#179 Paul Saladino - The FDA Approved Poison You Eat Every Day
Mar 5, 2025
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Paul Saladino is a double board-certified physician and a leading voice for an animal-based diet, authoring *The Carnivore Code*. In this engaging discussion, he highlights the hidden dangers of processed foods and the health benefits of organ meats. They explore the alarming disconnect between high healthcare costs and poor health outcomes in America, as well as the influence of dietary choices on chronic illnesses. Also, they debunk myths around cholesterol and emphasize the importance of whole foods, advocating for a return to ancestral nutrition.
Paul Saladino advocates for an animal-based diet, emphasizing its potential to reverse chronic illnesses through nutrient-dense food choices.
The speaker discusses the impact of a positive environment in Costa Rica on creativity and overall emotional well-being.
Nature and sunlight exposure are highlighted as critical for mental health and chronic disease prevention, enhancing overall wellness.
Skepticism about seed oils and refined sugars underscores their potential health risks, urging a reconsideration of common dietary choices.
The conversation emphasizes that personalized dietary modifications can lead to significant health improvements within weeks or months for many individuals.
Deep dives
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Living in Costa Rica: The Catalyst for Creativity
The speaker shares how moving to Costa Rica served as a pivotal moment for enhancing creativity and overall happiness. Initially relocating for leisure activities like surfing, the environment allowed for daily engagements with nature, contributing significantly to their mental and emotional well-being. The emphasis on finding joy through play reinforces the idea that creative potential is maximized when one is in a positive, fulfilling environment. Engaging with nature daily has been outlined as a key component in maintaining happiness and productivity.
Nutrition as a Pillar of Health
The conversation highlights the speaker's philosophy on nutrition as central to human health. Emphasis is placed on the idea that what people consume directly influences their well-being, particularly in reversing chronic illnesses. By focusing on animal foods and nutrient-dense options, the speaker advocates for a diet that is rich in essential nutrients to promote better health outcomes. This belief facilitates a broader discussion on the long-term benefits of prioritizing nutrition in one's lifestyle.
The Connection Between Environment and Well-Being
The speaker reflects on how their lifestyle change in Costa Rica emphasizes better living conditions that contribute to health. With a home that utilizes natural resources, such as a local water stream instead of fluoridated tap water, a more holistic approach to living is showcased. The house, designed to enhance well-being, features plenty of natural light and ventilation. This encapsulates the belief that environment greatly impacts quality of life and health outcomes.
Experiencing Nature's Healing Power
The speaker discusses the healing properties of nature and sunlight exposure, emphasizing the significance of being outdoors. Sun exposure is linked to increased Vitamin D production and improved mood, crucial for mental health. Regular interactions with nature are posited as beneficial for preventing chronic diseases and enhancing overall wellness. This perspective encourages cultivating habits that promote regular engagement with natural surroundings.
Daily Routines That Foster Health
An overview of the speaker's daily routine highlights six hours of sleep, consistent morning activities like surfing, and a focus on nutritious meals. The integration of physical activity, such as surfing, into daily life suggests that enjoyment can coincide with exercise. By prioritizing outdoor activities and proper nutrition, the speaker contributes to their overall health and mental clarity. This routine advocates for a balanced approach to fitness, nutrition, and leisure.
The Role of Animal-based Diets
The importance of a diet rich in animal products is underscored during the conversation, particularly for maintaining optimal health. The speaker argues for the substantial benefits of consuming meat and organs while minimizing processed foods. By advocating for single-ingredient foods over ultra-processed options, the discussion reveals a clear distinction in quality and nutrient density. The suggestion to consume animal products as a primary source of nutrition aligns with the perspective that health should be prioritized over convenience.
Skepticism Towards Seed Oils
The speaker expresses skepticism about seed oils and their purported health benefits, highlighting their controversial history and potential health risks. They emphasize that seed oils have flooded the American diet since their introduction, raising concerns about their connection to various chronic diseases. The discussion proposes that consuming seed oils can lead to inflammation and metabolic dysfunction due to their unfavorable impact on cellular health. This broadens the conversation around dietary fats and encourages listeners to reconsider their cooking oils.
The Complexity of Sugar and Its Health Implications
Sugar consumption is explored, particularly its role in causing insulin resistance and affecting gut health. The speaker delineates between the natural sugars found in fruits and the refined sugars present in processed foods. While fruits are generally beneficial, refined sugars can provoke dysbiosis in the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation. This reiterates the need for mindful consumption and awareness of the sources of sugar in one's diet.
Reversing Chronic Illness Through Dietary Changes
The conversation highlights that many chronic health conditions can be improved or reversed through dietary modifications, particularly an emphasis on high-quality foods. It’s suggested that dietary interventions can yield significant health benefits in weeks or months, depending on individual circumstances and health starting points. Importance is given to personalized nutrition as a means to combat widespread issues like obesity and diabetes. Sharing practical dietary advice promotes hope and empowerment for individuals seeking better health.
Paul Saladino, MD, is a double board-certified physician and a prominent advocate for an animal-based diet, known for his controversial views on nutrition and health. He graduated from the University of Arizona College of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Washington. Saladino is the author of The Carnivore Code and The Carnivore Code Cookbook, where he argues that many chronic illnesses are linked to poor dietary choices and can be prevented or reversed through proper nutrition. His professional philosophy emphasizes questioning mainstream medical narratives, focusing instead on optimal health through dietary changes.
In addition to his writing, Saladino hosts the Paul Saladino MD podcast, where he engages with various experts to discuss health optimization. He co-founded Lineage Provisions, which produces high-quality air-dried meat snacks, and Heart & Soil, offering desiccated organ supplements aimed at enhancing nutrient intake. Recently, he has been involved in projects like a collaboration with Raw Farm USA to create a raw kefir smoothie at Erewhon Market, further promoting his vision of ancestral nutrition and wellness through innovative products.
