🔍 Unpacking the Paleo Diet: How Does It Really Work?

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Paleo 101: How Does It Really Work?

The Paleo Diet, often called the "Caveman Diet," revolves around eating like our ancestors from the Paleolithic era. This diet is based on consuming whole foods that could be obtained through hunting and gathering. It advocates for a dietary pattern that excludes processed foods and focuses on what might have been eaten during the Paleolithic era.

Core Principles:

• Whole Foods: The diet emphasizes whole foods such as lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. It promotes eating foods that are unprocessed and fresh, mirroring the natural diet of ancient humans.

• No Processed Foods: Anything that comes in a box or package, including most dairy products, grains, and legumes, is avoided. The idea is to reduce the intake of processed foods.

How It Works:

• Nutrient Density: Paleo foods are rich in vitamins and minerals without the high caloric intake that comes from processed foods. This can lead to better overall health, weight management, and increased energy levels.

• Reduced Inflammation: By cutting out processed foods and sugars, the Paleo Diet helps reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to a number of health issues from arthritis to heart disease.

• Improved Digestion and Absorption: Removing grains and legumes can help those with sensitive digestive systems or food intolerances by reducing bloating, stomach cramps, and indigestion.

The Paleo Diet encourages eating nutrient-dense, whole foods and eliminating processed items from your diet, which can lead to significant health improvements. However, as with any diet, it is important to ensure it is balanced and that any changes to your eating habits are sustainable long-term.

Does the Unsweetened Tea Count Towards Water Intake?

This morning, I received an interesting question from one of our readers asking, "Does unsweetened tea count towards my water intake, and is it okay to consume?" It's a great question that touches on the nuances of hydration.

While unsweetened teas are generally safe and healthy to consume, especially as they contain antioxidants and have minimal calories, they shouldn't necessarily be counted towards your total daily water intake. The reason lies in the diuretic properties of caffeine found in many teas, which can increase urine production and thereby slightly reduce hydration levels.

For optimal hydration, it's best to focus on meeting your water intake goals primarily through the water itself.

Understanding Oxalates: What Are They and Why Should You Care?

Oxalates are organic compounds that naturally occur in many foods and can bind with minerals like calcium to form calcium oxalate, which is often found in kidney stones. In the digestive system, oxalates can inhibit the absorption of essential minerals, leading to potential deficiencies if consumed excessively. This can be particularly concerning for individuals prone to developing kidney stones.

For most people, oxalates do not pose significant health risks, but those with a history of oxalate-containing kidney stones should consider managing their intake. Reducing consumption of high-oxalate foods, increasing hydration, and eating calcium-rich foods to bind oxalates in the gut can help mitigate health risks. Understanding how oxalates affect your body is crucial for maintaining optimal kidney health and ensuring proper mineral absorption.

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Publisher: Ryan Engel

Editor: Michael Pender

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