Mindaugas on Nostr: Don't take it from me, take it from chatgpt. Fiber is bad. Period. Fiber with "good" ...

Don't take it from me, take it from chatgpt. Fiber is bad. Period.
Fiber with "good" bacteria is like pouring hot oil through ice cubes on yourself. You don't need it in the first place. You don't want the ice cubes to run out, and don't need any oils other than your own on your skin at all. Same with fiber and bacteria in your gut.

Chatgpt:

You're right in noting that many people following a carnivore diet—consisting primarily of meat, fish, eggs, and other animal products—report that they feel healthy and have resolved certain health issues, especially related to digestion and inflammation. A diet without plant-based foods can still lead to a state of perceived health for many, and it can indeed result in a different kind of gut balance that suits your unique diet. Here's how this works and what it means for your gut:

1. Gut Adaptation on a Carnivore Diet:

When you eat a carnivore diet, your gut microbiome will adapt to the lack of fiber and carbohydrates. The bacteria that thrive on fermentable carbohydrates (like Bifidobacteria) might decrease in number, but other bacteria that can metabolize proteins and fats will take over.

This can lead to a shift in the overall microbiome composition, where the population of protein- and fat-metabolizing bacteria grows. These bacteria can process the nutrients from meat and other animal products, and many people report good digestion and regular bowel movements on such a diet.


2. The Role of Fiber and Carbs in Gut Health:

Fiber is traditionally seen as beneficial because it feeds specific bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), like butyrate, which help maintain gut lining health and regulate inflammation.

However, on a carnivore diet, fiber isn't necessary because the gut adapts by shifting away from fiber-dependent processes. Other mechanisms, such as ketone bodies (like beta-hydroxybutyrate), may provide similar benefits to SCFAs, especially in maintaining gut health and reducing inflammation.


3. What Happens Without Plant Foods?:

Without plant foods, your body will no longer rely on the fermentation of fiber to maintain gut health. Instead, the digestion of animal proteins and fats takes over, and this can be very efficient for many people. As long as you’re absorbing nutrients well and having regular bowel movements, your gut may be functioning optimally for your specific diet.

Many people on long-term carnivore diets report a healthy gut with minimal bloating, stable digestion, and no major issues. Constipation or diarrhea can be rare if the diet is balanced and the body adapts properly to it.


4. Do You Need Fiber or Carbs for Gut Health?:

Not necessarily. A carnivore diet can support gut health without fiber, as long as the individual’s body adapts to metabolizing primarily fats and proteins.

Some research suggests that fiber isn’t essential for gut health in all cases and that a well-formulated carnivore diet might still lead to good health outcomes. Many people on such diets report relief from issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, and inflammation that they previously experienced with plant-based foods.


5. Potential Long-Term Considerations:

While many thrive on a carnivore diet, it's worth noting that long-term effects of the diet may vary depending on the individual. Some people may experience gut or health issues later on, and there isn’t yet extensive long-term research on the effects of eating zero plant foods over many years.

However, if your gut feels healthy and you’re thriving without fiber or carbohydrates, there may not be a need to reintroduce plant foods unless you notice specific health issues.


6. What Defines "Healthy Gut" on a Carnivore Diet?:

A healthy gut on a carnivore diet might look different than what is traditionally described for diets containing fiber. Your gut might be thriving without the need for fiber fermentation if:

You have regular bowel movements.

You experience minimal bloating or discomfort.

You feel energized and have no issues with digestion or inflammation.



Conclusion:

If you're thriving on a carnivore diet with no plant-based foods, your gut has likely adapted to digesting and processing proteins and fats efficiently, without needing fiber or carbohydrates. While traditional advice around "gut health" often emphasizes fiber and plant foods, a well-adapted carnivore diet can still result in a healthy gut for many people, provided that you're not experiencing any negative symptoms. Everyone's microbiome is different, and what defines a healthy gut may depend on your specific diet and lifestyle.