Learning From Our Ancestors

       As a dietetic student and future health care professional, I am constantly asked my opinions on the Paleo diet.  The Paleo diet is based on eating the types of foods presumed to have been eaten by early humans that consists of meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds; and excluding dairy, grains, legumes, and processed foods.  According to Paleo diet experts, “humans are not genetically adapted to eat a sizeable percentage of the average modern diet- foods that came first into existence in the Neolithic Revolution with the introduction of agriculture and animal husbandry about 10,000 years ago, and even more so with the industrialization of the food system in the industrial age.”  Some scientist say that our genes have not caught up with this dietary divergence and could be contributing to the increase incidence of chronic disease.  Dr. Loren Cordain argues that compared with the current Westernized diet today, the Paleo diet provided a lower glycemic load, higher potassium and lower sodium levels, higher fiber, higher omega-3 fatty acids, more protein, and more vitamins.

       The arguments with the Paleo diet is that the modern disease that is experienced in today’s culture did not reach the hunter-gather population because their short life expectancy did not allow for it.  Dr. Marlene Zuk argues that gene progression is much more complex and “eating like a cavemean” is not going to solve modern medical issues.

    Although the Paleo diet encourages intake of whole foods, it also excludes healthy food groups such as whole grains and dairy.  When educating clients on the Paleo diet, it is important to inform them that although the Paleo diet sounds promising, it is not a diet that can be manageable in today’s world.  Instead, focusing on a total diet approach and eating whole foods as much as possible as well as allowing yourself to indulge. 

Schaeffer, J. (2009). Evolutionary eating: What we can learn from our Primitive Past. Today’s Dietitian(11)4, 36.

-DH