3 posts tagged with "carnivore diet"

In a recent breakdown, Professor Bart Kay addresses the common reasons why high-profile influencers are walking away from the carnivore diet. He argues that most of these "failures" aren't due to the diet itself, but rather incorrect implementation, psychological factors, or a misunderstanding of clinical data.

The Top 10 "Invalid" Reasons for Quitting​

Professor Kay categorizes the common complaints into a top 10 list, ranging from social pressures to physiological misunderstandings.

1. Social and Family Pressures​

Many quit because it is "too hard" to eat differently than friends. Kay suggests this is a matter of discipline rather than a dietary flaw. If health and longevity are the goals, one must resist social conformity [00:00:50].

2. Satiety and Under-eating​

Some influencers claim they couldn't eat enough because the food was too satiating. Kay points out that many of these individuals weren't actually following a strict carnivore diet. He cites examples like Amy Esester, who admitted to consuming almond butter and chocolate chips while claiming to be on a "Lion Diet" [00:01:30].

3. Boredom and Restrictiveness​

The argument that the diet is "too boring" is met with a harsh reality check: "The reason we eat is so that we might live, not the other way around." Kay argues that true restriction is a life shortened by poor health [00:02:15].

4. Misinterpreting Lab Values​

A major point of contention is the reliance on standard lab results like LDL and HbA1c.

• HbA1c: Kay explains that a slight drift in A1c is normal on carnivore and not pathological because blood glucose remains stable without the peaks caused by carbohydrates [00:03:56].
• LDL: He asserts that elevated LDL is not a cause for concern in the absence of other metabolic markers and criticizes influencers like Sue from Beyond Carnivore for quitting based on LDL numbers alone [00:05:15].

5. Skin Problems​

Skin issues are often blamed on carnivore, but Kay attributes these to stress, vitamin A toxicity (from over-consuming liver), or toxins in canned foods (like sardines in plastic-lined tins) rather than the meat itself [00:05:54].

6. Electrolytes and Twitching​

Muscle twitching, often cited by Paul Saladino, is frequently a result of eating too many small meals rather than one or two large ones, which prevents a proper insulin response for electrolyte retention. He also warns against the "superfood" myth of liver, which can lead to copper/zinc imbalances [00:08:48].

7. Weight Fluctuations​

Weight gain on carnivore is usually tied to two things:

• Dairy: Excessive dairy intake is the first thing Kay recommends removing if fat loss stalls [00:10:53].
• Lean Protein: Eating too much protein without enough fat can lead to "rabbit starvation" [00:11:11].

8. Sleep and Cortisol​

Issues with sleep are often a byproduct of the aforementioned "rabbit starvation" or overtraining, as seen in the case of athletes like Tristan Lee [00:11:59].

9. Thyroid Issues​

Kay links reported thyroid problems to insufficient insulin (from snacking vs. large meals) or Vitamin A toxicity rather than a lack of carbohydrates [00:12:25].

10. Microbiome Disruptions​

Microbiome issues usually occur when people switch diets too abruptly. Kay recommends a slow transition over several weeks to allow the gut to adapt [00:12:53].

Conclusion: How to do it Right​

According to Professor Kay, the carnivore diet is simple and does not require supplements if done correctly. His "rinse and repeat" formula is:

• Muscle meat of ruminant animals
• Associated fat (aiming for roughly 80% of calories from fat)
• Water and Salt
• Optional: Small amounts of dairy or eggs if tolerated [00:17:30].Before following the lead of an influencer who quit, Kay urges viewers to ask if that person actually followed the protocol or simply lacked the discipline to see it through.

Summary based on the video: Before You Quit Carnivore Like These Influencers, Know This.

In this eye-opening presentation, Professor Bart Kay explores the evolutionary "arms race" between plants and animals, challenging the mainstream narrative that vegetables are a necessary component of the human diet.

The Evolutionary Arms Race​

Professor Kay begins by explaining that plants, like any other living organism, do not want to be eaten [00:00:23]. Since they cannot run away or fight back physically, they have developed sophisticated defense mechanisms:

• Physical Deterrents: Thorns and spines, such as those on the hawthorn bush, often contain alkaloids that cause immediate pain [00:02:54].
• Chemical Warfare: Plants produce a vast array of secondary metabolites—toxins designed to discourage, sicken, or kill predators [00:04:07].
• Nutrient Withdrawal: Some plants, like grass, appear to withdraw nutrients into their root structures when grazed to protect their survival [00:02:48].

The Top 10 Human Crops and Their Toxins​

The core of the discussion focuses on the most common commercial crops consumed by humans and the inherent toxins they contain [00:03:36].

1. Corn (Maize)​

Contains Aflatoxins (produced by symbiotic fungi) which are linked to mutagenesis and carcinogenesis in lab settings [00:05:28].

2. Rice​

Known to absorb Arsenic from the environment as a protective mechanism [00:06:34], as well as containing various mycotoxins.

3. Wheat​

Beyond the well-known Gluten—which interferes with intestinal wall integrity (Leaky Gut)—wheat also contains various mycotoxins [00:07:05].

4. Cassava Root​

Contains Cyanogenic Glycosides that liberate cyanide into the body, blocking the electron transport chain and interfering with cellular respiration [00:07:46].

5. Soybeans​

Rich in Lectins (proteins that interfere with cell function) and Phytoestrogens, which can mimic human estrogen and disrupt hormonal balance [00:08:29].

6. Potatoes & Tubers​

• Potatoes: Contain Oxalates and toxic alkaloids [00:10:02].
• Sweet Potatoes: Contain hepatotoxic (liver-toxic) ipomeamarone, especially when the plant is distressed [00:11:17].
• Yams: High in oxalates and Saponins, which can lead to hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) [00:11:43].

The Problem with Fructose and Fiber​

Professor Kay highlights that even "innocuous" plants like plantains pose risks [00:12:06].

1. Fructose Metabolism: Fructose is processed in the liver via a pathway that depletes ATP (cellular energy). This increase in ADP and inorganic phosphate triggers pro-inflammatory cytokines [00:13:24].
2. Uric Acid & Gout: The breakdown of AMP during fructose processing leads to the formation of uric acid, a primary driver of gout [00:15:13].
3. Latex-Fruit Syndrome: Some plant proteins are structurally similar to latex, potentially triggering sudden anaphylactic allergies [00:15:45].

The Trophic Level of Humans​

The post-video commentary notes that stable nitrogen isotope testing on human remains (ranging from 12,000 to 100,000+ years old) confirms that humans functioned as high-level carnivores [00:17:20].

Evolutionarily, our ancestors thrived on meat and fat. The "vegetables" we see today are largely the result of recent selective breeding and bear little resemblance to the fibrous, bitter roots found in the wild [00:17:34].

Summary of Findings​

• Plants are Not Defenseless: They use chemical toxins to prevent herbivory.
• Bioaccumulation: While these toxins may not kill a human instantly, "micro-dosing" them over a lifetime can contribute to chronic disease [00:04:19].
• Nutritional Necessity: There is no such thing as a "vegetable deficiency." Humans can obtain all required nutrients from a diet of animal meat and fat [00:10:36].

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/2QICfW7iO9M

In this deep-dive interview, Antonio Kraychete speaks with Professor Bart Kay, an expert in health science and cardiovascular pathophysiology, to demystify the Randle Cycle and its critical role in human metabolism and chronic disease.