People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often rely on controlling their diet to reduce uncomfortable symptoms like pain, bloating, and changes in how often they go to the bathroom. Although no single diet can cure IBS, extreme low-carb diets — including the carnivore diet — have sparked interest as a method to help manage IBS symptoms.

Carnivore Diet: The Basics

Generally speaking, following a carnivore diet means eating only meat, fish, eggs, and some other animal products. Some people on this diet eat just one type of meat, whereas others eat all kinds of meat and other animal products. Some people cut out food groups, and some even avoid seasoning their food. There are many variations of the carnivore diet, but all are based on the same claim: that eating only meat is the best thing for your health.

In some anecdotal reports (based on personal experience), people claim their health issues benefited from this diet. However, the carnivore diet claims are unscientific and should be approached with caution.

Some carnivore diet advocates say that plant-based foods are toxic and cause inflammation, but there’s little evidence for this claim. For example, lectins and gluten are cited as toxins. Lectins are plant-based proteins common in beans and rice, and they may cause stomach upset when eaten too much. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale, is harmful to people with celiac disease, but eating a gluten-free diet is not necessary for most people.

The Carnivore Diet and Carbs

People on the carnivore diet don’t eat any carbohydrates because they believe that a high-carb diet is the cause of chronic (ongoing) disease. The carnivore diet is stricter than the ketogenic diet (keto diet), which limits but doesn’t completely cut out carbs. Proponents of the carnivore diet also emphasize that cutting out carbs completely can help with weight loss. However, any related weight loss may be effective only in the short term. In addition, carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy, so not eating them at all can be risky.

You may benefit from reducing your intake of processed carbohydrates such as white sugar and flour. However, following a strictly low-carb or no-carb diet is not generally recommended. You can still benefit from eating carbs in the form of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Carnivore Diet and Health Concerns

An all-meat diet may lead to high cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart problems. Eating large amounts of high-sodium, processed meats can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, making you more likely to develop other types of heart disease and stroke.

Cutting out all grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables also can lead to other concerns beyond heart conditions. Potential health problems that may be linked with a carnivore diet include:

• Vitamin deficiency
• Constipation from inadequate fiber
• Kidney disease (related to high sodium from eating large amounts of processed meats)
• Colorectal cancer (associated with high meat consumption)

The Carnivore Diet and IBS

The carnivore diet removes many foods that can sometimes be difficult for people with IBS, including:

• Dairy products (like milk and cheese)
• Beans and lentils
• Broccoli and cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Onions and garlic
• Wheat products (for those sensitive to gluten)

However, this restrictive diet also removes foods that can benefit people with IBS. For example, the carnivore diet eliminates all fiber. Fiber can help relieve constipation by making stools easier to pass. Fiber is found in fruits and vegetables, legumes, and grains.

Beneficial foods for IBS that aren’t part of a carnivore diet include:

• Grains like oats, rice, and quinoa
• Fruits such as oranges, blueberries, and strawberries
• Vegetables like carrots, bok choy, and cucumber
• Lactose-free or plant-based milk or other dairy products
• Nuts and seeds (in moderation)
• Tofu

Talk With Your Doctor

For specific medical advice about dietary changes, including taking supplements, talk to your health care provider or a dietitian. Remember, always consult a medical provider before starting an extreme diet or an elimination diet. They’ll help you decide if a particular approach fits with your treatment plan for IBS and guide you in making safe, healthy changes.

You Are Not Alone

On myIBSteam, the social network for people with irritable bowel syndrome and their loved ones, more than 25,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with IBS.

How does your diet affect your IBS symptoms? Have you cut out or added any foods to your meal plan? Share your tips and experiences in a comment below or on your Activities page.