Why Keto and Carnivore May Not Be Best For All CIRS/Biotoxin Illness Patients

Introduction

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) significantly affects the lives of those it touches, manifesting in a variety of symptoms that can be debilitating.

Managing CIRS requires a holistic approach, and many sufferers are keen on exploring dietary modifications to alleviate their symptoms.

People with CIRS often explore various diets including the keto, low-carb, and carnivore diets in the hope that a dietary change could help manage their condition.

These diets are primarily known for their potential to provide increased energy, better mental clarity, and overall symptom relief.

Keto and Carnivore for CIRS

The carnivore diet has gained traction in recent years, particularly among those dealing with chronic illnesses like CIRS. Mikhaila Fuller (previously Mikhaila Peterson) popularized a version of the carnivore diet with her “Lion Diet,” which she brands as a “healing elimination diet” that she developed initially to heal her own autoimmune issues.

The carnivore diet’s simplistic nature, eliminating plant-based foods, which can be triggers for some individuals due to food sensitivities and intolerances associated with CIRS, makes it an appealing option.

Likewise, the ketogenic diet, characterized by low carbohydrate and high-fat intake, has gained popularity for its potential benefits in various health conditions. The idea of shifting one's metabolism from carb-burning to fat-burning (ketosis) appeals to many, including those battling CIRS.

However, this diet may not be suitable for everyone, especially in the context of CIRS where metabolic dysfunction is common.

Molecular Hypometabolism and The Randle Cycle

Dr. Daniel Ruttle, MD, at the Linden & Arc Vitality Institute, published an excellent article “Is The Ketogenic Diet Optimal for CIRS Patients” that’s worth reading in full (warning: it does get a bit technical) that explores the impact of the keto diet (and likewise carnivore) on CIRS patients.

In the article he talks about the molecular hypometabolism that is prevalent in CIRS patients. His analysis suggests that while keto might seem promising, it may have adverse effects on the cellular metabolic processes in individuals with CIRS.

Dr. Ruttle’s explanation hinges on the Randle cycle, a metabolic pathway involved in ketosis that can be particularly detrimental to CIRS patients, who already have impaired glucose metabolism.

“The Randle cycle is very greedy for oxygen, (not ideal for someone who struggles with capillary hypoperfusion and decreased oxygen delivery to the tissues already).”

The resulting scenario could lead to increased lactic acid production, further exacerbating fatigue and other symptoms in CIRS patients.

Dr. Ruttle continues: “If the keto diet was maintained long term in an individual suffering with CIRS and molecular hypometabolism and upregulated IRS2, there is a real possibility of increased vascular disease, increased pulmonary hypertension, poor oxygen delivery, and increased heart strain.”

Carbohydrates and Energy in CIRS Patients

It’s clear that CIRS can severely impair metabolism, making it difficult for patients to convert fat to energy efficiently. This inefficiency underlines the importance of maintaining stable blood glucose levels and preventing one’s glycogen stores from depleting.

Ensuring a consistent intake of low-glycemic carbohydrates can be crucial for managing fatigue and maintaining energy levels throughout the day.

It should be noted that even with sufficient carbohydrates, fatigue can still be severe and may need other means of management including supplements and lifestyle modifications.

Check out our CIRS Food Guide for more information on foods that are typically found to be optimal for CIRS patients as well as foods that should be avoided.

Further Discussions and Research

The concerns raised by Dr. Ruttle underline a need for more in-depth research to understand fully the implications of keto, carnivore, and other low-carb diets on CIRS patients.

His hypotheses are preliminary, indicating that while diets like keto, carnivore, and The Lion Diet might hold promise for some, they could potentially worsen the metabolic dysfunctions for many CIRS patients.

Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, widely considered the “forefather of CIRS,” in his paper titled “Metabolism, molecular hypometabolism and inflammation,” goes into great detail the metabolic dysfunction that occurs during molecular hypometabolism in CIRS. (Warning: this is an even more technical read. You’ve been warned!)

Likewise, other prominent figures in CIRS such as Dr. Andrew Heyman at the Virginia Center for Health & Wellness has advised patients against removing carbs from their diet, as they could risk worsening their fatigue.

Addressing the Root Cause

Ultimately, in order to heal the hypometabolism present in CIRS, it’s critical to address the root cause—inflammation. While diet can play a role in managing symptoms, patients will not get well until they ensure they’re in a clean environment, detox the inflammogens from their body, and continue through with the Shoemaker Protocol to fully turn off the dysregulated immune response and normalize the mito-ribosomal expression.

Conclusion

Navigating CIRS requires a nuanced and personalized approach on top of the standardized Shoemaker treatment protocol.

While the keto and carnivore diets might offer benefits to some individuals, the potential adverse effects on CIRS patients, as discussed by Dr. Ruttle, emphasize the importance of further research and individual dietary considerations.

Please note that this article does not intend to prescribe any specific dietary regimen for individuals with CIRS or any other condition. The purpose is to share insights that may help individuals make informed decisions regarding their health. Always consult with healthcare professionals before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if dealing with chronic illnesses like CIRS.

References

Ruttle, D. "Is the Ketogenic Diet Optimal for CIRS patients?" Linden & Arc Vitality Institute. https://lindenandarc.com/is-the-ketogenic-diet-optimal-for-cirs-patients/