Diarrhea on the Carnivore Diet (And How to Fix It)
Okay, so you've started the carnivore diet and are loving it, but there's one quite surprising side-effect: diarrhea. Don't worry; you're not alone! Let's break down why this happens and, more importantly, how to get things back on track.
Why Do People On The Carnivore Diet Get Diarrhea?
Let's get right to the problem - why is it that people following the carnivore diet often find themselves on the receiving end of diarrhea?
Well, there are a few reasons and here they are:
Change in Gut Microbiome: When you go on a carnivore diet, you basically starve a lot of the bacteria in your gut that feeds exclusively on carbs. This can happen in as quickly as 3 days, and the change in gut bacteria can throw your whole digestive system off balance, leading to diarrhea. However, this is temporary, and the new microbiome will usually adjust after some time.
More Fat in the Diet: Eating more fat is a major part of the carnivore diet, but your body might need time to catch up. Your gallbladder won't be able to keep up with producing enough bile (which helps digest fat) and this can lead to diarrhea.
Too Much Protein: Same as fat, too much protein can also be too hard for your body to process in the beginning. Undigested protein in your gut can cause all kinds of digestive problems - including diarrhea.
Poor Hydration: Switching to the carnivore diet means your kidneys are working differently, and one of the side effects of this is diarrhea. The problem is that diarrhea can easily make you dehydrated, thereby messing with your kidneys further and the cycle repeats.
5 Tips To Deal With Diarrhea While On The Carnivore Diet
Now let's take you through you a few tips on how you can get your digestive system back on track when following the carnivore diet.
1. Start slow with carbs and protein: Don't quit everything cold turkey! Slowly cut back on carbs (think bread, rice, etc.) while gradually adding more meat, fish, and eggs. Start with leaner meats, then add in fattier ones once you're feeling good.
2. Find your fat-protein balance: Everyone's a little different. Begin with a 1:1 ratio of fat and protein (in grams), then tweak it based on how your digestion feels. Too much fat or protein can throw things off, so listen to your gut!
3. Hydration is key: Drinking plenty of water is always important, but even more so on this diet. Bone broth is your best friend – it's super hydrating and gives you a boost of minerals.
4. Try adding organ meat to your diet: Organ meats might sound weird, but they add a lot of nutrients and minerals you might usually be missing out on the carnivore diet. This can help sort out a lot of gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea.
Supplements can help (sometimes): If you're still feeling a bit off, talk to your doctor about supplements. Things like digestive enzymes or electrolytes can be helpful in dealing with the side-effects of the carnivore diet.
Remember, diarrhea is usually a temporary issue while your body gets used to the carnivore diet. While it might take a bit over 2 weeks to get everything back to normal, these tips will help you get through the adjustment period and on to a happier and much more regular carnivore life!
If you want to prepare your body for the changes that will occur once you start a carnivore diet, you can do so by adding beef organ supplements to your diet today. That way, your body will be used to the nutrients found in animal products.