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.

Organ donation is one of the most profound ways in which we can give the gift of life to another person. World Organ Donation Day, observed every year on August 13, is an opportunity to raise awareness about organ donation, address common myths and encourage more people to consider pledging their organs. India has a large number of patients waiting for organ transplants, including transplants of the liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, intestine and other organs and tissues.

Despite the significant need, organ donation rates remain low, with lack of awareness and several misconceptions continuing to be major barriers. One organ donor can potentially save multiple lives. However, for this to happen, it is important that people understand the process and make an informed decision about organ donation during their lifetime.

Busting Common Myths About Organ Donation

1. “My religion does not permit me to donate my organs.”

2. “Organs can only be donated after the heart stops beating.”

For most organs, donation after brain death is possible when the brain has permanently stopped functioning, but the heart is still beating, which generally occurs in an intensive care setting. Corneas can also be donated after death within a limited time period. This is why pledging your organs during your lifetime and discussing your decision with your family is important.

3. “Organ donation will disfigure or mutilate the body.”

Organ retrieval is performed by trained medical specialists in an operating theatre. The surgical incision is carefully closed after the procedure, and the body is not mutilated.

Also read: Post-Organ Donation And Transplant Care: How Can Donors And Recipients Stay Healthy?

4. “I can buy a kidney or liver for my family member.”

5. “If I donate a kidney, I will become weak or handicapped.”

A healthy person who is found suitable for living kidney donation through the required medical evaluation can generally continue their normal life after donation. The remaining kidney is capable of maintaining normal kidney function.

6. “A kidney donor has to take lifelong medicines.”

Kidney donation does not mean that a healthy donor has to take lifelong medication simply because they have donated a kidney. Some pain medication may be required during the initial recovery period, while the remaining healthy kidney continues to perform its function.

7. “I will have severe dietary restrictions after donating a kidney.”

According to the source material, kidney donors do not generally need specific dietary restrictions solely because they have donated a kidney, as the remaining kidney continues to maintain normal kidney function.

8. “I will not be able to have children after donating a kidney.”

Both men and women who donate a kidney can have children. For women, the source recommends waiting one year after donation before becoming pregnant to allow the body to recover completely.

9. “I am over 60, so I am too old to donate.”

Age alone does not determine whether someone can donate. The health of the donor and the condition of the organs are important considerations, and suitability is determined through medical evaluation.

Also read: World Organ Donation Day 2026: Too Old Or Too Sick To Donate Organs? Doctors Bust Key Myths

What Can We Do To Encourage Organ Donation?

• Consider pledging your organs during your lifetime and communicate your decision clearly to your family.

• Talk to your family, friends and colleagues about organ donation and help dispel common myths.

• Encourage community organisations to participate in creating awareness around organ donation.

• Do not assume that you are medically unfit to donate. A team of medical experts evaluates the donor and determines suitability.

• Organ donation is a completely voluntary decision. No individual should be pressured into donating an organ.

• Patients waiting for an organ transplant should approach a licensed transplant hospital and complete the necessary registration formalities, including through the NOTTO system.

Organ donation is ultimately about giving someone another chance at life. We should not take our organs with us; they can be used to save lives and give hope to those waiting for a transplant.

By Dr Sanjeev Gulati, Chairman, Nephrology, Fortis, Vasant Kunj

Anemia remains one of the least talked about threats to a safe pregnancy in India. The National Family Health Survey-5 data shows that 52.2% of pregnant women in India were anemic. This translates to at least one in two expectant mothers entering pregnancy with insufficient hemoglobin to meet her own and her baby’s needs.

Pregnant women with iron-deficiency anemia may feel unusually tired, weak or short of breath. Some women may suffer from dizziness, headaches, palpitations or reduced ability to concentrate. However, symptoms can be subtle and this is why routine antenatal screening is important even if the woman feels well.

Left unaddressed, it raises the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, postpartum haemorrhage, and maternal fatigue severe enough to affect daily functioning and recovery after delivery.

Severe anaemia can also reduce a woman's ability to tolerate blood loss during delivery, making even an otherwise uncomplicated birth potentially more challenging.

Why pregnancy makes it worse? Well, blood volume expands by nearly 50% during pregnancy, and the growing fetus draws heavily on maternal iron stores, especially in the second and third trimesters. Most Indian women begin pregnancy with iron stores already depleted by poor dietary intake, frequent pregnancies, or heavy menstrual blood loss. So, the added demand tips many into overt anaemia.

Do's:

1. Start Antenatal Care early. You should get a baseline haemoglobin test at your first antenatal visit, and repeat this each trimester or more if needed.

2. Iron and folic acid tablets must be taken in accordance with the prescription given. It is best to start with them before conceiving or as soon as possible in the pregnancy process, preferably in discussion. The dietary consumption may not always be sufficient to cater to the increased demands during pregnancy.

3. Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C. A squeeze of lemon with dal or leafy greens meaningfully improves absorption. Indian gooseberry (amla), guava, oranges and tomatoes improve absorption of non-heme iron from plant based foods.

4. Include iron-dense foods regularly like leafy greens, jaggery, dates, legumes, eggs. If non-vegetarian, eat lean meat or fish, meat or poultry.

5. Treat underlying causes. Get heavy periods, worm infestations or unexplained fatigue evaluated before conception if possible.

6. Ask about your ferritin level, not just haemoglobin, since ferritin reveals depleted iron stores earlier.

Anaemia is not always caused by iron deficiency. B12 or folic acid deficiency, problems with haemoglobin production, infections, and many other medical conditions can also be contributing factors.

Also read: 'My Periods Are Painful' Is Not Always Normal: When Could It Be A Sign of Endometriosis?

Don'ts:

1. Do not stop iron supplements simply because you feel better. Treatment usually needs to continue for the recommended period to replenish iron stores.

2. Don't take iron tablets with tea, coffee or milk. These block absorption. Space them at least an hour apart.

3. Do not skip supplements because of nausea or constipation. Ask your doctor for alternate formulations instead of foregoing the supplements.

4. Don't assume fatigue is ‘normal pregnancy tiredness’ without a haemoglobin check. Persistent breathlessness, dizziness or a racing heart need evaluation.

5. Don't self-medicate with over-the-counter iron doses. Both too little and too much iron can cause harm.

6. Don't ignore mild anaemia on the assumption that it will ‘sort itself out’. It typically worsens as pregnancy progresses and has to be actively treated.

Anemia in women is mostly preventable and treatable early. Regular antenatal check ups, proper supplementation, balanced diet and timely treatment can go a long way in reducing its impact on the mother and baby. The key message is simple, really. Screen early, do not wait for symptoms, treat appropriately and maintain adequate iron stores throughout pregnancy.

Blood tests are often a source of dread for people in our society. While many people dread the needle stick, most are scared of what the results may show. Even before consulting a physician, most people nowadays would consult an AI-powered platform to verify and interpret the values of their blood tests. However, such online searches most often give rise to more uncertainties and confusion rather than answering the basic queries. Thus, this article is an attempt to shed some light on the basics of common blood test results.

LIPID PROFILE

Lipid profile is one test that everyone should do, at least occasionally, after the age of 40. This is a silent epidemic, and without blood tests, no clinical symptoms can reliably identify raised lipid parameters. There are multiple parameters printed in the report, but the main values we are looking for are total Cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL. There are many others, but the interpretation of those is best left to your physician. Total Cholesterol should be less than 200, triglycerides less than 150, and the “bad” cholesterol, or LDL, should be below 100. On the other hand, HDL, the “good” cholesterol, should be above 40 for men and above 50 for women. So, for HDL, we want the values to be higher! However, whether deranged lipid parameters warrant treatment and, if so, for how long, will be the clinical decision of your doctor.

CBC

CBC means complete blood count. This is the most basic test done for every patient. In this test, we check for levels of haemoglobin, total leukocyte count, differential white cell count, platelet count, and ESR. Besides, there are numerous other parameters printed in your report, like MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, and PDW. But let’s first look at the basic parameters. Haemoglobin is perhaps the most important parameter to look at. It shows how much oxygen your blood can carry. Low hemoglobin is called anemia. If you have anaemia, you need to get treatment ASAP. The standard normal values of hemoglobin depend on age and gender and also physical states like pregnancy. The normal hemoglobin of an adult male will be different from that of an adolescent girl. There are many different causes of anaemia in our society, like iron deficiency, worm infestation, thalassemia, and kidney disease. Your doctor will do further tests to elucidate the cause.

The next most important parameter is total leukocyte count. This gives an indication of whether you have any infection or inflammation. Conversely, in some conditions like Typhoid, the counts may be low despite fulminant infection. Platelet count is also important in infections like dengue, where it may get dangerously low. We need to check platelet count repeatedly, sometimes even twice or thrice the same day, in dengue infection. Platelet count may be low in some forms of blood cancer too.

The other parameters like MCV and RDW are too complex to be discussed in this short article. Suffice it to say, they are deranged in conditions like Thalassemia, sickle cell disease, vitamin B12 deficiency, and hereditary Red cell membrane disorders.

Also Read: BTS’ V Opens Up About 2-Year Battle With Hearing Loss

And finally, the ESR is a very non-specific parameter. It can be raised in multiple conditions, ranging from cancer to inflammation. It is usually interpreted in unison with other necessary tests.

Dr Rudrajit Paul, Consultant Physician, Manipal Hospital, Kolkata