10/30/2024
We often take for granted that many modern diseases—cancer, heart disease, diabetes—are simply part of life. But the truth is, these illnesses are relatively new when viewed through the long lens of human history. One area we still have control over is what we put into our bodies. Reflecting on how our ancestors ate before modern refrigeration and industrial agriculture can reveal why paying attention to our diet is more important than ever.
Before refrigeration, just 150-200 years ago, humans relied on seasonal, whole foods. We preserved food through fermentation, drying, and salting. Our diets were deeply tied to the land and the rhythm of the seasons, consuming what was locally available. This natural diet, free from preservatives, refined sugars, and chemicals, meant fewer instances of the chronic diseases we now face.
The advent of agriculture 10,000 years ago brought radical changes to our diet. While farming allowed for population growth and urbanization, it also led to a decrease in human health. Studies show that early agricultural societies were shorter and had worse dental health compared to their hunter-gatherer ancestors. In fact, the average height of humans dropped by six inches, and teeth decay became widespread due to a diet rich in grains and carbohydrates. The rise of processed foods, especially in the last century, has only exacerbated these issues.
Today, our crops are not only nutrient-deficient but often tainted with endocrine-disrupting chemicals that affect our hormones and overall health. This is why we need to be vigilant about the foods we eat—avoiding processed ingredients and opting for organic, non-GMO options wherever possible.
It’s time to get informed and take back control over what we feed ourselves and our families. The more we understand our ancestral diet, the better equipped we are to combat modern health issues. This episode is worth your time.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1RrvHu6bFqwIwISrMzspuC?si=YKHhp39lQ6Gl1TYFPhUFMQ&t=2416&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A3WSEGQYHgrNhyggKNrG6oX
The Higherside Chats · Episode