What Happens to the Human Body if a Person Consumes Only Meat?
I love meat and I’ve been dying to write about the effects of a meat only diet for ages. The idea of consuming a diet that consists solely of meat has been gaining attention, particularly in certain circles that promote low-carb and carnivorous diets. While many people are accustomed to hearing about the potential dangers of red meat, a closer examination of the impact of such a diet reveals surprising insights into its health benefits. A diet composed entirely of animal products, including beef, liver, and seafood, can lead to fascinating physiological changes, particularly concerning inflammation, insulin regulation, ketosis, and overall well-being.
Inflammation and the Role of Red Meat
Contrary to some conventional beliefs, red meat, especially when consumed without added sugars or processed carbohydrates, may actually help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is at the root of many chronic diseases, from heart disease to autoimmune disorders. By eliminating processed foods and vegetable (seed) oils, both of which are inflammatory, and focusing on nutrient-dense animal products, the body’s inflammatory markers can decline. The effects of a meat only diet therefore cannot be understated.
Red meat, particularly beef, is rich in essential nutrients like zinc, vitamin B12, and iron, which play a crucial role in immune function and cellular repair. More importantly, it is a source of bioavailable saturated fats, which, when consumed without carbohydrate-heavy foods, can have anti-inflammatory effects. Saturated fats were long vilified, but recent studies suggest that they are not the primary contributors to chronic inflammation. In fact, inflammation tends to spike in diets rich in sugar and refined carbs, which are absent in a meat-only diet.
Reversing Prediabetes and Other Ailments
One of the most profound effects of a carnivorous diet is the potential reversal of insulin resistance, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and often leads to type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes occurs when the body’s cells become less sensitive to insulin, causing higher levels of blood sugar. Carbohydrates, particularly refined sugars and grains, are the main culprits behind spikes in insulin levels. By eliminating carbs and replacing them with high-quality animal proteins and fats, the body no longer experiences these sugar surges.
Without the presence of glucose from carbohydrates, the body’s insulin sensitivity improves significantly, often reversing prediabetes and lowering the risk of developing full-blown diabetes. Many people who switch to a carnivorous diet report improved fasting blood sugar levels, better metabolic function, and, in some cases, reduced or eliminated need for medication.
Additionally, a meat-heavy diet can alleviate various ailments, including autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and eczema. The elimination of inflammatory foods and the inclusion of nutrient-rich animal products appear to calm overactive immune responses, which is the hallmark of many autoimmune disorders. Also remember that cancer likes to hang out in regions of chronic inflammation!
The Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Seafood, particularly fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, provides a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart and brain health. Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which complement the benefits of red meat. These essential fats, including EPA and DHA, play a key role in reducing inflammation in blood vessels, supporting cognitive function, and improving mood regulation.
In a diet that includes seafood alongside red meat and organ meats, the balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids can tip in favour of reducing systemic inflammation. Most Western diets are overloaded with omega-6s due to processed vegetable oils, but a carnivorous diet that prioritizes seafood can correct this imbalance. This reduction in inflammation further promotes overall health, particularly in the cardiovascular system.
Entering a State of Healthy Ketosis
One of the most striking metabolic shifts that occurs on a diet of meat and seafood is the transition into ketosis. When the body is deprived of carbohydrates, it switches from burning glucose (sugar) as its primary energy source to burning fat. This process leads to the production of ketones, an alternative fuel source derived from fat metabolism. Ketosis is a natural and healthy metabolic state that the human body is well-adapted to.
Ketosis not only aids in weight loss by promoting fat burning, but it also has a wide array of other benefits. Ketones provide a steady, efficient source of energy for the brain and muscles, leading to improved cognitive function, better mental clarity, and sustained physical performance. In fact, the brain prefers ketones over glucose, as they produce less oxidative stress, contributing to enhanced brain health and reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Ketones also have anti-inflammatory properties, further supporting the body’s efforts to heal and reduce chronic conditions. For individuals with metabolic disorders, such as prediabetes or obesity, entering ketosis can drastically improve markers of health, including reduced triglycerides, improved cholesterol profiles, and lower blood pressure.
Why the Body Thrives on Ketones
The body’s love for ketones extends beyond just energy efficiency. Ketones have been shown to improve mitochondrial function, which is vital for overall cellular health. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells, and when they function optimally, they contribute to everything from improved muscle endurance to enhanced cognitive function.
Moreover, ketones help regulate hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin, reducing cravings and stabilising appetite. This is why many people on ketogenic or carnivorous diets report less hunger and find it easier to maintain a healthy weight without the constant need to snack or overeat.
Conclusion of Effects of a Meat Only Diet
Whilst considering the effects of a meat only diet, evidence is now mounting that a diet composed entirely of meat, including beef, liver, and seafood, leads to profound physiological changes in the body. The elimination of carbohydrates and the focus on nutrient-dense animal products reduce inflammation, reverse prediabetes, and promote healthy metabolic function through ketosis. Red meat, despite its reputation, can be anti-inflammatory when consumed without inflammatory carbohydrates, and the inclusion of omega-3-rich seafood further supports heart and brain health.
The effects of a meat only diet will place the body into a state of ketosis, where the body thrives on ketones, which provide steady energy, improve cognitive function, and promote fat loss. This diet can offer a wealth of health benefits, especially for those suffering from chronic ailments or metabolic disorders, demonstrating the remarkable adaptability of the human body to a meat-based lifestyle.
You may also like this article that I wrote earlier, called ‘lies about red meat‘ and the effects of a meat only diet. If you are interested to find out more about the carnivore diet, visit Dr Ken Berry’s website here.
The article ‘Effects of a Meat Only Diet’ was written and first published on behalf of Bill Jones Mr Universe on Wednesday 18th September 2024 at 17:15 and is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved.
In this short video, Dr Ken Berry explains the positive effects of a meat only diet.