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.

Women’s health is particularly discussed in the context of pregnancy and childbirth, but even hormonal health deserves attention at every stage of life. From puberty to menopause, hormones influence physical, emotional, and reproductive well-being. This article highlights the importance of paying attention to the hormonal health of women.

Women today are experiencing hormonal imbalance. While maternity care remains important, many women are looking for support in managing hormonal issues that affect their daily lives, careers, relationships, and even long-term well-being.

How Hormonal Imbalance Affects Overall Well-Being

Did you know? Hormones play a crucial role in regulating menstrual cycles, mood, sleep, energy levels, metabolism, skin health, bone strength, and fertility. So, understand that when hormones become imbalanced, women can experience various signs and symptoms such as irregular menses, severe menstrual pain, acne, weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and difficulty conceiving.

Moreover, various conditions such as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), thyroid disorders, endometriosis, and perimenopause-related hormonal changes can affect quality of life.

For many years, women sought medical attention only during pregnancy or when trying to conceive. However, now, women in their twenties, thirties, and forties are seeking guidance for even menstrual health, hormonal disorders, stress-related symptoms, and preventive care.

Women now want answers to symptoms that were previously dismissed as "normal" or simply part of being female. Regular health check-ups, timely evaluation of menstrual irregularities, and management of conditions such as PMOS and thyroid disorders can help women improve their quality of life. Hormonal well-being also plays an important role in maintaining heart health, bone density, metabolic health, and mental wellness.

Also read: Postpartum Breast Cancer May Be Biologically More Aggressive; Here’s Why

Signs Women Should Never Ignore

Many women are no longer willing to dismiss symptoms as a "normal part of being a woman." Heavy periods, severe menstrual pain, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, and ongoing mood disturbances should not be ignored and may require medical evaluation.

Tips to Support Better Hormonal Health

Vital tips for improving hormonal health in women: It will be necessary for women to have a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Exercise daily and support metabolism and hormone balance. Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep every night. Stay stress-free by doing yoga, meditation, or relaxation techniques. Women should quit smoking, alcohol, and illicit drug use, and not ignore irregular periods, severe menstrual pain, or unexplained weight changes. It is also necessary for women to schedule timely gynecological and health check-ups.

Hormonal health influences every stage of a woman's life, affecting both physical and emotional well-being. Hence, women must ensure timely check-ups not only during pregnancy or menopause but also at every stage of life. Women should prioritize hormonal health not only during pregnancy or menopause but throughout their lives. Early awareness, timely evaluation, and preventive care can go a long way in improving long-term health and quality of life. Don’t wait anymore and seek timely help. So, women, get going now!

By Dr. Pavana H.N. Consultant - Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Sector 48, Noida

Joint replacement surgery was one of the most successful surgeries in modern medicine, allowing millions of people to enjoy the benefits of mobility and pain relief despite the debilitating effects of advanced arthritis and joint damage.

The use of robotic-assisted technology is ushering in a new era in orthopaedic surgery today. Robots are not taking the place of surgeons, but they are helping to improve accuracy in surgery, to aid in planning, and to help provide more personal care.

Robotic Surgery Supports, Not Replaces, the Surgeon

As an orthopaedic surgeon, I see patients all the time who think that the surgery is done by itself, the robot. In fact, this is a procedure that is performed by the surgeon and the robot.

The robot serves as an advanced surgical assistant, giving the surgeon real-time guidance and very accurate measurements, but all key decisions and surgical steps are still left up to the surgeon.

Precision Drives Better Joint Replacement Outcomes

Also read: Your Joints Are Working Overtime. Are You Helping Them or Hurting Them?

Precision is the biggest benefit of robotic joint replacement. Each patient's anatomy is different and subtle differences in bone alignment, ligament balance and implant placement can affect the long-term success of a joint replacement. Robotic systems utilize detailed imaging and computer mapping to develop a plan for a surgery that is unique to the patient before or during the surgery. This will help to maintain a more accurate placement of the implant so that the joint can be more accurately recreated and moved as it is designed to move.

This accuracy can mean a clinically significant benefit. Correct positioning of the implant can minimize the need for excessive bone removal, enhance joint stability, balance the soft tissues, and possibly increase the duration of the implant's life. Many patients also find that they recover more easily, experience less post-operative pain, and are more confident in getting back to everyday life, but results vary depending on many factors such as overall health, rehabilitation and the severity of the joint disease.

Robotic technology is increasingly being applied in knee and hip replacement surgeries, especially for those suffering from osteoarthritis. Robotic assistance is a major advantage in knee replacement surgery due to the critical role accurate positioning plays in ensuring the function and satisfaction of the implant. Robotic systems offer continuous feedback, allowing surgeons to make accurate adjustments during the procedure, which would be difficult without them.

Who Is the Right Candidate for Robotic Joint Replacement?

But keep in mind that not all patients require robotic surgery. While the use of acetals and PEKK has become more common in recent years, conventional joint replacement is still an excellent treatment, having been used for decades with great success. There are a number of factors which influence the choice of robot assistance, such as patient anatomy, case complexity, surgeon experience and availability of suitable technology. However, just because there is a robot does not automatically equate to a successful outcome; the skill and experience of the surgeon operating the robot still plays the primary role in the success of surgery.

Another false belief is that robotic surgery has no risks. As with all surgery, there are risks associated with joint replacement which include infection, blood clots, stiffness, loosening of the implant or revision surgery. Robotic technology aids in a more accurate surgery, however, it cannot eliminate all complications. It's still crucial to carefully select the right patient, to perform a careful surgery and to provide full rehabilitation after the surgery.

The Future of Personalized Orthopaedic Surgery

Also read: Osteoporosis Affects Nearly 20% Of US Women Aged 50+: Why Screening Is Key

The advancement toward personalized medicine is one of the most thrilling developments in robotic-assisted surgery. With the advent of modern technology, the surgeon is able to use more than a basic one size fits most implant and surgery planning to fit the individual patient's anatomy and functional requirements. This individualised treatment is designed to improve patient comfort, return the joint to a more normal movement and maximise the long term function.

The recovery from a robotic joint replacement is comparable to that of traditional surgery, but some patients may experience faster recovery from the surgery because the surgery has been conducted with greater precision on the soft tissue. Early mobilization, proper physiotherapy, pain management and following the proper rehabilitation protocols are all important, regardless of the use of robots or not. Surgery is just the start of the healing process.

Robotic technology is also revolutionizing the surgeon's education and training. Real-time data and guidance, coupled with advanced navigation systems, improve decision-making and consistency in implant placement during surgery. With the ongoing advancement of AI and machine learning, future robotic platforms can enhance surgical planning even more by forecasting patient-specific outcomes and supporting complex clinical decisions.

While these are great strides, technology should never replace the human element in medicine. While the latest in cutting-edge equipment is essential for a successful joint replacement, the experience of the surgeon, clinical judgment, communication and patient-surgeon relationship are all vital to the success of the procedure. Each treatment plan is a custom one that is based on both the technology and realistic expectations along with evidence-based care.

The patient should be knowledgeable about the surgery options, results to be expected, benefits to be accrued, and possible risks involved in the surgery. While robotic surgery is an important advancement in orthopaedics, it is just one part of a patient's care plan and is not a substitute for surgical skill.

Orthopaedic surgery is definitely going to be a more technologic future. Robotic assisted joint replacement is a major advancement toward more precise, personalized, and patient-centered surgery. Research is ongoing and technology is becoming more available to be used to help manage degenerative joint disease, and this role is likely to increase over time. Finally, the mission continues to be the same: to get patients moving, to alleviate pain, and to restore an active and independent life with confidence.

When John Cena started noticing blurry vision, he assumed it was simply part of getting older. But the worsening eyesight was also accompanied by redness, itchiness and crusting around his eyes.

“I had a lot of redness and itchiness, and every once in a while, waking up with eye crusties and stuff. At the same time, given my age — I'm 49 now — my vision was going a little bit, so I just figured it was par for the course. But because my vision was going, I needed to see if I needed glasses or prescriptions.”

Until then, Cena had delayed getting his eyes checked. He believed that the symptoms were caused by bright lights, excessive screen time or ageing.

However, an eye examination gave him a surprise. Cena learned that his symptoms were caused by Demodex blepharitis, a condition he says he had never heard of.

“Diagnosed with Demodex blepharitis, which I didn't even know existed.”

What Are Demodex Mites?

Also read: Study Decodes Why COVID Survivors Continue To Suffer Vision Problems

Demodex mites are tiny, eight-legged organisms that live naturally on human skin, particularly around hair follicles. Measuring just 0.15 to 0.4 millimeters, they are invisible to the naked eye but are present on the skin of almost every adult.

These microscopic mites feed on sebum (the skin's natural oil) and dead skin cells, helping remove accumulated debris under normal conditions.

How Do Demodex Mites Work?

Demodex mites are most active at night. They emerge from hair follicles after sunset because ultraviolet (UV) light is harmful to them. While people sleep, the mites feed, crawl and reproduce on the skin's surface.

They are also believed to be stimulated by melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep, creating a unique relationship between humans and these naturally occurring organisms.

When Can Demodex Mites Become A Problem?

Although harmless in small numbers, Demodex mites can cause problems if they multiply excessively—a condition known as demodicosis.

According to Dr. Richard Locksley, professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, an overgrowth of Demodex mites can contribute to:

• Rosacea
• Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
• Acne-like breakouts
• Itchy, inflamed skin

Read More: Wegovy More Likely To Cause Rare Blindness Than Ozempic And Other Similar Drugs, Recent Study Finds

People with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable because their bodies may be less able to control mite populations. In addition, inadequate sleep may increase oil production, providing more nourishment for the mites.

Should You Be Worried?

For most healthy people, Demodex mites are a normal part of the skin microbiome and are not considered harmful. Problems generally arise only when their numbers increase significantly.

To help reduce the risk of overgrowth:

• Wash your face every night with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove excess oil and debris.
• Remove eye makeup and false eyelashes before bed, as these can encourage mite buildup.
• Get adequate sleep, since poor sleep may increase sebum production.
• Consult a dermatologist if you experience persistent redness, itching or inflammation around the eyes or skin.