Eating only meat and animal products may help some Alzheimer's symptoms, but more research is still needed to determine if it's truly safe and effective long-term.
The carnivore diet, which involves eliminating all plant foods and eating only animal products, has grown in popularity over the last few years. Some people tout it as a cure-all, while others warn it could be dangerous. But could strictly animal-based eating actually benefit people with Alzheimer’s disease?
As someone who has watched a loved one suffer from Alzheimer’s, I’ve spent countless hours researching possible ways to slow its progression. The carnivore diet recently caught my attention, but I wanted to dig deeper before getting my hopes up. Here’s what I’ve learned about potential pros, cons, and unknowns regarding the carnivore diet for Alzheimer’s.
Meat and Fat May Boost Ketones and Brain Function
The possible benefits of the carnivore diet for Alzheimer’s center around ketosis. This is a metabolic state where your body burns fat rather than carbs for fuel. Ketosis naturally occurs if you eliminate carbs and eat high amounts of fat and protein.
Some studies suggest ketosis can enhance cognitive function and memory in people with Alzheimer's. Ketones may provide brain cells with an alternative energy source to replace what was lost due to impaired glucose metabolism in Alzheimer's brains.
One study found boosting ketones, either through diet or supplementation, improved cognitive scores in Alzheimer’s patients with certain genetic risk factors. Other research shows elevated ketone levels correlate with greater memory, focus, and cognition in those with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s.
An all-meat carnivore diet is one way to hike up ketone levels and potentially reap these brain benefits. By removing carbs and upping fat intake from sources like beef, eggs, and butter, carnivore may support ketone generation and offer mental clarity to Alzheimer’s patients.
Carnivore May Reduce Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Chronic inflammation and oxidative damage are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s that likely contribute to its progression. The carnivore diet may combat these issues thanks to its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory animal foods.
Grass-fed beef contains inflammation-reducing omega-3s. Wild-caught salmon provides powerful antioxidants like astaxanthin. Pasture-raised eggs pack high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that cross the blood-brain barrier.
By emphasizing these and other nutrient-dense animal products, a carnivore diet may lower inflammation and oxidative stress involved in Alzheimer’s pathology. This helps explain anecdotal reports of carnivores improving Alzheimer’s symptoms like brain fog.
But There Are Also Risks to Consider
While the potential upsides of a carnivore diet for Alzheimer’s are intriguing, there are also reasons to be cautious. Strictly eliminating plant foods long-term could result in certain nutrient deficiencies linked to worsened dementia.
- Fiber from fruits, vegetables, grains, etc. feeds gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids vital for brain health. Plant foods provide polyphenols and carotenoids that may protect against Alzheimer’s. A lifelong meat-only diet may eventually deplete levels of these and other brain-boosting plant compounds.
- There are also concerns that heavy meat intake could increase Alzheimer ’s-promoting compounds like advanced glycation end products (AGEs), trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and Neu5Gc. Cooking methods and meat quality influence levels of these, but they’re highest in meat compared to plants.
- Lastly, nutrition experts broadly agree dietary variety and moderation are healthiest long-term. So an extreme all-meat regimen may not be prudent or sustainable for Alzheimer’s prevention over decades.
The solution is to pick the beneficial aspects of the carnivore diet
Despite intriguing theories and anecdotes, no studies have specifically looked at carnivore diet for Alzheimer’s treatment or prevention. The risks of nutrient deficiencies and Alzheimer’s-promoting compounds warrant caution with long-term carnivore eating.
That said, integrating select principles of a carnivore approach may offer benefits:
Lower carb intake – Limiting added sugar and refined carbs can stabilize blood glucose and insulin, which may protect the Alzheimer’s brain.
Up protein – Eating ample high-quality protein provides amino acids to support neurotransmitter synthesis and brain cell health.
Increase healthy fats – Boosting oils, nuts, avocados, and oily fish can elevate ketones and combat inflammation.
Emphasize antioxidant foods – Make meat, eggs, and salmon a regular part of your diet, along with ample produce.
Support gut health – Eat prebiotic fibers from vegetables, fruits, and legumes to nourish your microbiome.
This modified approach harnesses the potential upsides of a carnivore diet for Alzheimer’s prevention or support while minimizing risks of nutrient shortfalls and unhealthy compounds.
To wrap it up
The carnivore diet likely isn’t a silver bullet or cure for Alzheimer’s. However, certain aspects of animal-based eating may turn out to be an effective piece of a long-term lifestyle strategy against this devastating disease. I’m hopeful that continued research will provide more definitive answers soon.