Dr Rupy Aujla, host of the Doctor’s Kitchen podcast, has issued a stark warning about the carnivore diet, favoured by the likes of Jordan Peterson and his daughter Mikhaila
The carnivore diet – which involves eating only animal products and has even seen some enthusiasts tuck into raw meat – is the latest craze sweeping the internet.
Health buffs and influencers are raving about its benefits, but Dr Rupy Aujla has sounded a note of caution. On his podcast, The Doctor’s Kitchen, he dissected both the carnivore and keto diets, warning listeners about potential health risks highlighted by a new study.
He said: “It found that long-term adherence to either keto or the carnivore diets may be pro-inflammatory and pro-aging. They observed changes in key organs such as the heart and kidneys where the accumulation of senescent cells contributed to systemic inflammation and toxicity.”
Dr Aujla didn’t stop there, explaining the dangers of these lingering cells: “These don’t get cleared away by the immune system, these are the cells you don’t want in excess and they can contribute to overall systemic inflammation.” The doctor also raised the alarm over research showing the carnivore diet could lead to “promoted cardio fibrosis and dysregulated mitochondrial function”. But what really set off alarm bells was the spike in cholesterol levels in many who follow this diet, reports the Express.
He said: “This is something that would concern me, that people are putting themselves at risk of cardiovascular disease and even dementia as well. I think this is playing with fire considering we don’t have long-term studies of people consuming these diets.”
Despite the risks, he did highlight some potential benefits of the carnivore diet, such as improved glucose regulation due to the elimination of carbs. He said: “As a short-term diet it may actually provide some therapeutic benefits for people in specific circumstances such as those with genuine intolerances.”
He recommended that these diets could still be beneficial if applied mindfully, especially if individuals closely monitor their health and take necessary breaks. According to Dr Rupy, one’s energy levels can indicate when it’s time to diversify your diet. Dr Rupy advised: “If you’re feeling sluggish or lacking energy and you’re on a carnivore diet, this is the time to take a break… If you want to continue a keto lifestyle, my advice would be to take keto breaks regularly.”
On the topic of weight loss, the doctor clarified that “any diet can be good for weight loss” depending on various factors. These include your body type, metabolic rates, your ability to stick with the diet and whether you find it enjoyable.
