The Carnivore Diet for Patients: A Guide for Healthcare Providers

As a healthcare provider, you are constantly seeking innovative ways to help your patients improve their health. The Carnivore Diet, an animal based protein nutritional approach, is gaining traction among those looking for solutions to weight management, metabolic dysfunction, and inflammation. [2]

Unlike traditional dietary guidelines that emphasize a balance of macronutrients from various sources, this diet takes an elimination approach—focusing solely on animal-based foods while completely excluding plant-based nutrition.

While this approach challenges conventional dietary norms, research and anecdotal evidence [1] suggest it may be a powerful temporary tool for certain patients, particularly those with metabolic disorders, autoimmune conditions, and digestive health concerns. [3] If you are considering recommending the Carnivore Diet to your patients, understanding its mechanisms, benefits, and challenges is essential.

Why The Carnivore Diet?

The Carnivore Diet is rooted in the concept that humans evolved primarily as meat-eaters, obtaining essential nutrients from animal products.

The diet removes all plant-based foods, which some argue contain anti-nutrients such as oxalates, lectins, and phytates that may interfere with nutrient absorption and contribute to inflammation in sensitive individuals. [4]

Clinically, the diet can be compared to ketogenic and paleo approaches, as it prioritizes high-fat, low-carb, and high-protein intake to induce ketosis and optimize fat metabolism. The absence of carbohydrates stabilizes blood sugar levels and minimizes insulin spikes, potentially benefiting patients with type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance. [5]

Who Should Avoid the Carnivore Diet?

Before making any drastic dietary changes, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider. While some individuals may see benefits from an all-animal-product diet, it isn’t suitable for everyone.

The high intake of saturated fats from meats can contribute to elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, consuming excessive amounts of processed meats—such as bacon, sausage, and deli meats—can lead to high blood pressure and kidney strain. [5]

For individuals with certain health conditions, the carnivore diet may do more harm than good. Those who should avoid this diet [5] include:

– Individuals with high blood pressure
– Those with high cholesterol or a history of cardiovascular disease
– People managing obesity with other underlying health conditions (comorbidities)

The Risk of Constipation

Since the carnivore diet eliminates plant-based foods, it lacks dietary fiber—an essential nutrient for digestive health. Fiber promotes regular bowel movements and helps nourish beneficial gut bacteria, which play a crucial role in immune function and overall well-being. Without sufficient fiber intake, individuals may experience constipation and potential disruptions to gut health. [6]

If you’re considering this diet for yourself or your patients, it’s important to weigh the potential risks and ensure it aligns with individual health needs.

Key Health Benefits for Patients

Weight Loss & Fat Metabolism – The diet’s high-protein and high-fat nature enhances satiety and curbs cravings, making it easier for patients to maintain a caloric deficit without excessive hunger. Patients struggling with obesity and insulin resistance may find success in achieving sustained weight loss. [3]

Anti-Inflammatory Effects – By eating only animal protein patients are eliminating inflammatory foods that could flare up autoimmune disorders and/or other health concerns caused by inflammation. [1]

Cognitive and Neurological Support – The brain thrives on a stable energy supply, and the high-fat content of this diet supports cognitive function. Patients with neurological conditions, such as migraines, depression, or even early-stage neurodegenerative diseases, may experience improvements in mental clarity and focus. [1]

Making the Carnivore Diet A Success for Patients with BodySite

Implementing a structured diet plan can be daunting for patients without the right tools. BodySite’s platform helps you to streamlines patient adherence with digital education and check ins. With our automated patient education programs, healthcare providers can effectively guide patients through the Carnivore Diet with:

– Pre-Built Carnivore Meal Program – Designed to optimize nutrition and adherence while maintaining dietary restrictions.

– Automated Education & Patient Led Compliance Tracking – Tools to monitor progress, manage dietary transitions, and provide real-time patient support.

– Customizable Plans for Patient Needs – Ability to tailor guidance for your practice.

Helping Patients Stay on Track with BodySite

Making significant dietary changes can be overwhelming without the right support. BodySite provides an easy-to-follow roadmap for success with:

Satisfying, nutrient-dense meal plans featuring high-quality meats, seafood, and more.
Guided daily instruction to simplify decision-making, ensuring your patients follow a structured protocol.
Daily education and tips to help patients understand the benefits of an animal-based diet and how to sustain it long-term.

With BodySite’s automated patient education platform, patients receive daily guidance and reminders to stay on track—ensuring they get the most out of their new dietary approach.

Creating a Supportive Community with Patient Groups

A successful dietary shift isn’t just about food—it’s about accountability and support. With BodySite’s Patient Groups feature, you can create a dedicated space where patients can engage, ask questions, and share their experiences.

Foster community – Patients can discuss progress, exchange meal ideas, and encourage one another.
Provide expert support – As a provider, you can monitor adherence, offer your guidance, and ensure patients stay motivated.
Enhance outcomes – Improve long-term success rates by motivating patients on similar programs.

Use BodySite’s Patient Groups functionality to create a HIPAA-compliant support group for patients adopting the Carnivore Diet.

Help Your Patients Transform Their Health Today

Guide your patients toward better health with an easy-to-follow, structured approach to the Carnivore Diet. With BodySite’s intuitive tools, meal plans, and automated education, you’ll give them everything they need to succeed. Whether they’re struggling with metabolic issues, chronic inflammation, or digestive distress, this approach can be the reset they need.

BodySite’s Carnivore Diet is available to subscribers of BodySite inside your account. Not yet a subscriber? Sign up now with 30 Days Free and start your patients on the Carnivore Diet today!