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.

This year's Doctor's Day was a reminder to all that doctor's too are human. The theme specifically focused on healing the healers, emphasizing on the need for people to recognize doctor's struggle and treat them with empathy and sympathy.

No Lines Between Personal And Professional Life

Health and Me had earlier reported on how doctors, even when they are not at work receive work questions all the time. In a previous interview with Health and Me, Dr Guru N Reddy, a senior gastroenterologist, shared, “I didn’t spend time with my family when my kids were growing up. My work always came first and then came my family.” He also shared that how whenever he is gone for a gathering, it turns into an unofficial consultation desk. “Can I quickly show you this report?” “There’s this pain that won’t go, can you suggest something?” These are the questions he is faced with even at family events.

All such scenarios will undoubtedly make a doctor feel overwhelmed. In fact, a survey conducted by Medtalks, a doctor engagement platform, revealed that doctors are burdened by growing mental and emotional burden.

The survey, though small scale, conducted among 200 doctors across public and private health care, revealed an important issue. It found that 74% of respondents felt emotionally exhausted on a weekly or even on a daily basis. This survey also highlighted the depth of burnout and chronic stress in the medical profession.

Many doctors also agreed that even after their work hours, they were still entertained with questions related to their patients health through WhatsApp. The data revealed that over 83% of doctors felt that they were under constant stress as their patients continued to contact them through WhatsApp, phone calls, and digital messages, with many asking them for urgent queries. This round-the-check communication has blurred personal and professional boundaries, which has disassociated doctors from their own families.

Looming Fear Of Threat And Violence On Doctors

The survey also found that threat and violence against doctors were a major source of stress and concern. Indian Medical Association (IMA) President, Dr Dilip Bhanushali, in an earlier interview with Health and Me had said, "Violence against doctors is not rare—it’s routine."

He further added: “We’ve seen mobs arrive with kerosene, petrol, even swords, burning down hospitals. There was a law during COVID promising seven years imprisonment and non-bailable warrants for attacks on doctors, but it hasn’t been enforced. Most states still have weak three-year, bailable punishments.”

He also pointed towards the RG Kar Medical College’s case where a female postgraduate trainee doctor was raped and murdered and her body was found in a seminar room on campus. Doctors across the nation went on a strike, demanding justice. “But we cannot go to the roads and do strikes every time. Despite it all, we uphold our Hippocratic oath.”

The survey too echoed the same feelings, where many respondents admitted that this fear has directly influenced their approach to diagnosis, communication, and decision-making. Doctors are now acting more defensively.

The strain on doctors is intensified by mounting administrative duties, fear of legal action, limited institutional support, and rising expectations to deliver flawless outcomes.

Over one-third of doctors reported working more than 60 hours a week, while only 17 percent are able to take a full, uninterrupted day off on a regular basis. Most respondents said they receive minimal support in coping with these demands. Strikingly, just 14 percent felt the current healthcare system allows them to prioritise their own wellbeing, whereas 52 percent said it does not.

When it comes to dinner, many of us focus on what we eat, aiming for healthy and delicious food. But we often don't think about when we eat it, squeezing dinner in whenever our busy schedules allow. However, a growing amount of research suggests that when you eat can be just as important for your health as what you eat. And it seems that eating dinner earlier might be the way to go.

What's the Best Time for Dinner?

Scientists haven't found one single "perfect" dinner time, but it's generally best to avoid eating late for your metabolism. Try to finish dinner at least two hours before you go to bed, and ideally even longer. According to a 2024 study published in the JAMA Network Open, good goal is to eat dinner sometime between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Of course, life happens, and sometimes you'll have to eat later. If it's just occasionally, don't worry too much. Just try not to eat a very large meal right before bed. In fact, research suggests that dinner shouldn't be your biggest meal of the day, which is different from what many Americans are used to. Instead, try to eat most of your calories earlier in the day, around when you wake up or in the middle of the day.

Why Does When You Eat Dinner Matter?

Our bodies have internal "clocks" that manage how we function throughout the day. This means that the exact same meal can affect your body differently depending on the time you eat it.

For instance, one study found that when healthy young adults ate the same dinner at 10 p.m. instead of 6 p.m., their blood sugar levels went higher and their bodies processed fat less effectively. Late dinners can have this impact even if you're not eating right before bed.

One reason for this could be melatonin, a hormone your body releases at night to help you sleep. As melatonin levels rise, it seems to make it harder for your body to control blood sugar, leading to bigger and longer-lasting spikes after a late meal. Research also shows that eating dinner late can make you hungrier, cause your body to burn fewer calories, and even lead to changes in your body that promote fat gain.

How Late Dinners Affect Your Health

While many studies on meal timing are done in controlled lab settings, the findings suggest that regularly eating dinner late could increase your risk for health problems like type 2 diabetes and obesity. Many studies have already shown this connection. On the other hand, eating more of your calories earlier in the day seems to help with weight loss and improve signs of good metabolic health.

It's not just about metabolism either. Other research suggests that people who stop eating after 6 p.m. tend to get more sleep than those who eat until midnight. There's even a serious study from 2024 that links late eating to a higher risk of death. So, the general advice is clear: for most people, it's best to limit how much food you eat during the nighttime hours.

Tips for Eating Dinner Earlier

If you're used to eating late, changing your routine can be tough. To make the switch easier, start by making changes earlier in your day. If you often skip breakfast and grab a quick, small lunch, you'll likely be very hungry by evening. So, make sure you eat good, hearty meals earlier in the day that include plenty of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. This will help you feel less hungry at night.

Some people also find it helpful to set a specific "cut-off time" after which they stop eating, rather than just vaguely aiming for an earlier dinner. If you try this, it's okay to start small. Begin by closing the kitchen just 30 minutes before bedtime, then extend it to an hour, and so on. The key is to start where you are and build up gradually.

An Australian man in his 50s has died after contracting Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), a rare but deadly virus closely related to rabies. The man, who lived in northern New South Wales, was bitten by a bat several months ago and succumbed to the infection this week after being hospitaliszed in critical condition.

In a statement released on Thursday, NSW Health confirmed the fatality and extended condolences: “We express our sincere condolences to the man's family and friends for their tragic loss. While it is extremely rare to see a case of Australian bat lyssavirus, there is no effective treatment for it.”

What Is Australian Bat Lyssavirus?

First identified in 1996, Australian bat lyssavirus belongs to the Lyssavirus genus, the same family as the classical rabies virus (RABV). Like its more globally prevalent cousin, ABLV causes a fatal form of viral encephalomyelitis—an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Once symptoms develop, there is no known cure or treatment.

Transmission occurs when the saliva of an infected bat enters the body through a bite or scratch. According to NSW Health, any bat in Australia—regardless of species—could potentially carry the virus. In this case, officials have not yet identified the exact bat species responsible for the infection.

Early Symptoms Often Misleading

The early symptoms of ABLV infection mimic those of the flu, including headache, fever, and fatigue, which can delay diagnosis. However, the disease rapidly progresses to paralysis, delirium, convulsions, and ultimately death.

Symptoms may appear days, weeks, or even years after exposure, adding another layer of complexity to diagnosis and response.

This recent death is only the fourth recorded human case of ABLV infection in Australia, and tragically, all four have been fatal.

A Preventable Tragedy

While the disease has no cure, prompt medical treatment after exposure can prevent infection. NSW Health strongly urges the public to avoid all contact with bats. In the event of a bite or scratch, the following steps should be taken immediately:

• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes
• Apply an antiseptic with antiviral action
• Seek urgent medical attention for administration of rabies immunoglobulin and a rabies vaccine series

Dr. Jeremy McAnulty, Director of Health Protection at NSW Health, emphasized the importance of public awareness: “No matter how minor the scratch or bite may seem, immediate treatment is essential. Rabies vaccines are extremely effective when administered quickly.”

The Broader Context: Lyssaviruses and Rabies Risk

Australian bat lyssavirus may be rare, but its relation to rabies—one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally—makes it especially concerning.

According to a 2021 study titled "Rabies Infection: An Overview of Lyssavirus-Host Protein Interactions," lyssaviruses are negative-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses known to infect mammals and cause fatal encephalomyelitis. Despite differences in geography and host species, illnesses caused by rabies virus (RABV) and other lyssaviruses are virtually indistinguishable once symptoms appear.

Worldwide, rabies still causes approximately 60,000 deaths annually, mostly in Asia and Africa. The fatality rate of clinical rabies—once symptoms begin—is nearly 100%, underscoring the importance of pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis.

Flying Foxes and Microbats Under Scrutiny

ABLV has been found in multiple Australian bat species, particularly flying foxes and insect-eating microbats. These animals often come into contact with humans, especially in urban or suburban environments where bats may roost or forage.

Despite the important ecological role bats play—as pollinators, pest controllers, and seed dispersers—public health officials continue to stress no direct handling of bats by untrained individuals. Wildlife carers and veterinarians are advised to wear protective gear and be vaccinated against rabies.

Public Health Measures Going Forward

This latest case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent, though rare, risk that Australian bat lyssavirus poses to human health. NSW Health is reinforcing education campaigns and urging any bat encounters to be reported immediately.

Authorities continue to collaborate with wildlife and disease surveillance networks to monitor ABLV across bat populations and ensure rapid response to potential exposures.

In closing, NSW Health reiterated, “Although Australian bat lyssavirus cases are extremely rare, they are always fatal without timely treatment. Awareness and early action can mean the difference between life and death.”