Can eating only meat put your joints at risk? The carnivore diet, which cuts out all plant-based foods and relies solely on animal products like red meat, fish, and eggs, is gaining attention for promoting weight loss and metabolic health. However, this approach may come with serious downsides for gout patients or anyone with a history of gout or high uric acid levels.

Eating large amounts of meat increases purine intake, which can raise uric acid levels in the body. Over time, this can lead to the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints and trigger painful gout attacks.

This article breaks down how the carnivore diet may increase gout risk and offers practical tips for managing symptoms while eating mostly animal products.

Gout is closely linked to what you eat, especially when your meals consist of only animal products. The carnivore diet removes all plant-based foods and relies on meat-heavy options that can raise uric acid levels and increase the risk of developing gout, especially for those with underlying risk factors like chronic kidney disease or insulin resistance.

Animal products like red meat, organ meats, and shellfish are high in purines. When purines break down in the human body, they form uric acid. Eating meat in large amounts can lead to excess uric acid, which builds up and forms uric acid crystals in the joints. This causes a painful form of arthritis known as gout, marked by intense joint pain and swelling. For gout patients, a high purine intake from carnivore diets can be a major risk factor for gout attacks and elevated uric acid levels.

Eating large amounts of protein, especially from only animal products, can create problems for people with gout or those at risk. Here are some potential risks linked to a high-protein, meat-heavy diet:

• Raises uric acid levels, which can trigger gout attacks and joint pain.

• Increases the load on kidney function, especially in those with impaired kidney function or chronic kidney disease.

• Limits uric acid excretion, making it harder for the kidneys to flush out excess uric acid.

• It may worsen insulin resistance, a condition tied to both gout and metabolic health problems.

• Can lead to kidney stones due to higher concentrations of waste products in the urine.

• Boosts the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease when paired with high saturated fat intake.

Some studies show that diets rich in red meats and other purine-rich foods are linked to a higher risk of gout. Experts have warned that the keto diet or carnivore diet may cause gout in certain individuals due to its high purine content, limited nutrient diversity, and focus on eating meat. Gout patients with a genetic predisposition or chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, or insulin resistance may face an increased risk. Diets that consistently lead to higher uric acid levels make it more difficult to manage or prevent gout over time.

People who choose to follow the carnivore diet despite a history of gout need to be cautious. Elevated uric acid levels, limited uric acid excretion, and high purine intake can all increase the risk of severe pain and gout flares. Simple dietary adjustments and symptom monitoring may help some people manage gout symptoms.

Not all meats have the same purine content. Choosing lower-purine options like chicken, turkey, and eggs can help prevent gout attacks and reduce the risk of uric acid crystals forming in the joints. It’s best to limit organ meats and red meats, which are higher in purines compared to lean poultry or certain fish. This strategy helps manage uric acid levels and supports those treating gout while following a ketogenic diet or carnivore plan.

Staying well-hydrated supports kidney function and may aid in the removal of uric acid. Proper hydration supports kidney function and helps the body remove uric acid efficiently, which is key to avoiding gout symptoms. Staying hydrated also lowers the risk of kidney stones, a common issue in diets high in protein and low in plant-based hydration sources.

Paying close attention to joint pain, swelling, and other gout symptoms is important for managing gout on a meat-heavy diet. Gout patients should track flare-ups and monitor their uric acid levels closely. Frequent or worsening symptoms may indicate the diet is increasing gout risk or aggravating underlying risk factors like chronic kidney disease. In such cases, adjusting the diet and working with a healthcare provider is essential for optimal health and effective gout management.

While the carnivore diet may help with weight loss and metabolic health for some, it isn’t ideal for everyone, especially those prone to gout. Diets focused solely on eating meat can increase the risk of gout flares, elevated uric acid levels, and other complications such as chronic kidney disease. Other eating plans can support a healthy weight, improve uric acid control, and reduce the risk of developing gout.

Switching to a more flexible low-carb diet, such as a Mediterranean or balanced keto diet, may offer similar benefits without as much risk. These diets tend to include lower-purine foods and more plant-based ingredients, which could support healthier uric acid levels. For gout patients, these options may be better for treating gout and lowering the chance of flare-ups while still supporting weight management and insulin resistance.

Choosing a balanced diet over a strict carnivore plan can lower your risk of gout and improve overall health. Here are some key benefits of a well-rounded eating approach for managing gout:

• Helps lower uric acid levels by reducing the intake of purine-rich foods like red meats and organ meats.

• Supports kidney function, which helps the body remove uric acid more effectively.

• Reduces gout flares by including anti-inflammatory effects from plant-based foods and healthy fats.

• Promotes weight management, which is important for lowering gout risk and managing insulin resistance.

• Decreases the chance of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.

• Improves hydration and uric acid excretion, especially when paired with regular water intake.

• Allows for more variety in meals, making it easier to stick with long-term and avoid gout attacks.

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Some people report weight loss while following a carnivore diet, but evidence of its long-term impact on metabolic health remains limited. Eating a diet high in purine-rich animal products is often associated with higher uric acid levels, which may reduce uric acid excretion and could increase the chance of gout flare-ups.

Red meats, organ meats, and other purine-rich foods increase the chance of joint pain and uric acid buildup, especially in people with a history of gout or chronic kidney disease. These risk factors make it harder for the body to manage uric acid properly, leading to more frequent flares and long-term complications.

While some may try to manage gout on a meat-heavy diet, a more balanced plan that includes low-purine foods, proper hydration, and kidney support is often safer. Before starting a carnivore or high-protein diet, consider how it may affect your gout risk and long-term health.

Making informed choices now could lower the chance of severe gout symptoms in the future.

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new dietary supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

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