Carnivore Diet Benefits. Kelp versus Salt

Carnivores commonly focus on meat, salt, and water to reduce inflammation, increase energy, and restore balance. However, some carnivores are replacing salt with kelp! We’ve observed a recurring trend among our carnivore diet customers, indicating an iodine deficiency and a gradual transition from salt to kelp, which is rich in iodine. This shift often coincides with a significant improvement in overall wellbeing. It raises the question: why kelp, and what essential component is lacking in the modern diet?

What is Kelp?

Kelp is a type of marine algae, not a vegetable, and belongs to the group of organisms known as protists. Unlike land plants, kelp doesn’t have roots, stems, or leaves in the traditional sense; instead, it absorbs nutrients directly from seawater, making it incredibly rich in essential minerals.

The Widespread Issue of Iodine Deficiency

It’s estimated that 97% of people are deficient in iodine, a critical trace mineral essential for thyroid function, hormone production, and overall metabolic health. Dr. David Brownstein, a leader in iodine research, emphasises that iodine deficiency is a hidden epidemic affecting people globally. According to Brownstein;

“Iodine deficiency may be one of the most overlooked health problems in the world.” – Dr. David Brownstein

Furthermore, researcher Michael Crawford has highlighted how iodine deficiency impacts brain function, suggesting that inadequate levels of iodine could even play a role in neurodegenerative conditions linked to poor metabolism and inflammation. For more insights, you can explore his discussions on these topics – as well as DHA – in videos like “The Role of DHA in Brain Development & Human Health”

Why Many Carnivores Start with Salt

When people shift to a low-carb, carnivore diet, they often lose water weight, which takes electrolytes like sodium along with it. This is why salt is initially crucial as it helps with energy, balance electrolytes, and prevent symptoms like dizziness or fatigue.

However, over time, many find themselves reaching less for salt and more for nutrient-dense options like kelp. We believe this indicates the body is moving towards a more balanced mineral profile, which kelp supports by naturally offering not only sodium but other essential minerals—including iodine.

Do You Need Iodine on a Carnivore Diet?

While a carnivore diet can be incredibly nutrient-dense, one common gap is iodine—a mineral essential for thyroid function, hormone regulation, and metabolism. Iodine can be found in seafood, but those following a strict carnivore diet may not consume enough. Incorporating kelp alongside nutrient-dense organ meats like liver can fill this gap naturally.

Why Kelp is a Natural Solution

Iodine-rich kelp provides a mineral boost that seems to help bridge the gap left by the processed, high-carb Western diet. Michael Crawford points out that iodine plays an essential role in brain health, influencing cognition and mental clarity, especially as we age.

By adding kelp to a balanced carnivore diet, those with chronic mineral deficiencies often find their inflammation levels decrease, and they report improvements in conditions like brain fog, fatigue, and digestive issues. This shift from salt to kelp reflects how the body recalibrates once it receives the minerals it was missing from years of nutrient-poor, inflammatory foods.

Is Kelp High in Sodium?

Kelp is relatively low in sodium compared to processed iodised salts. Kelp also provides a rich profile of essential minerals, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium, making it a balanced and nutritious addition to your diet. This makes it an excellent complement to freeze-dried beef organs for those wanting to thrive on nutrient-rich whole foods.

Interesting things about Kelp

• Nutrient Powerhouse: Kelp is naturally packed with additional essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium, all of which support thyroid health, metabolism, and immunity.
• Increased Nutrient Density Through Freeze-Drying: By freeze-drying our kelp, we preserve its natural nutrients and increase the nutrient density tenfold, making it an incredibly potent addition to any diet.
• Sustainably Harvested from Pristine Waters: We source our kelp from the pristine Great Southern Ocean off Marrawah, Tasmania, one of the cleanest marine environments in the world. Each year, we hand-harvest only 1% of the wild kelp population, supporting kelp forest restoration and ensuring sustainability and respect for this precious resource.
• Harvested from the Nutrient-Rich Stem: We carefully take only from the stem—the most nutrient-dense part of the kelp—that yeilds a higher concentration of essential minerals and maximises health benefits.
• Traditional Superfood with an Irresistible Crunch and Aroma: Kelp’s mildly salty, umami-rich taste and satisfying crunch add a whole new layer to your dishes. Its distinctive ocean-fresh aroma awakens the senses, while its crispy texture offers a delightful experience —perfect for pairing with prime cuts of meat and many other foodstuffs.

The Evidence Backs It Up

Our modern diets are stripped of iodine, sodium, and other trace minerals, leading to a chain of health issues, including thyroid dysfunction, digestive issues, and sluggishness. By eliminating processed foods and adding whole foods rich in iodine, like kelp, we’re better equipped to address long-standing deficiencies and optimise overall health.

At Grassland Nutrition, we’ve seen how introducing whole foods, such as kelp, can make a tangible difference as our customers tell us how they feel a difference after a matter of weeks. We add freeze-dried kelp powder to many of our blended beef organ products as we have experienced the power of this incredible protist.

Bull Kelp Freeze-Dried Crunch (100g)

Sourced from MARRAWAH GOLD on Tasmania’s pristine West Coast, our Organic Bull Kelp is hand-harvested sustainably from the shores of the Australian Southern Ocean—widely recognized as the cleanest environment on Earth. 🌿

Each batch is tested and confirmed to be 100% free of inorganic arsenic and radiation for your peace of mind.

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