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.

A cough that lingers for weeks is often dismissed as a stubborn cold, allergy, or lung infection. However, ENT specialists warned that in some cases, the real cause may be acid reflux, a condition that can affect the throat even without the typical symptom of heartburn.

Doctors told HealthandMe that recognizing the signs early can help patients receive the right treatment and prevent long-term complications.

When Does Acid Reflux Trigger a Chronic Cough?

According to Dr. Nishit Shah, ENT/Otorhinolaryngologist at Bombay Hospital, acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), does not always present with chest burning.

"Sometimes people with reflux do not feel the usual symptom of heartburn in their chest. Instead, the acid from their stomach goes up into their throat, irritates it, which can cause a dry cough that will not go away, a hoarse voice, or a feeling that something is stuck in their throat," Dr. Shah told HealthandMe.

He advised that if a cough lasts for more than eight weeks and does not improve with usual medicines, acid reflux should be considered as a possible cause.

"It is very important to know what is causing your cough because if you just treat the cough, the acid reflux can still be hurting your throat," Dr. Shah said.

Not Every Throat Symptom Is Acidity

Also read: 'Let's Fix Our Food': India Launches New Policy To Fight Childhood Obesity, Boost Nutrition

However, not every throat symptom should be dismissed as acidity.

Dr. Alok Aggarwal, Chairperson, ENT, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said silent reflux often presents as intermittent throat irritation, a sensation of something stuck in the throat, or occasional voice changes.

"These symptoms are often judged as acidity by the common man, and people start self-medicating with antacids and even ayurvedic medicines. Less do they know that this can be a symptom of some underlying ENT disease," he said.

He explained that laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) occurs when food or semi-digested food enters the pharynx, irritating its lining.

"It causes symptoms such as throat irritation, burning sensation, pain in throat, nasal irritation, globus sensation and change in voice," Dr. Aggarwal told HealthandMe.

ENT Evaluation Is Essential

Read More: Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi Sleeps 3 Hours A Night: How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?

While LPRD is commonly diagnosed, Dr. Aggarwal cautioned that similar symptoms may also be caused by allergic rhino-pharyngitis, chronic rhino-sinusitis, vocal nodules or polyps, laryngeal leukoplakia, and candida infection.

"Though this comes as the most common diagnosis in clinical practice, it often overshadows some very serious conditions which mimic the symptoms, and only after a thorough ENT examination can the exact diagnosis be made," he said.

He added that these conditions can be effectively diagnosed through thorough history-taking, clinical examination, and endoscopic examination.

"As doctors, we need to educate our patients regarding the disease physiology and the differentials it carries before establishing any diagnosis. A timely and adequate intervention with planned treatment can effectively cure the patient in most cases," Dr. Aggarwal said.

Lifestyle Changes May Help Control Symptoms

Dr. Shah recommended avoiding heavy meals, especially at night, limiting fatty foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and sleeping with the head elevated to help manage acid reflux.

"If people know that acid reflux can cause a cough, they can get a diagnosis sooner, get the right treatment and finally feel better," he added.

Dr. Aggarwal stressed the importance of timely medical evaluation.

"Early diagnosis and treatment can avoid unnecessary medications and avoid missing out on serious complications. A stitch in time saves nine," he said.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has sparked debate after revealing that she gets very little sleep since taking office.

In a post on X, Takaichi wrote that she had managed to get "five full hours of sleep for the first time in ages"—an improvement from her usual "zero to three hours" a night since becoming prime minister.'

"On weekdays, by the time I get back to the residence, I'm maxed out on private time just handling bath cleaning, bathing, dinner, washing up afterward, laundry, and some light tidying," she wrote.

"So the late-night hours after that get consumed until dawn with reading materials brought back from the Prime Minister's Office or prepping for … question time."

Takaichi added that whatever free time remained was spent ironing handkerchiefs, catching up on laundry, and repairing clothes.

While the disclosure offered a rare glimpse into the pressures of Japan's highest office, it also sparked a nationwide debate about the health risks of chronic sleep deprivation.

"I think she should rest more," Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki said at a news conference.

"Why doesn't her entourage provide more support to create an environment in which she can make important decisions with a fresh mind?"

However, some of Takaichi's colleagues defended her.

"Each person has their own various circumstances and behind-the-scenes stories, and on the premise of fulfilling responsibilities in public duties, I would be grateful if you could understand," Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ayano Kunimitsu wrote on X.

Also read: Could Poor Sleep Be One of the Earliest Signs of Alzheimer's Disease? Study Says Yes

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?

Dr. Nitin Dange, Comprehensive Stroke and Endovascular Neurosurgeon at Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, told HealthandMe that regularly missing sleep can increase the risk of neurological problems over time.

"Currently, due to hectic schedules, people are now sacrificing sleep to meet work deadlines, study longer, or spend more time on screens. Missing a few hours of sleep once in 2-3 months is harmless.

However, chronic sleep deprivation can not only cause irritation and weight gain but also neurological issues. During sleep, the brain processes memories, repairs nerve cells, regulates emotions, and clears waste products that accumulate throughout the day," Dr. Dange said.

A recent research, published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that disruptions in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, during which we dream, consolidate memory, and process emotions, could be among the earliest biological signs of Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Priyam Bordoloi, an Internal Medicine Resident from Assam, also highlighted the dangers of sleeping less than six hours a night.

"When you hit deep sleep, your brain's glymphatic system activates. Think of it as a plumbing system that actively flushes out metabolic waste and neurotoxic proteins (like beta-amyloid) accumulated during the day. When you consistently sleep less than 6 hours, you cut this vital cleaning cycle short. The toxins build up. If you do not fix this, you are actively fast-tracking your risk for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke etc. It's a bad habit we all need to fix," he wrote on X.

Tips To Sleep Better

Experts recommend getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night for optimal brain health.

• Maintain a consistent sleep and wake-up schedule.
• Avoid screens, caffeine, and heavy meals before bedtime.
• Exercise regularly, but avoid intense workouts late at night.
• Keep your bedroom quiet, cool, and dark.
• Consult a doctor if you snore loudly, stop breathing during sleep, or feel excessively sleepy during the day.

The ovaries are a pair of pelvic organs in biological females associated with reproduction. Cancer of the ovaries is unfortunately increasing in incidence and usually presents late in the course of the disease. Ovarian cancer is often called the ‘silent killer’ because of the symptoms, which can be vague and easily mistaken for minor digestive issues. To date, we do not have a reliable tool to screen and detect ovarian cancer early.

Certain risk factors for ovarian cancer increase your chance of getting it in the future. An important point to keep in mind is that having a risk factor alone does not mean one will develop ovarian cancer in the future.

Conversely, some people who get ovarian cancer may not have any known risk factors. Some risk factors, like smoking, can be changed.

Others, like genetic mutations or family history, can’t be changed. Scientists have discovered several risk factors that increase a person’s chance of developing epithelial ovarian cancer.

These include:

Older age: Most ovarian cancers begin after menopause. If one experiences pelvic bleeding after menopause, it is important to see a doctor.

Genetics: Ovarian cancer does run in families. The most common inherited gene mutations are BRCA1 and BRCA2. We now have very reliable tests to detect these genetic mutations and tailor-made specific treatments which are effective.

Hormones: Hormones play a complex role in the development of ovarian cancer. In general, the total number of times a woman ovulates during her lifetime is related to her risk of ovarian cancer. More ovulations can mean a higher risk. Thus, early menses (before 12 years of age) or late menopause (after 52 years of age), and use of hormone replacement after menopause do increase your risk. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are considered protective.

Lifestyle: Certain factors such as lifestyle choices are within our control. While we cannot change our DNA or our reproductive history, certain lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking, and lack of exercise may influence our biological environment.

Weight Management: Research suggests a link between obesity and an increased risk of several cancers, including ovarian cancer. Adipose (fat) tissue produces estrogens, which can fuel certain cellular changes. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce your risk.

Sedentary Habits: Many studies suggest that regular exercise such as walking, yoga, and weight training can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.

Smoking: While primarily linked to lung cancer, smoking is strongly associated with mucinous ovarian cancer, a specific subtype of the disease.

Dietary Patterns: While there is no singular “superfood” that can help prevent cancer, consuming a diet rich in vegetables, lots of lean proteins like fish, chicken, eggs, tofu, etc, and whole grains can help support a healthy immune system.

Every year, World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed on May 8. This is an initiative to raise awareness globally for educating the public about symptoms, risk factors, and the need for early detection of ovarian cancer. This year’s theme was No Woman Left Behind, which aims to ensure that all women have access to means of early detection, quality care, support, and to spread awareness so that no symptoms are ignored.

We should all do our bit but not spread fear or stigma. Since there is no universal screening tool for ovarian cancer, awareness of symptoms and associated risk factors is key. By recognizing the interplay between our genes, our hormonal history, and our daily habits, we can hope to move toward a future where ovarian cancer is detected earlier and treated more effectively.