Warning Sign of High Cholesterol
A man who ate "very extreme amounts of fat and protein" as part of the carnivore diet suddenly developed yellow lumps on the palms of his hands — deposits of excess cholesterol under his skin, his doctor says.
The unnamed patient, who is in his 40s, was eating up to 6 to 9 pounds of cheese a day, plus sticks of butter and other fat that he would add to his daily hamburgers, says Dr. Kostas Marmagkiolis, an interventional cardiologist at Tampa General Hospital, USF Health and Tampa Heart in Florida, who treated him.
Is a Carnivore Diet Healthy?
Many people are interested in the carnivore diet and other keto diets because they feel full while losing weight, Marmagkiolis says. The lack of carbohydrates forces the body to burn fat for energy rather than glucose. However, the carnivore diet provides nutrients including riboflavin, zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, selenium, and vitamin A; but it falls short on magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, and fiber, studies have found.
The Consequences of High Cholesterol
The patient developed yellow lumps in the creases of his palms — deposits of excess cholesterol under his skin. For eight months, the man had been following the carnivore diet — a high-protein, no-carb plan that focuses on eating only animal products, especially meat, eggs, and some dairy; and excludes fruits, vegetables, and grains. It means eating lots of saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol, registered dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick warns.
The Warning Signs of High Cholesterol
The yellow deposits under the skin are a red flag for cardiologists to check cholesterol levels, Marmagkiolis says. When the bumps appear on eyelids, the most common location, they’re called xanthelasmas. When they show up on other parts of the body, including hands, elbows, and soles of feet, they’re called xanthomas. Only about 1% of patients with high cholesterol will develop these lumps, with a genetic predisposition playing a role, Marmagkiolis says.
The Importance of a Balanced Diet
High cholesterol leads to plaque buildup in the arteries, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Doctors advised the patient to immediately switch to a more balanced diet and take medications to lower cholesterol.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the case of the man who developed yellow lumps on his palms due to his carnivore diet serves as a warning sign of the dangers of high cholesterol. It is crucial to maintain a balanced diet and be aware of the potential risks associated with extreme diets. A more balanced approach, such as the Mediterranean diet, is recommended for overall health and well-being.
FAQs
Q: What is the carnivore diet?
A: The carnivore diet is a high-protein, no-carb plan that focuses on eating only animal products, especially meat, eggs, and some dairy; and excludes fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Q: What are the consequences of high cholesterol?
A: High cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Q: What is a healthy level of cholesterol?
A: Healthy levels of cholesterol for adults are less than 200.
Q: Can high cholesterol be treated?
A: Yes, high cholesterol can be treated through diet and medication.
Q: What is the Mediterranean diet?
A: The Mediterranean diet is a balanced diet that emphasizes whole foods, lean meats, and healthy fats, and is recommended for overall health and well-being.
