Paul Saladino, a social media influencer and former proponent of the strict carnivore diet, has significantly evolved his dietary recommendations over time. Originally a leading voice for an exclusively meat-based regimen, he now promotes a more inclusive, albeit still highly restrictive, 'animal-based' way of eating. This transition was prompted by a personal health crisis and his eventual conclusion that long-term ketosis was not optimal for his body. While the core of his philosophy remains focused on animal-sourced foods, understanding his current recommendations requires a look at the specific additions and the logic behind them.
The Shift from Carnivore to Animal-Based
For years, Saladino championed a nose-to-tail, zero-plant carnivore diet, outlined in his book The Carnivore Code. However, around 2022, he began to publicly document his struggles with persistent health issues, including low testosterone, sleep disturbances, muscle cramps, and heart palpitations. According to Saladino, these negative effects, which he eventually attributed to long-term ketosis, prompted him to re-evaluate and modify his approach.
This led to the introduction of carbohydrates from specific plant sources and honey into his diet, pushing it out of the strict carnivore category and into what he calls an 'animal-based' framework. The public shift demonstrated a willingness to adapt based on personal experience, though critics have pointed out he had already built a reputation and product line around the more extreme diet he later disavowed.
Core Components of Saladino's Animal-Based Diet
Unlike his previous dogmatic restriction, Saladino's current recommendations include several key additions to a meat-focused base. The diet is built around the following food groups:
- Meat and Organ Meats: This remains the foundation of his eating plan. He emphasizes consuming high-quality animal products, including fatty cuts of beef, ground beef, and especially nutrient-dense organ meats like liver and heart. He believes organ meats are nutritional powerhouses that provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Fruit: Fruit is incorporated as a primary source of carbohydrates. Saladino prefers fruits, particularly tropical varieties, arguing they contain fewer "plant toxins" compared to other plant foods like grains and vegetables. Examples include pineapple, mangoes, and papaya.
- Honey: Raw honey is also a key part of his carbohydrate intake, providing a quick source of energy. Saladino has argued that honey is "carnivore-friendly" because vegans do not consume it, a justification that is not based on biology.
- Raw Dairy: Raw milk, cheese, and kefir are included in the diet, providing fat and protein. It is important to note that public health officials warn against consuming raw dairy due to the risk of bacterial contamination.
The Philosophy and Controversies
Saladino's dietary philosophy is heavily influenced by ancestral or evolutionary arguments. He asserts that humans evolved to thrive on animal products and that most plant foods, particularly grains, nuts, and seeds, contain defense chemicals or "anti-nutrients" that cause inflammation and health problems. He views fruit as a better carbohydrate source because he believes its "defense chemicals" are less harmful.
However, this perspective is highly controversial and often described as pseudoscientific by medical experts. Scientific reviews note that many "anti-nutrients" are present in small quantities, are deactivated by cooking, or have counteracting benefits. Furthermore, a large body of evidence supports the health benefits of a diverse diet rich in plants and fiber.
Comparison: Saladino's Diets
| Feature | Strict Carnivore (Past) | Animal-Based (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Foods | Meat, organ meats, some fish | Meat, organ meats, fruit, honey, raw dairy |
| Carbohydrate Source | None (forces ketosis) | Fruit and honey |
| Dairy | Allowed (often limited to certain types) | Promotes raw dairy |
| Rationale for Carbs | Believed to be unnecessary | Reintroduced to avoid negative effects of long-term ketosis |
| Exclusions | All plant foods | Most plant foods, particularly vegetables, nuts, grains, and seed oils |
Scientific Scrutiny and Critiques of the Animal-Based Diet
The medical community has raised significant concerns about both Saladino's former and current diets. Here are some of the key critiques:
- Lack of Evidence: There is limited to no scientific evidence to support the long-term safety and effectiveness of such restrictive, animal-based diets. Anecdotal reports of success are not a substitute for robust scientific research.
- Elevated LDL Cholesterol: Critics, including other doctors, have pointed out that even on his modified diet, Saladino maintains very high levels of LDL cholesterol, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. He disputes the importance of this marker, but mainstream medicine disagrees.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Restricting most plant foods can lead to a lack of dietary fiber and numerous phytonutrients. Fiber is crucial for gut health and plays a vital role in disease prevention.
- Risks of Raw Dairy: Public health advisories universally caution against consuming raw milk and dairy products due to the risk of dangerous bacterial infections.
- Influencer Status: Saladino is not a practicing physician and his primary role is a health influencer. Critics argue that influencers often promote extreme diets with clear marketing agendas, which should be treated with caution.
Conclusion: Navigating Dietary Advice
While Paul Saladino has modified his personal dietary recommendations in response to his own health challenges, his animal-based diet remains highly controversial and is not supported by mainstream nutrition science. The incorporation of fruit and honey addresses some of the carbohydrate-related issues he experienced with strict carnivory, but the regimen's extreme restriction of plant foods raises significant concerns among experts regarding nutrient deficiencies, potential health risks, and long-term sustainability. Ultimately, individuals considering such a restrictive diet should consult with a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian to ensure their nutritional needs are met and to understand the potential risks involved.
For more information on evidence-based nutrition guidelines, consult resources from established health organizations like the British Heart Foundation.
