People who eat this diet at risk of irreversible high cholesterol symptom that appears in the skin
A fitness expert has cautioned that a key indicator of a serious health issue could manifest beneath the skin. This symptom, linked to high cholesterol, could be irreversible and is particularly prevalent among individuals consuming diets rich in saturated fats.
High cholesterol refers to an excess of a fatty substance known as cholesterol in your bloodstream. Over time, this can accumulate in the arteries, leading to hardening and potential blockages, posing a significant risk for medical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes.
Consequently, health authorities recommend maintaining low cholesterol levels. What makes high cholesterol even more alarming is its often asymptomatic nature, meaning many people may not realise they have it until it triggers another health problem.
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However, there is an unusual sign that can appear under the skin, especially if you adhere to a specific diet. Nutritionist and personal trainer Luke Hanna used the social media platform TikTok to explain how yellow deposits beneath the skin could indicate high cholesterol. These deposits, known as xanthomata, are relatively rare but could affect those following the carnivore diet.
This diet, which has gained popularity in recent years, consists solely of meat and animal products, excluding all other foods. As a result, this diet can be deficient in vitamin C, folate, and fibre, while being high in saturated fat - a primary contributor to high cholesterol.
Addressing his more than 750,000 followers, Luke stated: "Can we please just talk about how unhinged it is that people on the carnivore diet are eating so much fat and cholesterol that it is leading to a visible buildup of fatty deposits under the skin? This condition is known as xanthelasma."
He presented images from a real-life case study showing a man's hands with noticeable yellowing beneath the skin. Luke went on to say: "Now this chap was supposedly eating three to four kilos, or six to nine pounds, of cheese per day, as well as sticks of butter and burgers because, you know, balance.
"His cholesterol levels exceeded 1,000 milligrams per decilitre. To put it into perspective, this is five times higher than the 200 milligram per decilitre recommended upper limit. And by the way, this is not the only example of this happening to someone on the carnivore diet."
Luke pointed out that these yellow lumps typically appear around the eyes, and once they form, they are difficult to eliminate. He added: "Although it often presents around the eye area, as you can see. And once they have formed, you can't really get rid of them by changing your diet or even by using cholesterol lowering medications, you would likely have to resort to surgery or chemical peels- reason 101 not to do this diet."
The case study highlighted by Luke was featured in the JAMA Cardiology journal this year. The authors detailed: "A man in his 40s presented with a three-week history of asymptomatic yellowish nodules on his palms, soles, and elbows.
"The patient adopted a carnivore diet approximately eight months before presentation." They further noted: "This case highlights the impact of dietary patterns on lipid levels and the importance of managing hypercholesterolemia to prevent complications."
Xanthelasma is listed by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) as a sign of high cholesterol, although the charity states it is most common in people with familial hypercholesterolemia - meaning it is a genetic condition.
The yellow lumps are most common around the knuckles and eyes, the charity says. Other signs include a pale white ring around the coloured part of your eye (your iris).
To lower your cholesterol levels, the NHS recommends you:
Eat less fatty food
Exercise more
Stop smoking
Cut down on alcohol.
Regarding the carnivore diet, Healthline warns: “No controlled studies support claims that the carnivore diet can help eliminate health issues. It lacks beneficial nutrients, including fibre and plant compounds like antioxidants. It may be unsafe for some people.”