Common Carnivore Mistakes that Kill Results

Fact: Yes, certain organs need glucose to function properly but our liver can produce that glucose when needed from dietary or body fat. We do not need external sources of sugar or carbs of any kind.  Once the body becomes fat adapted it will create precisely the amount of glucose your body needs and you will have abundant energy.

Fact: Genetically, your body does not recognize artificial sweeteners as such. When your taste buds detect something sweet it immediately signals your pancreas to produce insulin. This spike of insulin is now looking for sugar to process and since it finds none it can actually do more damage to your metabolic health than actual sugar would. This can still contribute to insulin resistance in the body and would be an issue for diabetics. This can also cause an inflammatory response in the liver causing damage over time. This will make it more difficult to lose weight and will usually lower energy levels. Studies have also shown a possible link of many artificial sweeteners to cancer. Some of these sweeteners can also interfere with the body’s satiety signalling and keep you feeling hungry thereby causing you to eat more. These sweeteners may also negatively affect gut health in humans. Gut health is a major factor in regulating your immune system. For more information check out this article in “Science Connected” magazine.

Fact: Dairy products come in many forms. There is of course milk, cheese and butter, but there are many more. Unless fermented, all dairy products contain lactose. Lactose is in fact a type of sugar and will raise your insulin levels just sugar will. This will have similar effects on metabolic health and can contribute to weight gain. Milk also contains an ingredient that acts like a mild opiate, this increases the desire to drink more milk. This is to encourage the calf to continually consume large quantities of milk to gain weight and size quickly. This will have a similar effect on humans. If you are diabetic, this is a real issue and will contribute to insulin resistance just like sugar. Some cheeses and butter are fermented sufficiently to eliminate or significantly reduce the level of lactose making it safer. Kefir and naturally fermented yogurt also fall into this category. Unfortunately for yogurt lovers, most yogurt from the store is not actually fermented and has added sugar and flavours.

Fact: Scurvy happens because grains, sugar, oils, vegetables, processed foods and fruits cause oxidative damage to the body. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps to repair this damage. When eating an all meat diet your requirement for vitamin C is substantially reduced and what small amount you do need is available in the meat you’re eating. I have been Carnivore since Jan 16, 2023 and haven't had scurvy or any other vitamin deficiency I'm aware of with the possible exception of Vitamin D because I don't get a lot of sunlight.

Fact: Although there can be some benefits from very small amounts of caffeine the risks usually outweigh the benefits. Larger amounts of caffeine can cause;

• Confusion: Too much caffeine can overstimulate the brain leading to confusion.

• Headaches: Too much caffeine or withdrawal from caffeine can cause headaches.

• Irritability: Withdrawal from caffeine can also cause irritability.

• Rapid heartbeat: Caffeine can cause an elevated heart rate which can  lead to arrhythmia.

• Heartburn: Acidity in certain caffeine products can cause heartburn.

• Muscle Aches: This is another sign of caffeine withdrawal.

• Diarrhea: Too much caffeine can cause diarrhea.

• Nausea & Vomiting: Too much caffeine can cause these symptoms

• Fertility issues: If you’re trying to get pregnant you need to restrict caffeine to less than 200 mg per day (12 Oz regular coffee)

• Pregnancy Issues: Too much caffeine can cause developmental issues or even trigger a miscarriage.

• Increased urination: Long term use of caffeine may cause bladder instability.

• Blood Pressure: Caffeine can temporarily raise your blood pressure especially id consumed before heavy exertion or taken at night.

• Jitters: Caffeine can give you the jitters and can exacerbate anxiety disorder or issues sleeping.

• Bone health: Excess caffeine interferes with the absorption of calcium which can cause your bones to thin and contribute to osteoporosis.

For more information check out this article from “Healthline.com”

Fact: Although small amounts of some spices probably won’t hurt the average person, those suffering from underlying health issues like diabetes, metabolic dysfunction or some autoimmune diseases spices can be an issue. All plant based seasonings contain carbohydrates which get broken down into sugar. Many seasonings come from nightshade plants. Most red spices are nightshades. Nightshade plants are inflammatory and will trigger a flare in many autoimmune diseases like arthritis, Excema, Psoriasis and Seborrhea.

Fact: Carbohydrates are not required for energy. Once the body becomes fat adapted energy levels will be higher and last throughout the day instead of energy ebbing and flowing multiple times a day. Fat will be converted directly to ATP which is the energy source our cells actually use. ATP can be derived from sugar and carbs, but is more sustainable and lasts longer when it comes from meat and fat.

Fact: This is a common misconception that many people make including many medical professionals. Excess glucose in the body can be eliminated in two ways. Either through insulin or through exercise. Constant excess glucose that isn't eliminated in two hours will result in insulin resistance and metabolic disease will be the result. It also results in the deposition of adipose tissue (fat).

The more muscle mass you have the more glucose can be used up. The harder you work those muscles the more glucose is used up. Working your muscles hard with resistance training or hard work gives you increased glucose absorption and energy recovery for two days afterwards. Building muscle can help you recover metabolic equilibrium much faster in a healthier manner.