Dallas, Texas: Social media trends often gain traction through influencers, but blindly following them can have serious risks. Dallas-based influencer Eve Catherine was hospitalised after consuming excessive protein while following the viral “carnivore diet.”
For the unversed, the diet, which promotes eating only animal-based foods like meat and fish, has also been endorsed by figures like Joe Rogan. However, health experts warn that such extreme diets can lead to severe health complications, New York Post reported.
“I literally woke up one day and was urinating pure blood,” Catherine recalled in her TikTok video, admitting that she had been “addicted to protein” before her health scare.
Following her hospitalisation, she criticised the carnivore diet, calling it “stupid” and advising her followers to be cautious. “Don’t overconsume protein, and don’t ignore your fiber intake,” she warned.
Health experts have long cautioned against excessive protein consumption, particularly for individuals with preexisting kidney conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, high-protein diets can strain the kidneys, making waste filtration more difficult. Additionally, these diets often lack fiber, leading to issues like constipation, headaches, and bad breath. Overindulging in red and processed meats can also heighten the risk of heart disease.
While some social media users dismissed Catherine’s experience, others thanked her for raising awareness about the risks of extreme diets.
She isn’t the only one to suffer health issues from the carnivore diet. A Florida man in his mid-40s developed severe side effects after following the meat- and dairy-heavy diet for eight months. He was hospitalized with painful, yellowish nodules on his palms, elbows, and feet that oozed fluid.
