Tag: Dietary adaptation

The human brain has increased 300% in size over six million years, a dietary shift that included meat likely making this possible. This brings into focus the complex question: are humans omnivores or scavengers, and how did these roles shape our ancestors' lives?

Archaeological evidence suggests that our early human ancestors were not primarily hunters but scavengers, opportunistically feeding on the leftovers of large predators. This behavior is a key piece of the puzzle in understanding if humans are opportunistic eaters, revealing a deep-seated adaptability that continues to shape our dietary habits today.

Recent archaeological evidence suggests that early hominins, like *Homo erectus*, may have controlled fire and cooked food as far back as 780,000 years ago, drastically reshaping their evolutionary path. The 'cooking hypothesis' argues this innovation was a pivotal turning point in human history, driving significant biological and social changes.

According to estimates, approximately 65-70% of the world's adult population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy, a trait known as lactase non-persistence. This physiological condition is more prevalent in many populations of non-Northern European descent, including those with Mexican ancestry.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, if you eat between 20 and 50 grams of carbohydrates each day, it will usually take you two to four days to enter ketosis. The exact duration can vary based on individual factors, but this is a common initial timeframe for most beginners starting their low-carb journey.

For over 95% of human history, our ancestors were hunter-gatherers, with grains playing a minor, non-staple role in their diets. So, was the human body designed to eat grains, or is it a more recent, and possibly problematic, evolutionary adaptation that challenges our physiology?

Research consistently shows that our bodies are incredibly adaptive systems, and this applies directly to our diet. This means that, in many ways, your body does get used to what you eat, influencing everything from your taste buds to your metabolic rate. This complex process involves both sensory and metabolic adjustments that can either support or hinder your long-term health goals.

Up to 60-70% of individuals report experiencing a temporary dip in energy during the initial weeks of a carnivore diet. Knowing how to gain energy on a carnivore diet is key to pushing past this phase and achieving sustainable, high-level vitality by properly fueling your body.

Surveys and anecdotal reports suggest that the initial weeks on a low-carbohydrate diet, often termed the 'keto flu,' can cause temporary fatigue and weakness. So, if you're wondering, "Why am I so weak on a carnivore diet?", it's a common experience rooted in the body's major metabolic shift away from carbohydrates.

According to a consumer report review, a common side effect known as the “keto flu” is often reported by those starting a ketogenic diet, which can include symptoms like brain fog and confusion. These cognitive symptoms are a temporary sign that your body is adapting to a new fuel source, but with the right approach, they can be minimized or avoided entirely.