Current research shows that in the United States of America today, the prevalence of medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and obesity are all too common.  And the number of people who are affected by these diseases is increasing. 

These trends spark important questions.

Why are cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and obesity so common?
And why are rates continuing to increase?
Is there a common link, a foundational cause, in all of these conditions?
What can we do about it?

Because of the high numbers of people with these serious conditions, and their increasing prevalence in our society, many researchers have begun to wonder why they are so common.

There are many theories.  Several have merit and strong support.  Many overlap. Some of the more common ideas include:

• Easy access to salty, high calorie food

• Lack of exercise

• Eating too much fat

• Increased sedentary activities.

• A modern diet that is based too heavily on carbohydrates

• Social nature of eating and sharing food

• Increased stress in our lives

• Environmental toxins and pollutants.

• Intake of highly processed foods

• Eating for emotional comfort, not hunger

• Not enough fruits and vegetables

• Eating the wrong kinds of meats and proteins

• And many more . . .

One current theory that works to explain the disturbingly high levels of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity is base on examining the average American diet and comparing it to what out prehistoric ancestors may have eaten.

This idea, and the food choices and lifestyle recommendation that arise from it are, is the Paleolithic Diet.  (Paleolithic is the name given to the historical period from approximately 200,000 to 12,000 years ago.)

This page focuses on the conditions of cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes mellitus (type II).  There may be a role for it in others like cancer, Metabolic Syndrome X, mood disorders and for peak athletic performance.

Because the Paleodiet may have a role to play in the prevention and/or treatment of certain diseases, a review of the facts regarding these diseases is provided.  A discussion of the theory of the Paleodiet and some examples of foods follows.  The final page lists arguments against the Paleodiet specifically or the general family of 'high protein diets'. 

Click on the underlined text below to read more detail about the rising rate of cardiovascular disease.  Or select a link to any topic on the upper left corner of the page.

Cardiovascular Disease

Og the Neanderthal by Richard Wilson
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