A medical doctor has urged people against following a popular diet, warning it could increase your risk of cancer. The NHS physician questioned why so many people are following what is known as the carnivore diet due to its potential health impact.<\/p>\n
As the name suggests, the carnivore diet is a restrictive diet that focuses on animal product foods, meaning you eat can eat meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, fish, and some dairy products.<\/p>\n
However, it excludes all vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts.<\/p>\n
It has gained popularity in recent years, with many internet personalities claiming it could aid with weight loss, mood issues, and blood sugar regulation, among other benefits.<\/p>\n
But by excluding so many important types of food from your diet you could be exposing yourself to deficiencies and even serious illness. In a video uploaded to TikTok<\/a>, Doctor Suraj Kukadia<\/a>, shared his concerns.<\/p>\n Dr Kukadia, who is better known as Dr Sooj, said: \u201cWhy are you eating a carnivore diet? Can you please explain it to me because I don’t really understand it.\u201d<\/p>\n He warned that the regime could increase your risk of bowel cancer, one of the most common types of cancer in the UK. He said: \u201cWe know that increased red meat consumption, high processed meat consumption, a lack of fibre, fruits, veg, legumes, all leads to an increased risk of bowel cancer, probably increased risk of other cancers as well.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I’m seeing more and more people talking to me about a carnivore diet. I don’t get it. \u201d He acknowledged that for some people there might be benefits, although he believed the cons outweigh the pros.<\/p>\n \u201cOK, so in some cases, I can understand why it might be beneficial,\u201d he continued. \u201cFor example, if you’ve got really bad IBS and eating certain fruits and vegetables and things can really trigger your symptoms and make you bloated or give you diarrhoea or constipation.<\/p>\n \u201cBut the carnivore diet then is essentially a diet of restriction. But by doing it you’re missing out so many vital nutrients, minerals, vitamins. I just don’t get it. I don’t really understand it, I would never recommend it to a patient.\u201d<\/p>\n His concerns are backed by a warning from Cancer Research UK<\/a>, which lists eating too much red and processed meat, and not eating enough fibre as cause of bowel cancer. The charity says: \u201cMany studies have shown that eating lots of red and processed meat increases the risk of bowel cancer.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is estimated that around 13 out of 100 bowel cancers (around 13%) in the UK are linked to eating processed meats.\u201d It adds: \u201cEating lots of fibre reduces your risk of bowel cancer. Eating too little fibre causes 28 in 100 bowel cancers (28%) in the UK.\u201d<\/p>\n Alongside the bowel cancer risk, research has shown a connection between the carnivore diet and high cholesterol, which can increase your chances of a heart attack or stroke. In a scientific case study published in JAMA Cardiology journal<\/a> this year authors wrote of a patient who had such high cholesterol levels that you could actually see the fat accumulating in the skin under his palms.<\/p>\n They said: \u201cA man in his 40s presented with a three-week history of asymptomatic yellowish nodules on his palms, soles, and elbows. The patient adopted a carnivore diet approximately eight months before presentation.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey added: \u201cThis case highlights the impact of dietary patterns on lipid levels and the importance of managing hypercholesterolemia to prevent complications.\u201d<\/p>\n Regarding the carnivore diet, Healthline<\/a> warns: \u201cNo controlled studies support claims that the carnivore diet can help eliminate health issues. It lacks beneficial nutrients, including fibre and plant compounds like antioxidants. It may be unsafe for some people.\u201d<\/p>\n