Mixed
Adherence to a zero-carbohydrate diet (consuming exclusively animal-sourced foods) is associated with self-reported improvements in metabolic health, digestive function, mood, and physical composition, driven by the elimination of plant-based antinutrients and the induction of nutritional ketosis.
If you are considering a zero-carb diet, expect a significant social adjustment. You will likely face skepticism from healthcare providers and peers. The paper suggests that engaging with online communities can provide necessary support and validation. Physically, you may experience an initial 'adaptation phase' with GI distress, which typically resolves. The diet involves eating only animal products (meat, fish, eggs, dairy) and potentially fasting, with no carbohydrates.
a growing number of case reports suggest that carbohydrate-restrictive diets consisting almost exclusively of animal-sourced foods are effective in managing and even reversing chronic health conditions... The underlying physiological mechanism hypothesized to explain the health-related benefits of carbohydrate reduction is nutritional ketosis. Furthermore, the avoidance of plant antinutrients, such as phytates, lectins, oxalates, and fiber, has also been proposed as a factor explaining health benefits experienced through carbohydrate restriction.
Why this rating
Qualitative survey of self-selected adherents; high risk of selection bias and placebo effect; no control group.
Source
Beliefs and Experiences of Individuals Following a Zero-Carb Diet
Cleo Protogerou et al. · Behavioral Sciences · 2021
DOI 10.3390/bs11120161
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