Mental Health Benefits of the Carnivore Diet
The carnivore diet has numerous health benefits but one that is frequently underemphasized is its ability to significantly improve one's mental health. As some one who has seen first hand how an animal based elimination diet can help with depression and anxiety, I can’t stress enough how beneficial this lifestyle can be for someone struggling with their mental health.
In this post, we go into how the carnivore diet improves mental health, the improvements I experienced after going carnivore for 75 days, and why you should give it a try as well!
Let’s start off with a basic introduction to the carnivore diet:
What is the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet is a way of eating in which you only consume foods from the animal kingdom. It is a type of ketogenic diet that restricts carbohydrates and thus promotes the use of consumed and stored fat for fuel through the process of ketosis. The carnivore diet is especially beneficial for individuals with autoimmune issues, chronic pain, reoccurring allergies, digestive issues, weight loss resistance, AND you guessed it, mental health challenges. For a more thorough introduction to the carnivore diet, please refer to the video linked below:
how does the Carnivore Diet improve mental health?
We know that the keto diet is similar to the carnivore diet in the way that it restricts carbohydrates and prioritizes fat and protein for energy instead. This reduction of consumed carbohydrates leads to better energy levels, improved insulin sensitivity, weight loss, and many other benefits. However, the carnivore diet goes one step further.
By completely eliminating all plant-based foods, the carnivore diet promotes optimal healing and superior mental health by removing the highest amount of objectionable foods from one’s diet.
So what are some foods that can be objectionable and can worsen mental health issues in some people? We’ve listed some examples for you below:
Fruits (contain sugar and are difficult to eat in moderation)
Vegetables (contain oxalates and lectins which damage the gut wall, inhibit mineral absorption, and promote kidney stones)
Nuts & Seeds (contain phytates which bind to minerals and stop their absorption)
Lentils & Legumes (contain oxalates and lectins which damage the gut wall, inhibit mineral absorption, cause bloating, and digestive distress)
Gluten (damages the gut lining, inhibits nutrient absorption, aggravates poor mental and digestive health)
Fiber (causes bloating, gas, constipation, & poor nutrient absorption)
In contrast, an animal-based diet nourishes and repairs the gut, an organ system that contains millions of neurons which directly effect our mental health, making the improvement of brain function and reduction in the severity of mental illness simple and possible.
The carnivore diet also supplies the body with the most nutrient dense, bioavailable foods that have significantly higher mineral absorption rates as compared to plant based options, without the negative side effects:
what mental health improvements can you expect on the Carnivore Diet?
After following an animal-based diet during the Carnivore75Hard Challenge, I experienced many mental health improvements, some as quickly as one week in!
Here are some of the mental health improvements you can experience on an animal-based diet:
Improved Mental Clarity
Reduced Brain Fog & Confusion
Improved Concentration
Improved Creativity
Reduced Anxiety
Less Panic Attacks
Reduced Stress Levels
Improved Symptoms of Depression
Increase in Overall Sense of Happiness
Better Sleep Quality leading to Increased Energy Levels
And that’s all while enjoying delicious foods such as the ones mentioned below:
WHY you should give the Carnivore Diet a try:
The carnivore diet may be a good option for you if you are:
Struggling with your mental health,
Experiencing brain fog & low creativity,
Suffering from gut and digestive issues,
Tired of trying remedy after remedy to no avail,
Wanting to try an elimination diet due to autoimmune or allergy issues,
Looking for an alternative, holistic approach to better overall health
If you choose to give it a try, we hope that you experience numerous health benefits on this highly nutritious animal-based lifestyle!
Please note that our article is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you are suffering from mental health issues, please speak to your doctor. We are in this together.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN TRYING THE CARNIVORE DIET BUT NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
This website is for general informational purposes only. It must never be considered a substitute for advice provided by a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional with questions you may have regarding your medical condition.
