Influencer Suffers Kidney Stones on Carnivore Diet

**US Influencer Ends Up In Hospital With Kidney Stones After Following Viral Carnivore Diet**

Influencers and health enthusiasts have been touting the carnivore diet's benefits, which include weight loss and improved mental clarity, in recent years. However, medical professionals who warn of potential health risks have also criticized the diet, which consists almost entirely of animal products like meat, fish, and eggs. A US influencer's recent hospitalization for kidney stones after following the viral carnivore diet for several months is one such cautionary tale. ### The Carnivorous Diet's Rise The carnivore diet, also known as the "all-meat diet," is a very strict way to eat that excludes all plant-based foods like grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Proponents of the diet claim that it can lead to rapid weight loss, reduced inflammation, and improved digestion. High-profile figures like Jordan Peterson and his daughter Mikhaila have popularized the diet, sharing their personal success stories and encouraging others to give it a try.

The simplicity of the carnivore diet is what draws many people to it. Unlike other diets that require meticulous calorie counting or macronutrient tracking, the carnivore diet is straightforward: eat meat, and avoid everything else. This simplicity, combined with glowing testimonials from influencers, has made the diet particularly attractive to those looking for a quick fix to their health and weight issues.

### The Influencer's Journey

The influencer in question, whose identity we’ll keep anonymous for privacy reasons, began documenting their carnivore diet journey on Instagram and YouTube earlier this year. With a following of over 100,000 people, their posts quickly gained traction, attracting both supporters and skeptics. The influencer shared daily meals consisting of steak, bacon, eggs, and occasional organ meats, along with updates on their physical and mental well-being.

Initially, the influencer reported positive results, including weight loss, increased energy levels, and a reduction in bloating. They praised the diet's ability to simplify their relationship with food and credited it with helping them overcome years of digestive issues. However, as the months passed, nebulous indications of trouble began to surface. ### Warning Signs Ignored

About three months into the diet, the influencer started experiencing occasional bouts of fatigue and muscle cramps. They dismissed these symptoms as being part of the "adaptation phase," which is a common claim made by advocates of the carnivore diet, who say that the body needs time to adjust to not eating carbohydrates or plant-based foods. However, the symptoms persisted and gradually worsened.

Around the six-month mark, the influencer began to experience severe pain in their lower back and sides. They initially attributed the pain to intense workouts or poor posture, but the discomfort became unbearable. Concerned, they visited a doctor, who ordered a series of tests, including blood work and imaging scans.

### The Diagnosis: Kidney Stones

The test results revealed that the influencer had developed kidney stones, a condition characterized by the formation of hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. Kidney stones can cause excruciating pain, nausea, and difficulty urinating, and in severe cases, they may require surgical intervention.

The influencer's doctor said that the carnivore diet's high protein and low carbohydrate content probably caused the kidney stones. Diets that are excessively high in animal protein can increase the levels of uric acid and calcium in the urine, both of which are key contributors to kidney stone formation. Additionally, the lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet meant that the influencer was not consuming enough citrate, a compound that helps prevent kidney stones.

### The Role of Hydration

Another factor that may have contributed to the influencer’s condition was inadequate hydration. While the influencer claimed to drink plenty of water, the high protein intake associated with the carnivore diet increases the body’s need for fluids. Waste nitrogen produced by protein metabolism must be eliminated through urine by the kidneys. Without sufficient water, the kidneys struggle to flush out these waste products, increasing the risk of stone formation.

### The Aftermath

The influencer was hospitalized for a few days after the diagnosis to manage the pain and make it easier for the kidney stones to pass. They underwent a procedure to break up the larger stones and were advised to make significant changes to their diet. A well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and moderate amounts of lean protein was suggested by the doctor. Since then, the influencer has shared their experience with their followers and advised them to exercise caution when going on extreme diets. “I wanted to believe that the carnivore diet was the answer to all my problems,” they wrote in a candid Instagram post. However, the fact of the matter is that our bodies require a proper nutrient balance to function properly. I learned the hard way that cutting out entire food groups can have serious consequences.”

### Medical Experts Weigh In

The influencer's experience has sparked a larger discussion about the carnivorous diet's potential dangers. Medical professionals have long warned that diets high in animal protein and low in fiber can lead to a range of health issues, including kidney stones, heart disease, and digestive problems.

Dr. Emily Carter, a nephrologist based in New York, explains that while the carnivore diet may offer short-term benefits for some individuals, it is not a sustainable or healthy long-term solution. She asserts, "The human body is designed to thrive on a varied diet that includes both plant-based foods and foods derived from animals." "Eliminating entire food groups can result in nutrient deficiencies and raise the likelihood of developing chronic diseases," Dr. Carter also emphasizes the importance of hydration, particularly for those following high-protein diets. She advises, "Drinking enough water is essential for kidney health, especially when eating a lot of protein." “Aim for at least 2-3 liters of water per day, and consider adding lemon or lime to your water, as the citrate in citrus fruits can help prevent kidney stones.”

### The Bigger Picture

The story of the influencer serves as an illustration of the fact that not all diets are created equal, and what works for one person may not work for another. Even though there are proponents of the carnivore diet, you should think about the risks and talk to a doctor before making major changes to your eating habits. Moreover, the incident highlights the power and responsibility of influencers in shaping public health trends. With millions of followers looking to them for guidance, influencers have a duty to provide accurate and balanced information, rather than promoting potentially harmful practices without proper context or disclaimers.

### In the end The carnivore diet may have its moments in the spotlight, but stories like this one underscore the importance of moderation and balance in our dietary choices. Even though it's tempting to look for quick fixes or follow the latest health trends, a balanced diet that meets all of the body's nutritional needs is the key to long-term health. As for the influencer, they are now on the road to recovery and have vowed to use their platform to promote a more balanced approach to health and wellness. Their experience serves as a cautionary tale for individuals contemplating an extreme diet and serves as a reminder that there are no shortcuts when it comes to our health.