From Strict Carnivore to 'Carnivore-ish'
For many years, Paul Saladino, known as 'Carnivore MD', was a leading voice in the pro-carnivore diet movement. His book, The Carnivore Code, laid out the argument for an exclusively meat-based diet, claiming it was the optimal ancestral way of eating for human health. Proponents of this diet, like Saladino, advocated for removing all plant-based foods, including vegetables, fruits, and grains, based on the belief that many plants contain 'toxins' and 'anti-nutrients'.
During this time, Saladino's recommendations resonated with a niche audience in the biohacking and keto communities. His charismatic online presence, including shirtless social media posts, helped fuel his popularity and cemented his reputation as the face of the carnivore lifestyle. However, even the most devoted followers noticed a shift when Saladino began discussing his evolving dietary perspective in podcasts and interviews.
The Health Symptoms That Forced a Change
Despite his staunch public advocacy, Saladino began experiencing persistent and unpleasant symptoms that he eventually attributed to the prolonged state of ketosis induced by his strict carnivore diet. He openly discussed these issues, demonstrating a level of transparency that earned him respect from some critics, even as it contradicted his earlier messaging. The health issues that prompted his dietary shift included:
- Low Testosterone Levels: After years on the diet, his testosterone levels dropped, causing concern and requiring him to re-evaluate his approach.
- Sleep Disturbances: He reported experiencing sleep issues that impacted his overall well-being.
- Heart Palpitations and Muscle Cramps: These symptoms signaled potential electrolyte imbalances and other nutritional deficiencies from the restrictive nature of the diet.
Recognizing that long-term, extreme ketosis might not be beneficial for him, or for most humans, Saladino began to modify his eating habits. His experience serves as a powerful reminder that nutritional needs can change over time and that listening to one's body is crucial, even when following a specific dietary ideology.
The Shift to an 'Animal-Based' Diet
Saladino's current eating philosophy is what he refers to as an "animal-based" diet. This modified approach is less restrictive than his previous carnivore regimen and reintroduces certain plant-derived foods, but still excludes grains, nuts, seeds, and most vegetables. His argument for this change centers on the idea that some carbohydrate sources are less harmful than others and that our ancestors ate more than just meat.
An animal-based diet is characterized by:
- Meat and Animal Organs: These remain the cornerstone of his eating plan, with a focus on nutrient-dense organ meats.
- Fruit: Considered a clean source of carbohydrates with fewer plant defense chemicals than other plant foods.
- Honey: Utilized as a natural source of carbohydrates and glucose.
- Raw Dairy: Consumed as a source of fat and nutrients, though this practice is controversial due to potential health risks from unpasteurized products.
- Avoidance of Harmful Plants: Continued avoidance of legumes, grains, and processed foods is a key tenet of this diet.
Carnivore vs. Animal-Based: What's the Difference?
To understand the magnitude of Saladino's dietary evolution, it's helpful to compare the core tenets of the two plans side-by-side.
| Feature | Strict Carnivore Diet | Paul Saladino's Animal-Based Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Excluded completely | Included via fruit and honey |
| Plant Foods | Excluded completely | Some fruit is included; most vegetables still excluded |
| Dairy | Often limited or excluded | Included, often in its raw form |
| Core Philosophy | All plants are potentially harmful; animal products are optimal | Some plant carbs (fruit) are acceptable; still focused on animal products as the foundation |
| Ketosis | The primary goal for metabolic function | Not a necessary state; carbohydrates are used for energy |
The Broader Context of Nutrition Science
While Saladino's openness about his struggles is notable, it's important to view his dietary shift within the broader context of nutrition science. Many health experts and dietitians continue to warn against the restrictive nature of both the carnivore and animal-based diets. A balanced omnivore diet that includes all food groups is widely recommended for optimal mental and physical health.
Saladino's advocacy, particularly for raw dairy, has also drawn criticism from the medical community due to safety concerns. The reliance on anecdotal evidence and appeals to an 'ancestral diet' model are common in many diet trends, and it's essential for individuals to approach such claims with caution.
Conclusion
In short, to answer the question, does Paul Saladino still do carnivore diet? the answer is definitively no. His dietary journey from a strict, all-meat regimen to a more liberal "animal-based" model highlights the importance of dietary flexibility and the potential health pitfalls of extreme dietary restrictions. While his influence continues to shape discussions around nutrition, his evolution serves as a testament to the fact that even the most zealous dietary proponents can and do change their minds based on personal health experiences. For those considering a dietary change, listening to one's own body and consulting with qualified healthcare professionals are always recommended over following any single influencer's path. For more information on evidence-based dietary guidelines, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides valuable resources.
