The Scary Reason Why You Shouldn't Go Paleo
This fad diet may have negative long-term side effects, such as depression and weight gain.
What Does It Mean To Go Paleo?
The Paleo diet, designed to mimic the eating habits of our cave-dwelling ancestors, has been gaining in popularity. The concept is simple: if you couldn't hunt or gather it back in the day, you shouldn't have it on your plate. That means no salt, sugar, grains, dairy, or processed food. Instead, you can eat as much meat, fish, fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds as you want.
On the surface, the Paleo diet is promising. Most of us can benefit from cutting the sugary drinks and high-sodium foods from our diet. Some people have even lost weight after going Paleo. Celebrities like Megan Fox and Miley Cyrus have also gotten on board with this diet trend. So what's the catch?
Why You Should Think Twice
A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found a link between the Paleo diet and iodine deficiency in older women. Among the 70 participants, half went on a Paleo diet and half went on a Nordic diet. At the end of the two-year study period, participants in the Paleo group lost more weight but were more likely to have iodine deficiency. This could have a negative long-term impact if the deficiency becomes more pronounced.
The Paleo diet can be so harmful because it eliminates the modern diet's major sources of the mineral iodine such as iodized salt, potatoes, and milk. Without enough iodine, your body can't produce the thyroid hormone essential to regulating your metabolism. This can lead to hypothyroidism, and depression and weight gain may occur as a result.
Still, you shouldn't entirely discount the health benefits of a Paleo diet. As with most diet guidelines, it should be taken with a grain of salt (literally!). If you're still gung-ho about going Paleo, you might consider eating naturally iodine-rich foods or taking iodine supplements.
Like this article? You might want to check out the secret behind the "Happiness Diet."
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