10 Ways Your Body Will Change When Adapting to a Paleo Lifestyle

In the last 100 years, humans have become increasingly sick, dealing with a growing list of health issues such as inflammation, heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes.

From the days of hunting and gathering food, growing grains and domesticating animals, to being exposed to an endless array of highly-processed foods with synthetic additives and chemicals, the human body has begun to fail, unable to tolerate and digest starchy and sugary foods. 

Sticking to foods that are available in your own environment, will allow your bodies to thrive, becoming stronger, leaner and less likely to battle modern-day health concerns.

Here are 10 ways your body will change when adapting a paleo lifestyle:

1. Build muscle and lose weight

When you fill your plate with protein and fats, you feel full and satisfied without having to eat too much. You’re also meeting your body’s nutritional needs when sticking to paleo-friendly foods, so you’ll feel energized, your fat or energy stores will be used and you’ll notice that cravings diminish or disappear completely.

2. Improve digestion

Paleo foods will help in healing the gut and it will support the regrowth of healthy, digestion-aiding bacteria. Foods like leafy greens, bone broth and fermented foods will reduce inflammation, relieve gassiness, and aid digestion—as opposed to refined carbs and sugary foods that lead to stalled digestion and bloating.

3. Regulate hormones

Our hormone levels affect so many aspects of our health, including our weight, metabolism, sex drive, skin health, mood, energy levels, fertility and ability to sleep. Because the paleo diet includes more nutrient-dense foods, it helps the body to balance hormone levels naturally. A paleo lifestyle also helps to eliminate toxins in your body, which can alter hormone levels.

4. Reduce inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s attempt at self-protection and it’s triggered by processed foods and environmental toxins. It can lead to many health conditions, including arthritis, swollen and stiff joints, fatigue and muscular pain. By sticking to seafood rich in omega-3s and raw vegetables, nuts and seeds, you are reducing inflammation, which can wreak havoc on the body.

5. Build stronger bones

Nutrient-dense foods like grass-fed beef, bone broth, wild-caught fish, leafy greens and vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower help to build stronger bones. By eating paleo foods, you are getting plenty of vitamin K, calcium and magnesium in your diet, which are all vital for bone health.

6. Increase energy levels

You don’t have to deal with blood sugar spikes and dips when you stick to low glycemic carbs and good quality fats. Processed foods lead to feelings of sluggishness and fatigue, while organic protein provides the body with B vitamins and iron, helping to boost your energy levels and physical endurance.

7. Improve skin health

Often times, eliminating inflammatory foods and crowding in nutrient-dense meat, veggies and probiotic foods can help to clear up acne and other skin conditions. A paleo lifestyle eliminates triggers that may lead to breakouts, such as dairy, gluten or even chemicals from processed foods and cosmetics. Paleo also includes foods that are high in vitamins A, E and zinc – all contributing to skin health.

8. Boost hair health

Dry, brittle hair can often be the result of a nutrient deficiency. By eating paleo foods, you are boosting your zinc, iron and biotin intake, which may lead to thicker and shinier hair. An iron deficiency may even be the cause of hair loss, so adding grass-fed meat to your diet can result in hair growth.

9. Grow stronger nails

Just like hair is affected by a nutrient deficiency, your nail health can also be a sign that something is missing in your diet. To improve the quality of your nails, crowd in biotin-rich foods like eggs, salmon, liver and avocado. Biotin will help your nails to grow longer and stronger.

10. Reduce symptoms of a wheat or gluten intolerance

It is estimated that 80 percent of people suffering from celiac disease in Western countries have not been diagnosed, and wheat and gluten sensitivities continue to rise. Eliminating wheat and gluten from your diet can relieve health issues that you thought were normal, like bloating, fatigue, menstrual irregularities, skin conditions, bone loss and headaches.

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