Dr. Paul Saladino has become one of the most controversial figures in modern nutrition, rising from medical practitioner to social media sensation through his aggressive promotion of the carnivore diet. The American physician turned influencer has built an empire around meat-based nutrition while facing significant criticism from the medical community.
From Medical Practice to Carnivore Evangelist
Paul Saladino's journey into the spotlight began with his medical training at the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Tucson, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree in 2015. He completed his psychiatry residency at the University of Washington in 2019, establishing credentials that would later lend weight to his controversial dietary recommendations.
Before embracing the carnivore movement, Saladino experimented with various diets including keto, paleo, and vegan regimens. His conversion to carnivore eating came after hearing about the diet from Jordan Peterson on Joe Rogan's popular podcast. This discovery marked a turning point that would define his career and public persona.
Building a Carnivore Empire
Saladino's influence expanded rapidly through multiple channels. His book The Carnivore Code became a manifesto for meat-only enthusiasts, while his podcast The Fundamental Health and YouTube channel attracted hundreds of thousands of followers. His social media presence grew exponentially, with Instagram alone amassing over 2.8 million followers at the time of writing.
The entrepreneur capitalized on his growing fame by founding Heart & Soil, an animal-based supplement company, in 2020. He later co-founded Lineage Provisions with Anthony Gustin in 2023, further expanding his business footprint in the alternative nutrition space. These ventures generated significant income streams beyond his medical practice and content creation.
Controversies and Scientific Backlash
Saladino's most controversial claims have drawn sharp criticism from nutrition experts. His assertion that plants contain harmful 'antinutrients' and should be eliminated from human consumption stands in direct opposition to mainstream nutritional science. Medical professionals have repeatedly labeled these claims as pseudoscientific and potentially dangerous.
His promotion of raw milk as beneficial also contradicts established food safety guidelines. Health authorities consistently warn that raw milk carries high risks of bacterial infections like E. coli and Salmonella. Nutritionists argue that following Saladino's advice could lead to nutrient deficiencies and long-term health complications.
The Pivot Away from Strict Carnivore
In a significant reversal, Saladino modified his dietary approach after experiencing health issues while following a strict carnivore regimen. He reported suffering from disrupted sleep, heart palpitations, muscle cramps, and declining testosterone levels. His conclusion that long-term ketosis might not be optimal for his health marked a turning point in his public recommendations.
The physician now advocates for what he calls an animal-based diet, which incorporates fruits, honey, and raw dairy while maintaining meat as the foundation. This shift disappointed some of his hardcore carnivore followers but demonstrated his willingness to adapt based on personal experience and health outcomes.
Personal Life and Professional Standing
Beyond his professional controversies, Saladino maintains a private personal life. He is reportedly married to fitness model and influencer Sheri Nicole, whom he met in 2020 and married in 2021. While there are unverified claims about children, the physician has not publicly confirmed whether he has any.
Despite the criticism of his dietary views, Saladino remains a licensed physician in the United States. He is board-certified in psychiatry and maintains his medical credentials, though many experts argue he operates outside scientific consensus when promoting his nutritional theories.
Paul Saladino's story represents the complex intersection of social media influence, alternative health movements, and traditional medical science. His journey from strict carnivore advocate to modified animal-based proponent continues to evolve, reflecting the ongoing debate about optimal human nutrition in the digital age.
