10 Surprising Health Benefits of Going Full Carnivore: What Happens When You Ditch All Plant Foods

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you ditched all those greens and went all-in on meat?

It might sound extreme—after all, we’ve been told forever that a healthy diet means balancing meat with plenty of veggies. But for many people, that “balance” isn’t quite right. In fact, by cutting out plant foods entirely, some are seeing massive health improvements.

Let’s dive into 10 surprising benefits people are experiencing on a carnivore diet—and the science that backs them up.

1. Improvement in Insulin Resistance

Do you find yourself hitting that post-lunch energy slump, craving a nap? That’s often caused by insulin resistance, where your body becomes less responsive to insulin and spikes your blood sugar. The carnivore diet, by cutting out all carbohydrates, helps your body manage insulin better, stabilising blood sugar levels. Think of it like tuning up your metabolism so it runs smoother.

Dr. Ken Berry, a family physician who advocates for this diet, says, “By eliminating carbs, your body starts running on fat, stabilizing blood sugar and lowering the insulin load.” In short: no more blood sugar rollercoasters, and way more energy to power through your day.

2. Reversal of Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver sneaks up on a lot of people, especially when they’re eating too many carbs. When your liver gets overloaded with fat from sugar, it becomes inflamed and unhealthy. By switching to a carnivore diet, you’re cutting out sugars and carbs, giving your liver a break from processing all that excess fat. It’s like putting your liver on a cleanse—without the green juice.

Dr. Anthony Chaffee, a neurosurgeon and carnivore diet advocate, says, “Without the sugar bombardment, the liver can finally focus on burning fat, often reversing fatty liver disease.”

3. Management of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is like being stuck on a blood sugar rollercoaster that never stops. The carnivore diet, by eliminating all carbohydrates, helps people stabilize their blood sugar and reduce insulin spikes. For many, this means not only better control over their diabetes but often reducing or completely ditching medication.

As Prof. Bart Kay explains, “By taking carbohydrates out of the equation, you’re giving your pancreas a much-needed break, allowing it to manage blood sugar naturally.”

4. Relief from Chronic Reflux

Anyone who’s had heartburn knows the discomfort. Traditional advice says to avoid spicy or acidic foods, but some people find plant foods themselves are a trigger. The carnivore diet can help by eliminating the fermentable carbs that cause gas and acid production, often resolving reflux issues altogether.

Dr. Paul Mason notes, “Animal proteins are easier on the stomach, while fermentable plant fibers can often trigger reflux symptoms. Removing those irritants can bring significant relief.”

5. Reduction in Hypertension

High blood pressure is a stealthy health problem that affects millions. The carnivore diet can help lower blood pressure by reducing systemic inflammation, improving metabolic health, and shedding excess weight. It’s like taking the pressure off your heart, quite literally.

Dr. Ken Berry explains, “Eliminating processed foods and plant toxins gives your body the room it needs to regulate blood pressure more effectively.”

6. Resolution of Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

You might be wondering, “But don’t I need plants for vitamins and minerals?” Actually, animal foods—especially organ meats like liver—are packed with highly absorbable vitamins and minerals. In fact, they’re often easier for your body to use than the nutrients found in plants.

Dr. Anthony Chaffee points out, “Animal foods contain all the essential nutrients we need, often in more bioavailable forms than plant-based sources.” So, you can toss those supplements and just focus on nutrient-dense meat.

7. Enhanced Skin Health

Struggling with skin issues like acne, eczema, or psoriasis? Diet might be to blame. Many people see significant improvements in their skin after ditching plants, thanks to the carnivore diet’s ability to reduce inflammation. By cutting out gluten, lectins, and other plant irritants, your skin can start to heal from the inside out.

Prof. Bart Kay explains, “Your skin reflects your internal health. When you eliminate inflammatory foods and focus on animal nutrition, the results often show in your complexion.”

8. Improved Gut Health

Conditions like Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can wreak havoc on your digestive system. A carnivore diet, by cutting out plant fibers, allows the gut to heal. Many people with severe gut issues find relief, and in some cases, complete remission.

Dr. Paul Mason says, “By removing all plant-based irritants, the gut gets a chance to recover, which can lead to improved digestion and even resolution of chronic conditions.”

9. Boost in Mental Health

Did you know what you eat can affect your mood? Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression are often linked to inflammation in the brain. The carnivore diet, by shifting the body into ketosis (where fat is burned for fuel), reduces inflammation and provides a steady supply of ketones—an efficient energy source for the brain.

Dr. Georgia Ede, a psychiatrist who studies nutrition and brain health, says, “The carnivore diet provides the brain with ketones, reducing inflammation and improving mental clarity and mood stability.” Dr. Chris Palmer adds that ketogenic diets, including carnivore, can reduce neuroinflammation and boost brain function.

10. Increased Energy Levels and Weight Management

Who doesn’t want steady energy and effortless weight management? The carnivore diet helps your body burn fat for fuel, providing consistent energy without the crashes that come from carbs. Plus, the high-protein, high-fat nature of the diet keeps you full, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.

Dr. Anthony Chaffee puts it simply: “When you fuel your body with what it’s meant to run on, you experience stable energy and find it easier to manage your weight.”

Conclusion

The carnivore diet may sound extreme, but its benefits are hard to ignore. From reversing chronic conditions to boosting mental and physical health, it’s making waves in the health world. Whether you’re looking to manage diabetes, improve your skin, or stabilize your mood, the carnivore diet might just be the key.

Experts like Dr. Ken Berry, Dr. Anthony Chaffee, Prof. Bart Kay, Dr. Paul Mason, Dr. Georgia Ede, and Dr. Chris Palmer are seeing life-changing results in their patients. If you’ve tried everything else, it might be worth giving this all-meat approach a shot—your body just might thank you.