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.

People in the UK who take a commonly prescribed medication are being reminded to follow a strict cut-off time. Ignoring this guidance could lead to disrupted sleep.

What Is Bumetanide?

Bumetanide is a diuretic, a type of medicine that helps the kidneys remove excess salt and water by increasing urine production. In the UK, it is prescribed for heart failure, a condition that affects close to one million people. Bumetanide is only available with a prescription and comes in tablet form as well as a liquid that is taken by mouth.

Bumetanide: NHS Says Avoid Taking It After 4 PM

The NHS website lists several key points patients should be aware of when using bumetanide. One of the most important relates to timing. According to NHS advice, bumetanide should not be taken after 4pm, as doing so may cause frequent urination during the night.

The NHS states: “Do not take bumetanide after 4pm or you may have to wake up in the night to go to the toilet.” Alongside this warning, the guidance also includes recommendations on when to take the medicine and what foods to avoid.

“You'll usually take bumetanide once a day, in the morning or afternoon – or twice a day, in the morning and afternoon,” the NHS explains. “Most people need to pee about 30 minutes after taking bumetanide, and again within a few hours.” The NHS also advises avoiding foods high in salt, such as processed foods or ready meals, as well as salt substitutes like Lo Salt, as these can interfere with how the medicine works. However, it adds: “You can take bumetanide with or without food.”

Some people are advised to take extra care when using bumetanide. The NHS says it is important to inform your doctor if you have:

• Ever had an allergic reaction to bumetanide or other medicines
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Signs of dehydration, including thirst, a dry mouth, or dark-coloured urine
• Liver disease
• Diabetes
• Difficulty passing urine
• Gout

If you are due to have a glucose test, you should also let your doctor know that you are taking bumetanide.

Bumetanide: Common Side Effects

There are several common side effects associated with bumetanide that occur in more than one in 100 people. The NHS says there are ways to manage these symptoms:

• Needing to urinate more often than usual
• Feeling thirsty
• Dry mouth
• Headaches
• Feeling dizzy or confused
• Muscle cramps or muscle weakness

Patients are advised to speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the suggested coping measures do not help, or if side effects continue or worsen after a few days.

Bumetanide: Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects are uncommon, according to the NHS. However, you should contact your doctor or call 111 immediately if you experience:

• Unexplained bruising or bleeding, a high temperature, sore throat, or mouth ulcers, which may indicate a blood disorder
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss

The NHS also notes: “In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to bumetanide.” In 2023, the UK faced a national shortage of bumetanide, which was expected to ease in 2025.

Because of this shortage, many patients were switched to furosemide, another diuretic that is also subject to the same 4pm timing advice.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions about medications, health conditions, or before making changes to your treatment plan.

Scientists have found that a single dose of the shingles vaccine may do more than protect against the painful viral infection. It may also help slow biological ageing in older adults. Researchers from the University of Southern California say the vaccine, commonly given to seniors, could have benefits beyond shingles prevention. The findings come from a study involving over 3,800 people, which showed that vaccinated individuals had fewer signs of biological ageing and lower inflammation levels than those who had not received the shot.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles is a viral condition known for causing a painful, blistering rash. It can appear on different parts of the body but usually shows up as a band of blisters running along one side of the torso. The infection is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Even after recovery from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate years later as shingles, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

While shingles is not usually life-threatening, it can be extremely uncomfortable. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of developing shingles. Starting treatment early can shorten the duration of the illness and lower the risk of complications. One of the most common complications is postherpetic neuralgia, a condition where nerve pain continues long after the rash has healed.

Shingles Vaccine May Slow Biological Aging In Older Adults

A recent study by the University of Southern California suggests that the shingles vaccine recommended for older adults may help slow down ageing at a biological level, in addition to preventing infection. “While more research is needed to confirm and expand on these results … our findings add to growing evidence that vaccines may support healthy ageing, not just prevent short-term illness,” said Eileen Crimmins, a co-author of the study, in a statement. To explore this further, Crimmins and her team focused on people who had received the shingles vaccine.

Shingles Virus Reactivates Later in Life

Although chickenpox is now uncommon in children, with cases dropping by over 97 percent since the vaccine became part of routine childhood immunisation in 1995, more than 95 percent of adults in the US were infected before that change, according to the CDC. At present, around one million Americans develop shingles every year.

Health authorities recommend that adults aged 50 and above receive two doses of the shingles vaccine. This not only lowers the risk of infection but also reduces the chances of postherpetic neuralgia, a lingering nerve pain that can persist for months or even years after the rash disappears.

Why Biological Age Matters More Than Your Actual Age

The researchers analysed data from more than 3,800 adults aged 70 and older, using information from the nationally representative US Health and Retirement Study. Blood samples were examined to assess seven different indicators of biological ageing.

Unlike chronological age, which simply counts years lived, biological ageing reflects how well the body’s organs and systems are functioning over time.

Shingles Vaccine: Lower Inflammation, Healthier Ageing

Results showed that vaccinated participants had noticeably lower levels of inflammation, a key factor linked to age-related conditions such as heart disease, frailty, and cognitive decline.

“By reducing this ongoing inflammation, possibly by stopping reactivation of the shingles virus, the vaccine may help support healthier ageing,” explained Jung Ki Kim, the study’s lead author.

“Although the exact biological processes are still unclear, the vaccine’s ability to lower inflammation makes it a promising tool in broader efforts to slow age-related decline and improve resilience,” she added.

Shingles Vaccine: What The Blood Markers Reveal About Ageing

The study also found that vaccinated individuals experienced slower changes in how genes are switched on and off, and in how genetic instructions are translated into proteins. These processes are known as epigenetic and transcriptomic ageing and are considered important markers of biological ageing.

When all seven ageing measures were combined into a single biological ageing score, those who had received the vaccine showed slower ageing overall compared with people who had not been vaccinated.

An image collage containing three visuals shows a gloved hand drawing blood into a tube, a longevity test kit with a swab and vial placed on an orange surface, and a screenshot of longevity test results displaying a bar chart of 117 biomarkers and a biological age of 29.3 years, which is 13.5 years younger than the actual age.

I gave lots of blood for six longevity tests — here’s how long I can expect to live

Can Vaccines Protect More Than Just Against Infection?

The findings build on earlier research that has linked adult vaccinations, including shingles and flu shots, to a lower risk of dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

“This research strengthens the idea that vaccines may help promote healthy ageing by influencing biological systems beyond infection control,” said Kim, who is also a research associate professor of gerontology at USC.

Shingles Vaccine: Long-Term Benefits Seen Years After Vaccination

Importantly, the benefits appeared to last. Even participants who had received the shingles vaccine four or more years before their blood samples were taken still showed slower epigenetic, transcriptomic, and overall biological ageing compared to those who had not been vaccinated.

“These results suggest that shingles vaccination affects key processes associated with ageing,” said Crimmins, who is a USC University Professor and AARP Professor of Gerontology.

If future research confirms these findings, it could offer Americans another reason to get vaccinated and help improve vaccination rates, which remain low. Despite a rise during the pandemic period, only 30.1 percent of eligible Americans had received the shingles vaccine as of 2022.

The study highlights the potential for common vaccines to do more than prevent disease. They could play a significant role in promoting resilience, lowering inflammation, and supporting healthier ageing, especially in older adults.

Experts have urged people to keep an eye on their fingernails, as unusual changes might point to underlying health problems. According to specialists, certain nail colours could indicate the risk of severe illnesses. While some changes may be harmless, specific colour alterations could require medical attention. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) has outlined concerning nail symptoms on its website.

The organisation stated: "Have you noticed a change to any of your nails lately? A change in colour, texture, or shape can be harmless, but it can also be a sign of disease. If you notice any of the following changes to a fingernail or toenail, it's time to see a board-certified dermatologist."

Fingernails Colour Change: What Changes Could Signal Serious Health Conditions

Based on this advice, AAD specialists recommend watching for these nail colours:

• White
• Half pink, half white
• Yellow
• Dusky red half-moons
• A dark streak

They explained: "Nail colour changes can sometimes reflect conditions inside the body. Certain shades may serve as warning signs for specific diseases."

White Nails: Could Indicate Liver Problems or Diabetes

The AAD points out that nails turning white may be a sign of liver disease or diabetes. In liver disease, this is particularly likely in people with cirrhosis, the most advanced stage of the condition.

However, nails can naturally become whiter with age. Still, it is recommended to have any noticeable changes checked by a healthcare professional.

Half Pink, Half White Nails: Possible Sign of Kidney Disease

Nails that appear half pink and half white may indicate kidney problems. The AAD describes this pattern as “a white colour on the upper part of one or more nails and a normal to reddish-brown colour below.”

Yellow Nails: Could Signal Lung or Circulatory Issues

Yellowing of the nails may be linked to lung disease and could reflect problems in the circulatory or lymphatic systems.

"When these systems don’t function properly, fluid can accumulate in the soft tissues beneath the skin, causing nails to turn yellow," explains the Cleveland Clinic. That said, yellow nails can also result from fungal infections or smoking.

Dusky Red Half-Moons: Potential Early Sign of Cancer

The AAD warns that a new or changing dark streak under a nail could indicate cancer, particularly melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. The NHS also advises seeing a GP if “you have a dark area under a nail that has not been caused by an injury.”

Dark Patches Under the Nails: When to Seek Immediate Care

Noticing a dark patch beneath your nail may point to skin cancer. Experts recommend visiting a GP as soon as possible if this occurs.

Other Nail Colours To Watch

Additional nail colours that may indicate health issues, according to the AAD, include:

• Blue nails: Could indicate insufficient oxygen in the blood.
• Pale nails: Might point to anaemia.
• Blue half-moons: Could suggest exposure to toxins or poisoning.