The Spontaneous Move from Austin to the Tropics
Dr. Paul Saladino’s journey to Costa Rica was far from a calculated long-term plan; it was a spontaneous decision made during what was supposed to be a brief vacation. After a period of living in Austin, Texas, Saladino initially settled in Santa Teresa, located on the Guana Peninsula. He was drawn by a longing for the "flow state" he experienced previously while skiing, an experience he found replicated in the rhythmic act of surfing. The simple yet powerful experiences of watching the sunrise over the Pacific and connecting with the natural environment made him realize he was living the best life he had ever known. This profound realization was the catalyst for making his temporary stay permanent. His work as a podcast host and entrepreneur is largely virtual, which afforded him the flexibility to make this significant life change without major professional disruption.
The Search for an Ancestral Lifestyle
At its core, Saladino’s move was an expression of his evolving health philosophy, which has transitioned from a strict carnivore diet to what he now calls an "animal-based" approach. He believes that modern, urban environments are filled with toxins, stressors, and artificial constructs that compromise human health. Costa Rica offered an escape from this, a chance to shed the trappings of city life and live more closely in tune with nature. He has publicly refuted speculation that the move was an escape from legal issues, clarifying it was purely a lifestyle choice.
His desire for a healthier, more primal existence manifests in several key ways in his new life.
- Deep Connection to Nature: He built a custom "treehouse" that is integrated into the jungle environment, providing spectacular ocean views. This design and location facilitate a constant connection with the outdoors and natural elements.
- Local Food Sourcing: The move allows him to source his food directly from local farmers' markets, accessing fresh, high-quality, and nutrient-dense raw milk, eggs, honey, and fruit. This eliminates reliance on processed, industrially produced foods.
- Functional Physical Activity: His Costa Rican home features a "jungle gym," a functional fitness setup that supports his commitment to natural, performance-based fitness in a natural setting.
- Community Building: He has organized "animal-based" gatherings to foster a sense of community among like-minded individuals, emphasizing connection, sun exposure, and shared meals.
A Deeper Commitment to Health Optimization
Saladino's move is less about escaping something bad and more about building a life that actively promotes longevity and well-being. This is demonstrated by the intricate details of his living practices in his Costa Rican home, focused on minimizing chemical exposure and environmental stressors.
Lifestyle Choices for Longevity
- Minimalist Hygiene and Cleaning: He avoids traditional household cleaners, washing dishes with baking soda and clothes with vinegar. Similarly, he forgoes soap, shampoo, and deodorant, relying primarily on water.
- Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Avoidance: He runs a "no RFs experiment," avoiding wi-fi in his house and grounding his bed with a copper stake to minimize electromagnetic field exposure.
- Chemical-Free Oral Care: He uses only water to brush his teeth, opting for a boar's hair toothbrush and silk floss to avoid chemical exposure from conventional products.
- Natural Airflow: He completely forgoes air conditioning, believing it can introduce mold into the living environment.
The Evolution of the Animal-Based Diet in Costa Rica
Saladino's dietary philosophy has evolved significantly since his time as the strict "Carnivore MD". While the core remains a focus on animal products, the addition of fruit and honey, driven by his own experience with adverse health symptoms on a strict carnivore diet, is crucial. His life in Costa Rica perfectly accommodates this dietary shift, with easy access to fresh tropical fruits and honey from local markets. This reflects his commitment to listening to his own body's signals and adjusting his approach based on personal outcomes.
A Comparison of Lifestyles: Austin vs. Costa Rica
| Aspect | Austin, Texas (Previous Life) | Costa Rica (Current Life) |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Urban and suburban sprawl, traffic, commercial amenities. | Rural jungle and coastal environment, with constant natural landscape exposure. |
| Activity | Less focus on natural, outdoor "flow state" activities. | Surfing, beach volleyball, hiking, and functional fitness in a jungle gym. |
| Food Sourcing | Reliance on an industrial food supply, even for "healthy" options. | Direct sourcing from local farmers for raw dairy, meat, fruit, and honey. |
| Diet | Initially strict carnivore, later realizing its limitations for long-term health. | "Animal-based" with high-quality meat, organs, raw dairy, and locally sourced fruit and honey. |
| Exposure | Higher exposure to artificial light, EMFs, and synthetic chemicals. | Deliberate reduction of EMFs, avoidance of chemicals in cleaners and toiletries. |
| Housing | Conventional housing in a dense urban area. | Self-built, jungle-integrated "treehouse" designed for longevity and natural living. |
Conclusion: Remembering a Primal Existence
Ultimately, why Paul Saladino moved to Costa Rica is a story of a modern doctor rejecting modern problems. It’s a pursuit of what he terms "#theremembering," a reconnection with an ancestral human past. The decision was less a logical, cost-benefit analysis and more an emotional recognition of where he felt he truly belonged. By embracing a lifestyle deeply integrated with nature, prioritizing nutrient-dense whole foods, and minimizing exposure to modern environmental stressors, Saladino is actively building a life he believes will lead to optimal human health and longevity. His Costa Rican experiment is a physical manifestation of his core health philosophy, serving as a real-world example for his followers. Learn more about Paul Saladino's work
