Whole Unprocessed Foods - High Fiber
Paleolithic diet contained 5 times the amount of fiber we consume; most of it was in the form of fiber from fruits and vegetables, both soluble and insoluble. These fibers have been shown to nourish beneficial bacteria in our intestinal tract - e.g., protecting against reproductive cancer.
Today, in the US most of the fiber consumed is insoluble fiber (bran) from grains. Their action in intestinal tract is irritating.
Good quality protein - lean meat, fish and fowl
Paleolithic diet included game animals that ran free and were range fed; the meat contained large quantities of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. The meat was very lean, containing only 21% fat, maximum. Also, no dairy products or isolated oils were consumed with it.
Today, US domestic animals are grain-fed and raised on feedlots or in factories with no exercise. The meat contains too much fat and high quantities of inflammatory fatty acids.
Balanced Fat Consumption
Paleolithic Diet verses US Diet
Hi cholesterol intake approx. _ the cholesterol
Omega 6: Omega 3 = 2:1 Omega 6: Omega 3 = 11:1
NO FAT DIETS ARE NOT THE ANSWER! These diets call for simply substituting more sugar and carbohydrates for oils. Americans already consume 100 lbs of sugar/year.
Decrease Sugar Consumption
In addition, the single greatest risk factor for cancer mortality is sugar consumption.
Dental Caries (3rd molar)
Paleolithlc man 2%
l000 A.D. 10%
1900 A.D. 70%
Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables
In Paleolithic times, man ate what was gathered. Food was freshly picked with all nutrient value intact.
Today, in the supermarket, the best you can hope for is that the fruits and vegetables are less than a week old. In some cases, they are actually taken from cold storage and placed on the racks. Food imported from foreign countries has been picked in a very immature state and shipped long distances.
THE BOTTOM LINE ABOUT DIET
Eat a diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables (preferably organic), whole unrefined grains, nuts and seeds. Use meat as a supplement, and make certain it is either raised organically or range-free. Take supplemental vitamins and minerals, as needed. Your individual needs are best determined by blood tests so that your program can be customized to your biochemical individuality.
© 2011 Richards Family Health Center. This site or any part may not be reproduced without the written consent of Richards Family Health Center. N Rowan Richards, DC, DABCI, FIACA at 242 South Glendora CA 91741. 626 963 1678. email:richardsfhc@richardsfamilyhealth.com. This site is Not intended to dispense health advice or serve as a substitute for actual patient contact with a qualified healthcare provider. Our sole purpose is one of education. It is our expectation that our site can educate our visitors about the efficacy of some healthcare treatments that exist as an alternative to conventional medical wisdom.
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