Animal Based Diet Pros and Cons
What are some Animal Based Diet Pros and Cons? Let this post help you decide whether you are ready to go animal-based.
Is an animal-based, low-toxin carnivore diet for everyone? As much as I would like to give a definitive yes or no, the real answer, as you may expect, is far more nuanced.
There are a lot of reasons why someone would want to consider an animal-based diet, but that does not mean that everyone needs to proceed immediately to their refrigerators and start tossing the bell peppers and kale directly into the trash bin. As with most diets, it has its pros and cons.
Let’s dig in, shall we?
What is an Animal Based Diet?
The animal-based, low-toxin carnivore diet encourages mostly meats and possibly some dairy and eggs depending on what your digestive system can tolerate. The main culprit to avoid is the toxins in plants, obvi. Namely: lectins, phytates, polyphenols, oxalates, and sulforaphane.
For example: Lectins, the anti-nutrient which acts as a plant’s natural defense against being eaten, can disrupt gut health in some people and even worsen symptoms associated with autoimmune disease. It is those who experience such issues who may benefit from a low toxin carnivore diet.
Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of animal-based eating!
Want to dig further into the toxic capabilities of plants and the science behind this “wild accusation?” Order a copy of THE CARNIVORE CODE and get Primally nerdy!
Pros
Low in plant toxins
Well, snap. It is right there in the name after all. Those who are dealing with digestion issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, or inflammatory issues like joint pain, skin disorders, and autoimmunity may find that plant toxins are to blame. If those symptoms resolve themselves after removing those pesky “plant poisons” from your diet, then it appears you have found your offender.
High in protein
Since the animal-based, low-toxin carnivore diet limits what produce you should be eating, that leaves lots of tasty meat products for your meal options. Grass-fed and pasture-raised meats are recommended, and these are loaded with muscle-building protein.
High in B vitamins
Meats and animal products are among the only quality sources of Vitamin B12 which supports blood and brain health. They also contain plenty of Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, and Vitamin B6, which aids in energy metabolism
Low in sugar
Since the animal-based diet is more about what you don’t eat, let’s add sugar to that list. This diet cautions against eating processed sugar and copious amounts of fruit. Low intake of sugar means your body is using less of the fat-storage hormone insulin.
High in minerals
Zinc, phosphorus, iron, and selenium are essential minerals that the body needs in order to perform a variety of functions. Organ meats or organ meat supplements are good sources of these needed nutrients.
Possible remission of autoimmune disease
I know! It sounds too good to be true, but if you are struggling with symptoms associated with an autoimmune disease, an animal-based, low-toxin carnivore diet may just be your savior.
Meals on a carnivore diet can include pasture-raised meats, wild-caught seafood, cheeses, eggs, and sea salt free from microplastics, like Real Salt. (Use code CAVEWOMAN for 10% off your first Redmond Salt order!)
Cons
Some people need variety
Though a giant bowl of lettuce is hardly a meal, there are some people that enjoy eating a salad as a side dish. Most meals traditionally feature meat plus a vegetable side and possibly something starchy like potatoes. Though low sugar fruits such as cucumbers and limited amounts of higher sugar fruits like pineapple are still a go on an animal-based, low-toxin carnivore diet, there are some who may miss their spinach, almond butter, tomatoes, and chili powder.
Cuts out some affordable “foods”
The good thing about such food-like-substances as grains and beans is that they don’t cost very much, and many people include them in meals to stretch their food budget. The bad news is they are high in toxins and should be avoided on an animal-based diet.
It gives some foods a bad name
There are some who believe that restricting any food is a bad thing. Putting certain items on the no-no list may not be appropriate for those who are recovering from an eating disorder. Though, check out this podcast from Dr. Paul Saldino about how a client reversed her eating disorder with an animal-based diet!
Low in sodium
If you go lower carb, you may find that you are making more trips to the restroom to empty your bladder as your body breaks down fat into carbon dioxide and water. With that comes the elimination of sodium. Though salt has an unearned bad rap, it is an essential micronutrient, and you may feel dizzy or nauseous if you don’t get enough of it. Being sure to keep your minerals balanced is a way to counteract this side effect.
Who Can Benefit from an Animal Based Diet?
If you are one of those unlucky folks who struggles with an autoimmune disease, you are in good company. About 7% percent of the population are marching right alongside you. If you are hoping to achieve some relief from your symptoms, then an animal-based, low-toxin carnivore diet may help.
Those who are on a 100% carnivore diet, which is a diet that allows ONLY animal products, may also want to consider an animal-based diet as it does not restrict all fruits and vegetables. Though it may not have the variety of the standard American diet, it does allow for some yummy sides such as sauteed squash with cilantro. The addition of these two low-toxin plants can elevate just about any meal from boring to super tasty.
Have you completed the autoimmune protocol but think that you may benefit from some additional biohacking? If the elimination of certain foods also brought about the elimination of gas, bloating, diarrhea, and autoimmune disease symptoms, then consider keeping that momentum going with an animal-based diet. After all, if eliminating or greatly reducing your plant toxin intake makes you feel better, do you really need to be talked into keeping your intake low?
Click here to check out my animal-based recipe archives and save some ideas for the next time you fire up the gears in the kitchen!
Ready to biohack and test these Animal Based Diet Pros and Cons for yourself?
Head here to download your free 3-day meal plan, including a list of the least toxic plants and the most nutrient rich foods!
