Title: Fellow Adopts Meat-Only Diet, Develops Yellow Bumps on Hands, Feet, and Elbows
This fellow's "meat-centric" diet led to an unwelcome skin development. For almost eight months, a man in his forties adhered to a primarily meat and dairy diet. His diet was rich in high-fat products like six to nine pounds of cheese, multiple sticks of butter, and hamburgers with extra fat. This so-called "carnivore diet" aided in his weight loss and enhanced his energy levels with improved mental clarity. However, this came with a catch – yellowish bumps appeared on his palms, soles, and elbows. As documented in a recent case report published in JAMA Cardiology, these bumps might not be the desired addition to one's physique, even if they are relatively harmless and pain-free.
After three weeks of these persistent yellow bumps, the man visited a doctor, who discovered his cholesterol levels had skyrocketed past 1000 mg/dL compared to his usual range of 210 to 300 mg/dL. The doctor diagnosed these bumps as cholesterol deposits, known as xanthelasmas.
Understanding Xanthelasma
Xanthelasmas are harmless by nature, but they're not typically a desirable feature regardless of their lack of pain and other symptoms. Known by the abbreviated name XP, xanthelasmas are a type of xanthoma – cholesterol or fat accumulations under the skin on various parts of the body. They most commonly manifest around the inner corners of your eyes, including both the upper and lower eyelids.
When xanthelasmas are discovered, there's no need for immediate concern, but it's essential not to overlook them. Half the time, they may even show up when your cholesterol levels are normal. High cholesterol levels are a known risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems, such as diabetes and thyroid or liver issues.
Xanthelasmas: A Persistent Challenge
The notion that xanthelasmas will fade away without any intervention is a misconception. These bumps are a permanent feature that won't vanish on their own. Lowering your cholesterol levels through diet or medication won't dissolve them either.
The traditional method for removing xanthelasmas is liquid nitrogen cryotherapy. Other treatments include surgical removal or the use of lasers, radiowaves, chemical peels, or extreme heat, none of which are DIY options due to the potential risks involved, especially around the eyes.
These xanthelasma treatments can lead to pain, scars, and various forms of damage if not performed by a professional. Unfortunately, these bumps often reappear following removal, especially if your cholesterol levels remain high. Thus, monitoring your condition and consulting with your doctor on a regular basis is essential.
It's worth noting that not everyone following a carnivore diet will develop xanthelasma. A diet packed with high-fat, cholesterol, and sodium can pose risks in excessively consuming animal-based products, such as dairy and meat. Additionally, adhering to a meat-only diet may result in nutrient deficiencies, which also deserves attention.
Enjoying simplicity in a diet can be appealing, but animal-based diets should be balanced and tailored to individual needs, making "meat" your diet to just the right extent. "Precision nutrition" advocates for customized diets based on personal body and circumstances, which may require assistance from artificial intelligence or AI to achieve the optimal balance.
For further discussion on nutrition and diets, feel free to explore the topic in more detail here. It is hoped that these insights will help guide your dietary choices with care and consideration.
The persistent yellow bumps on the man's palms, soles, and elbows were identified as xanthelasmas, a type of cholesterol deposit known as xanthoma. His high-fat diet, rich in cheese, butter, and hamburgers, was found to contribute to the development of these yellow nodules. The man's cholesterol levels had significantly increased to over 1000 mg/dL after adhering to the carnivore diet, which is higher than his usual range of 210 to 300 mg/dL. Xanthelasmas, often referred to as XP, are cholesterol accumulations under the skin, commonly seen around the inner corners of the eyes.
Despite the harmless nature of xanthelasmas, they are typically not considered a desirable feature. Lowering cholesterol levels through diet or medication does not dissolve these yellow bumps. The traditional method for removing xanthelasmas involves liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, but treatments can lead to pain, scars, and damage if not performed by a professional. Monitoring cholesterol levels and consulting with a doctor regularly is essential to manage xanthelasmas.
While not everyone following a carnivore diet will develop xanthelasma, a high-fat, cholesterol, and sodium diet can pose risks if excessive animal-based products like dairy and meat are consumed. Balancing and tailoring a diet to individual needs is crucial, emphasizing the importance of "precision nutrition" for optimal health.
