Paul Saladino's Dietary Evolution
Paul Saladino, initially a proponent of the strict carnivore diet, has openly discussed his personal and philosophical shift towards a more comprehensive 'animal-based' diet. This evolution was driven by his own health experiments and his understanding of metabolic health. While the strict carnivore diet excludes all plant foods, his current approach includes specific, low-toxin plant foods, such as certain fruits and honey. This adjustment was a response to health issues he experienced on a zero-carb diet, such as low energy and sleep disturbances.
Why Rice is Excluded from Saladino's Diet
Saladino's rejection of rice is based on several key principles of his dietary philosophy. He categorizes rice as a grain, which he believes contains compounds that are potentially harmful to human health. This contrasts with his inclusion of more easily digestible and nutrient-rich carbohydrates from specific plant sources.
- Antinutrients: Grains like rice contain antinutrients such as phytic acid, which can bind to essential minerals and inhibit their absorption by the body. While proper preparation can reduce some antinutrients, Saladino argues they are still less bioavailable than nutrients from animal sources.
- Heavy Metals: A significant concern for Saladino is rice's propensity to act as a 'hyperaccumulator' of heavy metals, particularly arsenic. Arsenic is a known toxin, and he believes that even in small doses, cumulative exposure can have detrimental health effects. This is a primary reason he suggests avoiding rice, regardless of preparation.
- Glycemic Index: While white rice has a lower fiber content and can be easier to digest for some individuals than brown rice, it still provides a significant carbohydrate load. For those with metabolic dysfunction, like insulin resistance, Saladino argues that carbohydrates from fruit are a better choice.
Comparison of Carb Sources
Saladino's dietary framework distinguishes sharply between different carbohydrate sources based on their potential for harm and their nutrient density. The following table compares his perspective on three common sources.
| Feature | Rice (Grains) | Fruit | Honey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antinutrients | High (e.g., phytic acid) | Low to negligible | Negligible |
| Heavy Metals | High accumulation potential (arsenic) | Low | Low |
| Digestibility | Varies, can be difficult due to antinutrients/fiber | Generally high, simple sugars | Very high, simple sugars |
| Carbohydrate Type | Starch | Fructose, Glucose | Fructose, Glucose |
| Toxic Compounds | Presence of plant defense chemicals | Generally considered low in toxins | None |
| Nutrient Density | Low, especially white rice | Moderate to High (vitamins, phytonutrients) | Low (primarily sugar) |
Saladino's Preferred Carbohydrate Sources
Instead of rice and other grains, Saladino incorporates specific carbohydrates into his animal-based diet. His primary choices are fruit and honey, which he considers the most suitable sources for carbohydrates with the lowest amount of plant toxins. He argues that these sources are evolutionarily consistent with human dietary patterns and do not carry the same risks as grains.
- Fruit: Fruits are his go-to for carbohydrates. He notes that different people tolerate different fruits, and some, like dried fruits, can contain higher levels of heavy metals. He typically advocates for fresh, high-quality fruit.
- Honey: As a simple, easily digestible carbohydrate source, honey is another preferred option. It is free from the antinutrients and toxins associated with plant seeds, roots, and stems.
- Sweet Potatoes: While he primarily focuses on fruit, Saladino acknowledges that some individuals may tolerate other carbs, mentioning sweet potatoes as a possibility, though he doesn't personally consume them regularly.
The Importance of Individual Response
A central tenet of Saladino's philosophy is the importance of individual experimentation and biofeedback. He learned this firsthand when he tried reintroducing rice and potatoes and experienced negative symptoms like brain fog. This personal experience reinforced his belief that what works for one person may not work for another and that paying attention to how your body responds is crucial for optimizing health.
Conclusion: A Clear No to Rice
In conclusion, Paul Saladino does not eat rice and advises against its consumption as part of his animal-based diet. His stance is rooted in concerns over antinutrients like phytic acid and the high potential for heavy metal accumulation, especially arsenic, in rice plants. He offers an alternative approach to obtaining carbohydrates by favoring fruit and honey, which he believes offer a lower-toxin, more evolutionarily consistent source of energy. While some may find his views on grains controversial, his emphasis on nutrient density and individual biofeedback is a core part of his message.
Saladino's Dietary Approach
- Animal-Based, Not Strictly Carnivore: Saladino now follows an animal-based diet, which includes meat, organs, fat, and specific low-toxicity plant foods like fruit and honey.
- Avoids Grains and Legumes: Due to concerns over antinutrients and toxins, all grains (including rice) and legumes are excluded from his diet.
- Prioritizes Fruit and Honey: These are his preferred sources of carbohydrates, which he reintroduced after experiencing health issues on a zero-carb diet.
- Focuses on Bio-individuality: He stresses the importance of personal experimentation to determine which foods work best for an individual's body.
- Concerned About Heavy Metals: A primary reason for avoiding rice is its tendency to hyperaccumulate heavy metals like arsenic.
