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.

Dry eyes are common among people who spend long hours on screens, and lubricating eye drops are often used for relief. But using the wrong drops, keeping an opened bottle for too long or even sharing eye drops can create problems.

Estimates suggest that up to 50% of adults experience dry-eye symptoms, making artificial tears a common part of self-care. But persistent symptoms should not simply be treated indefinitely without identifying the underlying cause.

So, how often can you use eye drops, and what should you keep in mind?

We spoke to Dr. Ritika Sachdev, Director at Centre for Sight, New Delhi, to understand the common mistakes people make while using eye drops.

Eye Drops For Dry Eyes: When Should You See A Doctor?

Dr. Ritika said persistent or bothersome dry eye symptoms should be assessed by a doctor because dryness can have several causes.

These may include:

• Eyelid inflammation
• Allergies
• Contact lens use
• Makeup
• Incorrect spectacle power causing eye strain

“Sometimes even not wearing your right spectacle power contributes to eye strain which can be misread as dry eye,” she said.

Lubricating drops can help support dry eyes, but prolonged use should be discussed with an eye specialist.

Using Eye Drops For Long? Check For Preservatives

Also read: Eye Drop Recall: Nearly 750,000 Products Pulled Over Sterility Concerns in US

Several eye-drop products have been recalled in the US in recent years over contamination and other safety concerns. This makes proper storage, handling and hygiene particularly important when using eye drops.

Dr. Ritika cautioned that some eye drops contain preservatives that may worsen dryness when used for a long time.

“Many of the eye drops have preservatives which if used over a long period of time actually cause more dry eye,” she said.

According to her, preservative-free drops or those with very mild preservatives may be preferable for people who need regular use.

Don't Keep An Open Eye Drop Bottle Forever

"Once opened, an eye drop bottle can become contaminated if it is not handled or stored properly," Dr. Ritika said.

The expert advised:

• Note the date when you open the bottle.
• Follow the product's storage instructions.
• Do not let the bottle tip touch your eye.
• Discard the bottle according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not continue using an opened bottle indefinitely.

“Once the bottle is open, it often may get contaminated,” she said. “If it gets contaminated, it is a source of infection.”

Read More: Andrew Huberman’s Sleep Trick: Can Eye Movements Help You Fall Back Asleep?

How Many Eye Drops Should You Use?

More drops do not mean more relief.

“The capacity of the eye is only one drop,” Dr. Ritika said.

Putting two or three drops at once can cause the excess to spill onto the surrounding skin and simply waste the product. One properly administered drop is generally enough at a time, she said.

Avoid Squeezing Your Eyes After Using Drops

Dr. Ritika said people often squeeze their eyes tightly after putting in drops because they think this will keep the medicine inside. But squeezing can push the drop back out.

Instead:

• Gently pull down the lower eyelid.
• Place the drop into the eye.
• Avoid touching the bottle tip to the eye.
• Do not squeeze the eyes tightly immediately afterward.

Why Do Eye Drops Sometimes Reach The Throat?

Some people experience an unpleasant sensation in the throat after using medicated eye drops.

Dr. Ritika explained that tears can travel from the eye through the tear duct to the nose and then the throat.

She suggested gently pressing near the inner corner of the eye for a while after applying the drop to reduce this drainage.

Never Share Your Eye Drops

Sharing eye drops may seem harmless, particularly within families, but Dr. Ritika advised against it.

If the bottle tip accidentally touches an infected eye, the bottle can become contaminated and potentially transmit infection when used by someone else.

“Eye drop is something that is for your personal hygiene and it should therefore be kept by you and used by you,” she said.

Clear vision does not always mean that the eyes are healthy. Diabetes can damage the retina the sensitive layer at the back of the eye long before a person notices any change in eyesight.

This happens because high blood sugar can weaken the blood vessels that supply the retina causing them to leak fluid or blood.

What happens as retinopathy progresses?

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication in which high blood sugar damages the blood vessels. In the stages these vessels may swell or develop small areas of bleeding without affecting vision.

As the condition advances, reduced blood supply can cause abnormal new blood vessels to grow. These vessels are fragile. May bleed into the vitreous the clear gel inside the eye. In some cases, scar tissue can pull the retina away from its normal position leading to retinal detachment and potentially permanent vision loss.

Also read: Eye Drop Recall: Nearly 750,000 Products Pulled Over Sterility Concerns in US

How diabetes affects central vision

Diabetes can also affect the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp detailed vision. When fluid builds up in this area it can cause macular oedema and gradually affect the quality of vision.

It may lead to:

• Distorted central vision
• Difficulty reading or recognising faces
• Problems with activities that require clear detailed vision, such as driving

Diabetic macular oedema can occur at different stages of diabetic retinopathy and does not always cause symptoms in the early stages.

Also read: Eye Twitching: Is It Just Stress Or Something Serious?

Who is at risk?

The likelihood of eye damage increases with the duration of diabetes and poor blood sugar control. High blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels and kidney disease can further increase the risk.

Women with diabetes may also need monitoring during pregnancy as hormonal and blood sugar changes can worsen existing retinal disease.

Why regular eye examinations matter

On World Sight Day, doctors recommend that a routine eyesight test may not detect damage to the retina. People with diabetes should therefore undergo an eye examination, including a dilated retinal examination at intervals recommended by their ophthalmologist.

Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, under control can help reduce the risk of complications. If damage is detected treatment may include eye injections, laser therapy or surgery depending on its severity.

Diabetic eye disease can often be managed effectively when identified early. Regular retinal examinations remain important when a person can see clearly as changes may develop before symptoms appear.

By Dr Ashu Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Opthalmology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi

Menopause is a natural stage of aging that ends menstruation and reproductive function. It usually occurs between ages 45 and 55.

But growing interest in extending the reproductive years has raised a question: Can menopause be delayed, and would doing so actually benefit women's health?

Longevity influencer Kayla Barnes-Lentz, in her mid-30s, recently told Business Insider that she is trying to delay menopause until 60 using lifestyle changes and experimental treatments.

Can Menopause Be Delayed?

Scientists are studying ways to slow ovarian aging, including ovarian tissue freezing and drugs such as rapamycin.

Early human research suggests rapamycin may slow ovarian aging by around 20%. However, evidence remains limited, and the drug is not FDA-approved for delaying menopause. Its use for this purpose is off-label.

The 2024 Research by Dr. Kutluk Oktay at Yale School of Medicine has also explored whether menopause could eventually be postponed or prevented by preserving ovarian function.

But delaying menopause is not necessarily an all-round health benefit. Longer estrogen exposure may support bone, heart and brain health, while potentially increasing the risk of some hormone-sensitive cancers.

What Are The Risks Of Early Menopause?

Also read: ‘I Was Vocal About Cancer But Silent About Menopause Out Of Shame’, Says Actress Lisa Ray

Menopause around age 45 or younger can affect several aspects of health as estrogen levels fall.

• Bones: Faster bone loss and higher osteoporosis risk.
• Heart: Changes in blood vessels and cholesterol may increase cardiovascular risk.
• Brain: Hormonal changes can affect memory and cognition.
• Sexual health: Vaginal dryness and reduced lubrication can cause discomfort.
• Urinary health: Lower estrogen can contribute to urinary symptoms and incontinence.

Is Later Menopause Healthier?

Menopause at 55 or older means longer exposure to estrogen and has been associated with some benefits, including better bone and cardiovascular health.

But the picture is not straightforward. Longer estrogen exposure has also been linked to a higher risk of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers. So, later menopause should not automatically be considered healthier.

Can HRT Delay Menopause?

No. Hormone replacement therapy treats menopause symptoms but does not stop or postpone menopause.

It can help with hot flashes, sleep problems and vaginal dryness and may benefit some women at risk of bone loss. HRT can contain estrogen alone or estrogen with progesterone.

Its risks and benefits depend on factors such as age, timing, formulation, dose and duration. For appropriate women, the benefit-risk balance is generally more favorable when treatment begins before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause.

Can lifestyle delay menopause?

Genetics play a major role in determining when menopause occurs, and there is no lifestyle change proven to reliably postpone it.

Some factors have been linked with later menopause or a lower risk of early menopause:

• Breastfeeding: Longer breastfeeding has been associated with a lower risk of early menopause.
• Exercise: Supports overall health, although evidence that it directly delays menopause is limited.
• Not smoking: Smoking is linked to earlier menopause.
• Healthy diet: Some research links diets rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids with later menopause.

These habits cannot guarantee a later menopause but can support overall health through midlife.

For now, treatments specifically designed to delay natural menopause remain experimental. There is no established method that can reliably and safely postpone menopause in healthy women.