Dr. Paul Saladino is a physician, author, and advocate of a carnivorous diet. He received his medical degree from the University of Arizona, and completed his residency in psychiatry at the University of Washington. He has since worked in a variety of clinical settings, including as a physician in the Department of Psychiatry at the San Francisco General Hospital, and as a traveling physician in Hawaii. He is the author of the book "The Carnivore Code," which advocates for a plant-free diet consisting only of animal-based foods. Saladino also hosts a podcast called "Fundamental Health," where he discusses various aspects of health and nutrition with guests.
It's worth noting that many of Saladino's claims are controversial and not supported by mainstream scientific research.
Saladino argues that humans are designed to be meat eaters because our digestive system and nutrient requirements are optimized for animal-based foods. He believes that a plant-based diet is unnatural and can lead to health problems such as nutrient deficiencies, digestive problems, and chronic inflammation.
Many plant-based foods do not contain sufficient amounts of essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, and vitamin K2, which are primarily found in animal-based foods. According to Saladino, this can lead to nutrient deficiencies and imbalances that can cause a wide range of health problems.
Anti-nutrients are compounds found in many plant-based foods that can impair nutrient absorption and cause health problems. Saladino believes that the high content of anti-nutrients such as lectins, phytates, and oxalates in plant-based diets can cause health problems ranging from digestive problems to autoimmune disorders.
Plant-based diets can be high in fiber, which can cause digestive problems such as bloating and gas, especially in people with sensitive digestive systems.
Many plant-based foods are high in carbohydrates, which can lead to blood sugar imbalances and insulin resistance, particularly in people with pre-existing metabolic conditions.
Some plant-based foods are high in pro-inflammatory compounds, such as omega-6 fatty acids, which can lead to chronic inflammation in the body, a condition linked to many health problems.
Plant-based diets may not provide enough protein to maintain muscle mass, particularly in older adults, who need more protein to maintain muscle mass than younger people.
Saladino argues that monocrop agriculture, which is used to grow many plant-based foods, can lead to soil depletion, deforestation, and other environmental problems.
Plant-based diets can be socially isolating because it can be difficult to find suitable food options, especially when eating out with non-vegetarian friends.
While many people choose plant-based diets because they believe it is a more ethical way to eat, Saladino argues that meat from animals raised on regenerative farms is more sustainable and humane than monocrop plant-based agriculture.
References
Leung, J. M., & Leung, P. S. (2019). Plant-based diets for cardiovascular disease prevention: All plant foods are not created equal. Current Atherosclerosis Reports, 21(6), 18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-019-0776-5
Greger, M. (2017). How not to die: Discover the foods scientifically proven to prevent and reverse disease. Flatiron Books.
Tuso, P. J., Ismail, M. H., Ha, B. P., & Bartolotto, C. (2013). Nutritional update for physicians: Plant-based diets. The Permanente Journal, 17(2), 61-66. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/12-085
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