Eating-like-a-Caveman-The-Paleo-Diet
Rich Travis, Staff Writer
Thyroid Nation
613aJy-FvsL._SX389_BO1,204,203,200_What is the Paleo Diet? That’s the question I’m asking, too. It seems to be popping up on the internet at every turn. Since it is so new to me, I figured it must be one of those fad diets. Wrong! A gastroenterologist named Walter Voegtlin first popularized the Paleo diet back in the 70’s. Through his research, he suggested that this type of diet could improve our health.
The Paleo diet is named after the Paleolithic era and is based on the diet that humans ate 15,000 years ago. So, what exactly did our ancestors eat back then? It might be easier to start with what they didn’t eat…
-No processed sugar or salt (obviously) — meaning all of today’s processed foods are out!

-No dairy products, soy, potatoes, peanuts, vegetable oils, beans or grains (that means no bread)!

 

Leaving the main ingredients of the Paleo diet, which are–

  • fish
  • grass-fed meats and chicken
  • vegetables
  • fruits
  • nuts (some)
  • eggs

This diet has some vocal detractors, and certainly it isn’t for everyone. But it’s also being touted as one of the healthiest diets, if for no other reason than because it eliminates processed foods, trans fats and sugars. Embracing even part of this diet could be a step in the right direction for better overall health.

It’s also been highly suggested that people suffering from autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and hypothyroidism, can benefit from a Paleo diet. Invariably, patients with autoimmune disease suffer from “leaky gut.” The more severe your gut issues, the more severe the symptoms of your autoimmune disease, and vice versa. This spawns a vicious cycle of leaky gut flare-ups, which leads to worsening of autoimmune conditions, which in turn further damages the gut.

To avoid stressing your bodily functions, consider taking baby steps toward the full-on Paleo Diet, perhaps by first eliminating all processed foods. Then after a couple of weeks, eliminate dairy products. A couple of weeks later, eliminate bread and other grains. True health is a journey, not a destination, and is best taken one step at a time.

The Paleo Diet - Eating Like a Caveman

Always consider the Autoimmune Paleo Diet (AIP) as well, especially if you suffer from thyroid or autoimmune disease. Some say it is a bit difficult to do, so ask questions and get support. There are plenty of support groups and wonderful websites!

About the Author

Author-Travis-Thyroid-NationRich Travis is a staff writer for ThyroidNation.com. Living with his wife and 2 children, he has a front-row seat to the devastation thyroid disease can cause and offers an in-depth, up close and personal view of his experience.  His wife of 18 years suffers from Hypothyroidism and was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Adrenal Fatigue in 2012. Seeking help, offering compassion and supporting cures for those that suffer, he is on a mission to educate the masses. Please follow him and Thyroid Nation on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Read more of his articles, here.

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