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.

From haunted houses and sudden scares to sweet treats and costumes, Halloween fun can come with hidden health risks, particularly for people with existing heart and lung conditions.

Experts explain how sudden fright, excessive sugar and common activities on Halloween, observed on October 31, can affect heart and lung health.

How Sudden Scares Can Affect Your Heart

A sudden scare activates the body's sympathetic nervous system, raising heart rate and blood pressure while constricting blood vessels.

This response is usually harmless in healthy people, but may pose risks for those with arrhythmias, coronary artery disease or a history of stents or heart surgery.

A racing heartbeat should settle after the scare. Persistent palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, nausea, sweating or fainting warrant medical attention, says Dr Mohamed Gabr, cardiologist and electrophysiologist at Baylor College of Medicine.

In addition, excessive consumption of sugar candies during Halloween can contribute to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels. Cholesterol and plaque buildup in the coronary arteries can begin at a young age.

Also read: You Feel Healthy. But Plaque May Already Be Building In Your Arteries In Your 20s

Halloween Activities That Can Trigger Asthma

Halloween activities can expose people with asthma to several triggers. Ragweed pollen, mould on damp fallen leaves and cold, dry air can worsen symptoms during autumn, according to the American Lung Association.

Fog machines and dry ice effects in haunted houses can release water droplets and chemicals, including glycol-based solvents, that may irritate airways. Glitter machines, bonfire smoke, dust from stored costumes and decorations, and strong fragrances can also trigger symptoms.

Dr Rubabin Tooba, a pulmonologist with Northwestern Medicine, says these exposures may cause coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and chest tightness, particularly in people with asthma, severe allergies or COPD. Tight-fitting masks can also make breathing difficult.

Fear, excitement and laughter may trigger asthma symptoms in some people. Trick-or-treating can bring additional exposure to pet dander, scented candles, cigarette smoke and fireplace fumes.

Pumpkin Carving And Halloween Injuries

Read More: Why Are Asthma Cases Rising Among Young Kids? Early Symptoms Parents Must Not Ignore

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that an annual average of 3,200 Halloween-related injuries were treated in US emergency departments over a recent three-year period.

Pumpkin carving accounted for 55% of these injuries, while 25% were related to falls while putting up decorations, tripping on costumes or walking while trick-or-treating. The remaining 20% involved lacerations, ingestions, allergic reactions and other costume- or decoration-related injuries.

Children younger than 18 years accounted for 46% of injuries, with approximately 10% occurring in children aged 6 years or younger.

The Plastic Hand Trauma Unit at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital has also treated patients with deep cuts, severed tendons and nerve damage from pumpkin carving, BBC reported.

How Can You Stay Safe This Halloween

• Protect your heart: Be mindful of sudden scares if you have an existing heart condition. Seek medical attention for persistent palpitations, chest pain, breathlessness or fainting.

• Moderate candy: Limit sugary treats and consider fruit alternatives.

• Avoid asthma triggers: Ask about fog effects at haunted attractions and leave if you experience breathing discomfort.

• Check costumes and decorations: Clean stored items before use and discard anything with mould or a musty smell. Choose breathable, open-face masks.

• Use makeup carefully: Choose fragrance-free or hypoallergenic products and apply them in well-ventilated spaces.

• Carry asthma medication: Keep your prescribed quick-relief inhaler and spacer handy. Watch for coughing, wheezing or chest tightness, and take breaks when needed.

• Reduce infection risks: Practise good hand hygiene, stay home when sick and keep vaccinations up to date.

• Carve pumpkins safely: Avoid kitchen knives. Use pumpkin-carving kits with serrated tools and make small, controlled cuts.

Blood pressure is routinely measured in the arms, but checking it in your ankles can also offer important clues about vascular health. An ankle-brachial index (ABI) test compares blood pressure readings in the arms and ankles to detect poor circulation and signs of peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Pain or cramping in the calves, thighs, hips or buttocks while walking, climbing stairs or exercising, which subsides with rest, could indicate PAD. The condition occurs when narrowed arteries restrict blood flow to the legs.

PAD can remain undetected for years, particularly in people without obvious symptoms. Early detection matters because the underlying atherosclerosis can also affect arteries supplying the heart and brain, increasing cardiovascular risks.

What Is an ABI Test and How Does It Detect Artery Disease?

The ABI test is a simple, non-invasive procedure that measures blood pressure in the arms and ankles using inflatable cuffs and a Doppler ultrasound device. The readings are compared to calculate the ankle-brachial index.

Dr. Samir Kubba, Director and Unit Head, Cardiology, Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi, explained to HealthandMe that the test assesses blood circulation in the lower limbs and can also indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Anshul Kumar Jain, Director – Cardiology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe that an abnormal ABI reading should not be viewed in isolation but as a potential warning sign requiring further cardiovascular assessment.

"What makes the ABI test particularly important is that PAD may remain undiagnosed for years, as some individuals experience no obvious symptoms," Dr. Samir said.

Others may experience leg pain while walking, cramps, numbness, cold feet or wounds that take longer to heal.

Dr. Anshul highlighted the wider implications of detecting PAD. "From a neurological perspective, identifying PAD is particularly important because underlying atherosclerosis can affect blood vessels supplying the brain as well as the heart. Reduced circulation may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke," he said.

Who Should Consider an ABI Test?

The test may be useful for people at an increased risk of PAD, including:

• Smokers and former smokers, particularly those over 50.
• People with diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
• Individuals with a history of stroke or mini-stroke.
• Adults over 65.
• People with a strong family history of cardiovascular disease.

ABI is not a direct test for heart disease. It is a vascular assessment tool that helps identify PAD and may indicate wider cardiovascular risks. Abnormal results require further evaluation by a specialist.

How to Prepare for an ABI Test and What Happens During It?

No special preparation is required. You will be asked to lie on your back and rest for five to 10 minutes before the test.

A healthcare professional will place inflatable cuffs around your arms and ankles and measure blood pressure using a handheld Doppler ultrasound device. The procedure takes only a few minutes, and you can resume normal activities afterwards.

What Do ABI Test Results Mean?

The ABI is calculated by dividing the higher ankle systolic blood pressure reading by the higher arm reading. The resulting ratio indicates blood flow to the legs.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, ABI readings are interpreted as follows:

• 1.0 to 1.3: Normal
• 0.9 to 1.0: Borderline
• 0.7 to 0.9: Mild PAD
• 0.4 to 0.7: Moderate PAD
• Below 0.4: Severe PAD

An ABI above 1.4 may indicate stiff or calcified arteries, often associated with ageing or diabetes. Such readings may require further testing.

People with diabetes or non-compressible arteries may also need a toe-brachial index (TBI) test, which measures blood pressure at the big toe.

How Is Peripheral Artery Disease Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of arterial narrowing, symptoms and overall cardiovascular risk. Options may include:

• Lifestyle changes: Dietary modifications, smoking cessation and management of cardiovascular risk factors.
• Exercise: A supervised walking programme to improve circulation.
• Medications: Drugs to manage PAD and associated risk factors.
• Procedures or surgery: Interventions to restore blood flow in cases of severe arterial blockage.

Psoriasis is a long-term inflammatory skin disorder that impacts the immune system. It can cause itchy and unsightly areas of thick, flaky skin that can impact your confidence, relationships and everyday activities.

Symptoms can be erratic. Differ among individuals. Although a cure does not exist there are treatments that're effective. It is non-infectious.

What Happens In Psoriasis?

There is overactivity in the system causing an overproduction of skin cells. This causes a build-up of scaly patches known as plaques. The common form of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis. This type of psoriasis often appears on the scalp. It also often appears on the elbows. It also often appears on the knees. It also often appears on the back. This can cause itching, pain, breaking and bleeding. Nails can become pitted, with holes and can become thickened and lifted off the nail bed. Other forms can cause spots, shiny patches in areas of skin fold and pustules.

Depending on your skin colour, you may see /red patches on lighter skin or dark patches with less pink tones on darker skin. Sometimes your skin colour can become temporarily different when the inflammation has subsided.

Causes of Psoriasis

Whilst we do not fully understand the cause of psoriasis, it is caused by a combination of immune and environmental factors. If you have a family history, then you are more likely to develop psoriasis. Common triggers can vary between individuals, but infection, trauma, stress, smoking, excessive alcohol intake and certain medications can cause psoriasis or make symptoms worse.

Strep throat infections are commonly linked to guttate psoriasis (spot-like patches). Knowing your triggers can help; however, there may not always be a trigger.

Can We Reduce Flare-ups?

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent psoriasis; however, keeping skin clean, taking medication and knowing your triggers can help reduce symptoms.

Have a shower using a cleanser and warm water. Apply a fragrance-free moisturiser to damp skin. Try not to scratch or rub your plaques. Try to avoid causing trauma to your skin and sunburn.

Keeping active, maintaining a weight if needed, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol can all improve your general health. Some people find keeping stress to a minimum helps; however, this cannot replace treatment. If your symptoms get worse when starting medication, let your doctor know. Do not stop taking your medication.

Treatments

This will depend on the type of psoriasis where it's how bad it is and how it is affecting your daily life. Your dermatologist will also take into consideration any medical conditions and if you have any joint symptoms.

Mild psoriasis can often be treated using various treatments. These can include steroids, vitamin D analogues and other medications. Steroids should be used at the correct strength and for the correct length of time depending on the area. Long-term steroids should be monitored.

Phototherapy uses specialist UV light, narrow-band UVB. This may be suggested if you have widespread psoriasis or topical treatments have not worked well enough. This should be monitored. Monitored. More severe or hard-to-treat psoriasis may need medication or biologicals. This can include Methotrexate, Ciclosporin, acitretin, or Apremilast. Biologicals work by targeting inflammatory pathways such as TNF, IL-17 and IL-23. This should be discussed individually with monitoring.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding your treatment. This can include side effects, cost and difficulty sticking to a regimen. This will allow your doctor to put together a treatment plan.

Further Considerations

Some people with psoriasis can develop arthritis. If you have any pain, swelling, stiffness when waking up or heel pain, this should be assessed quickly. If left untreated, the inflammation can cause damage to your joints.

Psoriasis can put you at increased risk of developing disease, diabetes and other metabolic issues. This does not mean everyone with psoriasis will develop these conditions, but your doctor can advise what checks you need to do and how to keep your health in check. If your psoriasis is affecting your sleep, confidence, relationships or mood, let your doctor know. Counselling and other mental health support can be an addition to your treatment.

When To See A Doctor

If you have scaling changes to your nails or symptoms that are affecting your daily life, you should see a dermatologist. This will usually be diagnosed by looking at your skin and nails. Occasionally a skin biopsy may be needed.

If you have inflammation, scaling, pustules and are unwell or have a fever, you should seek urgent medical attention. This can indicate psoriasis and needs treating quickly. Whilst psoriasis can be unpredictable, there are treatments available. You deserve a treatment plan to help your symptoms.