Avoid Processed Sugars

Reduce industrial sugars and refined grains to promote human and enironmental vitality.

A sweet tooth is an evolutionary adaptation: our ancient ancestors were reliant upon sugar-rich fruits for energy and fat storage, giving us a habitual hankering for sweetness. We modern humans, however, tend to consume much more sugar in the form of high fructose corn syrup that typically comes packaged with oils and additives that can be harmful in combination.

Refined grains didn't exist for our ancestors, and grain-based chips, breads, and pastas can overwhelm our capacity to sustain balanced blood sugar levels. Over time, this may contribute to dysbiosis in the gut and inflammation that can lead to impaired blood flow, damage to the kidney’s filtration system, increased risk of heart attack, joint pain, and even chronic depression. 

When searching for sweetness, opt for naturally occurring sugars in fruits and fruit juices. Seek out raw honey (local, of course!), maple syrup, blackstrap molasses, or coconut sugar. Try dates in fat bombs and mangos in smoothies. Provision your pantry with health-promoting foods.

GMO Wheat

To enhance production yields, genetically engineered wheat has magnified the damaging effects of plant proteins like gliadin and wheat germ agglutinin (a natural pesticide), exacerbating the effects of antinutrients and rancid oils in refined flours. Seek out organic wheat that has been long-fermented into sourdough.

Environmental Impacts

The production of any grain requires monocultures that displace biodiverse habitats, drain limited freshwater supplies, and contribute to erosion and topsoil loss. Each year, the soil in which the grains are grown contain fewer nutrients, slowly robbing health from future generations of terrestrial life. Additionally, most grains are used to fatten animals for human consumption. Animal feedlot practices may be stressful and concentrate manure into pollutants. The high omega-6 fatty acids from a grain-based diet accumulate in people who eat those animals, contributing to chronic disease.