Ketogenic and Carnivore Diets for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis

This trial explores whether two specific diets—the ketogenic diet and the carnivore (lion) diet—can alleviate symptoms and improve well-being for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Participants will be divided into groups to follow one of these diets or remain on a wait-list before starting a diet. The trial aims to determine if these diets can enhance quality of life and reduce disease activity. Individuals diagnosed with IBD or RA and residing in the continental U.S. may be suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, it provides a unique opportunity for participants to explore innovative dietary approaches to managing their conditions.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it excludes those who have started new disease-modifying or biologic medications in the past 2 months. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial coordinators.

Research has shown that both ketogenic and carnivore diets might benefit individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In one report, 10 patients with IBD experienced improvement after trying these diets. However, concerns exist, particularly with the ketogenic diet. One study found it might worsen colitis (colon inflammation) by affecting gut bacteria and the immune system.

For the carnivore diet, results are mixed. Some studies suggest it might reduce inflammation and improve symptoms for certain individuals. However, experts caution against trying it without medical guidance due to its restrictive nature and potential long-term effects on gut health.

Researchers are excited about the ketogenic and carnivore (lion) diets for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because these diets offer unique, non-pharmaceutical approaches to managing these conditions. Unlike standard treatments, which often involve medications like immunosuppressants and anti-inflammatory drugs, these diets focus on altering food intake to potentially reduce inflammation naturally. The ketogenic diet emphasizes high fat, moderate protein, and low carbohydrate intake, which may help modulate metabolic pathways linked to inflammation. The carnivore diet, on the other hand, focuses on consuming only animal-based foods, which might simplify digestion and reduce inflammatory triggers. These dietary interventions offer a fresh perspective by potentially minimizing side effects commonly associated with conventional medications.

Research has shown that the ketogenic diet, one of the diets studied in this trial, might help reduce inflammation, benefiting conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies have found that this diet can lower certain inflammation markers linked to these conditions. The carnivore diet, another diet under investigation, also shows promise. Some reports suggest it might aid in weight loss and improve inflammation-related symptoms. Additionally, a series of patient cases with IBD showed improvement while following a mostly carnivore-ketogenic diet. These findings suggest that both diets could positively affect IBD and RA symptoms.¹²³⁴⁵