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.

Men who consume higher amounts of dietary nitrite may have a greater risk of colorectal cancer, particularly the type affecting the distal colon, according to a new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

The study followed 82,009 middle-aged and older adults in Sweden for more than two decades and identified 3,170 cases of colorectal cancer.

Researchers found that men in the highest category of nitrite intake had a 23% higher risk of colorectal cancer overall compared with those in the lowest category. The strongest association was for for distal colon cancer, where the risk was 50% higher.

The findings were not seen in women, and dietary nitrate was not associated with colorectal cancer in either men or women.

More About The Study

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden used dietary information collected in 1997 and updated in 2009 and 2019. They linked this information with Sweden's cancer registry to identify colorectal cancer cases through 2022.

Rather than relying only on participants' diet at the beginning of the study, researchers used repeated measurements to capture changes in nitrite and nitrate intake over time. Among men, the highest versus lowest levels of nitrite consumption were associated with a hazard ratio of 1.23 for colorectal cancer. For distal colon cancer, the hazard ratio rose to 1.50.

Also read: How Genetic and Genomic Testing Can Help Women Make Smarter Cancer Decisions

Difference Between Nitrite And Nitrate

Nitrite and nitrate are related compounds, but they are found in different foods and behave differently in the body. Nitrate occurs naturally in vegetables, particularly leafy greens, as well as drinking water. Nitrite is also naturally present in some foods but is commonly used as a preservative in processed meat and other animal products.

The researchers found no association between dietary nitrate and colorectal cancer, making the distinction particularly important.

Also read: Moderna-Merck’s Personalized mRNA Vaccine: Ushering In A New Era In Cancer Care?

Why Nitrite Could Be A Concern For Cancer Risk?

A possible explanation involves N-nitroso compounds, which can form when nitrate and nitrite undergo chemical reactions in the body. Some N-nitroso compounds are known to be carcinogenic in animals.

The researchers saw that previous studies have also investigated possible links between nitrite exposure and cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. However, the exact biological mechanism behind the association observed in this study remains uncertain.

The researchers also found that the association was specific to men, and they said the reason for this difference is unclear.

Sex Difference Needs More Investigation

The authors noted that the higher risk associated with nitrite intake was confined to men and suggested several possible biological explanations, including differences in oxidative stress and other sex-specific factors.

But they stressed that these mechanisms have not been established as the reason for the finding. The study concludes that further research should examine nitrite and colorectal cancer separately in men and women and.

The study was observational, meaning researchers identified an association between dietary nitrite intake and cancer risk but could not prove a direct cause and effect relationship.

For people who work, laptops and computers are something we use every day. Sitting in front of a screen for hours can be bad for your neck and spine. When you sit and use your laptop the way you position yourself can hurt your neck over time.

This is true even when you are just scrolling on your phone. Keeping your head bent for a long time can put stress on the muscles and joints in your neck.

How Looking Down At Screens Strains Your Neck

The problem is not the laptop itself but how we use it. Many people spend hours looking down at a screen without realizing it. This can cause muscle fatigue, stiffness, headaches and neck pain that will not go away.

Your neck is meant to support your head and let you move it around. When you keep your head tilted forward for hours the muscles in your neck have to work hard to keep it that way. Over time this can cause discomfort. Make it harder to move your neck.

If you sit with posture it can also affect the normal curve of your neck. Poor posture may not cause spinal problems on its own but it can cause wear and discomfort. This is especially true for people who already have neck or spine problems.

Also read: The Hidden Health Risk of Sitting for Long Hours: What Young Professionals Need to Know

Small Workspace Changes Can Reduce Neck Strain

One simple way to reduce strain on your neck is to make your workspace more comfortable. Your laptop or monitor should be at eye level so you do not have to look down all the time. Your back should be. Your arms should be comfortable too. Keep your feet flat on the floor. Do not sit still for too long.

It is also important to move regularly. Of sitting for hours get up and move every 30-40 minutes. Stand up walk around and move your neck and shoulders gently. This can help prevent stiffness and reduce strain on your neck. Your neck is meant to move not be stuck in one position for hours.

When Neck Pain Should Not Be Ignored?

If your neck is stiff after a day, it may feel better with rest and better posture. If the pain gets worse or does not go away, you should see a doctor. If you have pain in your arm or if your arm feels numb tingling or weak you should see a doctor too.

To protect your neck, you do not have to make changes. Just make small adjustments to how you sit and use your laptop and move around more during the day. This can make using your laptop more comfortable. Reduce strain, on your neck and spine.

By Dr. Zahir Abbas Merchant, Consultant Spine Surgeon, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai

Delhi has issued a public health advisory amid a sharp rise in H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, cases. Health authorities urging residents to follow respiratory hygiene, avoid crowded places and seek medical advice if flu-like symptoms develop.

The national capital has reported more than 1,777 H1N1 cases so far this year, including 114 new infections recorded on August 20 alone, according to the latest health department data. Overall, Delhi has reported more than 2,300 Influenza-A cases in 2026.

The sudden surge has prompted the Centre and Delhi authorities to step up surveillance and hospital preparedness. Health officials have also stressed that people should not panic but take necessary precautions to avoid getting sick.

Delhi Sees A Sharp Rise In H1N1 Cases

According to health department, Delhi had recorded 2,392 Influenza-A cases by August 21, of which 1,777 were H1N1. The tally also included H1 and H3 infections and other Influenza-A strains.

The current number is significantly higher than the corresponding period last year. Public health experts have also described some of the H1N1 cases being seen this season as relatively severe.

Dr Chandrakant Lahariya, a public health expert, said H1N1 is not a new subtype and has been known for years, but the current surge needs to be taken seriously.

Also read: Delhi H1N1 Cases Rise To 1,777: Patients Reporting Diarrhea, Muscle Pain, Drop In Oxygen Levels, Say Doctors

Humid Weather Could Be A Major Factor

Doctors have linked the increase to the seasonal pattern of respiratory infections during the monsoon, when humidity, changing temperatures and increased indoor contact can facilitate the spread of respiratory viruses.

Dr Neetu Jain, senior consultant in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at PSRI Hospital, told PTI, “H1N1 cases are particularly high in Delhi-NCR this year.”

She also said the number of cases was reported to be around six times higher than previous years and noted that high temperatures and humidity may contribute to the increase in flu and other viral infections.

Common Symptoms

H1N1 infection can mimic other viral respiratory illnesses. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Headache
• Body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue and weakness

Some people recover without complications, but influenza can become serious, particularly in young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems.

Difficulty in breathing, chest pain, drowsiness, low blood pressure, bluish discolouration or worsening of an existing medical condition are among warning signs that need urgent medical attention.

Also read: Human H1N2v Swine Flu Case Detected In China: Should You Worry?

Doctors Advise Against Self-Medication

With flu cases rising, doctors are also urging people not to assume that every fever or cough is H1N1 and start medicines without medical advice.

Dr Jain described H1N1 as a “fairly treatable illness”, while noting that it can become serious in vulnerable people. Antiviral medicines may be prescribed in appropriate cases, along with supportive treatment.

The Delhi government's advisory recommends several basic measures to reduce transmission. People are being urged to wear masks in crowded places, cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, wash their hands frequently and avoid close contact with people showing respiratory symptoms.

Residents have also been advised not to touch their eyes, nose or mouth unnecessarily and to avoid spitting in public places.

People who develop flu-like symptoms should stay away from others where possible and seek medical advice, particularly if symptoms become severe.

Strenghtening Healthcare System

Authorities have also increased monitoring across the healthcare system. Thirty-five hospitals are under special surveillance, while referral laboratories at AIIMS and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are available for testing and confirmation.

Hospitals and district health authorities have been asked to strengthen monitoring of influenza-like illness, severe respiratory infections and COVID-19.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda has also reviewed Delhi's preparedness amid the rise in H1N1 cases, with authorities instructed to focus on surveillance, early detection and timely treatment.