Carnivore Diet For Autoimmune Diseases: Helpful or Harmful?

The relationship between diet and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), is a topic of ongoing debate. This article aims to dissect the controversial carnivore diet, examining claims of its potential benefits for managing autoimmune disorders while critically evaluating scientific evidence. If you’re interested in learning about the use of this diet for SIBO instead, see my article on the Carnivore Diet for SIBO.

What is an Autoimmune Disease?

First let’s define what an autoimmune condition is. Autoimmune disorders, also referred to as autoimmune diseases, arise when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells within the body. In other words, the body's immune system, designed to defend against viruses and bacteria, gets confused and targets healthy cells and tissues, resulting in inflammation and harm to diverse organs and tissues specific to each autoimmune disease.

There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune diseases, including conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), Hashimoto’s, type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis (UC), etc.

The origin of autoimmune diseases can be both genetic and influenced by environmental factors and dietary factors, such as gluten and wheat sensitivity.

Treatment strategies may encompass medications to down-regulate the immune system (immunosuppressants) and lifestyle adjustments aimed at symptom management.

Why a Carnivore Diet?

The carnivore diet, popularized by multiple self-help gurus online, consists of an exclusive intake of meat, fish, organs and animal-based products such as eggs. Proponents argue that the diet, rich in protein, Vitamin B12 and iron, which are essential for immune function, might offer relief for patients dealing with autoimmune disorders. However, the scientific data is lacking and potential drawbacks deserve a second look.

A note on restrictive diets

When considering dietary changes, thorough research is paramount, ensuring choices align with both personal preferences and scientific evidence. Some diets, especially extreme ones avoiding complete food groups, are meant to be followed short-term for symptom management, while others are a more sustainable option and can be followed long-term.

Is a Carnivore Diet Effective for Autoimmune Conditions?

While anecdotal stories highlight short-term benefits due to its elimination nature, the carnivore diet lacks solid scientific backing for autoimmune conditions management. The hypothesis is that by removing lots of potential trigger foods (gluten & dairy ; fodmaps), the immune and digestive systems get a rest, allowing for the symptoms to reduce or disappear completely. Simply by being an elimination diet avoiding multiple possible triggers such as grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, dairy and nightshades, people who would otherwise react to phytates or lectins, get relief by not getting exposed to these regularly.

However, this is not because the animal protein is anti-inflammatory, but rather because people are following an extreme restrictive diet and being compliant with it. Point is, relying solely on animal products raises concerns about nutritional diversity (and thus gut microbiome diversity) in the long run.

The other reason why people might get relief on these diet is because of the nutrient density of the animal foods. Animal products typically abound in bioavailable vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and high-quality proteins. Maintaining adequate nutrition is pivotal for supporting the immune system. Advocates argue that by prioritizing nutrient-dense animal foods, the carnivore diet can provide the essential nutrients necessary to fortify the body's immune function. I tend to agree on the fact that animal-based foods are more bioavailable and typically better absorbed and used by the body than plant-based foods, which often require co-factors and transformation within the body.

It is important to note that the scientific evidence supporting the carnivore diet's effectiveness for autoimmune diseases is limited, and more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Does a Carnivore Diet Exacerbate Inflammation?

Inflammation is a main concern in autoimmune diseases, and evidence suggests that a carnivore diet may increase inflammation. Studies link meat-based diets to elevated inflammatory markers, questioning the diet's compatibility with conditions like IBD.

However, the inflammation inducing qualities of a high-meat diet is usually due to the processing of meat or cooking method, and studies currently don’t differentiate between unprocessed meat and processed meat, resulting in confusion.

Potential Mechanisms Behind Meat Consumption and Autoimmune Disorders

Several theories attempt to explain the connection between meat consumption and autoimmune disorders. Some factors, such as iron accumulation (a known oxidizer) and the production of pro-inflammatory metabolites, raise concerns about the impact of a meat-heavy diet on inflammatory diseases.

Another hypothesis suggests that the act of cooking meat generates compounds capable of provoking an autoimmune reaction, thereby contributing to inflammatory conditions. The application of high heat during cooking methods like grilling and frying can elevate the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs).

These AGEs arise when sugars interact with various food constituents, including proteins and fats. The buildup of AGEs within the body fosters oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Decreasing dietary AGE intake could potentially mitigate the advancement of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, and cardiovascular disease.

Trigger Foods

Understanding potential trigger foods is crucial for managing any autoimmune condition. While the carnivore diet may or may not help, certain dietary choices and personal allergies or sensitivities can influence inflammatory symptoms. Red meat (bovine proteins), dairy, eggs, nuts, nightshades, soy, gluten and alcohol are common triggers and known allergens. A personalized approach, such as keeping a food diary, can help identify specific triggers for individuals.

Diet and Inflammation

We know by this point that diet plays a crucial role in shaping the diversity and function of the gut microbiota, impacting inflammatory and immune responses, and potentially influencing the onset of inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases.

Dysbiosis in the gut microbiome has been linked to various autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease.

A 2013 study from Harvard University indicates that transitioning to an animal-based diet promptly modifies the gut microbial composition, favoring the proliferation of microorganisms capable of triggering inflammatory bowel diseases.

What to make of the Carnivore Diet?

The carnivore diet remains a contentious topic in managing autoimmune diseases. It is never a diet I recommend people to be on long term, as more studies focusing exclusively on high quality and unprocessed meats are needed to prove what its proponents are claiming.

Scientific evidence leans toward caution, suggesting potential drawbacks and emphasizing the importance of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. While exploring dietary options, it's crucial to consider individual responses and health history, and to consult a nutrition practitioner for personalized advice.