Carnivore Diet Blood Test Results: Dr. Berry & Nurse Neisha's Surprising Lab Analysis (2024)
In December 2025, comprehensive lab tests were conducted to examine the health impacts of a meat-based diet. This analysis focused on individuals following a diet consisting primarily of red meat, butter, and animal-based proteins - directly contradicting conventional dietary guidelines that warn against high saturated fat consumption. One participant with Hashimoto's autoimmune disease maintains symptom remission through this approach, consuming approximately 90% beef, 9% eggs, and minimal other foods.
The extensive lab work revealed surprising results. Despite consuming significantly more red meat and saturated fat than typically recommended, both participants showed normal inflammatory markers, healthy cholesterol profiles, and optimal blood sugar levels. Key indicators like C-reactive protein, insulin levels, and triglycerides all fell within healthy ranges, challenging common assumptions about the inflammatory effects of animal-based diets. Even specialized tests for heavy metals showed minimal concern despite regular seafood consumption.
Key Takeaways
Lab results showed normal inflammatory markers and optimal metabolic health despite high red meat consumption.
One participant manages Hashimoto's disease symptoms through a meat-based diet contrary to conventional recommendations.
Comprehensive testing included inflammatory markers, cholesterol profiles, hormones, and heavy metals to provide a complete health assessment.
Community and Membership Information
The Proper Human Diet Community offers a space for members to learn about meat-based diets and their health effects. Interested viewers can join this community to access live streams and educational content about ketogenic, carnivore, and meat-based nutritional approaches.
Recent blood test results from December reveal interesting health markers for individuals following meat-centered diets. These comprehensive tests were ordered specifically to demonstrate the effects of diets high in red meat, butter, and animal fats on various health indicators.
For reference, the primary diet composition being studied consists of approximately:
90% fatty beef/red meat
9% eggs
1% seafood, pork, chicken, and other proteins
Some minimal plant foods are occasionally included, such as:
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Minced garlic or onion
The blood tests examined numerous health markers including:
Basic Metabolic Indicators:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Liver function
C-peptide (insulin production)
Inflammation Markers:
C-reactive protein (CRP)
ESR
Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
Homocysteine
Lipid Profile:
Total cholesterol
HDL cholesterol
LDL cholesterol
Triglycerides
Apolipoprotein B
Lipoprotein(a)
Oxidized LDL
Additional Tests:
Thyroid markers (T3, T4, Reverse T3)
Iron markers
Heavy metals (mercury, lead, arsenic)
Urinalysis
Cortisol
Despite consuming diets much higher in animal products than conventionally recommended, test results showed normal values across most markers, with particularly favorable readings for inflammation indicators and lipid profiles.
Lab Results Overview
Blood test results from December showed remarkably healthy markers despite a diet primarily consisting of red meat. The Complete Blood Count (CBC) revealed normal values across all significant parameters, with only a minor decrease in white blood cell count, which medical professionals consider clinically insignificant.
The Comprehensive Metabolic Profile (CMP) demonstrated normal values for liver function, proteins, and kidney markers. C-peptide levels, which serve as indicators of insulin production, were within normal range - an expected finding for someone following a very low-carb diet.
Inflammation markers showed particularly impressive results. C-reactive protein (CRP) registered as low, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measured less than 2. These findings contradict claims that red meat consumption inherently causes inflammation.
The lipid panel revealed favorable cholesterol profiles despite high red meat intake:
Marker Result Notes Total Cholesterol 166 Within healthy range HDL 81 Excellent Triglycerides 48 Excellent LDL 73 Very good
Hormone levels, including thyroid markers, progesterone, and cortisol, all showed normal values. Heavy metal testing found no concerning levels of mercury, lead, or arsenic despite regular seafood consumption.
Additional inflammation markers including homocysteine and interleukin-6 (IL-6) showed normal values, further supporting the absence of diet-induced inflammation. Fasting insulin measured at 6.6 and HbA1c at 4.9%, both indicating excellent metabolic health.
Health Profile and Nutritional Practices
Managing Autoimmune Conditions
The speaker maintains Hashimoto's autoimmune disease in remission through specific dietary choices. By following a meat-based ketogenic approach, symptoms remain controlled without medication intervention. Blood work confirms this management strategy's effectiveness, with inflammatory markers like CRP measuring below 2 and interleukin-6 (IL-6) showing no elevation. Despite medical concerns about high animal protein consumption, these laboratory results demonstrate stable autoimmune parameters.
Past Medical Concerns
Prior to dietary changes, the speaker experienced several significant health challenges including pre-diabetes, severe obesity, and chronic acid reflux. These conditions have since resolved following the transition to a predominantly animal-based eating pattern. Laboratory values now show normal glucose metabolism with a healthy HbA1c of 4.9% and fasting insulin at 6.6, indicating successful resolution of metabolic dysfunction.
Current Food Composition
The speaker's diet consists of approximately:
Food Source Percentage Beef/red meat 90% Eggs 9% Other animal foods 1%
Small amounts of select vegetables and seasonings like garlic and onion are occasionally included. Despite this diet being contrary to conventional nutritional guidelines regarding saturated fat and cholesterol consumption, blood work reveals favorable lipid profiles with:
Total cholesterol: 166 mg/dL
HDL cholesterol: 81 mg/dL
Triglycerides: 48 mg/dL
LDL cholesterol: 73 mg/dL
Additional testing for heavy metals showed no concerning accumulation despite regular seafood consumption. Kidney function remains normal with appropriate testing parameters despite the high protein intake.
Lab Analysis Results
Blood Count Assessment
The comprehensive blood count shows normal values across the board. White blood cell count registered slightly below standard range, specifically by 0.2 points, but this minor deviation holds no clinical significance when white cell distribution percentages appear normal. All other parameters within this category fell within expected ranges, indicating healthy blood composition despite a predominantly animal-based diet.
Metabolic Health Indicators
The complete metabolic panel reflects excellent metabolic function with all values within normal reference ranges. Liver enzymes, including ALT, show no signs of elevation. Bilirubin, protein, creatinine, and potassium measurements all demonstrate proper metabolic and kidney function. These results contradict concerns about metabolic damage from high meat consumption.
Insulin Production Markers
C-peptide levels registered within normal limits, which aligns with expectations for someone following a very low-carbohydrate diet. Fasting insulin measured at 6.6, reflecting excellent insulin sensitivity. Hemoglobin A1c at 4.9% indicates superior long-term blood sugar regulation. These markers collectively demonstrate optimal glycemic control despite previous history of pre-diabetes.
Inflammation Assessment
Inflammatory markers show remarkably low levels. C-reactive protein (CRP), an extremely sensitive inflammation indicator, registered at the lower end of the reference range. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measured below 2, significantly lower than typical inflammation thresholds. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), another inflammatory cytokine, also tested within normal limits. These results challenge assertions that red meat consumption increases systemic inflammation.
Hormone Analysis
DHEA sulfate tested within normal range. Sex hormone measurements, including estradiol at 111, fell within appropriate reference ranges. Progesterone measured 6.35, while thyroid hormones showed optimal function with proper T3, reverse T3, and T4 levels. This profile suggests healthy endocrine function compatible with a meat-predominant dietary approach.
Nutritional Status
Folate registered at 10, firmly within healthy range. Ferritin measured 17.1, which falls at the lower end of the normal range (13-150) but still indicates adequate iron stores. Copper levels tested normal. These findings demonstrate sufficient micronutrient status despite limited plant food consumption, primarily obtaining nutrients from animal-based sources.
Cholesterol Profile
The advanced lipid panel revealed exceptional cardiovascular markers:
Total cholesterol: 166 mg/dL
HDL cholesterol: 81 mg/dL (optimal)
Triglycerides: 48 mg/dL (excellent)
LDL cholesterol: 73 mg/dL (well below typical concern thresholds)
Apolipoproteins including ApoB and Lp(a) tested within normal ranges. Oxidized LDL measured 28, considerably below the 60 threshold. These results demonstrate remarkable lipid health despite a diet high in saturated fat and animal products.
Additional Health Indicators
Thyroid function presented with optimal free T3 and low reverse T3, indicating efficient thyroid hormone metabolism. Total iron binding capacity (382) and transferrin (322) registered within normal ranges. TSH measured 2.0, within acceptable range though potentially optimal at a slightly lower level. Cortisol tested normal, reflecting appropriate stress hormone regulation. Heavy metals screening showed undetectable mercury levels despite regular seafood consumption. Homocysteine levels tested normal, providing another indicator of low systemic inflammation and proper methylation.
Diet Impact on Inflammation and Cardiovascular Markers
Research has shown significant relationships between dietary choices and inflammatory markers in the body. Recent testing conducted in December provides valuable insights into how a predominantly meat-based diet affects various health markers, particularly those related to inflammation and cardiovascular health.
Inflammatory Response and Red Meat Intake
The connection between dietary choices and inflammation can be measured through several biomarkers. C-reactive protein (CRP), a highly sensitive marker for inflammation, showed remarkably low levels despite a diet consisting of approximately 90% beef. This contradicts common assertions that red meat consumption inherently increases inflammatory markers.
Additional inflammatory indicators also remained within optimal ranges:
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): Less than 2
Interleukin-6 (IL-6): Normal range
Homocysteine: Normal values
These results suggest that consuming predominantly animal products did not trigger systemic inflammation. For individuals with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, maintaining low inflammatory markers while following a meat-based diet demonstrates that such eating patterns may not exacerbate inflammatory processes as commonly claimed.
Blood Lipid Profiles and Dietary Fat Consumption
The advanced lipid panel results revealed interesting patterns despite a diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol. A predominantly animal-based diet yielded favorable lipid parameters:
Lipid Marker Result Comment Total Cholesterol 166 mg/dL Within healthy range HDL Cholesterol 81 mg/dL Excellent level Triglycerides 48 mg/dL Very low (optimal) LDL Cholesterol 73 mg/dL Well below concerning levels
Importantly, these results were achieved without medication interventions. The low triglyceride level (48 mg/dL) paired with high HDL (81 mg/dL) represents an optimal metabolic profile typically associated with improved cardiovascular health.
Other advanced lipid markers also remained within normal ranges:
Apolipoprotein B: Normal
Lipoprotein(a): Normal
Oxidized LDL: 28 (well below concerning levels)
These findings challenge conventional nutrition recommendations that limit saturated fat and red meat consumption for cardiovascular health. Individual genetic factors clearly play a significant role in how dietary fats affect lipid profiles, as demonstrated by differences between individuals consuming similar diets.
Fasting Impact on Laboratory Results
Fasting before blood tests can significantly influence the accuracy and interpretation of various health markers. Laboratory assessments provide critical information about metabolism, inflammation, and overall health status. The duration of fasting and timing of blood draws can alter key values, particularly those related to metabolic function.
Fasting Duration Requirements
Fasting periods typically range from 8-18 hours before blood collection. Most standard panels require at least 12 hours without food consumption to ensure accurate results. During clinical assessments, patients often arrive at laboratories in late morning hours after overnight fasting.
For comprehensive metabolic evaluations, longer fasting periods of 16-18 hours may provide more stable readings. This extended duration allows the body to fully process previous meals and reach a baseline metabolic state.
Test Type Recommended Fasting Period Basic Metabolic Panel 8-12 hours Lipid Profile 12-14 hours Comprehensive Metabolic Testing 14-18 hours Insulin Testing 12-14 hours
Effects on Insulin and Blood Sugar Measurements
Fasting status dramatically influences insulin and glucose readings. During fasting periods, insulin levels typically decrease to baseline values, with normal fasting insulin generally falling below 10 μIU/mL. Well-controlled individuals on low-carbohydrate nutritional approaches may demonstrate particularly low fasting insulin readings around 6-7 μIU/mL.
Blood sugar stabilizes during extended fasting, providing more reliable glycemic control assessments. HbA1c measurements remain relatively unaffected by short-term fasting as they reflect average glucose levels over the previous 2-3 months.
Some important observations regarding fasting effects:
Ketone measurements may be misleading in urine tests despite actual ketosis status in individuals following low-carbohydrate protocols
C-peptide values serve as excellent proxy markers for insulin production
Triglyceride levels often appear more favorable after appropriate fasting periods
Inflammatory markers like CRP and IL-6 provide clearer baseline readings when assessed during fasted states
Fasting duration can impact the detection of metabolic abnormalities that might otherwise be masked by recent food consumption.
Urine Analysis and Ketones
Urine analysis provides valuable information about metabolic state and kidney function. Despite fasting for 16-18 hours, the test showed negative urine ketones. This finding reinforces the limited reliability of urine ketone testing strips for accurately detecting ketosis in individuals following a ketogenic diet.
Blood ketone measurements would likely have shown levels between 0.7-0.8 mmol/L, confirming ketosis despite the negative urine test. This discrepancy occurs because as the body becomes keto-adapted, it efficiently uses ketones rather than excreting them through urine.
The remainder of the urine analysis showed completely normal results across all parameters, indicating proper kidney function. Additional kidney function tests like CA-C also returned within normal ranges, confirming healthy renal status despite following a meat-centric dietary approach.
Heavy metal testing was included due to concerns about potential accumulation from regular seafood consumption, including frequent oyster and shrimp intake. Results showed mercury levels below detection thresholds, with normal readings for lead and arsenic as well.
These comprehensive results demonstrate that a predominantly animal-based diet has not negatively impacted kidney function or caused heavy metal accumulation, contrary to common concerns about meat-focused eating patterns.
Further Testing for In-Depth Health Assessment
Kidney Function Evaluation
Comprehensive kidney function testing showed excellent results despite following a predominantly animal-based diet. The calcium, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels remained within optimal ranges. Additionally, the cystatin C test, which provides a more accurate assessment of kidney filtration capacity, demonstrated normal function. These markers collectively indicate that a high-protein, meat-based diet hasn't negatively impacted renal health.
Toxic Element Analysis
Testing for environmental contaminants revealed no concerning levels of heavy metals. Mercury levels were undetectable despite regular seafood consumption, including frequent oyster and shrimp intake. Lead and arsenic measurements also fell well below detection thresholds. These findings suggest that careful sourcing of animal products, particularly seafood, can mitigate potential heavy metal exposure risks that some critics associate with meat-heavy diets.
Inflammatory and Metabolic Markers
Multiple inflammation indicators demonstrated exceptionally low readings across different testing methodologies. C-reactive protein (CRP) registered below detectable limits, while the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) showed values under 2. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a key inflammatory cytokine, remained within optimal parameters. Homocysteine, a marker associated with cardiovascular inflammation, displayed normal values. Insulin-like growth factor levels were balanced, and the DHEA sulfate measurements appeared appropriate. These comprehensive results challenge conventional warnings about red meat's purported inflammatory effects.
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