Living indisputably takes a toll on us all. There is, in fact, abundant fossil evidence of arthritic-like conditions in some dinosaurs. Sharks, rats, humans and other species get cancer. But by and large, most nonhuman mammals are spared high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and similar conditions collectively referred to as "the diseases of civilization." (See U.S. Health Statistics on leading causes of death)
While some diseases such as cancer do occur in primates such as aging chimps, the rates appear to be far lower than one would expect if just the aging process alone were the culprit. All things considered the "diseases of civilization" occur at remarkably low rates in our aged evolutionary relatives. Why is this so?
In chimps and other nonhuman animals, diet and physical activity patterns are basically in harmony with each species evolved nature. For instance, chimpanzees eat and engage in patterns of physical exertion that are consistent with very ancient and entrenched patterns. Humans, on the other hand, have deviated greatly from the dietary and health-conducive physical activity that characterized our particular branch of the primate family tree for hundreds of thousands of years.
Given this it should not come as a surprise that evidence has steadily accrued indicating that we humans achieve and maintain optimal health on a diet that consists largely of protein, specific complex carbohydrates, and certain fats - along with at least a modicum of daily physical activity.
The dietary pattern that many anthropologists and nutritionists have found is most consonant with our evolved biological nature is one referred to as "Paleolithic diet" or "Old Stone Age diet"(Paleodiet). It is a diet high in protein, complex carbohydrates such as potassium rich fruit, but low or devoid of beans, potatoes, cereals, and milk.
Not surprisingly, the paleodiet is one few people in the West follow today. And it is this mismatch between our ancient metabolic machinery and relatively recent dietary patterns, i.e., food intake patterns that rose during the last 10,000 years (Neolithic or "New Stone Age" to present) that many experts feel underlies the rise and proliferation of many chronic diseases. Formal scientific studies are increasingly lending support to this contention.
Though people today are admittedly living longer than most of their ancestors did, millions are struggling with chronic illnesses and health challenges such as cardiovascular disease and adult onset diabetes (The diseases of civilization). Many are linked to the wear and tear associated with a long life, while unhealthy dietary choices, a lack of exercise, stress, and a multitude of other players give rise to or contribute to others. These can be circumvented or ameliorated to some degree by simply bringing diet and lifestyle into harmony with our evolved nature.
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