Paleo – Foods to Avoid – Regner Health Solutions

When following the Paleo diet, certain foods are excluded to better align with the dietary patterns of Paleolithic humans. The focus is on consuming fresh fruits, lean meats, and unprocessed foods, believed to promote better health and aid in weight loss. By eliminating foods that are often implicated in modern health issues like high blood sugar, metabolic syndrome, and inflammatory diseases, this diet aims to improve overall well-being.

Grains

Grains are often left out of the Paleo diet because they are seen as products of modern agriculture, not part of a hunter-gatherer’s menu. They are notably high in carbohydrates, which can cause spikes in blood sugar levels. Critics argue that while refined grains may be problematic, whole grains usually have less impact on blood sugar and offer heart health benefits. Proponents avoid grains due to gluten, lectins, and phytates, which are thought to cause inflammation and hinder nutrient absorption. However, this omission is controversial, given the potential health benefits of whole grains.

Legumes

Legumes such as beans and lentils are not consumed on the Paleo diet due to their lectin and phytic acid content, which some believe can interfere with digestion and nutrient uptake. While this group of foods is rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals like iron and zinc, their exclusion could be problematic for vegetarians or vegans who rely on them for protein. Despite these concerns, numerous studies link legumes to a lower risk of chronic diseases thanks to their low fat and high fiber content. The debate continues as to whether the positives outweigh the negatives.

Dairy Products

Dairy products are generally not part of a strict Paleo diet since Paleo humans did not consume them. Nonetheless, some who follow this diet choose to include grass-fed dairy due to its beneficial omega-3 content. Fermented dairy items like kefir may also be acceptable because they often have reduced lactose and casein. While many paleo followers choose non-dairy alternatives such as coconut or almond milk, eliminating dairy can raise concerns about maintaining adequate protein, calcium, and phosphorus intake.

Processed Foods

Processed foods are strictly avoided on the Paleo diet, mainly because they contain refined sugars, excessive salt, vegetable oils, and artificial sweeteners, none of which were around during Paleolithic times. These ingredients have been linked to health issues like obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Despite being deemed safe by the FDA, artificial sweeteners are still seen as processed and aren’t included in this diet. Even foods labeled as "healthy" snack options may not fit the Paleo framework due to their processing nature.

Learn more about the paleo diet and the specific weight loss services at Regner Health Solutions: regnerhealthsolutions.com/paleo/

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