Everything I Learned In Med School Was WRONG | Paul Saladino

Codie SanchezCodie Sanchez
People & Blogs3 min read81 min video
Dec 11, 2024|8,207 views|328|42
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Key Moments

TL;DR

Dr. Paul Saladino critiques modern nutrition, highlighting issues with processed foods, seed oils, and conventional medicine's approach to health, advocating for ancestral eating patterns.

Key Insights

1

Processed foods sabotage satiety and contribute to chronic illnesses, challenging the "calories in, calories out" model.

2

Many "healthy" oils like canola are highly refined industrial byproducts with potential health risks, and public information is often platform-dependent.

3

Conventional medicine often focuses on symptom management with pills rather than addressing root causes like diet and lifestyle, especially for conditions like hypertension.

4

Pharmaceutical funding heavily influences medical research, leading to groupthink and a dismissal of studies that question established paradigms like the lipid hypothesis.

5

Personal care products and synthetic clothing materials can leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals into the body, particularly when sweating.

6

Organ meats are historically recognized as nutrient-dense "superfoods" that offer a complete nutritional profile beyond muscle meat and may support corresponding human organs.

7

Raw milk, despite potential contamination risks, may offer unique immune-system benefits, and traditional fermentation methods can reduce lactose content.

8

American processed foods, including shredded and American cheese, contain additives like cellulose and antifungals, and are often packaged in plastics that can leach chemicals.

THE PROBLEM WITH PROCESSED FOODS AND MODERN NUTRITION

Dr. Saladino argues that modern processed foods, akin to cigarettes in the 1980s, are insidiously harming health. Despite increasing claims of eating healthy, Western populations are experiencing record levels of obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. He refutes the notion that only calories matter, citing studies where participants consume more ultra-processed foods than unprocessed ones, even when matched for macronutrients. This suggests processed foods possess properties that sabotage satiety, making it harder to control intake and contributing to overconsumption.

THE CONTROVERSY AND CHEMISTRY OF SEED OILS

The discussion delves into the controversial nature of seed oils like canola. Saladino explains that canola oil originates from rapeseed and, after genetic modification, undergoes extensive refining, bleaching, and deodorizing processes using hexane, potentially introducing neurotoxic components. Heating these fragile polyunsaturated oils to high temperatures further degrades them. Packaged in plastic bottles, these oils can leach heavy metals, leading him to question the American Heart Association's recommendation for seed oils based solely on LDL cholesterol reduction.

CRITIQUE OF CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE AND PHARMACEUTICAL INFLUENCE

Saladino criticizes the medical establishment for prioritizing symptom management over root causes. He highlights how conditions like primary hypertension, often lifestyle-related, are typically treated with medication rather than comprehensive dietary and exercise interventions. Physicians, he contends, are often discouraged from discussing diet, lacking the tools and time within the insurance-based system. Furthermore, he suggests that pharmaceutical funding heavily influences medical research, creating a 'groupthink' that stifles inquiry into alternative paradigms like the lipid hypothesis.

ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS IN PERSONAL CARE AND CLOTHING

The conversation shifts to everyday products, particularly cosmetics, perfumes, and synthetic activewear. Saladino explains that substances applied to the skin, like those containing parabens and phthalates, are absorbed into the body because the skin is permeable. He notes that women who eliminate these products show rapid decreases in endocrine-disrupting chemical levels. Similarly, sweating in synthetic clothing like leggings and sports bras increases the absorption of these chemicals, potentially impacting hormonal health and fertility.

THE HISTORICAL AND NUTRITIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF ORGAN MEATS

Saladino champions organ meats, especially liver, as supremely nutrient-dense foods that historically completed the human diet. He notes that muscle meat lacks the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals found in organs, such as copper, folate, and biotin. Drawing on anthropological observations and historical European research, he posits that organs may offer benefits beyond basic nutrients, potentially providing signals that support corresponding human organs. The company Heart & Soil offers freeze-dried organ supplements to make these nutrients more accessible.

EMBRACING ANIMAL-BASED DIETS AND TRADITIONAL FOODS

Based on personal experience managing autoimmune conditions, Saladino advocates for an 'animal-based' diet, primarily meat and fruit, as a potential starting point. He explains that some vegetables contain defense chemicals like oxalates that can trigger immune responses. He also discusses the benefits of raw milk, which may program the immune system and reduce allergies, and favors traditionally made raw cheeses over processed varieties with additives like cellulose and antifungals. His core message is to prioritize whole, recognizable foods and be informed about potential toxins in both food and personal care products.

Navigating Health in a Toxic World

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Prioritize real food: Eat foods your great-grandmother would recognize and avoid processed items.
Start with meat and fruit: If experiencing health issues, consider this as a foundational diet and add foods back gradually.
Read labels carefully: Be aware of ingredients in clothing and personal care items, and gradually switch to safer alternatives.
Choose glass containers: Opt for glass over plastic or aluminum for beverages and food storage when feasible.
Support saferaw milk producers: If possible and tolerated, consume raw milk from clean sources.
Consider organ meats: Incorporate nutrient-dense organ meats for a complete nutritional profile.

Avoid This

Do not rely solely on medication: Address the root causes of chronic illness through diet and lifestyle changes.
Avoid ultra-processed foods: These foods are linked to widespread health problems and contain numerous problematic additives.
Be wary of seed oils: Canola, corn, sunflower, safflower, and soybean oils are often refined, bleached, deodorized, and heated, making them unhealthy.
Limit exposure to endocrine disruptors: Avoid parabens, phthalates, and BPA found in cosmetics, plastics, and synthetic clothing.
Question conventional wisdom: Be skeptical of health recommendations that prioritize metrics like LDL lowering over holistic health.
Avoid conventional toothpaste and mouthwash: These can harm your oral microbiome and gut health.
Be cautious with modern cosmetics and skincare: Especially for young girls, harsh ingredients can have long-term consequences.

Common Questions

Processed foods are often highly refined, contain numerous additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats, and can sabotage satiety, leading to overeating and contributing to chronic illnesses. They are also often cooked in harmful seed oils.

Topics

Mentioned in this video

productAluminum cans

Contain a plastic lining, and aluminum can leach into the liquid, posing potential health risks.

conceptAnimal-based diet

A nutritional framework proposed by Paul Saladino, primarily consisting of meat and fruit, as a potentially healthy starting point.

conceptEczema

An autoimmune condition that Paul Saladino suffered from and was able to resolve through dietary changes, including a carnivore and then animal-based diet.

toolTracheotomy

Mentioned as a graphic image on cigarette warnings in other countries, illustrating severe health consequences.

personOrthopedic surgeon

A high-paying and competitive medical specialty, often pursued by high-achieving medical students.

productTallow body soap

Considered a much better alternative to conventional soaps containing synthetic chemicals.

mediaHuberman Lab

Mentioned as a podcast where Shawn Stevenson discussed the risks of touching thermal printer receipts.

supplementTallow

Suggested as a better alternative for body soap and for use as sunscreen.

organizationHadzabe

A hunter-gatherer tribe in Tanzania observed to treat animal organs, like liver, as a valuable treasure.

productMustard seed oil

Mentioned as being banned for sale for similar reasons to rapeseed oil, implying potential health risks.

productTomatoes

A fruit technically, belonging to the nightshade family, which may trigger eczema in some individuals.

legislationGRAS designation

Generally Recognized As Safe designation in the US, criticized for allowing numerous chemicals into the food supply often with inadequate testing.

conceptVegan diet

Paul Saladino initially adopted a vegan diet, which led to significant muscle loss and did not resolve his autoimmune conditions.

drugBirth control

Mentioned for affecting mate selection, ovulation earnings in strippers, and potentially leading to partners with similar genetics.

productCotton underwear

Recommended as a better alternative to synthetic fabrics for underwear, especially important for absorptive mucosal tissues.

conceptPretty privilege

The idea that attractive women may receive advantages, such as higher pay, which could incentivize attention to appearance.

productTurmeric powder

Listed as a food that is high in oxalates, potentially contributing to kidney stones.

productSilencers

Recreational firearm components, contrasted with raw milk in terms of legality across different states.

productHorse milk

An A2 milk source, like goat, bison, and camel milk, generally easy for humans to digest.

organizationNational Tallow Association

Mentioned analogously to a butter association; likely wouldn't fund studies that could negatively impact tallow's reputation.

productSoap

Many soaps contain fragrances, parabens, and phthalates that can be problematic; water is often sufficient for cleaning.

productParmigiano Reggiano

A type of Italian raw cheese that is traditionally made and certified as such.

productSilly Putty

Mentioned because dimethyl polyoxine, an ingredient in it, is also found in McDonald's french fries.

supplementTesticle extract

An extract that a 19th-century physician reportedly injected himself with, reporting increased vitality.

conceptGut dysbiosis

Imbalance in gut bacteria that can contribute to conditions like gastroesophageal reflux.

productPan-seared scallops

Not mentioned in the transcript.

personShawn Stevenson

Discussed for his appearance on the Huberman Lab podcast where he talked about the endocrine-disrupting chemicals in thermal receipts.

productHer Package

A supplement from Heart & Soil containing uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, kidney, and liver, reportedly beneficial for women's health issues.

productSteak

Mentioned as muscle meat, rich in protein, zinc, and iron, but lacking in copper and biotin compared to liver.

productPeanut oil

Mentioned as a seed oil used in fast-food fryers, often boiled for extended periods.

conceptReproductive Rights

Discussed from the perspective of why it might be harder for women to get pregnant, beyond the realm of abortion rights.

conceptFruit

A key component of the animal-based diet, offering a contrast to vegetables which may contain defense chemicals.

conceptHomeschooling with no curriculum

Presented as more illegal than fentanyl in some states, suggesting a government preference for standardized and potentially propagandized education.

conceptMHC antigen locus

The primary location where genetic diversity in mate selection is observed at the immune system level.

toolDialysis

Referenced in the context of graphic cigarette warning labels, showing potential health outcomes of smoking.

conceptUltra processed food

Foods implicated in health crises, containing numerous additives, and often benefiting from corporate lobbying to maintain availability and affordability.

productFrosted Flakes

Included in the Food Compass guidelines as healthier than ground beef and eggs, a controversial ranking.

personDarius Mazharian

A researcher from Tufts University whose meta-analysis on seed oils is referenced, and who created the Food Compass guidelines.

productSoybean oil

Highlighted as a major seed oil that is refined, bleached, and deodorized, and also used in fast-food fryers.

companyProctor & Gamble

A company that might be impacted if studies on seed oils erode the foundation of many grocery store foods.

conceptLactose intolerance

A condition that can be managed by starting slow with raw milk, or by consuming fermented dairy products like kefir, yogurt, or aged raw cheeses.

drugSteroids

Mentioned in the context of Lance Armstrong and Tour de France, used as an analogy for societal pressures to conform to potentially unhealthy norms.

conceptSaturated fat

Considered 'bad for humans' in the current scientific Zeitgeist, making it difficult to fund studies that question this notion.

conceptOvulation

The period when women off birth control earn more tips as strippers, indicating a biological signal related to fertility that birth control abolishes.

productWool board shorts

Previously made by Kelly Slater's company but discontinued, indicating a niche market for better fabric choices in athletic wear.

companyHeart & Soil Supplements

Paul Saladino's supplement company that offers organ meat capsules.

productRapeseed oil

The oil from which canola oil is derived; it has a high amount of erucic acid and is banned for sale in some contexts due to health concerns.

organizationTufts

Research institution where Darius Mazharian, proponent of the food compass guidelines, is affiliated.

legislationMalpractice insurance

A significant financial constraint for physicians, influencing their decision-making towards following guidelines for liability protection.

productAmerican Cheese

Described as a 'cheese product' not legally cheese, containing garbage ingredients, packaged in plastic, and full of microplastics.

mediaPopeye

Referenced in association with spinach, humorously implying that spinach's perceived health benefits might be overly simplistic.

productSunflower oil

Listed as one of the large seed oil categories that are typically refined, bleached, and deodorized.

conceptCanola oil low acid

The acronym CANOLA stands for 'Canadian Oil Low Acid', referring to the genetically modified version of rapeseed oil.

conceptEuropean Foods

Contrast with American foods, noting fewer chemical additives (400-500) compared to the US (5,000-10,000).

supplementFolates

Not mentioned in the transcript.

personPlastic surgeon

A prestigious and well-compensated medical specialty, attracting competitive applicants.

productFlamin' Hot Cheetos

An example of an ultra-processed food containing numerous additives with unknown long-term effects.

companyBunge

A company that produces seed oils, mentioned as unlikely to fund studies that could potentially make their products look bad.

conceptSauerstoff-Ozon-Therapie

Not mentioned in the transcript.

productAlmonds

Mentioned as a significant source of oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stones.

conceptGastroesophageal reflux

A condition often treated with proton pump inhibitors, but potentially root-caused by gut dysbiosis.

drugProton pump inhibitor

Mentioned as a medication for gastroesophageal reflux that can lead to side effects like pneumonia and nutrient malabsorption.

productTakis

Mentioned as an example of an ultra-processed food containing many additives, the long-term effects of which are not well understood.

productLays Potato Chips

Products that, like cigarettes, are known to harm humans but lack warning labels.

productWhole Package

A supplement from Heart & Soil for men containing testicle, designed to support male vitality.

conceptLipid hypothesis

The theory linking LDL cholesterol to heart disease, which is deeply entrenched and makes it difficult to fund research that questions it.

productWhite potatoes

Foods that do not agree with Paul Saladino and may trigger eczema, indicating potential issues for some individuals.

productShredded cheese

Often contains cellulose (wood pulp) and natamycin (antifungal agent), raising concerns about food additives.

productGround beef

Ranked as less healthy than Frosted Flakes and Cheerios by the Food Compass guidelines, a controversial comparison.

drugAce inhibitor

A type of medication prescribed for high blood pressure, mentioned as an easier alternative to addressing root causes.

drugCalcium channel blocker

A class of drugs used to treat high blood pressure, presented as a common medical response rather than lifestyle intervention.

supplementSalicylic acid

An ingredient in skincare products, mentioned as being used by very young girls, potentially causing side effects.

softwareSeed Oil Scout

An app that helps users find restaurants that do not use seed oils in their cooking.

companyIn-N-Out

Mentioned for its use of fryer oil that is changed only once a week, contributing to the problem of rancid oils in fast food.

locationBattle Creek, Michigan

The location of Kellogg's headquarters, where a protest occurred regarding the safety of food dyes.

productPecorino Romano

A sheep's milk cheese that is often made from raw milk and is considered a good alternative to Parmigiano Reggiano.

productLiver

Described as nutritionally complete and historically valued, containing nutrients like copper and biotin that muscle meat lacks.

productFoie Gras

Not mentioned in the transcript.

productGoat Milk

Preferred by Paul Saladino for its lower lactose content and accessibility, and discussed for potential immune benefits.

productMcDonald's pickles

Noted for having 5-7 ingredients, which is considered excessive for a simple food item like a pickle.

mediaCanola oil video

Mentioned as a graphic illustration of how canola oil is made, serving as a wake-up call about its nature.

conceptCanadian Oil Low Acid

The full meaning of the acronym CANOLA, referring to a modified version of rapeseed oil.

productNavy beans

A notable source of oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stone formation.

conceptAmerican Foods

Contain a significantly higher number of chemical additives (5,000-10,000) compared to European foods (400-500).

conceptHormonal dysfunction

A health issue that can be influenced by various environmental inputs, including things put on the skin and in the mouth.

conceptLow libido

A symptom that might be linked to environmental factors and endocrine disruptors discussed in the video.

productThermal paper

The material used for receipts, which contains endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin.

productCucumber

Considered a fruit in the context of the animal-based diet, and contains defense chemicals found in vegetables.

conceptVegetables

May contain defense chemicals that can trigger autoimmune conditions or eczema in sensitive individuals.

drugSystemic steroids

Medications used to treat severe eczema flares, noted as having potential negative side effects with long-term use.

toolRaw milk cleanse

A 14-day cleanse involving raw milk and herbs, which was difficult for Saladino's partner but left her feeling better (possibly placebo).

productBison milk

An A2 milk source, like goat, camel, and horse milk, that is generally well-tolerated.

productCamel milk

An A2 milk source, similar to goat, bison, and horse milk, typically well-tolerated by humans.

drugTheophyline

Not mentioned in the transcript.

conceptPuberty

Young girls are hitting puberty earlier, linked to environmental compounds and early exposure to cosmetics.

conceptInbreeding

Associated with populations that have less genetic diversity, leading to amplification of rare diseases and reduced robustness.

toolSurfing

Paul Saladino mentions this activity and the lack of non-polyester board shorts available.

conceptHeroin Chic

A past beauty trend from the 90s emphasizing extreme thinness, contrasted with current body ideals.

conceptSubconscious

Not mentioned in the transcript.

conceptFood deserts

Urban populations often face food deserts, and the affordability of unhealthy foods is used by corporations to resist regulation.

conceptInternal Medicine

A medical specialty Saladino respects that is less competitive and lucrative than surgical fields.

conceptFamily Practice

A medical specialty Saladino respects, which is less competitive financially compared to higher-paying specialties.

organizationIRB

Institutional Review Board, which might approve studies that question established scientific norms, though pushback is common.

organizationButter Association

Hypothetical organization mentioned as unlikely to fund studies on fats due to potential conflicts of interest.

productMouthwash

Kills beneficial oral flora, hindering nitric oxide production and potentially reducing muscle gain from workouts.

supplementCod liver oil

Not mentioned in the transcript.

studySramek et al. 2000

Not mentioned in the transcript.

toolCorn oil
conceptchocolate
toolSafflower oil
productKFC
toolVision 2030
supplementAvocado
conceptcigarettes

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