Why I Quit the Carnivore Diet-Twice

The carnivore diet, notorious for its controversial exclusion of many food groups deemed healthy, has garnered both advocates and skeptics. In this article, I share my personal journey and the reasons behind my decision to quit the carnivore diet—twice.

Disclaimer: I want to make it clear that I’m not here to champion or criticize any particular diet. Instead, I’m opening up about my own journey and viewpoint as someone with chronic health issues. Throughout my struggles, I’ve experimented with various dietary modifications in an attempt to find relief. It’s important to note that nothing I say in this article, or anywhere on this website, should be construed as medical or dietary advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Attempt Number One: A Desperate Start

My initial attempt at the carnivore diet stemmed from desperation. Long-standing mast cell issues and histamine intolerance took a severe turn for the worse when we moved into a mold-infested house. I was also experiencing excruciating pain and nausea, which I later found out was due to kidney stones.

Thinking that my new GI symptoms might be an autoimmune issue like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), I hesitated to see a doctor due to past experiences of medical gaslighting. After hearing many stories of symptom relief on the carnivore diet, and feeling desperate for relief, I jumped in head first without doing enough research and was not prepared for what my body would go through as I transitioned.

My first attempt lasted a mere three days. On the fourth day I woke up feeling disoriented with weakness, dizziness, a high heart rate, low blood pressure, palpitations, and nausea. After nearly fainting I contemplated an emergency room visit. Instead, I opted for carbs and promptly felt better. It seemed that the carnivore diet was not for me, so I returned to the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP).

While I can only reflect about what went wrong, electrolyte imbalance or oxalate dumping are two possibilities. Although I made sure to drink more water than usual and was taking minerals, I was also breast-feeding at the time, and that may have contributed to an electrolyte issue.

Now that I know that I had kidney stones and learning about the emerging information on oxalates, that is also suspect. I did jump right in from a high oxalate diet.

Regardless, I abandoned the carnivore experiment.

Attempt Number Two: A Year Later with a Different Approach

A year lapsed, marked by three kidney stone removal procedures and an extended stay in the hospital after my most recent surgery resulted in an adverse reaction to anesthesia. My urologist suggested reducing oxalate intake, which prompted a reconsideration of the carnivore diet.

Supported by my husband, who had show interest in carnivore for weight loss, we gave it another try. Armed with more knowledge from watching hours of YouTube videos and browsing carnivore support groups, this round proved more successful. However, health concerns would prompt me to abandon the carnivore diet once again.

It took more than three weeks to start feeling an improvement in my symptoms, but I committed to the full 90 days. The first 3 weeks were rough, but then the fog lifted, energy surged, and I experienced improvements in histamine intolerance symptoms. I started to feel hopeful that my chronic health struggles were behind me.

Despite the positive changes, weight loss persisted until I felt underweight. I introduced 10% fat Greek yogurt to boost calorie intake and stall further weight loss but this seemed to trigger a return of fatigue, brain fog, and hair loss. My IBS symptoms that seemed to vanish on the carnivore diet, returned.

It was another disappointing end to my carnivore diet experiment.

Post-diet blood tests revealed low iron levels, despite ample red meat and liver consumption. Supplementing gradually restored my health. I find myself curious as to what caused this low iron, and I suspect that adding the Greek yogurt may have hindered my absorption of iron. I admit that the greek yogurt started to become my main source of calories towards the end of my 90 days and reflecting back on this, I should have limited my intake.

Now, I find myself thinking about giving the carnivore diet another try.

Is it foolish for me to consider giving the carnivore diet another try? Maybe. Yet, witnessing the remarkable transformation in my own mother’s health and hearing countless anecdotal testimonials from so many who struggle with chronic health conditions such as mast cell activation, histamine intolerance, mold toxicity, and autoimmunity has ignited a curiosity and hope within me.

I did feel pretty good on the carnivore diet before adding the yogurt. If I can keep my weight up on a meat only diet, I am all in.

The allure of potential health benefits and the time-saving simplicity that carnivore diet offers, has me tempted to give the carnivore diet another go. I still hold onto the hope that this unconventional path might hold the key to unlocking a healthier version of myself.

After a lifetime of health struggles, I would try just about anything to feel well.

Considerations for Another Attempt at the Carnivore Diet

Reflecting on my previous attempts at the carnivore diet—what I call “Dirty Carnivore”—I acknowledge my leniency towards spices, seasonings, coffee, yogurt, foods that are typically excluded by those navigating various immune and histamine related health issues.

If I were to try for another round of the carnivore diet, I think that a more disciplined approach would be worth exploring.

A crucial factor in my past experience was the discovery that my low iron levels had caused the symptoms that led me to abandon the carnivore diet. In hindsight, increased red meat consumption instead of introducing dairy—a food that poses challenges for many who have mast cell and autoimmune conditions—could have potentially sustained my success.

As I contemplate a possible return to the carnivore diet, these factors will influence my dietary decisions if challenges arise. Balancing strict adherence with individual adaptability is key. While I’m not 100% confident that I will be going carnivore again any time soon, experience is a great teacher, and these insights will shape my response to any hurdles.

Related post: https://histamineharmony.com/losing-too-much-weight-on-the-carnivore-diet/