Perfect Health Diet

Imagine stepping back in time to the vast open savannas where our ancestors roamed, hunting and gathering the foods that shaped their survival and, ultimately, our biology. For over 2.6 million years, humans thrived on a diet composed mainly of hunted animals and foraged plants, a diet that evolution finely tuned our genes to process. This Paleolithic diet was not the low-fat, high-carb regimen often assumed; rather, it was rich in fats, moderate in protein, and included carbohydrates primarily from starchy roots and tubers. Studies of modern hunter-gatherer societies reveal they obtain roughly 70% of their calories from animal sources and 30% from plants, with roots and tubers being the dominant plant foods rather than sweet fruits.

The evidence from archaeology, genetics, and anthropology converges on this picture. For instance, humans have evolved to have about seven copies of the salivary amylase gene, which aids in starch digestion, whereas chimpanzees have only two. This genetic adaptation highlights that starch was a significant and consistent part of our ancestral diet, contrary to popular belief that Paleolithic diets were strictly low-carb. The presence of stone tools designed to dig up tubers and the isotope analysis of ancient bones further support the importance of in-ground starches.

Our ancestors’ diet was a complex balance that allowed them to flourish. Their bodies were nourished predominantly by fatty animal foods, providing energy and essential nutrients, while the plant foods supplied carbohydrates and fiber. This balance helped maintain optimal body composition, brain development, and immune function. The diet was naturally varied and included a diversity of nutrient sources, ensuring sufficiency and resilience.

Understanding this evolutionary foundation is critical for modern health. Our genes have not had sufficient time—less than 10,000 years—to adapt to the agricultural foods introduced in the Neolithic era, which brought grains and legumes that are often toxic to our systems. This mismatch explains many of the chronic diseases prevalent today.

As we embark on this journey through the principles of perfect health, keep in mind that the wisdom of our ancestors guides us. The foods they ate, the proportions they favored, and their natural lifestyle offer a lodestar for restoring health and vitality.

Let us now explore how fasting, a natural companion to this evolutionary diet, reveals the body's remarkable capacity for self-healing and balance.