The Hunter's Heart: Are Modern Diseases a Price of Civilization?

We live in a world of abundance, where food is readily available and physical exertion is often a choice, not a necessity. Yet, paradoxically, we're plagued by a surge of chronic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders. Is this the price we pay for civilization? Some argue that our bodies, forged through millennia of hunter-gatherer existence, are simply ill-equipped to handle the modern lifestyle. Let's delve into this concept and explore the evidence.

The Evolutionary Mismatch:

The core argument rests on the idea of "evolutionary mismatch." For the vast majority of human history, we lived as hunter-gatherers. Our genes evolved to thrive in this environment, characterized by:

•  High physical activity: Daily life involved extensive walking, running, climbing, and hunting, demanding significant energy expenditure.

•  A diet of whole, unprocessed foods: Our ancestors consumed a variety of wild plants, fruits, nuts, seeds, and lean meats, rich in nutrients and fiber.

•  Periods of fasting and feast: Food availability fluctuated, leading to periods of scarcity and abundance, which our bodies adapted to.

•  Exposure to natural environments: Regular contact with sunlight, diverse microbes, and natural rhythms shaped our immune systems.

The agricultural revolution, and even more so the industrial revolution, drastically altered this environment. We transitioned to:

•  Sedentary lifestyles: Desk jobs, cars, and technology have dramatically reduced our physical activity levels.

•  Processed food diets: Refined grains, sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives dominate our food supply.

•  Constant food availability: We rarely experience true hunger, leading to chronic overconsumption.

•  Indoor, sanitized environments: Reduced exposure to natural microbes and sunlight has potentially weakened our immune systems.

Evidence Supporting the Mismatch Theory:

•   Paleolithic Diet: Proponents of the Paleo diet argue that reverting to a diet resembling that of our hunter-gatherer ancestors can improve health markers. Studies have shown potential benefits in managing type 2 diabetes, improving lipid profiles, and reducing inflammation.

It is important to note that modern day "Paleo diets" are not an exact replica of ancient diets, and that ancient diets varied greatly based on location and time period.

• Physical Activity and Chronic Disease: Numerous studies demonstrate a strong correlation between sedentary behavior and increased risk of chronic diseases. Regular physical activity, on the other hand, has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, insulin sensitivity, and overall well-being.

The World Health Organisation strongly recommends regular physical activity to improve health.

• Gut Microbiome and Modern Diet: The composition of our gut microbiome, crucial for immune function and digestion, has been significantly altered by modern diets and lifestyles. Reduced diversity of gut bacteria is linked to increased risk of inflammatory diseases.

Research into the human microbiome is a very active area of study, and the full extent of the impact of modern diets is still being researched.

• Circadian Rhythm Disruption: Artificial light and irregular sleep patterns disrupt our natural circadian rhythms, potentially contributing to metabolic disorders and mood disturbances.

Studies have shown that shift work, and the associated circadian rhythm disruption, increases the risk of many diseases.

• Inflammation: Many modern diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation. The modern diet, high in refined sugars and processed foods, is believed to contribute to this inflammatory state.

Research into the role of inflammation in chronic disease is extensive.

Caveats and Considerations:

•  While the evolutionary mismatch theory offers a compelling explanation, it's crucial to acknowledge the complexity of modern diseases. Genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and individual variations also play significant roles.

•  It's not feasible or desirable to completely revert to a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. However, we can adopt principles from our ancestral past to improve our health.

•  Modern medicine has made incredible advances, and has massively increased human lifespan. It is important to use these advances, while also trying to live a healthy lifestyle.

•  It is critical to be aware of the fact that ancient humans died from causes that modern humans are protected from, such as infectious diseases, and trauma.

Finding a Balance:

The key lies in finding a balance between modern convenience and our evolutionary needs. This involves:

•  Prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods.

•  Engaging in regular physical activity.

•  Managing stress and prioritizing sleep.

•  Spending time in nature.

•  Being aware of the impact of processed food on our bodies.

By understanding our evolutionary past, we can make informed choices to create a healthier future. While we may not be able to fully escape the consequences of civilization, we can certainly mitigate them by embracing a lifestyle that aligns more closely with our biological needs.

Dr.Adarsh Thaikkadath

BAMS,MD(Ayu)

Kerala,India