Shawn Ryan Show Episode #179: Paul Saladino - The FDA Approved Poison You Eat Every Day

Host: Shawn Ryan
Guest: Dr. Paul Saladino
Release Date: March 5, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #179 of the "Shawn Ryan Show," Shawn Ryan welcomes Dr. Paul Saladino, a double board-certified MD, CIA contractor, former U.S. Navy SEAL, and founder of Vigilance Elite. The episode delves deep into Dr. Saladino's perspectives on nutrition, chronic illnesses, and his lifestyle choices in Costa Rica. Their candid conversation challenges mainstream nutritional guidelines and explores alternative approaches to health and wellness.

Life in Costa Rica

[01:13 – 05:47]

Dr. Saladino shares his journey to Costa Rica, explaining his motivation to escape the hectic lifestyle of Austin, Texas, and immerse himself in nature. He emphasizes the importance of integrating play and joy into daily life, which he achieves through surfing and spending time outdoors. His routine includes:

• Surfing Daily: Dr. Saladino surfs every morning for two to two and a half hours, which he describes as a source of pure joy and a foundation for his productivity and happiness.

  Dr. Paul Saladino [02:30]: "When I have something in my life that I can do every day or almost every day, that just brings me pure joy. It's just play. Right."

• Connection with Nature: Living in Costa Rica offers him a lush environment where he can enjoy the jungle and ocean, contributing to his overall well-being.

Shawn Ryan relates, mentioning his time in Colombia and how Costa Rica's beauty significantly impacts one's quality of life.

Entrepreneurship and Nutrition

[05:47 – 17:35]

Dr. Saladino discusses his ventures, including Hardened Soil Supplements and Lineage, focusing on creating high-quality, animal-based nutritional products. He criticizes Western medicine's focus on treating symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of chronic illnesses, advocating for nutrition as a pivotal factor in health.

• Nutrition Philosophy: Dr. Saladino argues that Western medicine neglects the role of nutrition, specifically animal-based diets, in preventing and reversing chronic diseases.

  Dr. Paul Saladino [15:56]: "You question our assumptions about in the role of nutrition, which is controversial in modern medicine."

• Product Development: He emphasizes producing single-ingredient, highly nutrient-dense foods, such as grass-fed beef and organ supplements, to improve health outcomes.

Shawn Ryan appreciates Dr. Saladino's commitment, noting the quality and taste of the products they exchanged during the show.

The Importance of Organs in Diet

[17:35 – 27:11]

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the consumption of animal organs and their unique nutritional benefits. Dr. Saladino highlights that organs like liver, heart, and kidneys contain essential nutrients not abundantly found in muscle meat.

• Nutrient Density: Organs provide vitamins (A, B12, biotin), minerals (copper, zinc, selenium), and bioactive peptides that support various bodily functions.

  Dr. Paul Saladino [19:09]: "Liver has copper and it complements the zinc and muscle meat. So there's this historical pattern of humans consuming animals where if you eat the whole animal, you get a much more comprehensive, robust nutritional profile than if you just eat steak now."

• Historical Consumption: He shares experiences from Africa with the Hadza tribe, illustrating how indigenous practices of consuming entire animals, including organs, contribute to their health and longevity.

• Modern Deficiency: In contemporary diets, organ consumption has dwindled, leading to potential nutrient gaps and increased susceptibility to chronic diseases.

Seed Oils and Modern Diets

[136:18 – 197:34]

Dr. Saladino provides a comprehensive critique of seed oils, tracing their historical emergence and highlighting their detrimental effects on human health.

• Historical Context: Seed oils were industrially introduced in the early 20th century (e.g., Procter & Gamble's Crisco in 1911). Before this, diets were predominantly rich in animal fats.

  Dr. Paul Saladino [137:00]: "In 1900, there were no seed oils... We've had periods in recorded history when almost all of our cooking fat was animal fat."

• Health Implications: Seed oils, particularly rich in linoleic acid (a polyunsaturated fat), disrupt mitochondrial function, promote insulin resistance, and increase the oxidization of LDL cholesterol, thereby contributing to chronic diseases.

  Dr. Paul Saladino [167:31]: "We're doing these historically inappropriate things... seed oils are not on that list. And if you see the cows that you're eating and you're talking to a farmer, that's the best thing."

• Regulatory Failures: He criticizes the FDA and USDA for failing to regulate seed oils effectively, allowing them to become ubiquitous despite their health risks.

• Call to Action: Dr. Saladino urges listeners to eliminate processed foods and seed oils, advocating for a return to whole, single-ingredient foods to mitigate the adverse health effects caused by modern diets.

Cholesterol, Insulin Resistance, and Heart Disease

[148:11 – 197:34]

One of the most debated topics discussed is the relationship between cholesterol, particularly LDL cholesterol, insulin resistance, and heart disease.

• Challenging the LDL Paradigm: Dr. Saladino questions the mainstream view that LDL cholesterol directly causes atherosclerosis. He presents evidence suggesting that insulin resistance, not LDL, is the primary driver of heart disease.

  Dr. Paul Saladino [167:31]: "So if LDL is causal and heart disease, then why don't we get atherosclerosis in our veins... the major problem is insulin resistance."

• Insulin Resistance as the Root Cause: He explains how metabolic dysfunction impairs mitochondrial energy production, leading to chronic inflammation and increased susceptibility to heart disease.

  Dr. Paul Saladino [169:00]: "Insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction is the root molecular cause... 90% of our health care costs are related to chronic illness."

• Critique of Research Quality: He criticizes past randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on seed oils for being flawed, often containing trans fats in control groups, thereby invalidating their conclusions.

  Dr. Paul Saladino [171:00]: "All of them were done between 1950 and 1985... many studies have trans fats in their control groups."

• Case Studies and Personal Experience: Dr. Saladino shares anecdotal evidence and case studies where dietary changes, particularly eliminating seed oils and improving nutrition, have reversed chronic illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, and autoimmune diseases.

Daily Routine and Lifestyle Choices

[93:10 – 197:34]

Towards the end of the interview, Dr. Saladino outlines his daily routine, emphasizing the integration of health-conscious practices that support his nutritional philosophy.

• Morning Routine:

  • Raw Milk Consumption: Begins his day with raw goat's milk blended with local honey, organ supplements, creatine, and methylated B vitamins.

    Dr. Paul Saladino [94:35]: "Breakfast is raw milk with organs, honey, creatine."

  • Surfing and Physical Activity: Engages in daily surfing, which not only serves as exercise but also reinforces his connection with nature.

• Work Schedule:

  • Focused Work Blocks: Allocates specific times for research, content creation, and podcasting, maintaining a balance between productivity and personal well-being.

  • Minimal Work Hours: Typically works four to five hours a day, emphasizing quality and efficiency over long hours.

• Evening Routine:

  • Diet Consistency: Maintains a diet high in red meat, organs, raw milk, and select fruits or squash.

  • Circadian Rhythm Management: Prioritizes sleep by minimizing exposure to blue light and maintaining regular sleep patterns.

• Social Life and Relationships:

  • Selective Socializing: Chooses social activities that align with his health principles, such as outdoor gatherings and dinners focused on quality food.

  • Balanced Approach: Strives to maintain meaningful relationships without compromising his health values.

Closing Thoughts

Dr. Paul Saladino and Shawn Ryan conclude the episode by reiterating the importance of returning to whole, unprocessed foods and minimizing the intake of industrial seed oils and refined sugars. Dr. Saladino expresses optimism about the potential for dietary changes to reverse chronic illnesses and improve overall health, challenging listeners to question mainstream nutritional advice and advocate for more research-based approaches to health.

Dr. Paul Saladino [173:40]: "The return to high quality food and we can drill down on what I think is best for humans. We don't need AI vaccines... we just need to stop eating garbage food and return to the foods that humans have always eaten. It's that simple."

Shawn Ryan acknowledges the depth of information shared and encourages listeners to consider the insights provided as they navigate their own health journeys.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Paul Saladino [02:30]: "When I have something in my life that I can do every day or almost every day, that just brings me pure joy. It's just play. Right."

• Dr. Paul Saladino [19:09]: "Liver has copper and it complements the zinc and muscle meat. So there's this historical pattern of humans consuming animals where if you eat the whole animal, you get a much more comprehensive, robust nutritional profile than if you just eat steak now."

• Dr. Paul Saladino [167:31]: "We're doing these historically inappropriate things... seed oils are not on that list. And if you see the cows that you're eating and you're talking to a farmer, that's the best thing."

• Dr. Paul Saladino [182:00]: "Insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction is the root molecular cause... 90% of our health care costs are related to chronic illness."

Conclusion

This episode of the Shawn Ryan Show provides an in-depth exploration of Dr. Paul Saladino's holistic approach to nutrition and health. By challenging established medical paradigms and advocating for a return to traditional, whole-food diets, Dr. Saladino offers listeners a thought-provoking perspective on achieving optimal health and reversing chronic illnesses.

Note: This summary is based on a transcript provided and aims to capture the essence of the discussion between Shawn Ryan and Dr. Paul Saladino. For a comprehensive understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.