that encourage the consumption mainly of lean meats
probably do not have this increased risk.Research and general acceptanceThere have been various scholarly studies aimed
at determining what the likely diet of Paleolithic
humans ate. However, there is not a significant body
of research examining how this kind of diet would
affect modern humans. There is however research
indicating that a healthy, varied diet including many
different fruits and vegetables is important for good
overall health.
Some experts find concern in the fact that the diet
completely eliminates dairy products, which are gener-
ally considered to be part of a healthy diet. The United
States Department of Agriculture’s MyPyramid, the
updated version of the Food Guide Pyramid, recom-
mends the equivalent of 3 cups of low-fat or non-fat
dairy products per day for healthy adults. The caveman
diet also does not allow grains, although whole grains
are also generally considered an important part of a
healthy diet. MyPyramid recommends the equivalent
of 3 to 4 ounces of grains each day, of which at least half
should be whole grains, for healthy adults.
The Center for Disease Control recommended in
2007 that healthy adults get at least 30 minutes of light
to moderate exercise everyday. The versions of the
caveman diet that recommend large amounts of regu-
lar exercise would exceed this minimum recommenda-
tion. Regular exercise is generally accepted as an
excellent way of improving health, reducing the risk
of disease, and managing weight.
The caveman diets that recommend large amounts
of red meat and eggs, and encourage the consumption
of fattier meats, are extremely controversial. Although
many diets that are low incarbohydratesand high inmeat, such as the very popularAtkins diet,havegained
many followers, especially in the mid 2000s, physicians,
nutritionists, and other health and science professionals
continue to debate their various health benefits and
risks. It is generally accepted, however, that regularly
eating a diet high in saturated fats, which are often
found in high quantities in red meat, has a detrimental
effect on the health in the long run and studies have
shown that it can lead to increased incidence of cardi-
ovascular disease.Resources
BOOKS
Audette, Ray V.Neanderthin: Eat Like a Caveman to
Achieve a Lean, Strong, Healthy Body.New York:
St. Martin’s, 1999.
Cordain, Loren.The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get
Healthy by Eating the Food You Were Designed to Eat.
New York: J. Wiley, 2002.
Shannon, Joyce Brennfleck ed.Diet and Nutrition Source-
book.Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 2006.
Willis, Alicia P. ed.Diet Therapy Research Trends.New
York: Nova Science, 2007.
PERIODICALS
‘‘Caveman Diet.’’Psychology Today(May/June 1997): V30
I3 18-21.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Dietetic Association. 120 South Riverside Plaza,
Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995. Telephone:
(800) 877-1600. Website:<http://www.eatright.org>
OTHER
The Paleo Diet2002.<http://www.thepaleodiet.com>
(April 10, 2007).Helen M. DavidsonCeliac disease
Definition
Celiac disease, also known as sprue, celiac sprue,
nontropical sprue, and gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is
a life-long autoimmune disease in which the body’s
reaction to gluten causes damage to the intestines
that results in poor absorption of nutrients.Description
Absorption of most nutrients occurs in the small
intestine. The intestine is lined with microscopic, hair-
like projections called villi, and it is through these villi
that nutrients are absorbed. Villi project into theQUESTIONS TO ASK THE
DOCTOR Would a multivitamin or other dietary
supplement be appropriate for me if I were to
begin this diet?
Is this diet appropriate for my entire family?
Is it safe for me to follow this diet over a long
period of time?
Is this diet the best diet to meet my goals?
Are there any sign or symptoms that might
indicate a problem while on this diet?Celiac disease