What Lab Work Do I Need Before Starting the Carnivore Diet?

Making a significant change to your diet is a powerful step toward improving your health and well-being. Whether you’re considering the carnivore diet or another diet shift, understanding your body’s current state is crucial. Just as you wouldn’t begin a journey without a map, starting a new diet without knowing your baseline health can leave you guessing about its impact and effectiveness.

 

Baseline lab work provides valuable insights into your overall health, helping you identify any potential imbalances or concerns before making changes. It also serves as a reference point, allowing you to measure progress and determine how your diet is impacting key health markers. But it doesn’t end there—follow-up testing is equally important to assess how your body is adapting over time.

 

We’ll outline the key lab work and evaluations recommended for anyone starting a new diet, with a special focus on the carnivore diet. Whether your goal is improved energy, mental clarity, or addressing chronic symptoms, having the right health data empowers you to make informed decisions along your journey. Let’s explore how a proactive approach can set you up for long-term success.

 

What Is the Carnivore Diet?

 

 

The carnivore diet, centered around animal-based foods, comes in several variations tailored to unique health needs and goals. Here’s an overview of some common approaches:

 

• Beef-Only Carnivore Diet: This straightforward approach focuses solely on beef, often chosen for its simplicity and suitability as an elimination diet. It’s frequently recommended for those with autoimmune or chronic health conditions seeking improvement. While effective initially, long-term success often involves adding other meats for balanced nutrition.

 

• Lion Diet: A highly restrictive variation, the lion diet includes only ruminant meats, water, and salt. It’s a go-to starting point for elimination protocols, especially for individuals aiming to heal autoimmune or gut issues. Over time, other meats can be reintroduced to diversify the diet.

 

• Nose-to-Tail Carnivore Diet: This variation emphasizes consuming the entire animal, including organ meats, for comprehensive nutrition. Care should be taken with liver and kidney consumption to avoid nutrient imbalances, such as vitamin A toxicity, particularly for those with specific health conditions.

 

• Meat-Only Carnivore Diet: This diet includes all types of muscle meat while excluding organ meats, dairy, and eggs. It’s a solid foundation for an elimination diet, suitable for those who tolerate various muscle meats.

 

• Zero-Carb Carnivore Diet: Focusing on foods with minimal to no carbohydrates (carbs), this variation includes meat, animal fats, dairy, and eggs. It’s an excellent option for individuals without autoimmune concerns who tolerate dairy and eggs well.

 

• Carnivore Keto Diet: This low-carb, high-fat approach merges ketogenic (keto) principles with carnivore eating. Incorporating low-toxicity plant-based options such as avocados and coconut oil, it’s ideal for metabolically healthy individuals who have largely healed from chronic health issues.

 

• Carnivore-Ish Keto Diet: This flexible variation includes keto elements alongside a meat-heavy focus. It permits keto-friendly foods such as alternative sweeteners and nuts, making it suitable for those with metabolic health and no food addiction concerns.

 

• Animal-Based Diet: This inclusive option, which technically isn’t Carnivore or keto, builds on animal products but allows fruit, honey, and raw dairy. While some metabolically flexible individuals and athletes thrive on it, mixing high fat with carbs poses risks, making it less ideal for most people.

 

Choosing the right variation is key to aligning your diet with your health objectives.

 

What Are the Benefits of the Carnivore Diet?

 

 

The carnivore diet is celebrated for its countless health benefits. Below is a summary of some of the key health benefits associated with this way of eating:

 

Improved Gut Health

The carnivore diet eliminates plant-based fiber, anti-nutrients, and irritants such as lectins, oxalates, and phytates that can disrupt gut function. Many individuals report relief from gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and leaky gut. Animal-based foods are highly digestible and can help support a more balanced gut microbiome.

 

Enhanced Energy Levels

The high fat and moderate protein composition of the carnivore diet provides a steady energy supply, minimizing blood sugar spikes and crashes common with carb-heavy diets. Many report improved mental clarity, focus, and sustained energy throughout the day.

 

 

Reduced Inflammation

By removing inflammatory foods, including refined sugars, seed oils, and grains, the carnivore diet can lower systemic inflammation. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with autoimmune conditions, arthritis, or other chronic conditions. The diet’s emphasis on omega-3-rich foods, such as fatty fish, further supports an anti-inflammatory response.

 

Simplified Weight Management

The carnivore diet is naturally low in carbs and high in satiating fats and proteins, which can support weight loss or maintenance. Without the presence of sugars and processed foods, cravings diminish, making it easier to adhere to the diet. Additionally, the diet supports metabolic flexibility, encouraging the body to use fat as a primary fuel source.

 

Hormonal Balance

Animal-based diets support hormonal health by providing essential nutrients such as cholesterol, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D, which are building blocks for hormone production. Many individuals report improvements in thyroid function, menstrual cycle regularity, and reduced symptoms of conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

 

Skin Health

Nutrient-dense animal foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and organ meats are rich in vitamins A, D, E, and zinc, which are essential for skin health. The elimination of inflammatory foods can also lead to clearer skin and a reduction in conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

 

 

Mental Health Benefits

The carnivore diet also positively impacts mental health by providing high-quality fats that support brain function and by stabilizing blood sugar levels, which can reduce mood swings and anxiety. It can be a powerful modality for a wide range of mental health conditions including depression. Additionally, the diet eliminates foods that can contribute to brain fog or cognitive issues.

 

Nutrient Density

Animal-based foods are some of the most nutrient-dense options available, providing essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, B12, zinc, and bioavailable protein. Unlike plant-based sources, these nutrients are in forms the body can easily absorb and utilize.

 

Autoimmune Support

By eliminating potentially inflammatory and allergenic foods, the carnivore diet can help individuals with autoimmune conditions identify triggers and achieve symptom relief. Many find it effective as an elimination protocol.

 

You can learn more about the benefits of the carnivore diet here.

 

Who Should Try the Carnivore Diet?

The carnivore diet is a therapeutic approach that can be tried by individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Its focus on nutrient-dense, animal-based foods offers a simple yet powerful way to support overall health. Whether you’re seeking to address root-cause healing, manage chronic health concerns, or enhance overall wellness, this diet provides a foundation that eliminates common irritants and inflammatory foods.

 

For those exploring new diet strategies to optimize their health, the carnivore diet presents a unique opportunity to simplify nutrition while delivering essential nutrients in bioavailable forms. It can be tailored to suit individual needs, from elimination protocols to long-term lifestyle changes. While the diet isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, its therapeutic potential for improving physical and mental health makes it worth considering.

 

What Should I Do Before Starting the Carnivore Diet?

Preparing for the carnivore diet can involve establishing a clear baseline for your health. This not only helps track your progress but also allows you to assess how your body responds to the diet changes. Before starting, we recommend taking some time to record your weight and body measurements. Documenting any current symptoms or health concerns—such as fatigue, digestive issues, or skin problems—can also help you monitor improvements over time.

 

In addition to tracking physical markers, getting baseline blood work can be an important step. This provides a comprehensive snapshot of your current health and helps identify any potential issues that might require monitoring or adjustment during the diet. At a minimum, it’s recommended to check the following: Complete Blood Count (CBC), Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), cortisol, C-peptide, fasting insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP), Hemoglobin A1C (A1C), a full thyroid and cholesterol panel, urinalysis, vitamin D levels, and homocysteine. These tests cover key areas such as metabolic health, inflammation, and nutrient status.

 

Most of these lab tests are typically covered by insurance, making them accessible for many individuals. For a comprehensive blood work panel tailored to starting the carnivore diet, consider our Complete Wellness Panel. Having this information can help you start your Carnivore journey with confidence and also provides your trusted practitioner with the data needed to guide you effectively. Proper preparation lays the foundation for long-term success and optimal health outcomes.

 

What Should I Do During My Carnivore Diet Journey?

 

 

During your initial carnivore diet journey, consistent tracking is key to understanding how your body is responding to the changes. Using a Food and Mood Journal is an essential tool for monitoring your daily symptoms, energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. By documenting what you eat and how you feel, you’ll gain valuable insights into whether the diet is benefiting you and which foods might be working best for your body. This practice can help highlight improvements, identify potential triggers, and refine your approach as you go.

 

To accurately evaluate the impact of the carnivore diet, it’s important to limit other variables during your experiment. Avoid introducing new supplements, lifestyle changes, or other diet adjustments at the same time. This focused approach helps you determine whether the improvements or challenges you experience are directly related to the diet itself, providing a clearer picture of its effects.
It’s also worth noting that some individuals may experience temporary discomfort, such as symptoms of the “keto flu,” as their body adapts to burning fat for fuel.

 

These symptoms can include fatigue, headaches, or digestive changes. In such cases, temporary supplements such as electrolytes or digestive supports can make the transition smoother and prevent discouragement. Adjusting to a carnivore diet is a process, and having patience and the right supports in place can make all the difference in your success.

 

How Long Should I Try the Carnivore Diet?

When trying the carnivore diet, it’s ideal to commit to at least three months to allow your body enough time to adjust and for you to observe meaningful changes. While three months provides a solid baseline, any length of time that feels sustainable for you is valuable. The longer you follow the diet, the more data you’ll have to assess its impact on your health. This extended timeframe also allows you to determine if the diet aligns with your goals and if it’s providing the improvements you’re seeking.

 

After three months of eating the carnivore diet, this is a good time to retest your blood work to evaluate how your body has adapted. Ideally, retest the same labs you completed before starting, such as those included in the Complete Wellness Panel. These results will provide insights into any changes in inflammation, metabolic health, and nutrient status, guiding potential adjustments to your approach.

 

The carnivore diet also has the unique ability to uncover deeper root cause issues unrelated to diet, such as environmental toxins or underlying infections. For some individuals, long-term adherence may be necessary to experience the full benefits. However, if you’ve been on the carnivore diet for around six months without significant progress, it’s often a sign that there are deeper issues requiring root-cause healing. Addressing these underlying factors can help unlock the diet’s full potential and support your journey to optimal health. You can learn more about some of these root-cause issues here.

 

Do I Need to Check Bloodwork on the Carnivore Diet Regularly?

 

 

For most people, regularly checking blood work while on the carnivore diet isn’t necessary unless you’re curious about how the diet is impacting your health or your insurance covers the tests. A follow-up test after three months of starting the diet can provide helpful insights, but routine monitoring beyond that may not be needed for those in good health. However, if you’re using the carnivore diet to address chronic illness or more complex health concerns, working closely with a trusted practitioner can be invaluable. They can guide you on which markers to monitor and help tailor the diet to your specific needs.

 

It’s also important to understand that there are nuances to interpreting blood work for individuals on a low-carb or carnivore diet. Certain results, such as cholesterol or glucose markers, can appear abnormal when viewed through the standard care model, even if they’re perfectly normal for someone following a low-carb lifestyle.

 

To avoid unnecessary alarm or misinterpretation, it’s best to consult with a practitioner experienced in low-carb and carnivore diets. They can provide context for your results and help you make informed decisions about your health while navigating this unique diet approach.

 

Closing Thoughts on Carnivore Diet Bloodwork

When starting any diet, including the carnivore diet, establishing a baseline through blood work is a best practice to understand your health markers before making changes. Reassessing these labs three months into the diet provides valuable insights into how your body is adapting and helps guide adjustments as needed.

 

However, it’s crucial to recognize that blood work results may shift in unique ways when transitioning to a low-carb lifestyle. This is why working with a knowledgeable practitioner experienced in low-carb and carnivore diets is essential. They can interpret your results in context, avoiding unnecessary concerns that may arise from standard interpretations.

 

It’s also important to remember that blood work is just one piece of the puzzle. Health decisions should never be made solely based on lab results. A comprehensive approach that considers the patient as a whole—examining their health history, current symptoms, and overall progress—is vital for truly optimizing wellness.

 

Combining blood work data with a broader view of your health allows you to gain a clearer understanding of how the carnivore diet fits into your journey toward better health and long-term well-being. This holistic approach ensures that your decisions are informed, balanced, and supportive of your individual health goals.

 

Work With Our Trusted Carnivore Diet Functional Medicine Practitioners

The Nutrition with Judy practice is honored to be a trusted carnivore diet practitioner support serving patients from around the globe. We’re passionate about helping our patients achieve root-cause healing in order to lead the best quality of life possible that’s nearly symptom-free. Our team is dedicated to providing the best practices for supporting any wellness protocol and modality. We welcome you to explore our free resources and are always available to support you through personalized protocols. Our Symptom Burden Assessment (SBA) is the perfect starting point for discovering your root cause and is required to work with our team— you can learn more in-depth about this powerful tool here.