Is Omnivore Optimal? The Carnivore Diet with Dr. Anthony Chaffee

Welcome to the 50th episode of the Back to Human Podcast.

On today’s episode I’m joined by Dr. Anthony Chaffee—an American medical doctor, carnivore diet expert, and host of The Plant-Free MD Podcast. With over 20 years of research into optimal human nutrition, Dr. Chaffee shares his bold and evidence-backed perspective: that the carnivore diet is the true species-appropriate diet for humans, and many of the chronic illnesses we face today stem directly from what we eat—or don’t eat.

As someone currently five months into my own carnivore journey (after transitioning from a ketovore approach), I’ve seen firsthand both the benefits and the challenges. In this episode, we dive into some of the most common challenges people face when transitioning to a carnivore lifestyle, how to overcome them, and what to expect along the way. We also explore how a meat-based diet impacts athletic performance, as well as its potential to improve — and in some cases reverse — chronic conditions like autoimmune disease, diabetes, and more.

In this episode, we discuss:
01:31 Dr. Chaffee’s personal experience with athletic performance and adaptation on carnivore
09:07 How chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, heart failure, mood disorders and autoimmune diseases can go into remission with a strict carnivore diet
12:12 Whether autoimmune diseases really involve the body attacking itself
21:02 Fat metabolism, VO2 max, and what low-carb research shows in elite athletes
30:34 The role of insulin in blocking fat-burning and disrupting metabolic hormones
34:03 Why high blood sugar is so damaging—and whether elevated glucose is inherently toxic
37:33 How testosterone levels may double on keto, and how ketones support recovery and reduce inflammation
48:38 Endocrine disruptors in plants and their effects on human physiology
58:37 Hydration, electrolyte support and caffeine use on a carnivore diet
41:52 Why humans are biologically designed to live 120–130 years in health
01:14:30 Why carbohydrates are so addictive
01:17:44 How we use the same terminology for sugar as we do for drugs