The Risks of Going Paleo
Critics highlight several health concerns with strict paleo eating:
- Calcium deficiency → Paleo eliminates dairy, the richest source of absorbable calcium. This raises the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life.
- Too much saturated fat & animal protein → Today’s livestock is far fattier than wild game, leading to higher intakes of saturated fat. Combined with excess protein, this can stress kidneys and weaken bones.
- Low fibre intake → Cutting wholegrains drastically reduces fibre, which is crucial for bowel health and reducing colorectal cancer risk.
Interestingly, some of the longest-living populations in the world (think Japan, Sardinia, or the Mediterranean) get 70–80% of their energy from wholegrains, legumes, and plant foods—the very foods paleo excludes.