Kidney stones are harddeposits formed in the organ that can obstruct the flow of urine from the body and, in critical cases, lead to life-threatening infections like sepsis.
In an article published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers reported that one patient adopted the meat-based diet after discovering it on YouTube but ultimately faced complications.
The psychologist once claimed the carnivore diet helped him with depression (Chris Williamson/Getty Images)
While the man, in his 60s, lost two stone, tests indicated he was starting to develop the painful condition with signs of three types of kidney stones, formed of calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, and uric acid.
He received treatment for gout as well as a type of arthritis and was recommended to abandon the diet.
A year later, he was reportedly in significantly better health with no indications of kidney stones.
The researchers stated: “Due to increased animal protein, the exclusion of dairy products, and the removal of fruits and vegetables, the diet creates an optimal environment for the development of all stone types.”
The study asserted that the patient’s results illustrated the ‘potential hazards of the carnivore diet,’ adding: “The lack of literature on this and other fad diets’ safety and efficacy should be a cause for alarm among physicians.
The doctors claim a diet of meat can present a host of health issues (Getty Images)
“The rise of social media and the use of such communication for health information will continue to make fad diets a growing concern.”
The doctors advised a diet rich in fiber and carbohydrates to nourish the gut bacteria in order to prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Additional research from Harvard University and Oxford University indicated that individuals who consumed red meat have a 62 percent increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and an 18 percent higher risk of heart disease for each additional 50 grams consumed daily.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Ableimages
