subject: What Is The Primal Diet? [print this page] The Caveman Diet essentially speaks ofconsuming meals that humans ate a long time ago prior to all the processed and pre-packaged foods that we eat now. Hunter-gatherer Diet recipes basically exclude refined sugars, processed oils, dairy products and overly processed grains in favor of lean meats and organically grown fruits, vegetables, roots, nuts and berries.
The Primal Diet is used for those with Gluten allergies in addition to those who need to lose weight and those who just want to maintain a healthier diet. The Paleolithic Diet was initially made prominent in the mid 1970s by Walter L. Voegtlin, a gastroenterologist and has been adapted and adjusted over the years by a variety of authors, nutritionists and journalists. Proponents argue that modern day populations that adhere to a mealplan substantially like one which our ancestors consumed (and to which we are genetically adapted) seem to exhibit lower instances of disease and other ailments than populations that eat a diet consisting largely of "modern" foods and substances. Critics claim that the lower numbers of diseases are due more to the reduced calories and active lifestyle of those on the Stone Age Diet rather than to the types of foods eaten.
However, it is challenging to think that foods that are closer to nature, and that are purer in form could possibly be less healthy than the over-processed highly chemical foods that many people consume today. And while many claim that the Stone Age Diet is simply another fad diet, it's actually been around in it's modern form for over 40 years, and in its original form for millions of years, which seems to show it is more a way of life than just a passing fad.
One thing to note - the Primal Diet is heavy on the protein, so if you have kidney issues, it may not be the best choice. For those with kidney issues I recommend a Kidney Diet. You can modify the Stone Age Diet once you have your kidney issues under control, but you don't want to over-stress your kidneys with the added protein of the Hunter-gatherer Diet. Also be sure to talk with your doctor or nutritionist if you have health issues that may be affected by the Paleo Diet or any dietary change.
So if you or someone you know suffers from sluggishness, gluten issues, being overweight, or other health issues, you may find that a return to your roots with Stone Age Diet recipes is just the thing to bring your body back in balance.
