From: Paleolithic Eating Support List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Jim Swayze

Ron: Based on the examples you give, it seems you prescribe based on
outliers, to begin by eating anything at all in the world and only
prohibiting when obvious negative health signs present themselves. But would
it not make more sense to start with core paleo - which, when it comes down
to it, isn't that hard to define - and then slowly and deliberately add in
non-paleo items one by one?  It's funny you mention Todd.  He was always
seemingly so threatened by this approach.  But does it not make the most
sense?  Is core paleo *unhealthy* for anyone?   Does anyone *require*
non-paleo foods to survive?

Hi Jim, 
Outliers for whom? You may recall that I have some native blood in my
heritage, and, as my grandmother came from Cajun (we say Acadian) stock who
were displaced to what is now called the Louisiana Purchase, and settled in
Tennessee, there may be some black there too.... On the other hand, I have
fair skin and blue eyes, but who knows?  All I know for sure is about the
Cree. In any case, I don't think I'm alone in being something of a genetic
mixture. And in those mixes, I think, we can see a variety of adaptations
that would facilitate a broader diet rather than one that is so restricted
as the one most of us eat. 

Core paleo, I think, is very hard to define. Dairy is definitely out, but
there are at least three different genetic adaptations in the world that
allow adult dairy consumption without symptoms of lactose intolerance. (If
you explore the genetic sub-groups, there are even more such adaptations.)  

No, I don't think that anyone requires non-Paleo to survive. But we don't
know - can't know - what their unique nutritional needs are, because we
don't know all the different ecological niches that our forebears adapted
themselves to. Further, which version of Paleo do you want to use. Cordain's
30% fat perspective is shared by a number of other Paleo advocates and might
be considered a "core paleo" tennet. If we use Cordain's version, then yes,
many groups' health would be damaged by keeping their fat consumption that
low. Each published Paleo advocate I've read seems to have their own pet
beliefs that might well harm the health of some people.        

best wishes, 
Ron