A doctor has sounded the alarm over a popular diet's potential link to cancer, urging individuals to reconsider their choices. NHS physician Doctor Suraj Kukadia took to TikTok to voice concerns regarding the carnivore diet.
This diet consists of animal-derived products while excluding vital food groups such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts. It has gained traction online, with numerous personalities crediting it with aiding in weight loss, mood enhancement, and blood sugar regulation.
However, Dr Kukadia, who is best known as Dr Sooj, said: "Why are you eating a carnivore diet? Can you please explain it to me because I don't really understand it."
He cautions that a diet lacking essential nutrient sources can pave the way for severe health issues, notably an increased risk of bowel cancer - one of the most prevalent cancers in the UK. He elaborated: "We 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.
"But I'm seeing more and more people talking to me about a carnivore diet. I don't get it. " He conceded there may be some scenarios where the diet is advantageous, saying: "OK, so in some cases, I can understand why it might be beneficial," but voiced concerns that such a diet excludes crucial nutrients.
He elaborated on these dietary dangers: "But 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."
Cancer Research UK, cautions against consuming excessive red and processed meats while underscoring the importance of fibre for preventing bowel cancer. The organisation details: "Many studies have shown that eating lots of red and processed meat increases the risk of bowel cancer.
"It is estimated that around 13 out of 100 bowel cancers (around 13 per cent) in the UK are linked to eating processed meats." It adds: "Eating lots of fibre reduces your risk of bowel cancer. Eating too little fibre causes 28 in 100 bowel cancers (28 per cent) in the UK."
The carnivore diet, while linked to bowel cancer risk, has also been associated with high cholesterol levels, which could potentially lead to heart attacks or strokes. A case study published in the JAMA Cardiology journal this year detailed a patient whose cholesterol levels were so high that fat deposits were visible under his skin.
The authors noted: "A 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. They further added: "This case highlights the impact of dietary patterns on lipid levels and the importance of managing hypercholesterolemia to prevent complications."
Healthline has also warned about the carnivore diet, stating: "No 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."
