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1. Dave wrote:

   Hi James,

   First, congratulations! This is a remarkable and life-changing journey you’re on.

   Second, I agree with your assessment of calorie-based diets.

   Third, a much larger perspective is needed. Can you say “paradigm shift?� I have information that may help.

   Human beings evolved over the past several million years within the environment that existed at the time. Their diet was limited to what the environment offered. There were no twinkies, no haagen dazs, no pasta, no grain fed beef, etc., etc.

   In fact, humans evolved to prosper on only what the environment offered.

   Unfortunately, 95% of that environment no longer exists.

   What does that mean for us as human beings?

   Unfortunately, few scientists can help us understand the meaning. Few scientists or researchers have considered the facts above. Fewer still have any idea what it means. Most nutritionists are in the same boat. Both medical science and nutrition have rested on their laurels rather than pursue the science.

   There are several exceptions. One is Dr. Loren Cordain at Colorado State. Based on his research, Dr. Cordain wrote a book called The Paleo Diet. Dr. Cordain continues to research the impacts of the dietary changes on humans. His results suggest that our current diets have contributed to obesity, diabetes, heart problems, arthritis, and more. Take a look at Dr. Cordains vitae: http://hes.cahs.colostate.edu/FacultyStaff/Loren.Cordain/ and at his website: www.thepaleodiet.com/

   Based on his research, Dr Cordain suggests that a lower carb, higher protein diet fits our physiology, which reflects our evolutionary needs. From this perspective, calories are largely irrelevant. His research also helps explain the confusion that surrounds “fats.� Grazing animals, one type of prey of hunter-gatherers, never had access to grains, except in the fall. Why is that important? It changes the ratio of the Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids in the meat. At least the nutritionists and doctors are beginning to understand the importance of this ratio.

   If you think about it, this explains at least some of the allergies and intolerances that occur in some populations around the world. Lactose intolerance, for example. One website says “Between 30 and 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant and certain ethnic and racial populations are more affected than others. Up to 80 percent of African Americans, 80 to 100 percent of American Indians, and 90 to 100 percent of Asian Americans are lactose intolerant.�

   Considered in the light of evolution, this problem appears to have a logical explanation. Humans were rarely exposed to animal milk prior to the domestication of animals, around 10,000 years ago, give or take several thousand years. Because evolution is a relatively slow process, some populations have not yet had time to evolve a tolerance to milk.

   I’ve found dozens of lines of evidence that support Dr. Cordain’s theories. And very few that don’t.

   Prior to Dr. Cordain’s work was Dr. Atkins. He understood that the low carb diet helped his patients lose weight, but, at least at first, he didn’t connect it with evolution. Dr. Dan Eades, and his wife, also an M.D. did see the connection, at least according to their book “Protein Power.�

   Well, there it is, in a nutshell.

   That’s enough for now. Otherwise we’ll be treading water in the deep end of the (gene?) pool.

   Now you have some leads, and some data to chew on.

   I hope it helps.

   No sense going off in irrelevant directions.
   Like grapefruit diets, etc.
   Oh Puhleeese!

   Dave

   Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 7:48 pm | Permalink

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