The REAL Cause of Insulin Resistance - It’s NOT Too Many Carbohydrates | Dr. Paul Saladino

Summary

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Paul Saladino shares his journey through various dietary approaches, from a strict carnivore diet to an animal-based diet incorporating carbohydrates like fruits and honey. He delves into the nuances of insulin resistance, the importance of quality animal products, and the impact of diet on health and performance. Saladino also explores the role of gut health, the benefits of raw dairy, and his personal transition to living in Costa Rica, emphasizing the significance of a joyful lifestyle in achieving overall well-being.

Takeaways

• 🥩 The carnivore diet, which consists strictly of animal-based foods, initially helped Paul improve his eczema and asthma but later caused electrolyte issues.
• 🍯 After incorporating honey and fruit into his diet, Paul experienced improvements in muscle cramping, heart palpitations, and testosterone levels, suggesting that insulin spikes post-meal are essential for mineral and electrolyte balance.
• 🚫 Paul's dietary changes have been met with criticism from the carnivore, ketogenic, and vegan communities, reflecting the controversy and polarization in nutritional debates.
• 🥦 Contrary to popular belief, there is little evidence to suggest that carbohydrates cause insulin resistance; instead, the quality and type of fats consumed may play a more significant role.
• 🌾 Modern diets high in linoleic acid, found in seed oils and corn/soy-fed animals, may contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction due to cellular membrane and mitochondrial disruptions.
• 🥦 Paul emphasizes the importance of considering not just what animals eat but also their natural diet and the impact of their feed on the nutrient profile of the food they produce.
• 🧂 The choice of cooking oil matters; olive and avocado oils, while popular, are high in linoleic acid and can be problematic when oxidized, which is common in cooking.
• 🍓 Raw dairy products, such as milk and cheese, may offer health benefits, including improved gut health and reduced allergic reactions, compared to pasteurized dairy.
• 💊 Supplements like colostrum can be beneficial, containing immunologically active substances that may enhance cognitive function and extend lifespan.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Physical activity plays a significant role in how the body processes nutrients, with higher activity levels potentially benefiting from increased carbohydrate intake.
• 🌞 Lifestyle factors, including sun exposure, community, and outdoor activities, contribute to overall health and well-being, reflecting the importance of balance in diet and life.

Q & A

What dietary changes did Paul Saladino make, and why?

Paul Saladino transitioned from a carnivore diet to incorporating more carbohydrates, specifically fruit and honey, after experiencing electrolyte issues from long-term ketosis. He found that adding these elements improved his overall health, including muscle cramps, heart palpitations, and testosterone levels.

How did the carnivore and ketogenic communities react to Paul Saladino's dietary changes?

Both the carnivore and ketogenic communities were displeased with Paul Saladino's pivot towards including carbohydrates in his diet, as it contradicted their core beliefs about diet and health.

What is Paul Saladino's stance on the role of carbohydrates in insulin resistance?

Paul Saladino believes there is essentially zero evidence that carbohydrates cause insulin resistance. Instead, he suggests that other factors, such as the consumption of seed oils high in linoleic acid, may contribute to metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance.

What was the impact of adding carbohydrates back to Paul Saladino's diet?

After adding carbohydrates in the form of fruit and honey, Paul Saladino experienced improvements in muscle cramps, heart palpitations, and his testosterone levels returned to normal. His blood work also showed lower fasting insulin, lower fasting blood glucose, and a lower hemoglobin A1c level.

How does Paul Saladino view the role of insulin in human health?

Paul Saladino considers insulin to be valuable in humans, with its postprandial spike being essential for health as it signals the kidneys to retain minerals and electrolytes, thus preventing their waste.

What is the 'rice diet' mentioned by Paul Saladino, and what was its observed effect on health?

The 'rice diet' refers to a high-carb, low-fat, and low-protein diet primarily consisting of white sugar and rice, as studied by physician Walter Kempner. It was observed to improve health conditions like diabetes and obesity in his patients, suggesting that even a diet high in carbohydrates can have health benefits.

What is Paul Saladino's perspective on the use of mouthwash before working out?

Paul Saladino advises against using mouthwash before working out because it can kill nitric oxide-producing bacteria in the mouth, which may lead to decreased muscle gains and reduced workout benefits.

Why did Paul Saladino move to Costa Rica?

Paul Saladino moved to Costa Rica to pursue a lifestyle that included more flow states, such as surfing, which he felt was missing in his life in Austin, Texas. He found that engaging in activities he was passionate about improved his overall productivity and well-being.

What are some of the challenges Paul Saladino faced when he first moved to Costa Rica?

Some challenges Paul Saladino faced included dealing with utilities and infrastructure that were less reliable than in the United States, such as power and internet outages, as well as navigating the process of setting up and maintaining a household in a new country.

How does Paul Saladino describe his daily routine in Costa Rica?

Paul Saladino's daily routine in Costa Rica typically involves waking up with the sunrise, surfing in the morning, having a breakfast consisting of fresh orange juice, local fruit, grass-fed meat, and raw milk, followed by work sessions and possibly an afternoon workout or another surf. He also enjoys the community and camaraderie that comes with living in a small coastal town.

What are Paul Saladino's thoughts on the role of fats in meat and its impact on taste and health?

Paul Saladino believes that the fat content in meat is crucial for both taste and health. He suggests that meat without sufficient fat can become boring and less satisfying, and he advocates for choosing ground beef with higher fat content, such as 80% lean (20% fat), for a more enjoyable eating experience.

What is Paul Saladino's view on the use of body care products?

Paul Saladino prefers to use minimal body care products and opts for natural alternatives when possible. For example, he uses white vinegar for laundry and baking soda for dishes. He avoids products with fragrances and synthetic chemicals, and he does not use soap on his body, toothpaste, or shampoo, believing that a simple rinse with water is sufficient.

What dietary advice does Paul Saladino give for those considering an animal-based diet?

Paul Saladino advises people considering an animal-based diet to ensure they are consuming enough carbohydrates, as many people tend to eat too few carbs and return to a low-carb or ketogenic state, which can cause issues. He suggests that even moderate activity requires more carbohydrates than people might think.

How does Paul Saladino approach skincare?

Paul Saladino takes a minimalist approach to skincare, believing that what you eat is more important than what you put on your skin. He does not use soap on his face and suggests that acne may be related to diet rather than cleanliness. He is developing a product called a 'Tallow face bomb' for skin care, indicating his preference for natural animal fats.

What are Paul Saladino's thoughts on the use of fluoride in toothpaste?

Paul Saladino is not a fan of fluoride and considers it harmful. He believes that tooth health is more about fat-soluble vitamins and a healthy diet rather than the use of fluoride in toothpaste.

What is Paul Saladino's perspective on the importance of community?

Paul Saladino values community and finds that living in Costa Rica has allowed him to build connections with like-minded individuals. He believes that community is an important aspect of life and contributes to his overall well-being.

What are Paul Saladino's dietary recommendations for someone who is insulin resistant?

Paul Saladino suggests that while a low-carb diet can be beneficial for some people when they are insulin resistant, it is not the carbohydrates themselves that cause insulin resistance. He believes that metabolic health can be improved without completely removing carbohydrates from the diet, and that focusing on reducing linoleic acid intake might be more beneficial.

How does Paul Saladino feel about the role of fats in our diet?

Paul Saladino emphasizes the importance of consuming healthy fats, particularly from animal sources like meat, organs, and dairy. He believes that these fats are crucial for health and that they should not be feared.

What does Paul Saladino think about the consumption of fish in the current context?

Paul Saladino is cautious about consuming fish due to concerns about heavy metals, microplastics, and other pollutants. He does not recommend making fish a major part of one's diet without being mindful of these potential contaminants.

How does Paul Saladino view the role of fructose in our diet?

While the transcript does not directly address fructose, Paul Saladino's general approach to diet suggests that he would advocate for consuming fructose in its natural form, such as in whole fruits, rather than in processed forms like high-fructose corn syrup.

What are Paul Saladino's thoughts on the use of supplements?

Paul Saladino is selective about the supplements he takes, focusing on those that provide nutrients that are difficult to obtain through diet alone, such as grass-fed colostrum. He does not believe in taking a large number of supplements and emphasizes the importance of a nutrient-dense diet.