I’ve been reflecting on the growing popularity of extreme diets, particularly the carnivore diet, and I wanted to share some thoughts that might help you as you continue exploring nutrition and wellness. While these dietary approaches can sometimes yield quick results, I’ve observed several concerns from both a scientific and holistic perspective.
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The debate between carnivore and herbivore diets is often framed as a battle of superiority, but the truth is, there is no universal "better" diet—only a difference in perspective, shaped by individual biology and context. The misconception arises from parallax, a phenomenon where an object appears different depending on the angle from which it is viewed.
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One of the biggest issues with extreme diets like carnivore is that they assume a single approach can benefit everyone. However, this simply isn’t the case. Diet is much more complex than choosing between meat or plants—it’s about understanding the unique nutritional needs that arise from our individual genetic makeup.
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Each person’s body processes food differently based on their genetic blueprint. Our DNA holds crucial information about how we metabolize different nutrients, absorb vitamins and minerals, and respond to specific foods. This means that what works for one person—whether it’s a high-fat, low-carb diet or a plant-based regimen—may not work for someone else and can even be counterproductive for certain individuals.
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Research in nutrigenomics, which examines how our genes influence our response to nutrition, has repeatedly shown that there is no universal diet. For example, some people genetically thrive on higher protein intake, while others achieve better outcomes with a plant-based, low-fat diet. The key is identifying your personal genetic response to food—not following a trend or extreme diet.
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This is why epigenetic DNA testing is essential for anyone serious about understanding their body's true nutritional needs.
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Certain companies offer comprehensive testing that reveals how your genes influence metabolism, nutrient absorption, and long-term health risks. With these insights, you can create a diet tailored to your genetic predispositions—whether that means adjusting macronutrient ratios, optimizing vitamin intake, or avoiding foods that may contribute to inflammation and disease.
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Another overlooked aspect of high-protein diets like carnivore is their potential impact on the mTOR (mechanistic Target of Rapamycin) pathway. While protein is essential for muscle growth and overall health, excess protein intake—especially from animal sources—can overstimulate the mTOR pathway, which has been linked to increased cancer risk, accelerated aging, and metabolic disorders.
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The mTOR pathway plays a crucial role in cell growth, proliferation, and survival. However, chronic overactivation of mTOR, particularly from excessive protein and amino acid intake, has been associated with an increased risk of cancer, insulin resistance, and shortened lifespan. This is why many longevity experts advocate for cycling protein intake and incorporating periods of fasting or plant-based meals to regulate mTOR activity.
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For example:

At Dripdok, we offer epigenetic DNA methylation testing utilizing YALE University’s research for calculating biological age. This testing has provided us with groundbreaking insights that challenge many common misconceptions about longevity and health, particularly regarding NAD+ supplementation and dietary influences.
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Through this research, we’ve been able to debunk many assumptions around NAD+, revealing that while NAD+ plays a critical role in cellular energy and longevity, its impact is highly individualized based on epigenetic markers and metabolic function. This means that blindly supplementing with NAD+ or adopting extreme dietary strategies may not be beneficial for everyone—and in some cases, could be counterproductive.
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By leveraging biological age testing alongside nutrigenomic insights, we help individuals understand how their body is truly aging, what interventions may be most effective, and how to tailor their diet, supplements, and lifestyle choices for optimal longevity and cellular health.
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Instead of following extreme diets that may not be suited to your body’s needs, I encourage you to take a more personalized approach by leveraging the science of epigenetics and nutrigenomics. It’s not about whether meat or plants are inherently better—it’s about discovering what your DNA tells you about how to nourish your body most effectively.
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By understanding your genetic predispositions, metabolic pathways, and nutrient processing abilities, you can craft a diet that supports optimal health, longevity, and disease prevention—without falling into the traps of one-size-fits-all nutrition dogma.
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Wishing you the best on your health journey,
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-A message from our founder.