Perspectives on the Paleolithic Diet. nourishment. The necessity for proper nutrition is an aspect of human health that cannot be

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1 Last Name 1 NAME HERE Professor Beckelhimer ENGL March 2016 Perspectives on the Paleolithic Diet Since the beginning of time, all people have unquestionably shared one very basic need: nourishment. The necessity for proper nutrition is an aspect of human health that cannot be overlooked, especially in the study of different cultures throughout various periods of time. Consuming specific types of foods for optimum health, however, has always been a highly debated concept. By viewing American history over the past 50 years, for example, very diverse types of fad diets and nutritional information can be observed. It s interesting to note that much of this nutritional information was deemed as the correct way to eat at the time, even though it eventually proved to be false. In today s society, a new diet has recently emerged, which is known as the Paleolithic Diet, or Paleo Diet. Starting in 2002, the Paleo diet has become a way for people to eat everyday, modern foods that mimic the food groups of our pre-agricultural, hunter-gatherer ancestors ("The Paleo Diet - Live Well, Live Longer"). The Paleo lifestyle is based on the premise that a hunter-gatherer diet will increase overall wellness, prevent chronic disease, and promote a healthy weight. For a basic following of the diet, a participant must only consume meat, seafood, eggs, vegetables, fruit, seeds, nuts, and healthy fats ("The Paleo Diet - Live Well, Live Longer."). Nevertheless, much debate occurs over whether this diet entails eating the correct types of foods for maximum health. Have nutritionists finally discovered a dietary plan that is without flaw? Potential answers to this question can specifically be found through the

2 Last Name 2 discourse of the scientific community and personal accounts of Paleo Diet participants. It is very common for the scientific community to disagree on the subject of a protein-based diet, especially when it comes to tracking human evolution. However, when viewing personal accounts of the Paleo Diet, there is an overwhelming amount of positive feedback. In fact, it can even be difficult to find negative comments about the diet. Due to the strong support and success stories, it is likely that the Paleo Diet will continue to preserve, although certain scientists may not necessarily agree. The scientific community s differing opinions are mostly expressed through journal articles, clinical trials, documentaries, and books. Much of the language that is utilized relates directly to human physiology and evolution. For example, Dr. Frank Sabatino of the Ocean Jade Health Retreat wrote a journal article that discusses anthropological issues. He states that due to the study of human evolution, some anthropologists think that prehistoric people incorporated a substantial amount of meat in their diets. These anthropologists recommend that current people should do the same, since they are genetically tied to the Stone Age while living in a fast-food world (Sabatino). However, Sabatino utilizes harsh language to claim that those anthropologists are grossly misinformed and mistakenly carbohydrate phobic (Sabatino). By firmly arguing through easily understandable language, Sabatino discusses the fact that many hunter-gatherer tribes survived off a large amount of plant-based foods, not much meat, meaning that there is no nutritional need to consume animal products (Sabatino). It is interesting to note that his explanations are made very clear to people who may not have a strong background in science. He also refers to other scientific studies to further claim that a large intake of meat can actually increase chances for disease (Sabatino). Overall, the paper displays that Sabatino is strongly against the Paleo Diet, preferring a strictly plant-based diet.

3 Last Name 3 On the other hand, a argumentative scientific journal article by Martin and Akers strongly disagrees with Sabatino. In 2013, a clinical trial determined that the Paleo Diet displays a significant decrease in weight and blood sugar levels over the course of a 5-week period (Martin and Akers). By using physiological and evolutionary perspectives, Martin and Akers determine that the Paleo Diet may actually be beneficial to various aspects of health, arguing that hunter-gathers did in fact eat a large amount of lean meat and fish (Martin and Akers). This particular research paper utilizes many statistics to support its conclusion about the positive effects of the Paleo Diet. For example, participants lost an average of 3.3 kg of weight, which is equal to about 7 pounds. Fat mass also decreased by about 2.2 kg among all of the participants. Therefore, unlike Sabatino s paper, this research article states that the Paleo Diet is historically accurate, and can possibly prevent chronic disease. Similarly, Loren Cordain, the deemed founder of the Paleolithic Diet, has published many strong research papers on the subject, due to his experience as a nutritionist and health professor. Unlike the paper by Martin and Akers, he discusses how diet relates to acne, cancer, physical performance, and many other health issues. One of the recurring themes in his work is that people can prevent many long-term degenerative diseases by simply eating well. Cordain s website, The Paleo Diet, discusses various scientific studies, and also provides resources in the form of books and online communities for those who are participating in the Paleo Diet. When discussing the aspects of the diet, Cordain uses instructional pictures, mainly targeting an audience that is unfamiliar to the Paleo Diet. For example, Cordain utilizes a very basic graph to demonstrate a typical Paleo meal plan ("The Paleo Diet - Live Well, Live Longer.").

4 Last Name 4 Figure 1: Paleo Plate In addition, Cordain utilizes common dietary language by mentioning specific nutritional needs such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats, potassium, sodium, protein, and carbohydrates. For example, Cordain states that Potassium is necessary for the heart, kidneys, and other organs to work properly ("The Paleo Diet - Live Well, Live Longer."). He further supports his Paleo Diet plan by continuing to mention how Paleo foods can positively affect various organs of the body. As a whole, Cordain s website is very persuasive, convincing readers that the Paleo Diet is the key to extraordinary health. Cordain s scientific journal articles explore the premise of the Paleo Diet in even more detail, providing important research findings that were discovered by him and his colleagues. For example, in the paper titled Biological and Clinical Potential of a Paleolithic Diet, Cordain and his colleagues describe how dietary manipulation can prevent disease such as atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. They state that Increasing evidence suggests that a Palaeolithic diet based on lean meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit may be effective in the prevention and treatment of common Western diseases (Lindeberg, Cordain, and Eaton). Cordain and his colleagues use very meticulous language in order to explain what occurs at the molecular level in the human body when different types of foods are ingested, and how this relates to an evolutionary perspective. The paper is concluded with affirmative words, implying that the Paleo

5 Last Name 5 Diet may be the best dietary plan to maintain health. Words such as robust and healthpromoting describe the effects of the Paleo Diet (Lindeberg, Cordain, and Eaton). Therefore, this paper demonstrates an argument against scientists such as Sabatino, who are against the diet. Although there are many scientific journal articles about the Paleo Diet, many nutritional documentaries have become popular within the past couple years, especially on Netflix. Films like Food, Inc. and Super Size Me feature the opinions of nutritional scientists and have become well-known among the general American public. These films are a lot more accessible than many journal articles and are much easier to understand. Some of these films specifically focus on eating organic or plant-based foods, while others strongly suggest the Paleo Diet in particular. In a 2012 documentary, Hungry for Change, nutrition researchers conclude that People are overfed, but also starving to death (Hungry for Change). Other thought-provoking statements like this are used by nutritionists, health journalists, and weight loss experts throughout the documentary. One of the most interesting quotes is We re not eating food any more, we are eating food-like products (Hungry for Change). This demonstrates that many people are eating synthetic foods that are filled with preservatives and toxins. Statements like this are effectively utilized to display how the standard American diet is affecting people. Instead of consuming excess sugar and processed food products, the information in the documentary suggests that people should focus on a simple diet of natural foods. By eating many natural foods, as suggested by creators of the Paleo Diet, nutritionists in the documentary state that it is possible to avoid various types of disease, such as cancer and type 2 diabetes (Hungry for Change). Although Hungry for Change does not discuss much about the Paleo Diet specifically, it s producers are, in fact, affiliated with it, supporting the opinion of Cordain and many of the premises behind the Paleo Diet.

6 Last Name 6 In addition, many books have been published about the Paleo Diet. Most have been written by dietary professionals who are respected in the scientific community. For example, The Whole30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom was written by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig, two sports nutritionists who co-founded a modified version of the Paleo Diet, known as the Whole30 program. When reading the book, one can observe language geared toward people who may not have a great understanding of the science behind healthy eating. For example, when explaining their reasons for not eating dairy products, Dallas and Melissa state that Dairy contains factors designed to help little mammals grow fast. But the growth factors found in milk and milk products, along with some immune factors and inflammatory proteins, may not do our adult bodies very good (Hartwig & Hartwig). By using phrases such as little mammals throughout their book, Dallas and Melissa provide an accurate explanation that is somewhat entertaining, but also easy to comprehend. Although it s important to analyze the scientific discourse about the validity of the Paleo Diet, personal experiences cannot be ignored. Numerous online blogs, online support groups, and books discuss personal accounts of the Paleo Diet. Most of the personal accounts are positive ones, though. One interesting blog to note is Bravo for Paleo. This blog is run by Monica Bravo, a Pre-Medical undergraduate student at LSU. Regarding her Paleo lifestyle, Bravo says I have more energy, am happier, and love my body more than ever. I struggled with digestive problems for a few years and a Paleo approach as helped tremendously! (Bravo). Bravo s blog features various recipes and other testimonials from people who participate in the Paleo Diet. For example, Heather, a former college athlete, states that Eating a truckload of Paleo foods allows me to maintain my fighting weight and feel sexy, strong and satisfied, no matter how much or

7 Last Name 7 how little I m training (Bravo). Testimonials like this are what make Bravo s blog very effective in persuading people to give the diet a try. The Whole30 book also displays testimonial stories that portray encouraging reviews of Paleo-related diets. For example, Jeff M. happily explains that by participating in the Paleo lifestyle, I m 65, and my biggest regret is not discovering this 60 years ago. Every day, I am in awe of the fact that, for the first time in my life I AM NOT ON A DIET. Thank you so, so much (Hartwig). Other participants in the program claim that the Whole30 has cured diseases. As someone with Hashimoto s thyroiditis, Raynaud s disease, psoriasis, asthma, and allergies, Megan M. from New York states that by participating in the Whole30, I do not take any prescription medications for the management of my diagnoses. I pass along the message of the Whole30 to patients, friends, and family almost daily (Hartwig). A combination of both personal stories and accurate information about the Paleo Diet ultimately allow the Whole30 book to be a bestseller among the nutritional community. In addition, one of my close friends, Neeraja Mahalingam, has positive feedback about the Paleo Diet. Since she is a vegetarian, she has to make certain exceptions to consume enough protein. However, she absolutely loves the Paleo Diet, and claims that it has had a significant impact on her life. Neeraja articulates, So Paleo has changed my life in so many ways. It mostly showed me how much I relied on sugar for comfort It forced me to see that I have an unhealthy relationship with sugar and it was an addiction (Mahalingam). As someone who has participated in the Paleo Diet myself, I can also attest to the fact that it is life-changing. Although there is some scientific evidence that doesn t support it, I can t deny that I am a much happier and healthier person when I am following the Paleo Diet. When I follow the Paleo lifestyle, I don t have allergy problems, I sleep much better, and I experience clearer skin (Lienesch).

8 Last Name 8 Overall, the prevalence of the Paleo Diet continues to increase in today s society. This can be demonstrated by simply walking into a local grocery store and examining food labels. From my observation at Kroger, I can guarantee that you ll see recurring words and phrases such as natural, grass-fed, and organic. Although the Paleo Diet is so popular, various negative opinions surround it, mostly from the scientific community in the form of journal articles. These opinions are mostly due to research on human evolution and disease, incorporating statistics to support claims. However, other scientific papers, books, and documentaries support the Paleo Diet and its health benefits. Personal accounts from Paleo participants are also key in examining the discourse surrounding the diet, and the positive impact that it has in the lives of real people. It will be interesting to see new forms of discourse emerge as the Paleo Diet either increases or decreases in popularity in the next few years. This may ultimately determine if the Paleo Diet is the answer to many long-standing questions about disease prevention and maximum health.

9 Last Name 9 Works Cited Bravo, Monica. "Bravo For Paleo - Fresh, Fit and Paleo." Bravo For Paleo. Web. 06 Mar Hartwig, Melissa, and Dallas Hartwig. The Whole30: The 30-day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Print. Hungry for Change. Dir. James Colquhoun, Laurentine Ten Bosch, and Carlo Ledesma. Permacology Productions, Lienesch, Jessica. Observation. 6 March Lindeberg, Staffan, Loren Cordain, and S. Boyd Eaton. Biological and Clinical Potential of a Palaeolitchic Diet. Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. 13 Vol. Carfax, 09/01/2003. Web. 2 Mar Mahalingam, Neeraja. Personal Interview. 4 March Martin, C. A., and J. Akers. Paleo Diet Versus Modified Paleo Diet: A Randomized Control of Weight Loss and Biochemical Benefit. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 113 Vol. Elsevier, 09/01/2013. Web. 29 Feb "The Paleo Diet - Live Well, Live Longer." The Paleo Diet. The Paleo Diet, LLC. Web. 02 Mar < Sabatino, Frank. "Unpacking the Paleo diet: does it really promote health and weight loss?" Health Science Winter 2015: 20+. Expanded Academic ASAP. Web. 6 Mar