Many people experience significant health improvements when they adopt a carnivore diet. By eliminating processed foods, inflammatory plant-based antinutrients, and other potential triggers, they often feel better, with reduced digestive issues, increased energy, and mental clarity. However, there is a group of people who, despite the benefits, find that carnivore alone is not enough to fully heal. Let’s explore why this happens and what can be done to achieve deeper healing.
Why Carnivore Diet May Not Be Enough
- Lack of Meat Stock
Many on a carnivore diet focus on muscle meats and do not incorporate meat stock, which is rich in collagen, gelatin, and amino acids essential for sealing and healing the gut lining. Without these crucial nutrients, digestive healing may be incomplete, leading to persistent symptoms like bloating, food sensitivities, and fatigue. - Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
- B1 (Thiamine) Deficiency: Some individuals avoid pork, which is one of the richest sources of B1, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and nervous system imbalances.
- B7 (Biotin) Deficiency: Those who limit egg yolks and organ meats may not get enough biotin, leading to hair loss, brittle nails, and skin issues.
- General Mineral Deficiencies: Without a well-balanced intake of animal-based foods, deficiencies in sodium, potassium, magnesium, and other trace minerals can occur, affecting hydration, energy levels, and overall well-being.
- Oxalate Dumping
If someone previously consumed a high-oxalate diet (e.g., spinach, almonds, sweet potatoes) and abruptly eliminates oxalates, they may experience symptoms like joint pain, skin rashes, fatigue, stabbing pains and urinary issues (including burning urine, foamy urine, seeing “sand” in urine) as the body releases stored oxalates. The carnivore diet alone does not always provide the right support to manage oxalate dumping effectively. - Gut Dysbiosis
While removing plant matter can help reduce gut irritation, some people struggle with long-standing gut imbalances, including bacterial overgrowth, yeast issues, or a history of antibiotic use that requires targeted gut healing and restoring microbiome beyond just eating meat. - Liver and Bile Function Issues
A high-fat diet, particularly one rich in rendered fats, may be difficult to digest if bile flow is sluggish. Symptoms such as nausea, bloating, and floating stools may indicate a need for digestive support.
Solutions for Deeper Healing
- Consider No Plant GAPS
The No Plant GAPS protocol goes beyond a standard carnivore diet by incorporating nutrient-dense foods like meat stock, organ meats, and properly prepared animal-based foods to heal the gut more effectively. This protocol has been designed for those who need additional digestive and neurological healing. For a structured approach, consider completing the No Plant GAPS Online Training, which provides detailed guidance on how to implement this healing protocol effectively and safely. - Address Oxalate Dumping
If symptoms of oxalate dumping arise, rather than eliminating all oxalates at once, it may be beneficial to slowly reduce oxalate intake while incorporating some moderate oxalate foods. Additionally, replenishing key minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium can help stabilize the detox process. If someone is already following carnivore diet, they need to bring some oxalates back in to slow down dumping. - Ensure Adequate Vitamin & Mineral Intake
- Prioritize pork for B1 and egg yolks and organ meats for B7.
- Incorporate a variety of mineral-rich foods and consider testing for deficiencies if symptoms persist.
- Support Digestion and Detoxification
- Use meat stock instead of only consuming muscle meats.
- If experiencing fat digestion issues, support bile flow with ox bile, bitters, or taurine.
- Consult with a Practitioner
Healing is highly individual, and working with a practitioner can provide personalized guidance on mineral balancing, oxalate management, and gut healing strategies. If you are unsure about your next steps, seeking professional support can be invaluable. Please reach out at hello@monikaholland.com.
By making these adjustments, many individuals find that they can move past plateaus, address lingering symptoms, and achieve deeper healing beyond what a basic carnivore diet can offer.