Participants:

• Host Courtney Luna
• Sarah Franklin — nutritionist, 7 years carnivore; prior work in pharmaceutical industry with training in diabetes/cardiology at the International Diabetes Center.

Core Question:

• Are people quitting because “carnivore is the problem,” or because of unresolved root causes and common implementation mistakes?

Key Points From Sarah Franklin:

• Many who “feel better adding carbs back” may be masking unresolved issues rather than fixing root causes.
• Frequent pattern observed: undereating protein despite being on a meat-based diet; ramping up protein capacity often takes time.
• Early keto messaging overemphasized fat; chronically low insulin (from very low glucose exposure) can paradoxically keep blood sugar higher since insulin’s job is to lower blood glucose.
• The body can derive glucose from meat via gluconeogenesis; therefore, “needing carbs” is not a given.
• Fasting is often misapplied: some who struggle on carnivore are actually over-fasting (or still fasting) and then blaming carnivore.
• Meal timing matters: eating earlier aligns with higher insulin sensitivity and circadian rhythms; long late-day fasting windows may work against hormones.
• Hydration & electrolytes: carbs retain water; adding carbs can make people feel better quickly due to hydration and electrolytes rather than carbohydrate necessity. More protein intake requires more water; inadequate electrolytes/water can drive symptoms.
• Fat leanness: staying “super-lean” or consistently choosing very lean cuts can cause issues; appropriate dietary fat is part of making carnivore sustainable.
• Fructose consideration: even without a blood glucose spike, fructose can drive visceral fat (liver-directed metabolism); lack of a glucose spike ≠ lack of harm.
• Biomarkers can mislead:
  • Blood work (glucose/ketones) is variable across the day.
  • HbA1c may appear higher in some carnivores potentially due to red blood cell longevity (mentioned as a possibility; not presented as certain).
  • Emphasis on assessing visceral fat/internal health rather than only labs.
• Symptom-led troubleshooting over diet-label changes:
  • Examine what and when you’re eating, total protein, fat level, hydration/electrolytes.
  • Consider stress, sleep, and broader endocrine context (adrenals, thyroid, sex hormones) — blood sugar regulation is upstream in the cascade.
  • Digestive support/gut issues and individualized adjustments may be needed.
• “Feeling better” after carb reintroduction does not necessarily mean carbs are the solution; could reflect hydration/electrolyte changes or temporary relief rather than addressing the root problem.

Named Individuals/References (as discussed in-video):

• Mentions of community figures and perspectives, including:
  • Nutrition with Judy (Judy Cho)
  • Dr. Paul Saladino (noted early views)
  • Dr. Sean O’Mara (visceral fat focus)
• No specific scientific papers or DOIs are cited in the discussion.

Actionable Themes (as stated by the guest):

• Prioritize adequate protein and appropriate fat.
• Avoid misapplied or excessive fasting while blaming the diet.
• Align meal timing with circadian insulin sensitivity (earlier eating).
• Ensure hydration/electrolytes scale with protein intake.
• Focus on visceral fat and internal health, not just fluctuating lab numbers.
• Address root causes (stress, sleep, hormones, digestion) rather than switching diets at the first sign of discomfort.