THE CARNIVORE DIET BENEFITS
They say that a healthy gut serves as the foundation for overall wellness, and it’s true. Your gut influences everything from your immune system to mental state, energy levels, and more. As you can imagine, an unhealthy gut creates a cascade of problems.
One of the primary ways you can optimize your gut microbiome is through diet. So, is carnivore diet good for gut health? If so, how long for carnivore diet to heal gut?
We’re here to put the carnivore diet and gut health connection under the microscope to help you determine if it’s worth trying or not. But the short answer is yes, following the carnivore diet for gut health can have profound benefits. This unique nutritional regimen eliminates problematic plant-based nutrients that can throw your gut out of whack. It may even actively heal the gut.
Learn more in our carnivore diet gut health guide below and see for yourself why more and more people are leaving traditional dietary norms in the past and trying something radical.
Why Gut Health Matters
Before we get into the link between carnivore diet and gut health we want to make it clear why the state of your gut is so important in the first place. After all, it’s not just where you digest food.
The Importance of a Healthy Gut
A healthy gut contains trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome. This ecosystem is responsible for breaking down food and extracting nutrients for distribution throughout the body. It even produces vitamins on its own, like Vitamin K and B12.
The gut helps balance hormones and neurotransmitters, including serotonin. This is how it influences your mood and cognitive function. Plus, more than 70% of your immune system resides in the gut. It’s your body’s first line of defense against infections and illness.
The gut also regulates inflammation, controls pathogens, and maintains the integrity of the gut lining so harmful bacteria and toxins can’t enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc throughout the body.
Simply put, you feel better when your gut is in good health. You look better, too, as a balanced gut can support weight management by controlling hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin. There’s also the gut-skin axis, which is how an imbalanced gut can influence skin health.
Signs of Gut Imbalance
It becomes painfully obvious when your gut is in disarray. The most tell-tale signs are bloating, gas, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn. These symptoms suggest your food isn’t being broken down and absorbed efficiently.
But the consequences of an unhealthy gut go far beyond digestion. Even chronic fatigue and low energy levels can indicate an underlying issue in the gut. Brain fog, memory lapses, and difficulty concentrating may emerge as well.
Skin issues, such as acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, can often be traced back to poor gut health, as can a weakened immune system. Mood disturbances such as anxiety and depression are less obvious but could speak to poorly optimized gut microbiome, too.
Given all the different roles the gut plays in overall wellness, it’s safe to assume that any physical or mental ailment could be the result of gut issues. Unfortunately, so many people brush these symptoms off and continue to live with the consequences of poor gut health.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Further to that point, you shouldn’t wait to notice the signs of gut imbalance to make changes. So, let’s examine the link between carnivore diet and gut health.
What’s the Link Between the Carnivore Diet and Gut Health?
So is the carnivore diet good for gut health? We actually think it’s among the best diets for improving gut health. But to fully appreciate the link between the carnivore diet and gut health we need to get you up to speed - what is the carnivore diet?
How the Carnivore Diet Works
The best way to explain this diet is with a simple question: what can you eat on the carnivore diet? As the name suggests, you’ll consume exclusively animal-based products - that means beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, and some dairy.
But what matters more is what isn’t on the carnivore diet menu. You steer clear of fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes along with any other plant-based foods.
We know what you’re thinking, the rules of carnivore diet are super strict. And you’re right. But, there’s a reason this radically different approach to nutrition is making waves. The benefits of carnivore diet are impossible to ignore.
While many try the carnivore diet for weight loss or to build muscle, it may be able to address more serious underlying issues - like those that exist in the gut. Let’s get into the correlation between the carnivore diet and gut health.
Eliminating Common Gut Irritants
Contrary to what you’ve been led to believe your whole life, not all plant-based foods are good for you. In fact, some, like fiber, might cause more harm than good.
The carnivore diet takes this to heart and eliminates all plant-based sources, and with them, all the concerning compounds that could irritate or inflame the gut lining. That includes gluten, lectins, and fiber. These can cause inflammation and bloating, discomfort, and other symptoms of gut distress.
This is especially appealing to those struggling with digestive sensitivity, be it IBS or some other autoimmune disease. Removing these irritants gives the gut a chance to rest and heal. It could be all it takes to restore healthy gut function.
However, the diet goes even further and may even improve gut health through a proactive approach.
Healing the Gut Through Animal-Based Nutrients
Animal-based foods tend to share the common trait of being high in protein. But, they’re also rich in other critical nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). These support the gut lining and promote cellular repair.
Certain cuts of meat, like bone broth and organ meats, are extra rich in collagen. This protein provides amino acids like glycine and proline which may help repair the gut lining, strengthen intestinal walls, and improve overall gut integrity.
This means that the nutrient profile associated with the typical carnivore diet grocery list may help heal leaky gut syndrome. This is a condition where the gut lining becomes permeable and toxins and undigested food particles can leak into the bloodstream.
Are There Any Downsides to the Carnivore Diet for Gut Health?
Individuals struggling with chronic gut issues like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) come to carnivore as a “reset” button for the digestive system.
But even if you aren’t dealing with one of these disorders, there’s a really good chance you could benefit from taking steps to improve gut function. It’s clear that carnivore is one of the best ways to work towards a healthier gut.
However, you need to be aware of both the pros AND cons of carnivore diet. So, is the carnivore diet safe? What are the potential side effects of carnivore diet you should watch out for?
The most common complaint by those just starting carnivore diet is the transition phase, which can be a bit uncomfortable. It’s referred to as the “carnivore flu” for a reason! You may feel lower energy levels and digestive discomfort for the first few weeks as your body adapts.
There’s also the concern of nutrient deficiency since you’re no longer getting certain nutrients found only in plant-based foods. However, this can be mitigated through careful structuring of your diet and the use of supplements for carnivore diet.
It’s also important to note that what works for some may not work for others. The only way to know for sure if the carnivore diet to heal gut can make a difference is to take a chance on it and see for yourself. So, let’s share some carnivore diet tips below.
Getting Started With the Carnivore Diet for Gut Health
Starting the carnivore diet for gut health can feel like a big leap, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by such a dramatically different diet from anything you’re used to.
But the truth is this is one of the simplest diets out there because you don’t have to count calories, stress about when you eat, or worry about macronutrients. Rather, you just have to focus on eating animal products! Here’s what you need to know…
Get Your Carnivore-Approved Grocery List
First things first, you need to start piecing together carnivore diet recipes - which means it’s time to head to the grocery store. Stock up on beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and seafood. Eggs and organ meats are packed with other nutrients and are worth adding to your list while you’re at it.
Ideally, you’d pay a premium for grass-fed and pasture-raised meats. They’re much cleaner and more in line with the ethos of the carnivore diet, which emphasizes avoiding anything that doesn’t come from animals - including preservatives.
Transition Slowly for Digestive Comfort
Your gut needs time to adjust, otherwise, you’ll deal more heavily with the carnivore flu we referenced earlier. Take your time to transition over the course of a few weeks rather than cutting out all plant-based sources overnight.
Start by cutting out processed foods and gradually eliminating carbs while ramping up your meat intake. This gives your digestive system time to adapt without too much discomfort.
Switch Up Meals to Keep Things Fresh and Avoid Deficiencies
While it may sound like you’re only eating meat, there are plenty of ways to mix things up. In fact, this is essential. Not only will it prevent diet burnout from eating the same things over and over again, but it prevents nutritional deficiencies as well.
Rotate between beef, lamb, pork, and fish to make sure you're getting as many unique nutrients as possible. Most importantly, you need to include organ meats. These offer nutrients that other sources do not.
You should also make sure you’re changing up the ways you prepare your meals for even more variety. When in doubt, try our 30-day carnivore diet meal plan. We also have resources on carnivore diet breakfast, carnivore lunch ideas, carnivore diet desserts, and carnivore diet sides.
Prep Meals in Advance
There’s a reason you see so many people preparing meals in bulk. It saves a ton of time and stress. Cook larger portions of meat at once so you can distribute these into different meals throughout the week.
Grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or baked fish can be made in batches and kept in the fridge. This way you don’t have to stray from the plan when hunger hits.
Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand
One of the biggest challenges people face when trying the carnivore diet for gut health is managing cravings. The vast majority of snacks you’re used to are no longer allowed in your rotation. You need replacement snacks for carnivore diet.
You can’t go wrong with boiled eggs or jerky, but let’s be honest - these can get really boring really fast. That’s where our meat chips come in to save the day.
They’re the best low carb snacks you have access to with just two ingredients: meat and salt. Not just any meat either, we always source from the most elite, ethical regenerative farms in the nation. You can rest assured you’re getting the quality you deserve.
Plus, they taste amazing. They start out light and airy with a delightful crisp. But then, they melt in your mouth giving way to tantalizing flavors. This is why many of our customers call them “meat pastries.” There are plenty of options to choose from to round out your pantry, too:
Whether you’re trying the carnivore diet to heal gut or following some other regimen like keto or paleo, you need our carnivore chips in your life. Don’t just take our word for it - try them yourself and discover the Carnivore Snax difference firsthand!
Stay Hydrated
Cutting out carbs can be beneficial for the most part, but it does make you more prone to dehydration as well. You need to address this by increasing your water intake and more importantly, your electrolyte intake.
We recommend adding a pinch of salt to your water or eating saltier cuts of meat to avoid headaches, fatigue, or cramps. You could even invest in an electrolyte supplement.
How Long For Carnivore Diet to Heal Gut?
One of the most common questions we see asked is in regards to when you can expect to see carnivore diet results. So, how long for carnivore diet to heal gut? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as with most things. It depends on the existing state of your gut health going in.
Those dealing with minor issues like bloating, IBS, or other gut problems might see improvements within the first weeks. But more chronic gut health problems can take months to reverse. Be patient, listen to your body, and stay consistent. Trust us - it’s worth the wait.
More Ways to Improve Gut Health
While starting the carnivore diet for gut health is an excellent step in the right direction, it’s not going to cure anything on its own. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to supplement the carnivore diet to heal gut. Here are some tips:
- Manage Stress: Stress can take a toll on your gut. Practice mindfulness, try deep breathing exercises, or even go for a walk when things get overwhelming.
- Get Enough Sleep: You need to get at least 7 hours of quality sleep each night to give your gut time to repair and maintain balance.
- Move More: Regular exercise keeps your digestive system running smoothly. You don’t need to do intense workouts, either. A daily walk, stretching, or yoga is plenty to improve gut function while yielding other benefits as well.
- Limit Antibiotics: These can kill off good gut bacteria along with the bad. Avoid them unless absolutely necessary, and consider taking probiotics after a course of antibiotics to help rebuild your gut flora.
- Stay Consistent with a Routine: Your gut likes consistency, so try to eat, sleep, and move around the same times each day to help regulate digestion and overall gut health.
- Laugh More: It might sound odd, but laughing can reduce stress hormones and stimulate your organs, including your gut. So, watch a funny video or hang out with people who make you laugh.
- Avoid Overusing NSAIDs: Similar to antibiotics, these drugs (like ibuprofen) can irritate the gut lining and disrupt gut bacteria if used too often. Try other methods of pain relief when possible to protect your gut health
Incorporate all this advice with the carnivore diet for gut healing and you’ll be amazed at how much better you look and feel after a few weeks or months. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today as we wrap up our carnivore diet gut health guide!
Parting Thoughts on Our Carnivore Diet Gut Health Guide
The gut microbiome is one of the most important systems in your body, influencing everything from immune function to mood, energy levels, skin health, and more. Unfortunately, though, many plant-based foods actually cause more harm than good.
The good news? Following a simple carnivore diet for gut health is a great step towards repairing damage and creating balance. It eliminates inflammatory, irritating foods while helping your gut recover.
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But you should feel ready to take the leap after reading our carnivore diet gut health guide. So, stock up on carnivore diet treats to set yourself up for success. Carnivore Snax is here to empower you along the way toward creating a well-optimized gut microbiome!
