The paleo diet is a dietary pattern thought to date back to the Paleolithic Age. The paleo diet includes meat, fish, shellfish, vegetables, fruits, roots, eggs, and nuts. Grains, dairy products, salt, refined fats, and sugar are avoided.
The paleo diet is used for many conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Obesity. Following the paleo diet reduces weight, waist size, and appetite. However, the paleo diet does not seem to be better than any other diet that reduces overall calorie intake, especially in the long-run.
- Heart disease. Early research shows that following the paleo diet might improve body weight, blood pressure, and levels of fat in the blood in people at risk for heart disease.
- Diabetes. Early research shows that following the paleo diet might improve some blood sugar measures in people with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
- A mild form of gum disease (gingivitis). Early shows that following the paleo diet might increase tooth plaque and decrease gum bleeding in people unable to access standard oral hygiene.
- High cholesterol. Early research shows that following the paleo diet can lower total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol, in people with high cholesterol.
- A grouping of symptoms that increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke (metabolic syndrome). Early research shows that following the paleo diet might slightly reduce waist size and triglycerides, but does not improve blood pressure or blood sugar.
- Fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Early research shows that following the paleo diet might reduce fatigue in some people with MS.
- Acne.
- Anxiety.
- Asthma.
- Athletic performance.
- Cancer.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
- Depression.
- Fatigue.
- High blood pressure.
- Kidney stones.
- Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).
- Nearsightedness.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Skin conditions.
- Skin infections.
- Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis).
- Others.
More evidence is needed to rate the paleo diet for these uses.
Is it Safe?
The paleo diet is usually high in protein, vegetables, and fruits and low in sodium, unhealthy fats, and processed foods. Making these dietary changes can reduce weight. Reduced weight often reduces blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
Following the paleo diet is POSSIBLY SAFE. There are no reports of adverse effects from following the paleo diet in most people.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if the paleo diet is safe to follow when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Weak bones (osteoporosis): The paleo diet might not provide enough calcium to meet daily requirements. This could be a problem for people with or at risk for osteoporosis. It is important to use a calcium supplement if there is not enough calcium in your diet.
It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The appropriate or safe use of the paleo diet depends on several factors. Be sure to seek and follow relevant directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before using this diet.
Caveman Diet, Hunter-Gatherer Diet, Paleo Diet, Paleolithic Diet, Stone Age Diet.
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