My Other Lifestyle Changes Beyond the Carnivore Diet

When I switched to a carnivore diet, it started as a way to heal my body—but something unexpected happened. I became more aware of other aspects of my life: what I put on my skin, how I spend time outdoors, and even the products I used daily without a second thought.

This shift in diet opened the door to a deeper lifestyle reevaluation. I started questioning long-held assumptions about health and convenience. Many of the “healthy” habits I had relied on turned out to be unnecessary—or even harmful. In contrast, I discovered simple, natural practices that align more closely with how our bodies evolved to thrive.

Here are some of the most impactful changes I’ve made since embracing this more ancestral approach to health.

Contents

• No More Toothpaste
• No More Sanitizers
• No More Sunglasses
• No More Sunscreen
• No More Skincare Products
• Cautious About Antibiotics
• Stopping Supplements
• Grounding
• Cold Showers
• Walking Outside Morning & Evening

No More Toothpaste

Most modern toothpastes contain fluoride, artificial sweeteners, and foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)—ingredients that can irritate gums or disrupt your oral microbiome. After going carnivore, my breath became fresher, and plaque buildup decreased—likely because I cut out sugar and carbs.

Now I brush with just baking soda and water. My teeth feel cleaner than ever, and my recent dental checkup showed no cavities.

No More Sanitizers

Sanitizers became routine during the pandemic, but most are harsh on the skin and can disrupt your natural skin microbiome, which plays an important role in immunity. Many also contain synthetic fragrances and alcohol that dry out skin and may even act as endocrine disruptors.

These days, I stick to simple soap and water. Unless I’m in a truly unhygienic situation, I trust my body’s immune system to handle everyday exposure—like it was designed to do.

No More Sunglasses

I used to wear sunglasses everywhere. But sunlight—especially in the morning—is critical for setting your circadian rhythm and balancing hormones like melatonin and cortisol.

Now, I get natural sun exposure first thing in the morning and reserve sunglasses for harsh midday glare. I sleep better, feel more grounded, and notice my energy levels are more stable throughout the day.

No More Sunscreen

Commercial sunscreens often contain chemical filters like oxybenzone, which may disrupt hormones. While sunburns are harmful, moderate sun exposure is essential for vitamin D production and overall health.

Instead of slathering on sunscreen, I build a gradual tan, avoid peak UV hours, and use protective clothing when needed. If the UV index goes above 5, I stay cautious due to lupus photosensitivity.

No More Skincare Products

For years, I followed a multi-step skincare routine packed with cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers. I thought I was doing everything right.

But most conventional products are filled with synthetic preservatives, alcohols, fragrances, and emulsifiers—ingredients that can strip the skin’s natural oils and disrupt its delicate microbiome. Over time, I began to question whether these products were helping or actually getting in the way of my skin’s natural balance.

So I stopped everything.

No soap. No products. Just water.

To my surprise, my skin didn’t get worse—it got better. It feels more balanced, less reactive, and somehow more alive.

I haven’t tried topical tallow yet (rendered beef fat), but I plan to. It’s rich in skin-loving vitamins A, D, E, and K, and its composition closely mimics our natural sebum. Historically, tallow was a trusted moisturizer—used for centuries to nourish and protect the skin. People who use it today often report softer, calmer, clearer skin.

Even without applying fat, I’ve seen visible improvements simply by eating more of it. Adding nutrient-dense animal fats—like bone marrow, organ meats, and fatty cuts of meat—seems to moisturize the skin from the inside out. These fats strengthen the lipid barrier, reduce trans-epidermal water loss, and support sebum production, our body’s built-in moisturizer.

I’ve seen this firsthand with my son. As we added more beef, butter, and eggs to his diet, the dry patches on his hands disappeared. His skin became naturally soft and smooth—no lotion needed.

Modern science is starting to catch up to ancestral wisdom: omega-3s and saturated fats have been shown to improve skin hydration, reduce inflammation, and increase elasticity. Scientist also found out acnes are linked to metabolic health, insulin resistance, and inflammation, but the skincare products only treat the symptoms.

It makes sense. Our ancestors didn’t have medicine cabinets full of serums. They had fat-rich diets, nutrient-dense foods, and daily sun exposure—and they thrived.

▶️ Learn more about Acne & Insulin Resistance from this video by Dr. Ben Bikman.

Cautious About Antibiotics

Antibiotics can save lives, but they’re often overprescribed—and they wipe out not just harmful bacteria but also the good microbes essential to gut health. Disrupting your gut flora can lead to issues like candida overgrowth, leaky gut, and mood imbalances.

Now, I don’t take antibiotics lightly. I focus first on immune-supporting basics: sleep, sunlight, nutrient-dense food, and stress reduction. If I do need antibiotics, I follow up with probiotic-rich foods to rebuild gut diversity.

Stopping Supplements

I used to take everything: multivitamins, fish oil, magnesium, probiotics—you name it. But after adopting a nose-to-tail animal-based diet, I began to question the need.

Real foods like liver, bone broth, and fatty cuts provide nutrients in the forms and ratios our bodies actually recognize. For example, beef is rich in bioavailable zinc, which made me chuckle when I realized a well-meaning vegetarian family member had recommended I take zinc supplements.

I also started avoiding supplements because of the fillers and additives—some even contain seed oils or titanium dioxide. Worse, high doses of isolated nutrients can cause imbalances, like too much zinc lowering copper levels.

Now, I’ve stopped almost all supplements. I still take electrolytes, but I plan to replace even those through food over time.

Grounding

Grounding, or walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass or sand, might seem woo-woo—but there’s evidence it reduces inflammation, supports sleep, and balances cortisol levels. I try to connect with the earth daily. It’s a small act that calms my nervous system, eases my knee pain, and leaves me feeling more centered.

▶️ Learn more about grounding from this video by Paul Saladino and Clint Ober.

Cold Showers

I started experimenting with cold showers to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and boost mental clarity. Cold exposure activates brown fat, which burns energy to generate heat and can support metabolic health.

It also triggers a release of norepinephrine, a hormone that sharpens focus and improves mood. Though uncomfortable at first, it’s now a daily ritual that leaves me feeling more alert and resilient.

▶️ Learn more about why cold showers/cold therapy are beneficial from this video by Dr. Ben Bikman.

Walking Outside Morning & Evening

This is one of the simplest yet most powerful habits I’ve adopted. Morning walks help set my circadian rhythm, boost mood, and regulate hormones. Evening walks signal to my body that it's time to wind down, promoting melatonin production for better sleep.

Getting natural light at both ends of the day anchors me to nature’s rhythm—something deeply calming in a world ruled by screens.

▶️ Learn more about the benefits of sunlight from this video by Dr. Ken Berry and Dr. Roger Seheult.