The 'King' Of Carnivore Diet Admits He Doesn’t Know The Long-Term Effects (2024)

Shawn Baker, a cheerleader for the carnivore diet, has stated that he doesn’t know the long-term effects that a high-meat diet is having on people’s health.

Baker is an emblematic promoter of the carnivore diet, and has hundreds of thousands of followers across social media.

The admission came in a head-to-head debate with vegan doctor Garth Davis. “I don’t know if my diet is going to make someone live longer,” Baker said.

Carnivore diet not backed by science

The 'King' Of Carnivore Diet Admits He Doesn’t Know The Long-Term Effects (1)

Baker regularly posts pro-carnivore diet content and encourages his followers to choose a meat-heavy lifestyle.

Despite this, he admitted in the debate that he is not aware of the carnivore diet’s long-term health effects. “I don’t know if it’s going to either prevent or increase the likelihood of some disease,” he said. “We just don’t have the data that shows that.”

Followers of the carnivore diet eat only meat, though some may eat eggs and dairy products. Diets heavy in these foods have been associated with various negative health outcomes.

In contrast, plant-based diets have regularly outperformed other diets for a wide range of health markers.

Social media “for entertainment purposes only”

As well as admitting that he has no idea about the carnivore diet’s long-term health effects, Baker said in the debate that his “social media is kind of for entertainment purposes only in many ways.”

Responding to the comments on Instagram, a vegan doctor named Dr Matthew Nagra urged Baker’s fans to see that those promoting high meat consumption are unaware of its long-term effects.

He said that the best available evidence suggests that a carnivore diet will increase risk of colorectal cancer and cardiovascular disease compared to many other diets.

“There’s no way [Baker] doesn’t know that people are going to take what he says and actually implement it into their lifestyle,” Dr Nagra said.

“You can bet that he will not be held accountable if you follow his advice and end up suffering a heart attack.”

In a response message to Dr Nagra, Baker doubled down on his admission. “He says that I said I don’t know the long-term outcome of a carnivore diet, which is true,” Baker said in a video posted on X.

Baker went on to repeat that “in no way, no shape or form can we make assessments good or bad about how long a carnivore diet will last over the long term.”

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The Author

The 'King' Of Carnivore Diet Admits He Doesn’t Know The Long-Term Effects (4)
Daniel Clark

Daniel is the former Digital Publishing Assistant at Plant Based News. He has a degree in European Literatures and performed vegan poetry at COP26. He loves long walks and vegan croissants.

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The 'King' Of Carnivore Diet Admits He Doesn’t Know The Long-Term Effects (2024)

FAQs

The 'King' Of Carnivore Diet Admits He Doesn’t Know The Long-Term Effects? ›

Shawn Baker, a cheerleader for the carnivore diet, has stated that he doesn't know the long-term effects that a high-meat diet is having on people's health. Baker is an emblematic promoter of the carnivore diet, and has hundreds of thousands of followers across social media.

Is carnivore diet unhealthy long term? ›

Other longer-term concerns about keto diets, especially the carnivore diet, include the increased risk of kidney stones, gout, and osteoporosis. Also, the very high protein intake associated with the carnivore diet can lead to impaired kidney function.

What is the downfall of carnivore diet? ›

Saturated fats can cause inflammation. Additionally, a high-protein diet (such as the carnivore diet) can be harmful to the kidneys—and can even promote gout and kidney stones.

Does carnivore diet have side effects? ›

Carnivore diet side effects

Not getting enough fiber from your diet could cause constipation. Interestingly, people who have tried this diet reported the opposite side effect: diarrhea. A high-fat, high-protein diet may cause loose poop because it changes the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut.

Why do I feel so bad on the carnivore diet? ›

Low-carb flu, characterized by symptoms like headaches, fatigue, nausea, confusion, and irritability, is a common side effect during the first week or two of a carnivore diet. These symptoms usually resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks.

Why did Paul Saladino quit carnivore? ›

But in a recent interview with podcaster Thomas DeLauer, Saladino said that after five years on the carnivore diet his testosterone levels tanked. He also believes the diet is the cause of his sleep issues and joint and muscle pain.

Is the carnivore diet bad for your kidneys? ›

The additional sodium that comes from a diet high in salty meats can cause high blood pressure and put extra pressure on your kidneys. Despite the risks of the Carnivore Diet, anecdotal evidence for it is in no short supply.

Is carnivore diet bad for gut health? ›

By skipping fruits and vegetables, people likely won't get enough fiber in their diets, which can affect gut health. They also will miss out on carotenoids and polyphenols, substances with antioxidant properties that have been linked to lower risk of chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.

What is Joe Rogan's carnivore diet? ›

Joe Rogan's daily intake, while on the Carnivore Diet, primarily consisted of meat. He often mentioned consuming elk, bison, and other game meats, along with more traditional meats like beef. Organ meats, particularly liver, were also a part of his diet.

Why do people quit the carnivore diet? ›

Impact on Physical Health

Exclusively eating meat could lead to an increased intake of toxins, as environmental contaminants tend to bioaccumulate in animal fat. There's also a possibility of increased consumption of unhealthy cholesterol levels, which can affect heart health.

How long should you stay on the carnivore diet? ›

How long should you do the carnivore diet? With no short- or long-term research on the effects of this diet, it is inadvisable to eat only meat for extended periods of time, because you'll deprive yourself of essential nutrients.

Can I drink coffee on a carnivore diet? ›

Yes, you can drink coffee on a carnivore diet. Despite its plant origin, many followers of the carnivore diet still consume coffee, considering caffeine's stimulating properties. However, caution must be taken as excessive intake of caffeine may add stress to the body's metabolism and disrupt sleep patterns.

Can carnivore diet cause liver problems? ›

Overweight people who ate the most animal protein were 54 percent more likely to have fatty liver than individuals who consumed less meat, the analysis found. "This was independent of common risk factors for NAFLD such as sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, and metabolic factors, said senior study author Dr.

Is a carnivore diet safe long term? ›

It's claimed to aid weight loss, mood issues, and blood sugar regulation, among other health issues. However, the diet is extremely restrictive and likely unhealthy in the long term. Plus, no research backs its purported benefits. The carnivore diet eliminates all foods except meat and animal products.

Why didn't carnivore work for me? ›

It could be as simple as time - you haven't been on the diet long enough. Or, maybe you're still in caloric surplus despite eating the right foods. It could even be that you're not drinking enough water, you're constipated from the new diet, you're stressed out - or some other unrelated cause.

Why is my poop weird on carnivore diet? ›

Glycogen breakdown

Eating a low carbohydrate diet, such as the carnivore diet, requires the body to break down glycogen stored in the muscles and liver. Glycogen attaches to water, which the body then expels through the urine. This could lead to dehydration and a lack of water for forming stools.

Does carnivore diet slow aging? ›

The Carnivore Diet consists largely of animal proteins and saturated fats, which can influence cellular health. Some researchers suggest that a diet high in animal protein may accelerate the aging process by affecting insulin resistance, a factor associated with cellular aging.

What are the long term effects of eating meat? ›

Red and processed meats do increase health risks.

In spite of what the Annals of Internal Medicine study suggests, Dr. Hu says that an accumulated body of evidence shows a clear link between high intake of red and processed meats and a higher risk for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and premature death.

Is the carnivore diet bad for your liver? ›

Critics of the Carnivore Diet point out potential health risks due to the high saturated fat intake, which can lead to an increased risk of fatty liver disease and elevated levels of LDL cholesterol.

Can you eat too much on a carnivore diet? ›

Thinking that you can eat as much as you want on the carnivore diet is a big mistake. Eating too much on this diet will likely result in weight gain and other health issues. It is essential to be mindful of your portions and understand how much your body needs.

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