A carnivore diet is a restrictive diet that only includes meat, fish, and other animal products like dairy and eggs. More recently, it has been brought into the limelight by influencers and social media personalities. In fact, there is a whole community of "meatfluencer" who are sharing their meat-eating plans. One of them is Dr Paul Saladino MD, whose belief that there was no better way to prevent chronic diseases than a carnivore diet prompted him to write books and post videos regarding the same. He believed so much in this eating plan that he became a go-to person for many following the same plan, until recently, when he decided to quit.

Here Are Seven Reasons Why He Decided To Quit

Carnivore Diet Disrupted His Sleep

Switching to an all-meat diet isn't always straightforward, especially when it comes to digestion—a lesson Dr Saladino learned firsthand. He experienced sleep disturbances, likely due to the difficulty of digesting high-protein meals. Since protein takes longer to break down, it demands more energy from the body, which can interfere with rest.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, digestion slows by up to 50% during sleep. Additionally, many types of meat contain tyramine, a compound derived from the amino acid tyrosine. Increased tyramine intake can lead to health issues and also triggers the release of norepinephrine, a hormone that raises heart rate and blood pressure, making restful sleep harder to achieve.

He also experienced hypnagogic jerks—sudden muscle spasms that jolt the body awake. "I would fall asleep but then jerk myself awake like I was falling multiple times. It was stressful and traumatic, leading to poor sleep," he shared in his YouTube video.

Eating Only Meat May Have Triggered Heart Palpitations

Another concerning side effect Dr Saladino experienced was heart palpitations—episodes where his heart felt like it was racing or fluttering. While stress is a common cause, few would immediately link palpitations to meat consumption.

However, a sudden shift to an all-meat diet can lead to electrolyte imbalances. The elimination of carbohydrates lowers insulin levels, prompting the kidneys to excrete more sodium. This disrupts the balance of essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, which are crucial for heart function.

Muscle Cramps Became Persistent

Dr Saladino also suffered from frequent muscle cramps while following the carnivore diet. In a post on X, he emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate magnesium, calcium, and potassium levels to prevent cramping. He initially believed that animal-based foods provided sufficient minerals, but his ongoing cramps led him to reconsider.

"I started to think maybe long-term ketosis is not great for me,” he admitted on the *More Plates More Dates* podcast. “Probably not a great thing for most humans."

His Testosterone Levels Dropped Significantly

Dr Saladino also saw a decline in his testosterone levels after following the carnivore diet for over a year. "At the beginning of my carnivore experiment, my testosterone was about 800. After a year to a year and a half, it had dropped to around 500," he revealed.

The issue likely stems from excessive protein intake, which can elevate inflammation and disrupt hormone levels. A 2022 study published in Nutrition and Health found that consuming more than 35% of daily calories from protein can lead to various negative effects, including reduced testosterone.

He Had Chronically Low Insulin Levels

Because he largely eliminated carbohydrates—except for a small amount of fruit—Dr Saladino developed persistently low blood sugar. In his YouTube video, he explained, "I had very low insulin because I wasn’t eating carbohydrates, and the protein I consumed wasn’t insulinogenic enough."

While some diabetics report improved blood sugar control on the carnivore diet, its effects vary based on individual metabolic responses. For non-diabetics, low insulin can lead to hypoglycemia, causing symptoms like dizziness, confusion, a racing heart, and, in extreme cases, seizures or coma. Mild cases can be managed with fast-acting carbohydrates like juice or candy, but severe episodes require medical attention.

His Blood Test Results Showed Concerning Imbalances

Lab tests revealed that his magnesium levels were low, while his sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) was elevated—both potential red flags for long-term health issues.

A magnesium deficiency can cause numbness, tingling, fatigue, nausea, headaches, and muscle cramps. Since cramps often strike at night, low magnesium may also contribute to sleep disturbances.

High SHBG levels indicate an excess of circulating protein in the blood, which can increase the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression. To counteract these imbalances, introducing more magnesium-rich foods—such as leafy greens, nuts, beans, and yogurt—could be beneficial.

He Felt Cold All The Time

Electrolyte imbalances and metabolic disruptions can even affect body temperature, which Dr. Saladino experienced firsthand. "I was always cold,"he shared in his YouTube video.

Upon testing his thyroid function, he discovered that his total T3 and free T3 hormone levels were "not ideal." These hormones regulate metabolism, and low levels can slow down metabolic processes, leading to cold intolerance.

A federal judge in Massachusetts has blocked a series of vaccine policy changes introduced by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., dealing a significant setback to the Trump administration’s health agenda. The ruling temporarily halts new vaccine recommendations and reverses recent decisions made by the government’s vaccine advisory panel.

The decision was issued by Judge Brian Murphy of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. It came after several medical organizations argued that the government’s actions were not based on scientific evidence and could endanger public health.

Court Says Science Was Ignored

In his ruling, Judge Murphy said vaccine policy decisions have traditionally been based on careful review of scientific data. This process is also required under federal law.

However, he wrote that the government had ignored these standards while introducing changes to vaccination guidelines. According to the court, the decisions undermined the integrity of the process that normally guides national immunization recommendations.

The ruling stops the government from implementing those changes for now. It also means the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, cannot hold its scheduled meeting this week.

Lawsuit From Medical Organizations

The case was brought by six major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics. They claimed that the new policies changed the childhood vaccine schedule without proper scientific review.

The groups argued that the government had made “arbitrary and capricious” decisions by bypassing the usual evidence-based process. They also questioned the qualifications of several members appointed to the vaccine advisory committee.

Judge Murphy noted in his ruling that only six of the 15 committee members appeared to have meaningful experience with vaccines. The committee is responsible for recommending which vaccines Americans should receive and when.

Read: 15 States Sue Trump Administration Over Revised Vaccine Schedule

Changes to Childhood Vaccine Schedule

The lawsuit focused on a series of policy changes introduced over the past year. These included reducing the number of diseases covered under the routine childhood immunization schedule.

In January 2026, federal officials announced a new vaccine schedule that lowered the number of diseases children are routinely vaccinated against from 17 to 11.

The changes also affected recommendations for Covid vaccines. Earlier in 2025, Kennedy announced that Covid shots would no longer be recommended for healthy children or pregnant women.

Health officials supporting the changes argued that growing mistrust of vaccines had reduced vaccination rates. They believed simplifying the schedule might rebuild public confidence.

However, critics said the changes were rushed and not supported by strong scientific review.

Experts Warn About Public Health Risks

Many doctors and public health experts strongly opposed the new policies. They warned that weakening vaccine recommendations could lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases.

Medical groups say childhood vaccination programs have been one of the most successful public health efforts in modern history. Vaccines protect children from serious diseases such as measles, polio and hepatitis B.

Several organizations also filed supporting legal documents in the case, including public health experts and research groups.

Government Likely to Appeal

Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services said the government plans to challenge the ruling. A spokesperson said the administration expects the decision to be overturned.

For now, however, the court order means previous vaccine recommendations will remain in place.

Medical organizations welcomed the ruling. They said it helps restore a science-based process that has guided vaccine policy for decades and protected the health of millions of children.

Read: CDC Vaccine Schedule: Coverage Falls From 17 to 11 Diseases For Children

What Were The Changes Suggested In The Latest CDC Vaccine Schedule?

The federal health department sought to reduce the number of shots American children receive, announced that the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccine schedule will include routine shots for 11 diseases for children. This is down from 17 diseases, which were earlier included. Jim O'Neill, who is the acting director of the CDC updated the agency's immunization schedule to reflect the changes, effective immediately.

The most controversial change is the narrowing of recommendations for several common childhood vaccines. Immunization against the following illnesses is now advised only for high-risk children or after consultation with a health care provider:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Meningococcal disease
• Rotavirus
• Influenza
• Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV

Covid-19 vaccination has also shifted to a consultation-based recommendation rather than routine use for all children.

This means shots that were once automatically given at set ages, including at birth, during infancy, and in adolescence, may now depend on individual medical discussions rather than standard guidance.

Water remains the most reliable and effective way to keep the body hydrated during hot weather. However, many people have increasingly turned to energy drinks during long workdays or busy schedules, hoping to stay refreshed or energized.

Experts warn that relying on these drinks instead of water can create several health risks, particularly when temperatures are high.

Energy drinks are typically marketed as quick solutions for fatigue and low energy. They often contain high levels of caffeine, added sugars and stimulants that may temporarily increase alertness.

While this short term boost may seem appealing, experts say these drinks are not designed to support proper hydration. When consumed frequently, especially during summer, they can place extra strain on the body rather than helping it stay cool and hydrated.

Dr Arun Sachdeva, an Internal Medicine Specialist at Felix Healthcare in Bengaluru, explains that replacing water with energy drinks during hot weather can interfere with the body’s natural hydration balance.

According to him, excessive consumption of these beverages may contribute to both immediate and long term health concerns, particularly when the body is already losing fluids through sweating.

Higher Risk Of Dehydration

During summer, when sweating already causes significant water loss, this effect may make it harder for the body to maintain proper hydration.

When energy drinks replace water intake, the risk of dehydration increases. Common symptoms of dehydration include fatigue, dizziness, headaches and dry mouth. In more severe cases, dehydration can also affect concentration, physical performance and overall wellbeing.

Excessive Stress On The Heart

For people who already have high blood pressure or existing heart conditions, excessive intake of energy drinks could increase the risk of heart palpitations or irregular heart rhythms. Experts therefore recommend limiting the consumption of these beverages, particularly during periods of intense heat.

High Sugar And Empty Calories

Frequent spikes in blood sugar levels may gradually increase the risk of metabolic disorders. Over time, consistently high sugar consumption can contribute to health problems such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Therefore, doctors advise paying attention to sugar content in beverages, especially during hot weather when people tend to drink more fluids throughout the day.

Sleep Disruption And Energy Crashes

Instead of providing sustained energy, regular consumption of energy drinks may lead to temporary stimulation followed by sudden drops in energy levels.

This cycle can leave individuals feeling even more tired later in the day, creating a pattern where they rely on more caffeinated drinks to stay alert.

Kidney Health And Hydration

When the body does not receive enough water, the kidneys may struggle to function efficiently. Over time, poor hydration can increase the risk of kidney related problems and may affect the body’s ability to regulate fluid levels effectively.

Why Water Remains The Best Choice

Doctors emphasize that water remains the safest and most effective drink for maintaining hydration during summer. It helps regulate body temperature, supports organ function and replaces fluids lost through sweating without introducing excess caffeine, sugar or stimulants.

Energy drinks may occasionally provide a quick boost of alertness, but they should not be used as a substitute for water. Maintaining regular water intake throughout the day remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to support overall health during hot weather.

Late nights at the office, quick dinners made from instant noodles or packaged snacks and constant deadline pressure are often treated as normal parts of professional life, but doctors say these habits may gradually affect kidney health.

Nephrologists report that routine health screenings are increasingly detecting early signs of kidney stress in people in their late 20s to 30s, even among those without traditional risk factors such as diabetes, smoking or a family history of kidney disease.

According to nephrologist Dr Kristin George, some patients show warning indicators such as elevated creatinine levels, high blood pressure or traces of protein in the urine.

Creatinine is a waste product filtered out by the kidneys and rising levels may indicate that the organs are not removing waste as efficiently as they should.

Doctors say that when lifestyle patterns are examined more closely, prolonged work stress, sedentary routines, irregular meals and frequent late-night snacking often emerge as common factors.

Kidney Disease Is A Growing Global Concern

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, involves the gradual loss of kidney function over time and can eventually lead to kidney failure if it is not detected early.

Health experts warn that CKD could become one of the leading causes of death globally in the coming decades. Diabetes and hypertension account for a large proportion of cases and according to the International Society of Nephrology these two conditions combined contribute to nearly two-thirds of chronic kidney disease cases worldwide.

Doctors also note that prolonged stress may indirectly increase these risks because long-term elevations in stress hormones such as cortisol can raise blood pressure and disrupt metabolic balance.

Processed Foods And Late-Night Eating

Late-night meals frequently include instant noodles, chips, processed meats or packaged snacks, many of which contain significant amounts of sodium.

Sodium helps regulate fluid balance, but excessive intake forces the kidneys to work harder to maintain stable blood pressure. The World Health Organization estimates that most adults consume nearly twice the recommended daily sodium intake, largely because of processed foods.

Doctors say that consistently high salt intake can gradually increase blood pressure and place additional strain on kidney function.

Sedentary Work And Poor Hydration

Hydration habits and prolonged sitting are additional concerns among office workers. Many professionals rely heavily on coffee, energy drinks or sugary beverages during long workdays, often replacing plain water as the main source of fluid intake.

While moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered safe, relying mainly on caffeinated drinks can contribute to mild dehydration, which may affect blood circulation through the kidneys and increase the likelihood of kidney stones.

At the same time, many corporate jobs require employees to remain seated for extended periods. Sedentary routines have been linked to obesity, impaired glucose metabolism and high blood pressure, all of which are major contributors to kidney disease.

Early Signs Often Go Unnoticed

Kidney disease often develops silently in its early stages, which means many people remain unaware of the problem until significant damage has occurred.

Early kidney dysfunction may progress quietly for years before symptoms appear, and by the time signs such as swelling, fatigue or changes in urination become noticeable, kidney function may already be reduced.

Doctors therefore recommend periodic screening tests, including serum creatinine measurements, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) tests and urine albumin tests, which can detect early signs of kidney damage.

Small Changes Can Make A Difference

Health experts say that protecting kidney health often begins with small lifestyle changes. Reducing processed food consumption, limiting excessive salt intake, staying adequately hydrated and maintaining regular sleep schedules can all support kidney function.

Taking short movement breaks during long work hours and managing stress through regular physical activity or relaxation techniques may also help reduce the long-term strain that modern work routines place on the body.

Doctors emphasise that kidney disease usually develops gradually, which means recognising and adjusting everyday habits early may help many young professionals protect their kidney health.