Progress and forward change are concepts modern society thrives on. Advances in automobiles technology mechanics education and other areas of life have soared and created an insatiable appetite for progress. Americans are neophiliacs. We love anything new! While progress is vital to success and advancement there are some areas of life in which our neglect of the “old” has actually hindered progress. In the wake of progress the health of Americans has clearly seen a decline. Some health advocates recognizing this trend have taken the bold step to look backwards rather than forwards for solutions to this dilemma. In doing so they have found ancient wisdom to be useful. Thus was born the Paleolithic diet. 

Although historically “tried and true” the Paleolithic diet has been weaving its way into the public eye and has become more and more acceptable to some of the modern skeptics. Peer-reviewed studies are proving what our ancestors already knew to be true. Compared to current dietary guidelines a hunter-gatherer type diet can improve a host of modern health indicators including triglycerides systolic blood pressure diastolic blood pressure HDL cholesterol and fasting blood sugar. 

While the benefits of a Paleo diet seem unquestionable at this point it is possible that adequate education of this diet is lacking which could lead to unintentional health consequences. The term “Paleo” has soared in popular search engines indicating fast-growing interest in this diet. However in the context of current dietary practices consumers may be easily led to think that this ancestral diet simply means “eat more meat and stay away from grains.” Compounding this confusion are other popular high-protein low-carb diets which may or may not be balanced and healthy. The autonomous nature of humans also influences consumers to pick and choose the aspects of any diet that most pleases them. Therefore a common error is in adopting a diet high in animal protein and “healthier” sugars but still lacking in fresh vegetables and fruits. The unfortunate result is low-grade metabolic acidosis. 

The delicate acid-base balance of the body is one link to health. As the body strives to maintain balance through renal respiratory and mineral buffers the diet cannot be ignored as a crucial player in this balance. Diets high in animal proteins and low in fresh fruits and vegetables leave the body struggling to maintain a balanced pH. Subclinical manifestations may be easily overlooked and therefore it is prudent for the practitioner to consider the diet and adequacy of dietary buffers.

Low-grade metabolic acidosis has been linked to high blood pressure in both children and adults. In one study dietary acid load was measured using urinary net acid excretion and the potential renal acid load (PRAL) and found to be significantly related to higher systolic blood pressure. An alkalinizing diet consisting of more fresh fruits and vegetables was recommended for optimal blood pressure development.

On a similar note various studies have linked dietary acid load to kidney disease and injury. This may explain the relationship between dietary acid load and blood pressure since the kidney is a central regulator of blood pressure. Anion salts found in plant food yield the alkaline-forming bicarbonate molecule to buffer the nonvolatile acids produced by organic sulfur from dietary protein. The kidney excretes excess acids which occur in the absence of adequate fruits and vegetables. As the glomerular filtration rate decreases particularly in kidney disease adaptations are in place to ensure acids are effectively removed. However the adaptations promote further kidney injury. Studies have shown that a simple dietary change to more fresh fruits and vegetables can protect the kidney and reduce the need to eliminate toxic acids.

Low-grade metabolic acidosis has been linked to bone and muscle catabolism. As the storehouse for calcium a primary proton buffer in the face of metabolic acidosis bone loss is a significant concern for an aging population at risk for osteoporosis. Adequate mineral stores are critical for balancing acidosis but few consumers realize the fact that some of nature’s richest mineral sources are found in fresh colorful vegetables. Therefore an insufficient intake of vegetables leaves the body lacking in minerals needed to balance the acid-forming proteins in the diet.

New research is revealing the link between low-grade metabolic acidosis and insulin resistance – a beast in modern health. A recent cross-sectional study of 104 men and women compared insulin sensitivity with potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production. Mild metabolic acidosis was directly correlated with insulin resistance independent of obesity. Paleolithic diets are often recommended for the prevention of diabetes and metabolic syndrome and rightfully so. However if misunderstood by consumers a high protein intake with insufficient fruits and vegetables to balance the body’s pH could prove to be counterproductive. 

The revival of ancient hunter-gatherer diets is undoubtedly a huge step in the progress of health and wellness. However at this turning point let’s not forget one of the vital aspects of the Paleolithic principles; namely the inclusion of adequate amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables nuts and seeds legumes and other alkaline-forming nutrients to prevent the unintentional consequences of mild metabolic acidosis.