S.4 Ep.4 - Extreme Eating Part 1: The Carnivore Diet, with Mark Bennett

S.4 Sp.4 - Extreme Eating Part 1: The Carnivore Diet, with Nutritional Therapist Mark Bennett.

This week I spoke to Nutritional Therapist Mark Bennett. We spoke about extreme diets, specifically about the carnivore approach which is animal only products. We discussed its effectiveness, safety and how to implement and follow it properly. We also spoke about what happens in the body while its being followed. Mark has been on MM before, we spoke previously about Sugar, Sweeteners and Metabolic Damage (S.3 / Ep.18). We had a great chat then, and he agreed to come back on to discuss this topic with me.

I’m very interested in nutrition generally, but especially in the extremes - from pure meat, to no meat - so I’ll be covering the vegan approach too.

The carnivore diet is a restrictive eating plan that involves consuming only animal products, such as meat, fish, and animal-derived foods like eggs and certain dairy products. It excludes all plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds. The rationale behind this diet is that humans evolved primarily as meat-eaters and that consuming animal products exclusively can provide all essential nutrients.

Proponents of the carnivore diet claim various health benefits, including weight loss, improved mental clarity, and relief from autoimmune conditions. However, the scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited and mostly anecdotal.

Nutritionally, the carnivore diet can provide adequate protein and fats, including essential fatty acids and amino acids. However, there are concerns about potential nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin C, fiber, and certain phytonutrients found in plant foods. Additionally, long-term adherence to the diet raises concerns about cardiovascular health due to high saturated fat intake and the potential impact on gut microbiota due to the lack of dietary fiber.

Research on the carnivore diet is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed to fully understand its health impacts and sustainability.

Mark Bennett

Nutritional Therapist BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) mBANT CNHC
Certified Gluten Practitioner
Nutrigenetic Counsellor

Mark is a functionally trained and qualified Nutritional Therapist, having achieved a first class honours nutritional therapy science degree. Functional medicine looks at the body as a whole and is focussed on identifying the causes of chronic disease rather than symptomatic relief. By intelligently identifying the root cause of symptoms and disease, targeted and individually tailored dietary and lifestyle interventions can be recommended to help the client achieve their health goals.

Mark is a member of the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT), the Complementary and Natural Health Care Council (CNHC), as well as being a registered Certified Gluten Practitioner and Nutrigenetic Counsellor.

Mark runs a private clinic near Reading in Berkshire. Areas of specialism are cancer support, autoimmunity, chronic fatigue/ME and dementia. Mark regularly speaks at well being and lifestyle events and provides content for various online and real world publications/channels.

Website: www.entirewellbeing.com

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