diet may increase calcium buildup in the kidneys.

- No Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables contain essential nutrients and fibres that help prevent kidney stone formation. Cutting them out entirely can disrupt the body's natural balance and increase the risk.

Other Health Risks of the Carnivore Diet

The potential dangers of the carnivore diet go beyond kidney stones. Multiple studies have raised concerns about the long-term effects of eating excessive amounts of meat:

- Increased Diabetes Risk: A Harvard University study in 2023 found that eating just two servings of red meat per week increased the risk of type 2 diabetes. People who consumed the most red meat had a 62 per cent higher risk compared to those who ate the least.

- Heart Disease: Research from Oxford University found that eating more red meat increased the risk of heart disease by 18 per cent for every additional 50 grams consumed daily.

- High Cholesterol: Some people following the carnivore diet have reported dangerously high cholesterol levels. One extreme case involved a man whose cholesterol was so high that fatty substances began leaking from his hands.

- Lack of Essential Nutrients: The diet excludes plant-based foods, which are vital sources of vitamins and fibre. This could increase the risk of diseases like scurvy and bowel cancer. Cancer Research UK estimates that about 25 per cent of bowel cancer cases are linked to a lack of fibre.

The Influence of Social MediaDespite these warnings, the carnivore diet continues to trend online, with videos about it amassing over a billion views on TikTok. Public figures like Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson have praised the diet for its benefits, claiming it has improved their mental and physical health. However, as the diet gains popularity, more medical experts are highlighting its potential dangers.

Doctors from the Indiana University School of Medicine caution that the lack of scientific research on extreme diets like the carnivore diet should be a cause for concern. They emphasize that social media has made it easier for unverified health trends to spread, often without proper medical guidance.

How to Stay Healthy

For those considering dietary changes, most health experts recommend a balanced diet that includes a mix of animal and plant-based foods. Instead of eliminating entire food groups, a healthier approach is to incorporate lean meats, dairy, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

If you are interested in trying a high-protein diet, it is essential to:

While the carnivore diet may offer short-term benefits like weight loss, the long-term health risks are concerning. The case of the 68-year-old man who nearly developed kidney stones serves as a warning that extreme diets can have unexpected consequences. Before following any diet trend promoted on social media, it is crucial to consider the potential health risks and seek guidance from qualified professionals.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.