Hello everyone,
How is your summer going? How is your PCOS acting during the summer? Have you noticed any differences?
This week, a dear friend of mine sent me an Instagram account with 350k followers promoting the carnivore diet for PCOS. My friends often send me these things, as they know how hard I work in the background to grow the newsletter. They advised me to start more short-format Instagram content, but I believe these platforms shouldn’t be where we get our health info. The platform makes you create viral content, contributing to the huge misinformation problem we have right now. Health is too complex to be explained in a 10-second reel. On the other hand, few people like to read long-format content these days, so I am a bit of a pickle.
Anyhow, is there any basis for the carnivore diet in PCOS?
My overall answer is no, but we must keep an open mind. These are some of my reasons:
Sustainability
It’s the same old rise and death of fad diets. First, we had low fat, then we had low carb, then we had keto, then we had intermittent fasting, and now we have the carnivore diet. All predating on their next victim who puts their trust in the next thing that will cure them of all issues.
I am not denying this might work for some people, but I have an actual problem with the marketing element of diets. People change their routines and ways of eating to try this new craze, to figure out that it’s impossible to maintain and unrealistic. Why do we do it? We want quick fixes and are always looking for the next big thing. It’s human nature. I went through it, and I think everyone needs to go through it to realise that the answers are within themselves if they get to know their body and listen to it.
Have you ever heard a normal-weight, healthy person counting their calories, restricting their carbs to the maximum, and avoiding any food groups? The people I know who are in tune with their bodies eat intuitively, have adequate portions, and focus on nutrient-dense foods.
There is the other end of sustainability for our environment, but that’s another lengthy topic.
Nutrient deficiency
One of the most pressing concerns with the carnivore diet is the potential for nutritional deficiencies. A diet consisting solely of meat, fish, and animal products excludes essential nutrients in plant-based foods. Vitamins and minerals such as vitamins C, K, magnesium, and potassium are predominantly found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Lack of fibre
Fibre is one of the most important nutrients for our gut and for PCOS, helping fight insulin resistance and inflammation in the body. With a complete carnivore diet, you’d get close to nothing regarding fibre.
Cardiovascular risk
The debate on saturated fats is lengthy. I wouldn’t take a risk with my long-term risk of cardiovascular health just to follow a promising diet. In excess, saturated fat can lead to high cholesterol. Women with PCOS already have raised cholesterol genetically and, as a result, a risk of CVD. I can’t imagine what a meat-only diet can do.
Genetics
With all of these in mind, there is a reason why some people do better on higher-fat diets. Are you surprised that the answer is in your genetics?
Specific genetic makeup allows certain bodies to use fats better than others. The APOA2 gene is one of them, and it determines how well you tolerate saturated fats and how well you can transport cholesterol.
From the evolutionary perspective, certain human societies, such as those in the colder northern regions, are likely to have survived on a larger intake of fats for hundreds of generations.
As a result, they could have developed adaptations that enable them to metabolize this macro ingredient in food quite efficiently.
You can find out your genetic make-up with us 👇🏼.
If you are ready to understand your body fully, you will love our genetics-based PCOS programme. Our first cohort is made up of only seven people and will start on September 29th, 2024. If you are ready to dedicate your autumn to your PCOS, sign up for our waiting list here.
Lastly, losing the will to live (joking). I am willing to go to great lengths to manage my PCOS and be healthy, but eating only meat and eggs for the rest of my life sounds like hell. Food is so much more than just fuel; it’s culture, travelling experiences, and a way of showing love.
My view on these diets is to proceed with caution! There is no research to show their benefit for PCOS. For now, I would not recommend them. However, it’s important to keep an open mind about these things and allow people to experiment with what might work for them.
See you next Sunday,
Francesca