„Carnivore“ Diet: What Really Lies Behind the Hype

More and more people with severe autoimmune diseases report astonishing successes with the carnivore diet. It is an extremely restrictive form of nutrition, aiming to relieve the immune system and promote health by eliminating potentially inflammatory or allergenic plant substances.

The case of Mikhaila Peterson is particularly well-known; she has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and other autoimmune conditions since childhood. Her father, the well-known Canadian psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, also follows the carnivore diet, eating exclusively beef (mostly in the form of steaks) and salt, and according to his own statements, was able to cure his severe depression after all other remedies had failed. By consistently switching to a meat-based diet, both were able to drastically alleviate their symptoms and discontinue numerous medications. Other affected individuals with conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or fibromyalgia report a significant improvement in their quality of life and a reduction in inflammation markers.

A Harvard survey of over 2,000 carnivore followers showed that 89 percent reported an improvement in autoimmune diseases. Many also report increased concentration, fewer digestive problems, and an overall better well-being.

Despite numerous positive testimonials, there is not yet a single scientifically sound study proving that meat consumption is inherently harmful to health. On the contrary, the current study situation is thin and does not allow for clear conclusions. Many studies on ketogenic or meat-rich diets are either conducted over short periods or on specific populations. Long-term, randomized studies specifically on the carnivore diet are still lacking.

At the same time, there is no study that clearly proves that a purely animal-based diet is necessarily harmful. Critics argue that potential risks such as increased cholesterol levels or nutrient deficiencies have not been sufficiently investigated in the long term. Nevertheless, individual studies show that metabolically healthy people, in particular, can benefit from a meat-based diet – for example, through stable blood sugar levels or a reduction in inflammation markers.

In the USA, doctors like Dr. Ken Berry and Dr. Shawn Baker have established themselves as prominent advocates of the carnivore diet. Both report numerous patients in their practice who were able to alleviate chronic complaints, particularly in the area of autoimmune diseases, by switching to a meat-based diet. They emphasize that meat is an extremely nutrient-rich food and contains many vitamins and minerals in high bioavailability – especially beef.

A widespread myth claims that meat contains no vitamins. In fact, meat, especially red meat like beef, is rich in essential nutrients: iron, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin A, numerous B vitamins, and high-quality proteins are present in high concentrations. Many of these nutrients are either not present in plant foods or are only available in a poorly usable form.

A particular advantage of the carnivore diet is the significantly lower vitamin C requirement compared to a carbohydrate-rich diet. Since glucose and vitamin C compete for the same transport pathway in the body, less vitamin C is needed with low carbohydrate consumption. Beef liver is also a valuable source of vitamin C: just 100 grams contain about 25 mg, which usually meets the requirement for this diet. It is important to cook liver and meat only briefly to preserve the vitamin C content. Fiber is another controversial point: while it supports digestion and the gut microbiome for many people, others report intolerances and digestive problems due to fiber. The carnivore diet completely avoids fiber – many affected individuals report calmer digestion and fewer complaints, especially with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.

A central theme of the carnivore diet is the regulation of blood sugar levels. By largely avoiding carbohydrates, the body can enter the so-called ketosis – a metabolic state in which fat is used as the main energy source instead of glucose. Ketosis is associated with more stable blood sugar levels and reduced insulin secretion, which can lower the risk of blood sugar fluctuations and cravings. Many also report improved fat burning and effective weight loss, with the maintenance of muscle mass supported by the protein-rich diet. Other potential benefits of ketosis include increased mental clarity, improved concentration, and more consistent energy supply throughout the day.

Especially for people with unexplained complaints, allergies, or autoimmune diseases, the carnivore diet can be a sensible radical elimination diet. By completely avoiding potentially problematic foods, the body is given the opportunity to “reset” itself. After a certain period, individual foods can be gradually reintroduced to specifically identify individual intolerances.

A frequently discussed aspect of the carnivore diet is sustainability. While the production of animal products can be resource-intensive, it should also be considered that highly processed plant-based products often have long transport routes and cause a lot of packaging waste. Additionally, their production often requires numerous ingredients from around the world, increasing the ecological footprint. Regional and as unprocessed as possible animal products can represent a more sustainable alternative in this context, especially if they come from humane husbandry and the region.

The carnivore diet should not be started lightly. However, for many affected individuals with chronic or autoimmune diseases, it can be a valuable option – especially as an elimination diet to find out which foods are beneficial to one’s body and which are not. Contrary to many prejudices, meat is a nutrient-rich food. Although long-term scientific evidence for benefits or harm is lacking, the multitude of positive testimonials speaks for a differentiated view of this diet.

Nutrition is highly individual: what brings positive effects for one person may have unsuitable or even negative consequences for another. Therefore, it is important to try different diets and closely observe how one’s body reacts to find the optimal diet for personal well-being.

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