Evolutionary Nutrition is a clinical framework that evaluates dietary choices and nutrient timing based on the foundational metabolic and hormonal adaptations established during human evolutionary history. This approach posits that optimal human health, including endocrine function and metabolic flexibility, is best supported by a dietary pattern that aligns with the genetic expectations forged over millennia. It focuses on the quality, density, and signaling properties of foods, recognizing their profound impact on gene expression, inflammation, and hormonal cascades like insulin and ghrelin. The goal is to minimize the mismatch between our ancestral biology and our modern diet.
Origin
This concept is a synthesis of anthropology, genetics, and nutritional science, stemming from the comparative study of paleolithic diets and contemporary human metabolism. The term gained prominence as researchers began to attribute the rise of modern chronic diseases, including metabolic and hormonal disorders, to the rapid shift away from evolutionarily consistent food sources. It provides a scientific rationale for prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods that our endocrine system is optimally programmed to metabolize.
Mechanism
The mechanism centers on modulating key hormonal and inflammatory pathways that are highly sensitive to dietary composition. By emphasizing nutrient-dense foods and appropriate macronutrient ratios, this approach aims to stabilize blood glucose, reduce systemic inflammation, and optimize gut microbiome health, all of which are critical modulators of the endocrine system. This dietary alignment reduces metabolic stress, thereby supporting the pituitary-adrenal axis and improving cellular sensitivity to key hormones like insulin and thyroid hormones.
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