THE CARNIVORE DIET BENEFITS
There’s no question that the carnivore diet has its benefits, from weight loss to mental clarity, inflammation reduction, and more. However, the naysayers commonly point out concerns like nutrient deficiency, or in some cases, the carnivore diet effect on kidneys.
So, is carnivore diet bad for kidneys, or is this not as much of an issue as it’s been made out to be? Just as with the relationship between carnivore diet and cholesterol, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to the carnivore diet and kidneys.
The truth is, healthy kidneys won’t be adversely impacted by a high-protein diet like this one. On the other hand, those with pre-existing issues such as chronic kidney disease or those more prone to kidney stones may have to find another dietary regimen.
Learn more about carnivore diet kidney health below, including how to avoid kidney stones on carnivore diet and how to set yourself up for success, reaping all the benefits of carnivore diet while mitigating carnivore diet side effects.
Overview of Carnivore Diet and Kidneys
Before we examine the link between carnivore diet and kidneys more closely, let’s take a step back and discuss the role of the kidneys in the first place and how this nutritional regimen works.
The Role of the Kidneys
The kidneys are small, bean-shaped organs responsible for keeping your body’s internal environment balanced. They remove waste products from the blood, regulate the balance of electrolytes like sodium and potassium, and maintain proper fluid levels.
Perhaps their most important job is filtering out the byproducts of protein metabolism, like urea and ammonia. This is where the concern of carnivore diet effects on kidneys comes up, as some people worry you may overload your kidneys with too much protein.
Now, whether that’s actually a valid concern or not is up for debate. It’s been shown that those with healthy kidneys really don’t have much to worry about as far as handling protein waste.
That being said, the kidneys are more than just filters. They also help control blood pressure and produce hormones that affect red blood cell production and bone health.
You can’t live without them, which is why it’s essential to consider the impact your diet and overall lifestyle have on them. So, let’s look at the other half of the carnivore diet kidneys conversation.
What is the Carnivore Diet?
Now, what is the carnivore diet? It’s pretty straightforward, as the diet involves eating only animal-based foods. Let’s get more specific, though - what can you eat on carnivore diet? Meat, fish, eggs, and sometimes dairy products like cheese or butter are all in play.
On the other hand, you’ll steer clear of fruits, vegetables, grains, or any other processed foods. In this sense, carnivore is a high-protein, high-fat diet with virtually zero carbohydrates.
But does the carnivore diet work? More importantly, is a carnivore diet healthy? Yes, and yes. At least, for most people. Some of the reasons people switch to carnivore include reduced inflammation, stable blood sugar levels, and improved mental clarity.
The diet is grounded in the belief that animal products provide all the essential nutrients our bodies need, often in a more bioavailable form than plant-based sources.
Meanwhile, you’re avoiding common digestive irritants and allergens associated with plant-based foods such as sugar, gluten, carbs, and other antinutrients.
Whether you’re interested in the carnivore diet for weight loss or carnivore diet for MS, it may be able to improve your physical and mental health simultaneously, all while simplifying your lifestyle since the carnivore meal plan is more streamlined.
That being said, you need to be aware of both the pros and cons of carnivore diet. Perhaps the most common complaint on why carnivore diet is bad has to do with its effect on kidneys. So, is carnivore diet bad for kidneys or not?
Is Carnivore Diet Bad for Kidneys?
The last thing you want to do is make a profound dietary shift with the goal of improving your health, only to cause more harm than good. This is especially worrisome considering how big a role your kidneys play in overall health.
Unfortunately, there are so many misconceptions about the carnivore diet, and frankly, nutrition in general. The modern American diet is problematic, and yet, it’s so generally accepted.
Meanwhile, less traditional approaches like the carnivore diet are villanized because they break the norm and threaten many massive corporations. As you’ll see below, the claim that a carnivore diet is bad for your kidneys is more fiction than fact. Let us explain why.
Can High-Protein Diets Damage Healthy Kidneys?
First, we want to debunk the myth that high-protein diets inherently cause kidney damage. This isn’t necessarily true, at least, not for the vast majority of the population.
Numerous studies have shown that people with normal kidney function are not at an increased risk of kidney damage when consuming higher protein intake. Your kidneys can handle protein metabolism and the byproducts that come with it, like urea and ammonia.
In fact, healthy kidneys are very efficient at filtering out these waste products. When you consume more protein, your kidneys will work a little harder, but they are very capable of adapting.
Further to that point, there’s no credible evidence suggesting that eating a high-protein diet will cause kidney disease or significantly impair kidney function in otherwise healthy individuals.
Still, it’s worth being aware of the signs of suboptimal kidney function just in case. If you notice symptoms like persistent fatigue or unusual discomfort, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider.
Concerns for Those With Pre-Existing Kidney Conditions
So, is carnivore diet bad for kidneys? Not if they’re healthy. However, those with a pre-existing condition, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), may need to think more carefully before making the switch.
Compromised kidneys will struggle to keep up with the increased protein intake. These kidneys are already under strain, and excessive protein can lead to a buildup of waste products like urea in the blood, burdening the kidneys even further.
In these cases, diets with high protein content may compound the problem and progress the disease. That’s why those with a pre-existing kidney disease should probably look towards other nutritional regimens.
Does Carnivore Diet Cause Kidney Stones?
Maybe you’re not so worried about the link between carnivore diet and kidney disease, but rather, the painful problem of carnivore diet kidney stones. So, does carnivore diet cause kidney stones, or is this yet another myth?
The logic sounds reasonable. Diets high in animal protein increase calcium and uric acid excretion in the urine, and both of these compounds are known to contribute to certain types of kidney stones.
The good news? If you’re not someone with a known family history or personal track record of dealing with kidney stones, you don’t have much to worry about relating to carnivore diet and kidney stones.
On the other hand, those who are prone to them may want to proceed with caution. It’s true that your urine will become more acidic after transitioning to the carnivore diet, and this may lead to calcium oxalate stones or uric acid stones forming.
Trust us, if you’ve never dealt with kidney stones, you want to keep it that way. They’re incredibly painful to pass, and even medical intervention can be uncomfortable.
So, we’ll share some tips on how to avoid kidney stones on carnivore diet - and how to mitigate the carnivore diet effects on kidneys in general.
Tips on Protecting Your Kidneys on Carnivore Diet
We have a more thorough guide on how to start the carnivore diet if you’re ready to make the switch to a healthier, simpler regimen. But if you’re still stressing about the link between carnivore diet and kidneys, read on below for some tips to stay safe.
Stay Hydrated
This one should go without saying, but you need to make sure you’re staying hydrated no matter what diet you’re on. This is especially important on carnivore diet, as you want to give your kidneys ample water to filter out waste products like urea from protein metabolism.
Make it a priority to drink plenty of water throughout the day, at least 8-10 glasses. We aim for ¾ to 1 gallon of water every day, but how much you sweat will influence your ideal intake. Make sure you’re drinking quality water too, ideally, infused with electrolytes.
Eat a Variety of Protein Sources
While any animal protein is fair game on the carnivore diet, not all carnivore meat is created equal - especially in considering its impact on the kidneys.
Eating too much red meat or processed meats may increase the load on your kidneys over time as these can be higher in certain fats and salts. So, follow a diverse 30-day carnivore diet meal plan and be sure to include a variety of proteins, such as fish, poultry, and eggs.
Not only will this reduce the strain on your kidneys but it will ensure you’re getting a more diverse source of nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids from fish, which can support overall kidney health.
We have a comprehensive carnivore diet food list if you’re not sure where to start. You can also check out our carnivore lunch ideas, carnivore diet sides, carnivore diet desserts, carnivore breakfast, and carnivore diet snacks. We’ll show you the best low carb snacks in a moment.
Monitoring Sodium Intake
Processed meats like bacon and cured products may align with the carnivore diet rules, but they also tend to have a lot of sodium. This can increase blood pressure, and high blood pressure is a major risk factor for kidney damage.
It’s far too easy to overconsume sodium on the carnivore diet because processed meats are seen as a quick and easy meal idea. However, we advise you to limit these as much as possible and focus your meal prepping on whole, unprocessed meats.
Similarly, you should be careful about how much salt you’re adding to your meals.
Consider Calcium and Potassium Balance
We’ve mentioned a few times already that high animal protein diets can increase calcium excretion in the urine, which can raise the risk of kidney stones.
Similarly, a lack of potassium - which is mainly found in plant foods - can impair your body’s ability to regulate fluids and electrolytes, negatively impacting kidney function.
This is why you need to carefully consider the balance between calcium and potassium in your diet. The goal is to limit calcium intake and maximize potassium intake.
Organ meats are rich in potassium, as is bone broth, so make these a part of your meal planning. You can also consider carnivore diet supplements. Or, if absolutely necessary, you can try doing the carnivore diet with fruit.
Regular Health Checkups and Kidney Screening
The only way to know the carnivore diet effect on kidneys with absolute certainty is to regularly monitor it. Routine blood tests and kidney screenings can help you stay ahead of any potential issues, such as elevated creatinine or urea levels that might indicate kidney stress.
This is even more important if you have a family history of kidney problems or any underlying health conditions. So, make sure you’re not just focused on the carnivore diet results, but also the potential impact it has on your most important organs.
Final Thoughts on the Carnivore Diet Effect on Kidneys
So, is carnivore diet bad for kidneys? Really, only those with a pre-existing condition or family history of kidney problems need to be concerned about the carnivore diet and kidneys.
You can protect yourself from any harmful carnivore diet effect on kidneys simply by staying hydrated, varying your protein sources, and keeping sodium intake in check.
Our blog has additional carnivore diet tips and resources like fasting on carnivore diet, cheese on carnivore diet, fiber on carnivore diet, carnivore diet macros, carnivore diet constipation, modified carnivore diet, paleo vs carnivore, and carnivore diet treats.
Speaking of treats, there is no better way to manage cravings as you embark on this nutritional journey than our meat chips here at Carnivore Snax.
Our carnivore chips are often referred to as meat pastries because they have a delightful crunch before melting in your mouth, giving way to tantalizing flavors that will have you coming back for more.
Yet, they’re only made from two ingredients - meat and salt. That means they’re a perfect pairing for a strict animal-based diet like carnivore. We have a variety of cuts to choose from:
So, place your order today and taste the difference firsthand. Set yourself up for success with snacks you actually look forward to!
