The Dark Side of the Paleo Diet

The Dark Side of the Paleo Diet

The Paleo Diet promises to return us to our ancestral roots—focusing on meat, vegetables, nuts, and fruits while eliminating grains, legumes, and processed foods. While it can offer short-term benefits like weight loss or blood sugar control, long-term adherence to the Paleo Diet can silently lead to nutritional imbalances, inflammation, and chronic disease.

Let’s take a closer look at the hidden dangers of the Paleo Diet and what a more sustainable, healing approach looks like.

1. Nutrient Deficiencies from Food Elimination

By cutting out entire food groups like legumes, whole grains, and dairy, the Paleo Diet increases the risk of deficiencies in:

• Fiber – Critical for gut health and detoxification
• Calcium – Important for bone health
• Magnesium and B-vitamins – Needed for energy, nerve function, and hormone balance

Over time, these deficiencies may lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, mood swings, and weakened immunity (Craig, 2009).

2. Excess Animal Protein and Fat

Many Paleo followers overconsume red meat, bacon, and fatty cuts of pork, thinking these are ancestral staples. However, high intake of saturated fat and animal protein has been linked to:

• Fatty liver disease (Jou et al., 2008)
• Increased TMAO production – A gut byproduct linked to heart disease (Koeth et al., 2013)
• Oxidative stress and inflammation – Especially in diets lacking antioxidants and plant fiber

3. Gut Health Issues

The exclusion of legumes and whole grains removes important prebiotic fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria. Over time, this can weaken the microbiome, reduce short-chain fatty acid production, and impair immune function (David et al., 2014).

4. Inflammation and Hormonal Imbalance

Paleo diets that are high in animal protein and low in antioxidants can contribute to low-grade inflammation. This may trigger hormonal dysregulation, fatigue, skin issues, and even autoimmune symptoms in some individuals (Calder et al., 2009).

5. Environmental Impact

The Paleo Diet encourages heavy meat consumption, which increases environmental burden through:

• Greater land use
• Higher greenhouse gas emissions
• Reduced sustainability compared to plant-rich diets

A Healthier Alternative: The ASTR Diet

The ASTR Diet, developed by Dr. Joseph Jacobs, offers a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory plan without the drawbacks of Paleo. It includes:

• Organic vegetables and fiber-rich fruits
• Gluten-free whole grains like buckwheat and quinoa
• Clean proteins from wild-caught fish and legumes
• Healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and seeds
• Herbs and teas that support detox and healing

Unlike Paleo, the ASTR Diet supports gut health, liver function, and long-term wellness by balancing macronutrients and minimizing inflammatory triggers.

Final Thoughts

The Paleo Diet may seem “natural,” but its modern interpretation often leads to excesses that harm the liver, gut, and heart. If you’re experiencing fatigue, digestive issues, or hormonal imbalance while eating Paleo, it may be time for a more balanced approach.

Learn how to heal naturally with Eat to Heal by Dr. Joseph Jacobs: Available on Amazon

Referenser:

• Craig WJ. (2009). Health effects of vegan and vegetarian diets. Am J Clin Nutr.
• Jou J, et al. (2008). Mechanisms of disease: insights into the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol.
• Koeth RA, et al. (2013). Intestinal microbiota metabolism of l-carnitine and cardiovascular risk. N Engl J Med.
• David LA, et al. (2014). Diet rapidly and reproducibly alters the human gut microbiome. Nature.
• Calder PC, et al. (2009). Dietary factors and low-grade inflammation. Br J Nutr.