In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Dave Asprey sits down with Paul Saladino, M.D., a leading voice in the carnivore space, for a deep dive into the intricacies of diet evolution, holistic health, and metabolic science. Together, they unravel the challenges and adaptations that emerge when experimenting with strict diets like the carnivore diet and keto diet.
Paul shares his personal journey from a strict carnivore diet—meat, organs, and salt—to reintroducing fruit and honey after experiencing issues like electrolyte imbalances and hormonal shifts. This episode explores how dietary shifts can lead to improved metabolic health, weight loss, and overall wellness by incorporating a balance of macronutrients tailored to individual needs.
Dave and Paul discuss why diets fail for many, touching on key issues like the calorie myth, the importance of food quality, and the overlooked dangers of plant toxins such as oxalates and saponins. They also examine why traditional "healthy" foods, like oats and quinoa, may not provide the health benefits they’re often credited for.
Listeners will gain insights into the pitfalls of extreme carbohydrate restriction and the role of insulin in overall health. They’ll also explore why healthy eating should prioritize nutrient-dense foods over calorie-counting and how regenerative farming practices tie into achieving a sustainable fitness journey. Paul’s reflections dive into misconceptions surrounding nutrition, the body’s need for minerals, and how ancestral practices can guide modern dietary choices.
Whether you’re seeking fat loss, curious about the synergy between keto diet principles and bio-individuality, or eager to explore actionable nutrition tips, this conversation delivers transformative insights into achieving a sustainable body transformation and lifelong wellness.
Resources:
2025 Biohacking Conference – https://biohackingconference.com/2025
Shop Paul Saladino’s Products – https://heartandsoil.co
Follow Paul Saladino on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/paulsaladinomd/
Paul Saladino’s Book: The Carnivore Code – https://www.amazon.com/Carnivore-Code-Unlocking-Returning-Ancestral/dp/035846997X
Lineage Provisions – 100% Grass-Fed Beef Tallow – https://lineageprovisions.com/products/100-grass-fed-beef-tallow
Danger Coffee – https://dangercoffee.com
Danger Coffee Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/dangercoffeeofficial/
Dave Asprey’s Website – https://daveasprey.com
Dave Asprey’s Book: Smarter Not Harder – https://daveasprey.com/books
Dave Asprey’s Linktree – https://linktr.ee/daveasprey
Upgrade Collective: Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live – https://www.ourupgradecollective.com
Own an Upgrade Labs – https://ownanupgradelabs.com
Upgrade Labs – https://upgradelabs.com
40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement – https://40yearsofzen.com
Sponsors:
– Timeline | Head to https://www.timeline.com/dave to get 10% off your first order.
– LMNT | Free LMNT Sample Pack with any drink mix purchase by going to https://drinklmnt.com/dave.
Timestamps:
• 00:00 Intro
• 00:40 Paul Saladino’s Evolution in Diet
• 01:21 Challenges of a Strict Carnivore Diet
• 03:36 Reintroducing Carbohydrates
• 05:32 Debunking Common Diet Myths
• 13:49 The Problem with Calorie Restriction
• 18:30 The Importance of Food Quality
• 24:08 The Veganism Debate
• 34:15 The Benefits of Organ Meats
• 37:27 Foot Surgery and Bone Density
• 39:23 Mineral Deficiency and Plant-Based Diets
• 40:00 The Truth About Seed Oils
• 41:10 Historical Studies on Seed Oils
• 47:26 Mechanisms and Effects of Seed Oils
• 52:33 Nicotine and Neuroprotection
• 54:12 Oleic Acid and Longevity
• 01:01:44 The Benefits of Animal Fats
• 01:02:32 Odd Chain Fatty Acids and Health
• 01:11:07 Cheese and Dairy Considerations
• 01:13:11 The Impact of Cheese on Health
• 01:14:03 Protein Intake and Longevity
• 01:14:54 Understanding mTOR and Its Effects
• 01:17:35 Ideal Body Fat and Metabolic Health
• 01:24:38 The Role of Omega Fatty Acids
• 01:32:46 ApoB, Insulin Sensitivity, and Longevity
Connect with Dave Asprey!
Website: https://daveasprey.com
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