Are we asking the right questions about the carnivore diet? In this video, Dr. Eric Westman flips the script and reveals the overlooked health benefits of the carnivore diet — insights that most people (and even experts) aren’t talking about.
YouTube summary
In this video, Dr. Eric Westman investigates ten key questions about the carnivore diet that are often overlooked. He explains its potential benefits for reversing type 2 diabetes, obesity, and gluten-related issues, while addressing common misconceptions about nutritional adequacy, essential nutrients, and fiber. Dr. Westman advocates for a deeper understanding of the carnivore diet and its health benefits, encouraging viewers to think critically about current dietary guidelines.
Key Points
Reversal of Type 2 Diabetes
The carnivore diet, as a form of low carbohydrate ketogenic diet, has established scientific backing for its ability to reverse type 2 diabetes. By eliminating sugars and carbohydrates, the diet lowers blood glucose and insulin levels, addressing the metabolic issues at the root of diabetes.
Obesity Management
The carnivore diet has been shown to reverse obesity, with over two decades of research supporting low carbohydrate diets as effective for weight loss. Historical evidence from the 1860s indicates that low carb, including carnivore diets, has long been utilized for weight management.
Gluten Sensitivity Solutions
The carnivore diet is inherently gluten-free, which makes it effective for managing conditions like celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. By removing gluten entirely, individuals may experience significant health improvements that aren’t achievable with less restrictive gluten-free diets.
Addressing Sugar Addiction
A carnivore diet eliminates sugar and ultra-processed foods, which can help alleviate sugar addiction and binge eating. This clean eating approach may provide health benefits by removing common dietary irritants.
Nutritional Adequacy
Despite common beliefs, the carnivore diet can provide all essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, from animal sources alone. Concerns about the need for fruits and vegetables are addressed, as essential nutrients can be derived from meats, negating the myth of their necessity.
Vitamin C and Scurvy Concerns
The necessity of vitamin C from fruits is challenged, as meat contains some vitamin C and the body’s need may decrease when carbohydrates are eliminated. Cases of scurvy on a carnivore diet are extremely rare, pointing to the diet’s adequacy in nutrient supply.
Debunking Fiber Myths
Dr. Westman argues that fiber is not an essential nutrient, contradicting popular beliefs that it is necessary for bowel health. Low-carb diets, including carnivorous diets, can maintain gut health without the need for fiber-rich foods.
Long-term Research Needs
While current evidence shows significant short-term health benefits of the carnivore diet, Dr. Westman highlights the need for further research to assess the long-term effects and potential risks in broader populations.
Critical Perspective on Dietary Guidelines
The video calls for a reevaluation of established dietary guidelines, emphasizing that a more personalized approach to nutrition can significantly improve individuals’ health outcomes.
Encouraging Behavior Change
Finally, Dr. Westman urges viewers to adopt a more inquisitive mindset toward dietary choices and to consider participatory learning with healthcare providers to explore the benefits of a carnivore diet.
This was a excellent video covering the most frequent carnivore questions people ask.
Now I just wish someone would teach how to respond to common “can’t do it because…” comments
I have a friend in his late 50s, type 2 diabetes, carrying maybe an excess of 40kg fat, who can’t do carnivore “because there’s too little variety”
I say “low carb will give you most of the same benefits”
Him: “not enough variety”
Me: “why not try for a month or so and see what it does to your glucose monitor?”
Him: changes subject
Meanwhile a 35yo relative is “too addicted to sugar” and unwilling to hear about how to beat an addiction (though they agree that sugar would be easier to quit than cigarettes and many have quit smokes)
You did you best, in both scenarios you let them know there was a better way, and you made yourself available as a helpful resource. The rest is up to them
People aren’t going to change because we want them to get healthier, everyone has to decide for themselves when it’s a right time to try something new.
The vegans are asking themselves the same questions about us, the problem is we don’t want to change to vegan.
If someone is curious, but then has the hesitation questions you mentioned, I think inviting them over for some food would be good, show it’s easy and delicious.
I’ve found the best tool for hesitant people is a CGM, it’s an amazing instant feedback tool. Costs $20 for two weeks. Now they can play the game of keeping the line flat. This has been the single biggest successful tool for my friends who have issues they want to fix but we’re not excited about keto.
I bought ten CGMs from AliExpress, and I give them out like party favors.
The 30 day challenge is a excellent technique, just get a foot in the door, makes carnivore less daunting so they get real world experience
I might try giving them CGMs