Dieting is about correcting mismatches
Evolutionary mismatch
Today, I would like to think about dieting from an evolutionary perspective.
“How has humanity evolved until now?”
Questioning oneself is an important element in problem-solving thinking, and when it comes to dieting, such questions should serve as a guide in an age where information is a mixture of gems and stones.
To use an analogy, it acts as a lighthouse guiding a ship, or a headlight illuminating a dark mountain path while climbing.
Based on the “theory of evolution” proposed by Darwin, combined with the essence of the latest medicine, it is called “evolutionary medicine” = “Darwinian medicine”.
This theory of Darwinian medicine serves as a guide for dieting.
The evolution of our human race takes an enormous amount of time and proceeds incredibly slowly.
The foundation of modern humanity was formed about 6.8 to 7 million years ago, and for about 6 million years, we continued a hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
And, about 10,000 to 20,000 years ago, we finally transitioned from the Stone Age to an agricultural lifestyle.
Imagine a hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
You align your life rhythm with the movement of the sun, chase prey in nature, and hunt in teams with your companions.
And, between hunts or at night, you share meals with your usual companions, talking and deepening your bonds.
Throughout the long history of evolution, the human brain and body have been crafted to perform at their best in such an environment.
American biologist Daniel Lieberman mentions the concept of the “evolutionary mismatch hypothesis” in his book, 'The Story of the Human Body'.
In short, an evolutionary mismatch is when humanity “obtains undesirable results by progressing in a good direction”.
Originally, natural evolution proceeds slowly over time.
The explosive development of civilization in the last few decades has pushed humanity forward at an incredible pace incomparable to the past, but it does not seem to be compatible with slow evolution.
As a price for this, we cannot overlook the fact that the number of people suffering from various physical ailments, such as obesity and associated diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and mental illnesses like depression, has been increasing steadily along with the explosive progress of civilization.
He says we should recognize that we are all in the middle of a grand experiment right now.
I believe that while enjoying the progress of civilization, the ability to raise health literacy and correct modern mismatches associated with evolution is something that will be even more required in the future.
A wellness framework
Therefore, the framework proposed by the aforementioned Daniel Lieberman seems useful for that correction.
Lieberman captures the patterns of mismatch in three frameworks.
◎ Too much
Things that were scarce in ancient times but are too abundant in modern times
[Calorie intake, refined grains, alcohol, omega-6 fatty acids, salt, dairy products, saturated fatty acids, satiety, variety of meals, population density, sanitation facilities, life values]
◎ Too little
Things that were abundant in ancient times but are too scarce in modern times
[Aerobic exercise, exercise using muscles, sleep, hunger, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, contact with nature, contact with beneficial bacteria, sunlight intake, deep interpersonal communication, contribution to others]
◎ Too new
Things that did not exist in ancient times but appeared in modern times
[Processed foods, trans fatty acids, high-fructose corn syrup, pollution, artificial lighting, digital devices, internet, chronic stress, chemical substances, heavy metals, prescription drugs, antibiotics, loneliness, work pressure]
Reduce the “too much” and “too new” things lurking in your life, and actively increase the “too little” things.
Since it is impossible to complete everything, just by correcting these mismatches one by one as much as possible, your own “wellness framework” should be created.
Pursuing a wellness attitude also comes with the bonus of naturally achieving a diet as an option in the process.
For example, try reducing “too much” alcohol, salt, and satiety.
While you are at it, try increasing “too little” exercise, protein, and contact with nature.
And, try reducing the usage time of the “too new” internet.
Even just this will bring you closer to what is in line with human natural evolution from the perspective of evolutionary medicine.
Each of these actions will keep lifestyle-related diseases at bay, and if they overlap, they will become a very wellness framework.
If you have tried various diets but they didn't quite fit you and weren't reflected in the results, I recommend using this framework.
The secret to success is not to make dieting a temporary event, but to root it in your life, so if you get lost, return to this framework, and if you have the image of clearing them one by one while enjoying it with small steps and gamification, it should become easier to design your actions.