Is There Anything that You Cannot Eat in the Paleo Diet?
There are claims that are not really proven by scientific reasons or evidence. For example, some supporters of the Paleo Diet would suggest that inflammatory illnesses and chronic digestive can be caused by eating wheat products, but there are no proven facts or evidence to avoid consume gluten-filled foods and wheat. It is just an exclusion from the Paleo Diet which is grain (processed produce from modern farming)
Dairy is excluded in the Paleo Diet because advocates think that lactose intolerance is an issue among many people, and it has also been linked with Crohn’s disease. While lactose is clearly not recommended (sugar substance in dairy) for people with lactose intolerance, there is no evidence that having dairy products can cause the mentioned Crohn’s disease.
Just like Paleo fans refrained from legumes (peas,beans), peanuts, and soy because they contain phytic acid; however this compound does not cause any harm at all. But research has shown that balanced diets can accommodate to ease out concentration of any particular substance and our guts are also capable of withstanding high levels of the phytic acid. Besides, some of these foods contain good compounds and has shown positive outcomes in many researches.
The Paleo Diet has also restricted foods that are clearly unhealthy and not beneficial for all. These foods include processed vegetable oils and refined sugar(the usual white and brown sugars, corn syrup, agave and all artificial sweeteners). Besides, these are ingredients to a series of health issues, for example Type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart related diseases. Additionally, the Paleo Diet has been shown to provide numerous health benefits for individuals who follow it. By eliminating processed vegetable oils and refined sugars, the diet can help to lower inflammation in the body and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Overall, the paleo diet benefits include improved digestion, increased energy levels, and better weight management.
Not to mention, grains including whole grains and gluten-free ones, legumes and dairy are also excluded from the Paleo Diet. Peanuts and peanut butter is also not included because advocates refer them as legume.
Packaged or processed snacks are widely known to contain high level of sugar, trans fats, gluten and salt which are contributing factors of obesity and chronic diseases. Hence, they are struck off the list of Paleo Diet.
Beer, made mainly from wheat, barley, and hops is definitely not good pal with Paleo. However, organic wine which is surprisingly a Paleo friendly alcoholic drink but due to the processes that it undergoes (fermented sugar and starch), it is is not authentic Paleo as per Paleolithic ways. Caution though, frequent high volume of alcohol consumption can lead to a range of liver, heart, cancer related, and brain health issues.
(You can also read about “What Can You Eat On The Paleo Diet“)
Who Should Not Try the Paleo Diet?
Prior to trying out the Paleo Diet, it is best to consult your doctor if you have any pertaining health issues. Especially those who are at high risk for heart disease, kidney problems, and those with Type 1 diabetes should not attempt the Paleo Diet.
What Food to Avoid on the Paleo Diet
Most commonly known Western diet foods are not permissible in the Paleo Diet:
- Bread
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Pasta of all sorts
- Rice
- Lentils, Beans, and peanuts
- Refined sugar: white and brown sugars, agave, corn, syrup, artificial sweeteners, candy
- Dairy
- Refined vegetable oils
- Processed foods which include frozen or packaged foods
- Soy
- Salty foods
- Corn (most people do not know that it is a processed or re-engineered food)
- Refined sugar
- Potatoes
- Sodas
- Wine
- Sweetened beverages
- Beer
- Drinks with artificial sweeteners i.e. diet coke
- Peanut butter
- Peanuts
Does Removing These Foods from the Diet Bad for Your Health?
Eliminating major standard food groups which are considered healthy i.e. whole grains, grains, lentils and beans as stipulated in the Paleo Diet on a prolonged basis may cause nutrient deficiencies.
Vitamins, fibre, multiple complexes of carbohydrates and minerals e.g. magnesium, iron, and selenium are important nutrition elements derived from whole grains. Even though the Paleo Diet has high vegetables and fruits inclusion, nutrients from legumes, whole grains and soy foods are missing from the diet.
That is the reason why it is important to make sure that you are aware of the limits and to consult your doctor first if you are trying Paleo Diet for the first time. Because some of the paleo foods to avoid on the diet may have different impact on each individual.
For new-comers, it is advisable to understand more about the Paleo Diet and decide if it is suitable for you. Pick up one of our Paleo Based Diet Guide selection and get to know more about the diet.
