Individuals seeking to lose fat and tone their bodies frequently turn to the carnivore diet to enhance their protein consumption and improve their overall health. According to Harvard Health, this dietary regimen permits only the intake of meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, fish, certain dairy products, and water, while completely excluding vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts. This restrictive approach is often labeled as the ‘zero carb’ diet.

Nevertheless, there are significant drawbacks associated with this diet, particularly for women. Dr. Karan Rajan, an NHS surgeon and health content creator, recently released a video addressing these concerns.

What are the reasons women should avoid the carnivore diet?  

Dr. Rajan's video opens with a clip featuring a woman who undertook the carnivore diet for eight weeks in an effort to shed fat and achieve visible abs. While she successfully lost weight and defined her abdominal muscles, she also experienced severe side effects, including the loss of her menstrual cycle, the onset of PCOS, persistent fatigue, and significant acne outbreaks.

Dr. Rajan subsequently addressed the significance of fiber in enterohepatic circulation and its role in estrogen metabolism, emphasizing the potential health issues women may encounter when considering a carnivore diet.

“Fiber has a profound impact on reproductive health…”

Dr. Rajan stated, noting that those opting for a carnivore diet should be aware that a deficiency of fiber can adversely affect reproductive well-being. “Fiber plays a crucial role in how your body processes and eliminates excess estrogen. It is not merely about regular bowel movements; insufficient fiber hampers effective clearance,” he elaborated.

“When the liver releases estrogen into the gastrointestinal tract, the absence of fiber to bind and eliminate it allows for the reabsorption of estrogen by the intestines. This can result in hormonal imbalances that disrupt various aspects of health, including menstrual cycles, skin condition, and metabolic function,” he continued.

Moreover, the repercussions extend beyond metabolism and hormonal levels; elevated estrogen can contribute to dermatological problems and hormonal acne, as well as mood fluctuations, anxiety, and diminished energy levels due to dysfunction in the gut-brain axis.

He further remarked, “Metabolic complications may also arise from gut dysbiosis. Additionally, the lack of fiber can lead to a congested bowel system.”

Ultimately, Dr. Rajan recognized the individuality of dietary responses, acknowledging that some individuals may thrive on a carnivore diet. However, he contended that such cases are rare. “For the majority, fiber is not merely an option; it is a biological imperative for maintaining hormonal equilibrium, gut health, and overall bodily function,” he concluded.

Read Also: Too Busy for Fitness? Weight Loss Coach Shares 3 Simple Habits to Stay on Track

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!