419: Long-Term Carnivore Diet Risks: What I've Seen in Real Clients

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“My skin exploded.”

That's what multiple clients have told me after starting the carnivore diet, hoping it would finally solve their gut, skin, and autoimmune issues. And while some symptoms initially improved, they weren't prepared for what happened next.

To be clear, I don't hate the carnivore diet. I know it can help certain people, and I've seen that firsthand.

But I've also seen the carnivore diet backfire in shocking ways, ways that many people are not warned about. In fact, some of the issues I've encountered in clients taught me lessons about this diet I never expected.

So if you're doing the carnivore diet, considering it, or wondering why your symptoms are getting worse instead of better, this article is for you.

I'll share some surprising problems I've seen in real clients, what can happen to the gut and skin over time, and why restricting your diet even further isn't always the answer.

Because sometimes healing isn't about eating fewer foods.

Sometimes, it's about digging deeper.

Or, listen on your favorite app: iTunes (Apple Podcasts) | Spotify | Stitcher | TuneIn | Subscribe on Android

In This Episode:

• What happened when one client's psoriasis got worse—not better—on the carnivore diet
• The strange symptom triggered by going carnivore
• Why some thrive on the carnivore diet while others feel terrible
• The surprising nutrient deficiency I never expected to find in carnivore clients
• What I learned after working with clients who had followed the carnivore diet for months

Quotes

“I've seen carnivore clients struggle with electrolyte imbalances and significant constipation.”

“The carnivore diet isn't inherently good or bad. It's simply a tool. And like any tool, it's not necessarily the right fit for everyone.”

Links

GET HELP! Schedule a Skin Repair Call to work with my virtual clinic

Healthy Skin Show ep. 268: Plant-based Vs Carnivore Diet: What’s Best For Chronic Skin Issues?

Healthy Skin Show ep. 179: The Best Diet To Fix Your Skin Rashes

Healthy Skin Show ep. 223: Can Eating Healthy Make My Skin Rashes Worse?

 

419: Long-Term Carnivore Diet Risks: What I've Seen in Real Clients {FULL TRANSCRIPT}

“My skin exploded.”

That's what multiple clients have told me after going on the carnivore diet. They hoped it would finally solve their health issues, only to find themselves dealing with symptoms they never expected.

One client thought the carnivore diet would fix his gut problems. Another hoped it would calm her psoriasis.

Instead, their skin got worse.

Every week, I see half-truths and oversimplified claims circulating throughout the wellness space. And one topic that continually comes up is the carnivore diet.

To be clear, I don't hate the carnivore diet. But I don't love it either.

Can it help certain people? Absolutely. I've seen that happen.

But I've also seen it backfire. And some of the problems that can arise—especially when the carnivore diet is followed long-term—simply aren't talked about enough.

So let's talk about carnivore diet side effects.

 

My Concerns With The Carnivore Diet From the Beginning

When the carnivore diet exploded in popularity, I had concerns. Not because I was against it, but because some of the issues seemed fairly predictable based on what we already know about nutrition and the gut microbiome.

Research has shown that removing fiber from the diet can significantly shift the composition of gut bacteria. And we've seen similar patterns in people dealing with SIBO and other digestive disorders.

So when someone goes fully carnivore and eliminates plant foods entirely, I think it's important to acknowledge that there may be trade-offs.

That's not fear-mongering.

It's just physiology.

 

Even Some Carnivore Advocates Have Changed Their Mind

One example many people are familiar with is Dr. Paul Saladino, who spent years advocating for a strict carnivore diet.

Eventually, he began reintroducing foods like fruit, honey, maple syrup, and raw dairy after publicly discussing issues he experienced, including sleep disturbances, heart palpitations, joint pain, and low testosterone.

He has also suggested that remaining in a ketogenic state long-term may not be ideal for everyone.

Honestly, that shouldn't be surprising. Human beings are complex. And no single diet is universally perfect for every person.

 

Problems With The Carnivore Diet No One Tells You

Over the years, I've worked with many people who came to me already following the carnivore diet. Some initially experienced improvements, which is important to acknowledge.

But as time went on, certain patterns began to emerge.

I've seen clients struggle with electrolyte imbalances despite drinking huge amounts of water and taking supplements. Others experienced significant constipation that didn't improve no matter how diligent they were.

I've also seen fatigue, elevated lipid panels, high TMAO levels, worsening food sensitivities, and increased markers of gut inflammation.

And perhaps most surprising to me, I've seen entirely new skin issues develop.

One finding that really caught me off guard was folate deficiency. While the carnivore diet can be nutrient dense, many people don't regularly consume liver, which is one of the primary sources of folate available within a strict carnivore framework.

These weren't hypothetical concerns. These were things I was seeing in real clients.

 

“My Skin Exploded” On A Carnivore Diet: Sean's Story

One client, whom we'll call Sean, originally adopted the carnivore diet because he was struggling with recurring SIBO.

He dealt with bloating, nausea, headaches, anxiety, depression, and persistent digestive symptoms. He hoped carnivore would finally provide answers.

Instead, his skin exploded.

Sean developed severe cystic acne, rosacea, and eczema. And despite eating an increasingly restricted diet, he wasn't getting better. In fact, he felt like he reacted to almost everything.

This is one of the hardest places for people to be. Because when symptoms worsen, they're often told that they simply need to restrict more.

But here's the thing: More restriction isn't always the answer.

As I dug deeper into Sean's case, we uncovered several underlying issues affecting his digestive function and gut microbiome. We also found ways to better support his skin from the outside while addressing what was happening internally.

And with time, things began to change. He was able to reintroduce foods he never thought he'd tolerate again, including potatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, arugula, and even occasional treats.

His digestion improved. His energy returned. And perhaps most importantly, his skin finally calmed down.

 

Another Client Told Me The Exact Same Thing

“My skin exploded.”

This time, it was a woman we'll call Linda.

Linda had psoriasis and lifelong constipation. She was encouraged to try the carnivore diet because it was supposed to lower inflammation and help her skin.

And to be fair, some things did improve. Her headaches got better. Her fatigue improved. Even her joint pain decreased.

But her constipation became dramatically worse.

And her psoriasis exploded.

Unfortunately, the advice she received was to follow the carnivore diet even more strictly. But instead of getting better, she continued getting worse.

One symptom particularly puzzled everyone involved: Her stool turned green. That's not normal, and it's not something I recommend simply ignoring. So we dug deeper. Testing revealed that her gut microbiome had become profoundly depleted. Compared to previous testing, it was almost like looking at an empty parking lot.

There was very little diversity left and we also uncovered significant Candida overgrowth in a different stool test. Plus there were several additional issues that diet alone simply wasn't going to fix. And once we understood what was actually happening, we could finally create a targeted plan.

Over time, her psoriasis plaques began to recede. Her constipation resolved. And thankfully, she got back to having normal bowel movements again.

She was eventually able to reintroduce many plant foods without issue. But rebuilding that microbiome wasn't a quick process. It took time.

 

Why Restricting More Isn't Always The Answer

One of the biggest misconceptions I see in the wellness world is the belief that worsening symptoms mean you simply need to eliminate more foods.

Sometimes that's true.

But sometimes, it's completely wrong.

I've watched people become trapped in increasingly restrictive diets because they assumed that worsening symptoms meant they weren't being strict enough. In reality, their bodies were trying to tell them something deeper was happening.

And diet alone wasn't going to solve it.

 

Your Root Cause Code Matters

This is why I spend so much time talking about your unique Root Cause Code.

Two people can have the exact same diagnosis and still have completely different reasons for why they're struggling.

Hormones matter.

Digestive function matters.

Gut bacteria matter.

Environmental exposures matter.

Metabolism matters.

And no one-size-fits-all diet can account for all of those variables.

 

The Carnivore Diet Isn't Good Or Bad

The carnivore diet isn't inherently good or bad. It's simply a tool. And like any tool, it's not necessarily the right fit for everyone. Some people may experience benefits. Others may find that symptoms improve initially, only to discover that new problems emerge over time.

If you're noticing worsening symptoms, new skin issues, constipation, or increasing food sensitivities, don't ignore those signs.

Your body may be trying to tell you that there's more happening beneath the surface. And sometimes, the answer isn't to restrict harder. Sometimes, the answer is to dig deeper.

If you’re looking for help, my nutritionist team and I are here to help! Let’s talk!

 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Carnivore Diet

Can the carnivore diet make skin problems worse?

Yes, it's possible. While some people report improvements in conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, others may experience the opposite.

In my clinical experience, I've seen clients develop new skin issues or experience worsening symptoms after starting the carnivore diet. That's why it's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing.

Can the carnivore diet cause constipation?

Yes. Constipation is one of the most common complaints I've seen in clients following a carnivore diet.

Even with increased hydration and electrolyte supplementation, some people struggle with bowel regularity. Chronic constipation may signal deeper issues with digestive function, microbiome diversity, or motility that require additional support.

Is the carnivore diet bad for gut health?

Not necessarily, but there are potential trade-offs.

Research suggests that removing fiber from the diet can alter the gut microbiome. Some people may tolerate these changes well, while others may experience increased gut inflammation, reduced microbial diversity, or worsening digestive symptoms over time.

Can the carnivore diet affect the gut microbiome?

Yes. The gut microbiome responds to what we eat.

Because the carnivore diet eliminates plant foods and dietary fiber, it may reduce the abundance and diversity of beneficial bacteria. In some cases, these shifts may contribute to digestive symptoms or increased food sensitivities.

Can the carnivore diet cause nutrient deficiencies?

It can.

Although the carnivore diet contains many nutrients, certain vitamins and minerals may become harder to obtain depending on food choices. In particular, I've seen folate deficiency develop in clients who avoided organ meats like liver.

Why do some people feel better on the carnivore diet?

For some individuals, the carnivore diet acts as an elimination diet.

Removing highly processed foods, alcohol, refined carbohydrates, and common food triggers may temporarily reduce symptoms. However, symptom improvement doesn't necessarily mean that the underlying root causes have been addressed.

Why do symptoms sometimes come back on the carnivore diet?

Initial improvements don't always last.

Over time, factors such as nutrient deficiencies, microbiome imbalances, hormone dysfunction, chronic stress, metabolic issues, or unresolved digestive problems may contribute to the return of symptoms.

Can the carnivore diet increase food sensitivities?

It may.

In some clients, I've observed increasing reactivity to foods after long periods of restriction. This doesn't happen to everyone, but reduced dietary diversity may make reintroducing foods more challenging for certain individuals.

Can the carnivore diet cause eczema or psoriasis flare-ups?

Yes, it can.

Although some people report improvements in inflammatory skin conditions, others may experience worsening eczema, rosacea, acne, or psoriasis. This highlights the importance of understanding your unique root causes rather than assuming a specific diet will work for everyone.

Is the carnivore diet good for autoimmune disease?

Some people with autoimmune conditions report symptom relief while following the carnivore diet.

However, autoimmune disease is complex. Diet is only one piece of the puzzle, and factors such as gut health, hormone balance, nutrient status, stress, infections, and environmental exposures may all play important roles.

Is the carnivore diet healthy long-term?

That depends on the individual.

Some people tolerate the carnivore diet well for extended periods, while others experience unintended consequences. Long-term sustainability and health outcomes likely vary based on genetics, lifestyle, nutrient intake, and underlying health conditions.

What are the risks of the carnivore diet?

Potential risks may include:

• Constipation
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Changes to the gut microbiome
• Elevated cholesterol or lipid markers
• Increased food sensitivities
• Digestive issues
• Skin flare-ups
• Difficulty reintroducing foods

Not everyone will experience these issues, but they are important considerations before adopting a strict carnivore diet.

Should I stop the carnivore diet if my symptoms are getting worse?

Worsening symptoms shouldn't be ignored.

Rather than automatically restricting more foods, it may be helpful to investigate whether deeper root causes are contributing to your symptoms. Sometimes the answer isn't more restriction—it's a more personalized approach.

Is the carnivore diet right for everyone?

No diet works for everyone. Two people with the same diagnosis can have completely different underlying drivers of their symptoms.

That's why I believe your unique Root Cause Code matters more than following someone else's dietary blueprint.

Does the carnivore diet help eczema?

Some people report improvements in eczema symptoms while following the carnivore diet, particularly if removing certain trigger foods reduces inflammation.

However, I've also worked with clients whose eczema became worse after going carnivore. Since eczema can be driven by many different root causes, there is no guarantee that a carnivore diet will improve symptoms.

Does the carnivore diet help psoriasis?

It depends.

Some individuals with psoriasis experience symptom relief, while others find that their skin worsens over time. In my practice, I've seen both outcomes, which is why I believe it's important to look beyond diet alone when addressing autoimmune skin conditions.

Can the carnivore diet cure SIBO?

No diet can guarantee that SIBO is cured.

While some people notice temporary symptom relief because the carnivore diet reduces fermentable carbohydrates, underlying factors such as impaired motility, digestive dysfunction, or microbiome imbalances may still need to be addressed.

Can the carnivore diet get rid of Candida?

Not necessarily.

One common belief is that you can “starve” Candida by eliminating carbohydrates. However, in my clinical experience, I've found that Candida overgrowth often requires a more comprehensive approach rather than relying solely on dietary restriction.

Why does my poop turn green on the carnivore diet?

Green stools can occur for several reasons, including changes in bile metabolism, altered transit time, or shifts within the gut microbiome.

Although occasional color changes aren't always cause for concern, persistent green stools are worth discussing with your healthcare provider, especially if accompanied by other digestive symptoms.

Why am I tired on the carnivore diet?

Fatigue on the carnivore diet can have multiple causes.

Electrolyte imbalances, inadequate calorie intake, nutrient deficiencies, poor sleep, stress, thyroid dysfunction, and other underlying issues may all contribute to low energy levels.

Can the carnivore diet cause high cholesterol?

It can.

Some individuals experience significant increases in cholesterol and lipid markers while following the carnivore diet. However, responses vary greatly between individuals, and laboratory results should always be interpreted in the context of the whole person.

Can the carnivore diet increase TMAO levels?

Possibly.

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a compound associated with cardiovascular risk when levels become elevated. I've seen elevated TMAO levels in some clients following long-term carnivore diets, though more research is needed to understand how these findings translate to overall health outcomes.

Do you need fiber on the carnivore diet?

Fiber is not considered an essential nutrient in the traditional sense, which is one reason some people believe it can be eliminated entirely.

However, dietary fiber serves as fuel for many beneficial gut bacteria and may support microbial diversity, bowel regularity, and the production of beneficial compounds like short-chain fatty acids.

What happens when you stop the carnivore diet?

Experiences vary.

Some people transition easily back to a more diverse diet, while others find that reintroducing foods requires a slower, more individualized approach. Gradual reintroduction may help minimize digestive discomfort and food reactions.

Can you reintroduce plant foods after the carnivore diet?

Yes. Many people are able to successfully reintroduce plant foods after following a carnivore diet. In my practice, I've seen clients gradually add foods like potatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, herbs, leafy greens, and fruit while continuing to improve their digestion and skin health.

Why did my symptoms get worse on the carnivore diet?

Worsening symptoms don't necessarily mean you're doing the diet wrong.

In some cases, new or worsening symptoms may signal that deeper issues involving the gut microbiome, hormones, metabolism, nutrient status, detoxification pathways, or immune function need to be investigated.

Restricting harder isn't always the answer. Sometimes, it's a sign that it's time to dig deeper.

Can the carnivore diet cause acne?

Yes, it's possible.

While some people report clearer skin on the carnivore diet, others may develop acne or experience worsening breakouts. Skin health is influenced by many factors, including hormones, gut health, nutrient status, stress, and inflammation.

Can the carnivore diet cause rosacea?

It can. Although some individuals experience improvements in rosacea symptoms, others may notice increased redness, flushing, or skin irritation. Rosacea is a complex condition, and diet is only one piece of the puzzle.

Is the carnivore diet an elimination diet?

In many ways, yes. The carnivore diet removes a large number of foods and may temporarily reduce exposure to certain triggers. However, symptom improvement does not necessarily mean that the diet itself is addressing the underlying causes of illness.

Why do some people thrive on the carnivore diet while others don't?

Because biology is individualized.

Genetics, digestive function, gut bacteria, hormone balance, lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, stress levels, and nutrient status can all influence how someone responds to a particular diet.

That's why what works wonderfully for one person may backfire for another.