Examining Paul Saladino's Lipid Profile
In discussions about his health markers, Paul Saladino has openly addressed his cholesterol levels, which can be significantly higher than conventional recommendations, particularly while he was strictly following a carnivore diet. The most frequently cited figure, a four-year-old self-reported value from a podcast, shows a remarkably high LDL particle number (LDL-P) of 3283 nmol/L. This number is central to the conversation surrounding his and the carnivore community's heart health.
The LDL-P and ApoB Controversy
While traditional lipid panels measure LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), LDL-P measures the total number of LDL particles. A higher LDL-P, like Saladino's, means more of these particles are circulating in the blood. This is often linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by conventional medicine. Furthermore, ApoB, a protein on LDL particles, is widely viewed as a better predictor of CVD risk than LDL-C alone, and a higher ApoB count raises concerns for many cardiologists. Saladino's high LDL-P would correspond to high ApoB, a point of contention with mainstream medical experts who emphasize the importance of keeping ApoB low.
Paul Saladino's Unique Interpretation of Cholesterol
Saladino's perspective challenges the foundational principles of modern cardiology. Instead of viewing high LDL as inherently bad, he argues that context is everything. His core argument is that if an individual is metabolically healthy, with high HDL and low triglycerides, high LDL becomes less of a concern.
Saladino's Arguments Include:
- Endothelial Damage is Key: He posits that damage to the inner lining of arteries (the endothelium) is the necessary first step for atherosclerosis, and that LDL particles are then involved in the repair process, not the primary cause of plaque formation.
- Focus on Insulin Sensitivity: He suggests that metrics like high HDL and low triglycerides indicate good insulin sensitivity, which, in his view, negates the danger of high LDL.
- Optimal Cholesterol Levels: He has advocated for total cholesterol levels in the 210-240 mg/dL range, suggesting lower levels can pose risks to health.
- Distrust of Conventional Guidelines: He critically questions the influence of pharmaceutical interests on dietary guidelines and the overemphasis on lowering cholesterol with statins.
The Role of the Carnivore Diet
Many individuals adopting high-fat, animal-based diets see an increase in cholesterol, which is a key part of the conversation around Paul Saladino's cholesterol. While some experience a decrease or no change, about a third of people see a notable increase in LDL. This phenomenon is sometimes attributed to increased fat intake and reduced carbohydrate intake.
The Broader Debate: Conventional vs. Unconventional Views
The debate over Paul Saladino's cholesterol highlights a major divide in medical and nutritional science. Mainstream cardiology emphasizes lowering LDL and ApoB as a primary strategy for preventing cardiovascular disease. In contrast, Saladino's approach represents a more niche perspective that prioritizes metabolic health markers.
| Aspect | Conventional Medical View | Paul Saladino's View |
|---|---|---|
| High LDL-P | Strongly correlated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. | Less of a concern if metabolic health is optimal (high HDL, low triglycerides). |
| ApoB Levels | Strongest predictor of cardiovascular disease risk; should be low. | Less important if underlying metabolic issues like insulin resistance are addressed. |
| Heart Health Focus | Lowering cholesterol (especially LDL) is a primary goal via diet and statins. | Focus on metabolic health (insulin sensitivity), not just lipid numbers; question statin overuse. |
| Dietary Approach | Recommends balanced diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein; cautions against high saturated fat. | Advocates for a high-fat, animal-based diet; believes a different paradigm for cholesterol risk is needed. |
Saladino's Shift in Diet and What it Means
Crucially, Saladino has moved away from a strict carnivore diet, incorporating carbohydrates like fruit and honey into his regimen. This shift was prompted by negative health symptoms he experienced on long-term ketosis, including heart palpitations, sleep disturbances, and a drop in testosterone. This personal experience demonstrates that a strict carnivore diet, and the corresponding lipid profile, may not be sustainable or healthy for everyone. The symptoms he experienced are often linked to electrolyte imbalances and metabolic disruptions that can occur on such a restrictive diet.
Conclusion: Context is Key
Understanding Paul Saladino's cholesterol requires looking beyond the alarming lipid numbers themselves. While his high LDL and LDL-P are valid concerns from a conventional medical standpoint, his interpretation emphasizes the importance of overall metabolic health and questions the sole focus on lowering cholesterol. The debate showcases the stark contrast between standard cardiology and niche dietary philosophies. His eventual decision to incorporate fruits and honey into his diet further complicates the picture, suggesting that even proponents of such diets find them unsustainable and potentially detrimental in the long run. Ultimately, any dietary approach, especially a restrictive one, should be undertaken with medical guidance and a full understanding of all health markers, not just the ones that fit a specific narrative.
For more information on conventional lipid guidelines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers comprehensive resources.
