Paul Saladino on the Carnivore Diet: His Thoughts and Evolving Approach

Who is Paul Saladino?

Dr. Paul Saladino, also known as the Carnivore MD, is a physician, author of The Carnivore Code, and one of the most outspoken advocates of the carnivore diet. His medical background and deep dive into human evolution, nutrition, and metabolic health have made him a leading voice in the movement.

Paul Saladino’s Early Approach: All-Meat Carnivore

When Saladino first popularized the diet, he was strict about meat-only eating:

• Ruminant meats (beef, lamb, bison)

• Organ meats (liver, heart, kidney) for nutrient density

• Fats like tallow and suet

• No plants at all (due to what he calls plant toxins like oxalates, lectins, and phytates).

He argued that humans thrive on animal-based foods and that plant compounds could be behind many autoimmune and gut issues.

His Evolved Perspective: Animal-Based Diet

Over time, Saladino shifted from strict carnivore to what he calls an animal-based diet. Today, his recommendations include:

• Meat & Organs: Still the foundation.

• Raw Dairy: Like kefir, raw milk, and raw cheese.

• Fruit & Honey: For carbs, glucose balance, and performance.

• Avoidance of Vegetables/Seeds: He maintains that many plant foods (like spinach, beans, nuts, and grains) contain defensive chemicals that can irritate the gut and trigger inflammation.

He often says: “Meat is the foundation, fruit is the decoration.”

Key Health Benefits He Highlights

Saladino cites multiple benefits of carnivore and animal-based eating, including:

1. Improved Mental Health – Better mood, reduced anxiety, and sharper focus.

2. Autoimmune Relief – Removal of plant toxins can ease inflammation.

3. Hormonal Optimization – Proper fat and cholesterol intake supports testosterone and other hormones.

4. Athletic Performance – He believes fruit + meat is superior for athletes compared to keto-only or standard carnivore.

5. Gut Health – Eliminating plant fibers that irritate sensitive guts often leads to digestion improvements.

Saladino’s Criticisms of Modern Nutrition

He frequently critiques:

• The demonization of red meat and saturated fat.

• The push for plant-based diets despite poor nutrient density.

• Big Food and Big Pharma’s role in shaping dietary guidelines.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Paul Saladino remains one of the most influential figures in the carnivore world. While his approach has evolved from strict carnivore to animal-based, his core message remains the same:

• Meat is essential, nutrient-dense, and should be the center of the human diet.

For anyone researching the carnivore diet, Paul Saladino’s work offers a unique perspective backed by both science and clinical experience.

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