Is Carnivore Good Enough? Or IS Ketosis NEEDED?
In a Nutshell
Ketosis provides proven benefits for epilepsy and certain genetic disorders but is not required for metabolic improvements like diabetes or weight loss, where carbohydrate restriction alone often suffices. Therapeutic ketosis levels (0.5+ mmol/L beta-hydroxybutyrate) matter most for neurological conditions, while mental health applications show promise but lack definitive trials. Carnivore diets naturally produce varying ketone levels depending on fat-to-protein ratios, and comprehensive metabolic health assessment requires tracking multiple markers beyond ketones alone.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Dr. Tony Hampton joins Carrie from "Healing Humanity" to discuss the relationship between the carnivore diet and ketosis, addressing whether ketosis is necessary for healing or if carbohydrate restriction alone is sufficient.
Ketosis can be very important but is not necessary for every person to improve their metabolic health. The importance depends on the specific condition being treated. Ketosis may be necessary in some cases, therapeutic in others, helpful in some situations, and sometimes a distraction. People should avoid obsessing over achieving specific ketone numbers, as this can become like following a "food religion."
Being in a state of ketosis is a normal metabolic state that occurs when the liver converts fatty acids into ketone bodies. This happens when carbohydrate intake is low. Three types of ketones can be measured:
- Beta-hydroxybutyrate - measured in blood
- Acetone - measured in breath (ketogenic breath)
- Acetoacetate - measured in urine
Beta-hydroxybutyrate is the most commonly measured ketone through blood testing. Ketones function as more than just alternative fuel sources—they act as signaling molecules that can influence gene expression, reduce inflammation through immune system signaling, and strengthen mitochondria.
Epilepsy treatment in children: When the ketogenic diet was first studied, it was primarily used for epilepsy. Children going to neurologists today often receive medications without mention of the ketogenic diet option. Dr. Georgia Aid notes that the ketogenic diet can at least reduce medication requirements.
GLUT1 deficiency: People with glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) deficiency cannot transport glucose across the blood-brain barrier. Ketones serve as an alternative fuel source. This has 100% proven benefit from randomized controlled trials.
Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency: When pyruvate cannot convert glucose into energy within mitochondria, ketones provide an alternative metabolic pathway. This also has 100% proven benefit from high-quality studies.
For mental health conditions including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, mild depression, cognitive decline, and migraines, ketosis shows promising results. Dr. Georgia Eddy has begun conducting research in this area, observing patient improvements, though randomized controlled trials are still needed. The brain prefers ketones as an alternative fuel source, and ketosis can improve mitochondrial function while decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain.
Important warning: Patients should not discontinue medications based on podcast information alone. Work with specialist doctors who can monitor ketone levels (measured in millimoles of beta-hydroxybutyrate) and guide gradual medication reduction when appropriate.
In clinical practice, Dr. Hampton treats ketosis as an available treatment option without waiting for complete research, particularly for patients with schizophrenia who cannot wait for additional studies.
For obesity, insulin resistance, prediabetes, diabetes, and fatty liver, carbohydrate restriction may be sufficient without needing therapeutic levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate (0.5 mmol/L). Many people manage diabetes through carbohydrate reduction without achieving ketosis. Unlike epilepsy patients, diabetics entering and exiting ketosis do not face the same risks.
Doctors must maintain scientific credibility by respecting what is known and unknown about interventions. Making unsubstantiated statements can damage credibility with peers in traditional healthcare systems like Advocate Health Care.
For those curious about personal responses to different ketosis levels, experimentation with measurement tools like Keto Mojo can provide valuable data. Dr. Hampton tested at 0.5 mmol/L at a conference and felt excellent without needing to reach 1.5 or 2.0 mmol/L.
The carnivore diet is considered a ketogenic diet, but ketosis levels can vary based on fat versus protein ratios. Higher-fat carnivore versions are more likely to maintain ketosis than lower-fat versions with more protein. Individuals can experiment with fattier carnivore approaches if they feel better in ketosis.
Ketone measurement represents only one aspect of metabolic health assessment. Other important markers include:
- Fasting insulin test
- A1C (glycated hemoglobin)
- Triglyceride-to-HDL cholesterol ratio
- Liver health markers
If the majority of indicators look good, an isolated abnormal marker like LDL cholesterol is less likely to indicate overall negative health impact.
Many people find healing without meticulous tracking, and avoiding the stress of constant monitoring helped maintain dietary adherence. While deep therapeutic ketosis can feel better personally, avoiding obsession with ketone numbers prevents the stress that can paradoxically disrupt ketosis. Intuitive practice becomes more appropriate once major health recovery has occurred.
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