A message from our founder.
I’ve been reflecting on the growing popularity of extreme diets, particularly the carnivore diet, and I wanted to share some thoughts that might help you as you continue exploring nutrition and wellness. While these dietary approaches can sometimes yield quick results, I’ve observed several concerns from both a scientific and holistic perspective.
The Parallax Problem in Nutrition #
The debate between carnivore and herbivore diets is often framed as a battle of superiority, but the truth is, there is no universal “better” diet — only a difference in perspective, shaped by individual biology and context. The misconception arises from parallax, a phenomenon where an object appears different depending on the angle from which it is viewed.
Why Individual Genetics Matter #
Each person’s body processes food differently based on their genetic blueprint. Research in nutrigenomics — which examines how our genes influence our response to nutrition — has repeatedly shown that there is no universal diet. For example, some people genetically thrive on higher protein intake, while others achieve better outcomes with a plant-based, low-fat diet.
The mTOR Pathway Consideration #
Another overlooked aspect of high-protein diets like carnivore is their potential impact on the mTOR (mechanistic Target of Rapamycin) pathway. While protein is essential for muscle growth, excess protein intake — especially from animal sources — can overstimulate the mTOR pathway, which has been linked to increased cancer risk, accelerated aging, and metabolic disorders.
Many longevity experts advocate for cycling protein intake and incorporating periods of fasting or plant-based meals to regulate mTOR activity.
Dripdok’s Epigenetic Approach to Nutrition #
At Dripdok, we offer epigenetic DNA methylation testing utilizing Yale University’s research for calculating biological age. Through this research, we’ve been able to reveal that NAD+’s impact is highly individualized based on epigenetic markers and metabolic function — meaning blindly supplementing or adopting extreme dietary strategies may not be beneficial for everyone.
By understanding your genetic predispositions, metabolic pathways, and nutrient processing abilities, you can craft a diet that supports optimal health, longevity, and disease prevention — without falling into the traps of one-size-fits-all nutrition dogma.
