Meat can provide a good source of iron and protein, but when you eat nothing but meat, it can cause health problems. Any type of diet that severely limits your food choices to one type of food or food group is never a healthy long-term diet, and it can lead to vitamin deficiencies. Speak with your doctor about limited diets before you make drastic changes in your eating habits.
Low and No-Carb Diets
Typically, low and no-carb diets will require you to consume an all meat diet. Depending upon the diet you follow, you may be allowed to have a small amount of certain types of fruits and vegetables, but you will primarily consume only meat. Consuming only meat can lead to additional health problems, some of which can be very serious.
High Cholesterol
If you eat a diet that consists of only meat, you may be jeopardizing your cholesterol levels. Some types of meats contain large amounts of saturated fats and cholesterol. Meats high in cholesterol and saturated fat include fatty cuts of meat such as prime rib, chuck roast and ribs. Chicken can also have a large quantity of saturated fats and cholesterol depending upon cut and preparation. Ground chicken that includes skin and dark meat is fattier than chicken breasts and skinless chicken.
Gallbladder Complications
An all meat diet can also cause gallbladder complications, such as gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder, due to the amount of fat you consume. Your gallbladder stores bile from your liver, which consists of water, fat, cholesterol, proteins and bile salts. When you consume an all meat diet, your liver and gallbladder have to work harder to process all the additional fat, protein and cholesterol. This can cause your gallbladder ducts to become clogged and result in gallstones. Your gallbladder can also become irritated from the abundant amount of work it has to perform, along with the additional supply of bile it must hold.
Vitamin Deficiencies
It's important to eat a variety of foods so your body can get all the vitamins and minerals it needs. While meat is rich in protein and iron, it lacks plenty of essential vitamins and other nutrients. When your body is constantly denied a specific vitamin, or groups of vitamins, you can develop a vitamin deficiency. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are important for everyone. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins such as vitamin A, C, E and B vitamins.
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