What is Ancestral Health

Ancestral health is an approach to health and wellness that focuses on the ways in which our ancestors lived and the ways in which we can incorporate their habits into our modern lives. It is based on the idea that our ancestors evolved over time to thrive in certain environments and that we have inherited their genes and adaptations.

The principles of ancestral health involve looking at the ways in which our ancestors ate, moved, and lived, and trying to incorporate those habits into our own lives. This can include eating a diet that is rich in whole, unprocessed foods and getting regular physical activity, as well as finding ways to manage stress and get enough sleep.

Advocates of ancestral health argue that modern lifestyles and diets have led to a range of health problems, including obesity, chronic diseases, and mental health issues, and that by returning to the habits of our ancestors, we can improve our health and well-being. As you may have noticed with other health programs, ancestral health can’t be tailored to fit every person’s needs, as different people may benefit from different approaches to health and wellness.

How does ancestral health work?

Ancestral health is based on the idea that our ancestors evolved over time to thrive in certain environments and that we have inherited their genes and adaptations. The principles of ancestral health involve looking at the ways in which our ancestors ate, moved, and lived, and trying to incorporate those habits into our own lives. This can include:

• Eating a diet that is rich in whole, unprocessed foods: Our ancestors ate a diet that was high in plant-based foods and low in processed foods. They ate a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, as well as some animal-based foods. Ancestral health proponents argue that this type of diet is more natural for our bodies and can help to improve our health.
• Getting regular physical activity: Our ancestors were physically active as part of their daily lives, whether through hunting and gathering or performing manual labour. Ancestral health advocates argue that regular physical activity is important for maintaining good health and that we should strive to be as active as possible.
• Finding ways to manage stress and get enough sleep: Our ancestors did not experience the same levels of stress that we do in modern society, and they typically got more sleep. Ancestral health proponents argue that managing stress and getting enough sleep are important for overall health and well-being.

Advantages of Ancestral Health

There are a number of potential benefits to incorporating the principles of ancestral health into your life, including:

1. Improved overall health: Ancestral health advocates argue that following a diet and lifestyle that is similar to that of our ancestors can improve overall health and reduce the occurrence of obesity and other chronic diseases.
2. Weight loss: Some people may find that adopting an ancestral health approach helps them to lose weight, as it typically involves eating a diet that is rich in whole, unprocessed foods and getting regular physical activity.
3. Increased energy: Following an ancestral health approach may lead to increased energy levels, as it typically involves getting enough sleep, managing stress, and engaging in regular physical activity.
4. Improved mental health: Ancestral health proponents argue that following a diet and lifestyle that is similar to that of our ancestors can improve mental health by reducing stress and improving sleep. (also read: 25 tips to boost your mental health)

It is important to note that ancestral health is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and that different people may experience different benefits. It is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Disadvantages of Ancestral Health

There are a few potential risks associated with following an ancestral health lifestyle, including:

1. Nutrient deficiencies: Some people may find it difficult to get all the nutrients they need on an ancestral health diet, especially if they are vegetarian or vegan. It is important to make sure that you are getting a varied and balanced diet to ensure that you are meeting your nutritional needs.
2. Disordered eating: Some people may take the principles of ancestral health to an extreme and become overly restrictive in their eating habits, which can lead to disordered eating patterns. It is important to pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues and to eat a varied and balanced diet.
3. Exclusion of certain food groups: Ancestral health diets often exclude certain food groups, such as grains and legumes, which can make it difficult for some people to follow. It is important to make sure that you are getting a varied and balanced diet to ensure that you are meeting your nutritional needs.
4. Difficulty following the diet: Some people may find it difficult to follow an ancestral health diet due to the time and effort involved in preparing whole, unprocessed foods, as well as the cost of certain ingredients.

Bottom line

It is important to note that ancestral health is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and that different people may benefit from different approaches to health and wellness. It is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

They can help you to understand the potential risks and benefits of an ancestral health approach and can help you to make sure that you are meeting your nutritional needs.