A psychiatrist who called vegetables poison now admits his all-meat diet gave him heart palpitations.
Who is Paul Saladino?
Paul Saladino is an American health influencer, former psychiatrist and is board-certified. He wrote a book called The Carnivore Code in 2020. The book calls plants “poison.” He used to be a leading voice for the carnivore diet. This diet means eating only meat.
Saladino has millions of followers. He has over 3 million on Instagram. He also has a big following on TikTok. He appears shirtless in many posts. He promotes an animal-based diet.
The Carnivore Diet Reversal
Saladino strongly promoted the carnivore diet. He said it could heal many health problems. He ate only meat, organs, and salt.
But then he quit the strict diet. He added carbohydrates back. He now eats fruit and honey. He consumes about 300 grams of carbs per day.
Why did he change? He said the diet caused serious side effects. He experienced sleep disturbances. He had heart palpitations. He suffered from muscle cramps. His testosterone levels dropped. He also had electrolyte imbalances.
Critics called this a major reversal. They said he was once very certain. Then he pivoted completely. This made people question his authority.
The Seed Oils Debate
Saladino says seed oils are toxic. He claims they cause heart disease and obesity. Seed oils include canola, soybean, safflower, and corn oil. He wants people to avoid them completely.
But scientists disagree. Major research shows the opposite. A 2025 study found that higher linoleic acid levels are linked to lower inflammation. Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fat found in seed oils. The study looked at almost 1,900 people. People with more linoleic acid had better heart health markers.
Dr. Kevin C. Maki is a public health expert. He said the study shows seed oils are not dangerous. He said higher linoleic acid is linked to lower risk for type 2 diabetes and heart attacks.
This directly contradicts Saladino’s claims. Expert dietitians say the science does not support his warnings. They say decades of research show seed oils are safe.
Raw Milk Promotion
Saladino strongly advocates for raw milk. Raw milk is unpasteurized. It has not been heated to kill bacteria.
Public health agencies warn against raw milk. The CDC says it is 150 times more likely to cause illness. It can carry Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. These can cause serious conditions like kidney failure.
Yet Saladino continues to promote it. He says it is healthier. He claims it has no glyphosate. Glyphosate is a chemical found in some pesticides.
In 2025, Saladino drank raw milk shots with RFK Jr. at the White House. This caused widespread criticism. Doctors called the milk dangerous.
The Supplement Business
Saladino owns a company called Heart & Soil. It sells supplements made from dried animal organs.
Critics point out a conflict of interest. He promotes fear about plant foods. Then he sells supplements that replace nutrients from plants. His supplements are not tested in clinical trials. They lack scientific evidence for their benefits.
Heart & Soil sells protein powder too. Saladino claimed processing degrades nutrients. But experts say the processing is standard food science. It is not harmful chemical manipulation.
Medical and Scientific Critiques
Many experts criticize Saladino’s claims. They say he promotes pseudoscience. They say his diet advice is not backed by evidence.
Layne Norton is a scientist who runs Biolayne. He has debated Saladino’s claims. He said Saladino cherry-picks evidence. He said Saladino ignores large volumes of counter-evidence.
Marcel Kuijsten also debunked Saladino’s claims. He compiled critiques from many experts. He said Saladino focuses on weak data.
The Guardian newspaper published an editorial. It called the carnivore diet bad for health. It said followers are doing themselves no favors. The British Heart Foundation warned the diet could be harmful. It said extreme diets high in saturated fat raise cholesterol. This increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The MAHA Connection
Saladino is connected to the “Make America Healthy Again” movement. This movement is linked to RFK Jr. It promotes raw milk and rejects seed oils.
This movement has become big business. Seed oil-free restaurants are opening. They sell beef tallow fries. They attract long lines of customers.
But experts say the movement relies on misinformation. They say the science does not support many of its claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paul Saladino a real doctor?
Yes. He is a board-certified psychiatrist. He attended the University of Arizona for medical school. He is a former psychiatrist. He no longer practices medicine regularly.
Why did Paul Saladino stop the carnivore diet?
He stopped because of serious side effects. He had heart palpitations, muscle cramps, and sleep problems. He also had a drop in testosterone. He now eats fruit and honey along with meat.
Are seed oils really toxic?
No. Major scientific research shows seed oils are not toxic. Higher blood levels of linoleic acid are linked to lower inflammation. This fat is found in seed oils. Studies show it is linked to better heart health.
Is raw milk safe to drink?
No. The CDC warns raw milk is 150 times more likely to cause illness. It can carry dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. These can cause serious illness and even kidney failure.
What are Heart & Soil supplements?
They are supplements made from dried animal organs. They are sold by Paul Saladino’s company. They have not been tested in clinical trials. They lack scientific evidence for their benefits.
The Bottom Line
Paul Saladino is a charismatic influencer. He has a medical degree. But his health claims often contradict mainstream science. He reversed his own strict diet after experiencing side effects. His warnings about seed oils are not supported by research. His promotion of raw milk goes against public health advice. His supplement business creates a conflict of interest.
Always check health claims with trusted sources. Look for consensus from major health organizations. Be skeptical of anyone who sells supplements while promoting fear. Your health deserves evidence, not hype.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. This content does not replace professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any dietary changes. The views expressed by individuals mentioned in this article are their own. They do not represent the views of this publication. We rely on reputable sources including the CDC, FDA, WHO, and peer-reviewed scientific literature. However, nutrition science evolves rapidly.
We encourage readers to verify information independently. The fact-checking and critiques included are based on available evidence as of the publication date. We do not endorse any specific diet, supplement, or health product mentioned. Individual health needs vary significantly. What works for one person may not work for another. Seek personalized care from licensed health professionals.
