Traditional Foods Are Your Best Medicine

1. Traditional foods are the cornerstone of optimal health and longevity

"Life in all its fullness is Mother Nature obeyed."

Nature knows best. Traditional cultures around the world developed diets that provided optimal nutrition for health, longevity, and resistance to disease. These diets were based on whole, unprocessed foods that were locally available and prepared using time-honored methods. The wisdom of these traditional food practices has been largely forgotten in modern society, leading to a host of health problems.

Key elements of traditional diets:

• Emphasis on nutrient-dense animal foods (organ meats, seafood, raw dairy)
• Abundant use of fresh, raw plant foods
• Proper preparation techniques to maximize nutrient availability
• Seasonal eating patterns aligned with local food sources
• Incorporation of fermented foods for gut health

By returning to these principles, many modern health issues can be prevented or reversed. The human body has evolved to thrive on these traditional foods, and our genes still expect this type of nutrition for optimal function.

2. Native diets prioritize nutrient-dense animal foods and raw plant foods

"Every native tribe we have studied has its catalog of special foods on which it relies for superior physical excellence."

Sacred foods. Native cultures around the world placed great importance on certain animal foods, often considering them sacred. These foods were typically rich in fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are crucial for optimal health and development. Raw plant foods were also highly valued for their enzyme content and bioavailable nutrients.

Examples of prized traditional foods:

• Organ meats, especially liver
• Fish eggs and other seafood
• Raw dairy from grass-fed animals
• Bone broths and marrow
• Fermented foods
• Sprouted grains and seeds
• Wild plants and herbs

These nutrient-dense foods were often reserved for pregnant women, growing children, and those in need of healing. By prioritizing these foods, native cultures were able to maintain excellent health and produce robust offspring generation after generation.

3. The decline of food quality in modern agriculture has led to widespread health issues

"The burden of achieving competence as a physician rests with the individual. Practicing medicine is an art; teachers only point the way."

Food as medicine. The industrialization of agriculture and food production has led to a dramatic decline in the nutritional quality of our food supply. Modern farming practices, including the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and genetic modification, have depleted soils and produced foods that are often nutritionally inferior to their traditional counterparts.

Factors contributing to declining food quality:

• Overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
• Genetic modification of crops
• Factory farming of animals
• Overprocessing and refining of foods
• Long-distance transportation and storage

This decline in food quality has coincided with a rise in chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Many physicians and researchers now recognize that returning to a diet based on traditional, whole foods is essential for reversing these health trends.

4. Fat-soluble vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in disease prevention

"Price's evidence indicates the occurrence of such genetic conditions is profoundly influenced by the parents' nutrition and could be almost entirely prevented if their nutrition prior to pregnancy, and the woman's during pregnancy, was optimal."

Nutritional wisdom. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and minerals are essential for numerous bodily functions, including proper growth, immune function, and disease prevention. Traditional diets were rich in these nutrients, often containing 10 times the amount found in modern diets. This abundance of fat-soluble nutrients helped protect against dental decay, chronic diseases, and birth defects.

Key sources of fat-soluble nutrients:

• Organ meats, especially liver
• Fatty fish and fish oils
• Grass-fed dairy products
• Egg yolks from pastured chickens
• Cod liver oil

Modern diets often lack these crucial nutrients, contributing to a host of health problems. Incorporating traditional foods rich in fat-soluble vitamins and minerals can help prevent and reverse many common health issues.

5. Raw foods provide unique enzymes and nutrients essential for health

"Enzymes are in every living cell; as catalysts, they speed up the biochemical processes of life."

Living nutrition. Raw foods contain enzymes and other heat-sensitive nutrients that are often destroyed by cooking. These enzymes aid in digestion and provide numerous health benefits. Traditional diets included a significant portion of raw foods, including raw animal products, which provided these crucial enzymes and nutrients.

Benefits of raw foods:

• Enhanced digestion and nutrient absorption
• Improved immune function
• Increased energy levels
• Better skin health
• Reduced inflammation

While not all foods need to be consumed raw, incorporating a variety of raw foods into the diet can significantly improve overall health. Raw dairy, fermented foods, and lightly cooked meats and seafood are excellent sources of enzymes and other heat-sensitive nutrients.

6. Fish and seafood are vital sources of omega-3 fatty acids and other key nutrients

"The more fish, the less heart disease: A Twenty-Year Study"

Ocean's bounty. Fish and seafood are among the most nutrient-dense foods available, providing high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and a host of vitamins and minerals. Traditional coastal cultures relied heavily on these foods and enjoyed exceptional health as a result. Modern research has confirmed the numerous health benefits of regular fish consumption.

Key benefits of fish and seafood:

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)
• High-quality protein source
• Abundant in vitamins D and B12
• Excellent source of iodine and selenium
• Low in saturated fat

Regular consumption of fish, particularly fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease, improved brain function, and better overall health. Incorporating a variety of seafood into the diet can provide a wide range of essential nutrients.

7. Proper food preparation and selection are key to maximizing nutritional benefits

"The body needs whole foods—foods in the natural state, as nature provides them—in order to function well."

Traditional wisdom. Traditional cultures developed sophisticated methods of food preparation to maximize nutritional benefits and minimize anti-nutrients. These techniques included soaking and sprouting grains, fermenting dairy and vegetables, and properly cooking or preserving meats and fish. By following these time-honored practices, we can significantly improve the nutritional value of our food.

Key food preparation techniques:

• Soaking and sprouting grains and legumes
• Fermentation of dairy and vegetables
• Bone broth preparation
• Proper cooking methods for meats and fish
• Raw food consumption when appropriate

Additionally, selecting high-quality, nutrient-dense foods is crucial. Grass-fed and pasture-raised animal products, organic produce, and wild-caught seafood are generally superior to their conventionally produced counterparts.

8. The modern food industry often prioritizes profit over health

"Food is big business. The interest groups profiting from the food business have deliberately made it difficult to eat simply and naturally; traditionally produced milk, cheese, and butter are hard to find."

Follow the money. The industrialization of food production has led to a system that often prioritizes profit and efficiency over nutritional quality and consumer health. Many modern food products are highly processed, containing artificial additives, preservatives, and refined ingredients that provide little nutritional value.

Issues with the modern food industry:

• Overuse of pesticides and chemical fertilizers
• Factory farming practices
• Genetic modification of crops
• Excessive food processing and refining
• Misleading marketing and labeling

Consumers must be aware of these issues and make informed choices about their food. Supporting local farmers, choosing organic and sustainably produced foods, and preparing meals at home using whole ingredients can help counteract the negative effects of the industrial food system.

9. Returning to traditional food wisdom can reverse many modern health problems

"Though people may appear jovial despite poor health, this is often a mask used in attempting to hide underlying unhappiness or denial that there is a problem."

Healing through food. Many chronic health conditions that plague modern society, including heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders, can be prevented or reversed by returning to a diet based on traditional foods. This approach focuses on nutrient-dense whole foods, proper food preparation techniques, and a balanced intake of macronutrients.

Key principles for reversing health problems:

• Eliminate processed and refined foods
• Incorporate nutrient-dense animal foods
• Increase consumption of raw and fermented foods
• Balance omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid intake
• Address individual nutritional deficiencies

By adopting these principles, many people have experienced significant improvements in their health, including weight loss, improved energy levels, and resolution of chronic health issues.

10. A balanced approach to diet considers individual needs and ancestral patterns

"Developing one's own philosophy of natural living can only come with attempts to live by principles judged reasonable."

Personal adaptation. While traditional diets provide an excellent framework for optimal nutrition, it's important to recognize that individual needs may vary based on genetics, health status, and personal preferences. A balanced approach to diet takes into account ancestral eating patterns while allowing for individual adaptation.

Factors to consider in personal diet:

• Genetic background and ancestral eating patterns
• Current health status and specific nutritional needs
• Food allergies or sensitivities
• Personal taste preferences and cultural background
• Availability of high-quality, local foods

By experimenting with different traditional foods and preparation methods, individuals can develop a personalized approach to nutrition that supports optimal health and well-being. Regular self-assessment and adjustment of dietary habits can help ensure ongoing health and vitality.

Last updated: May 6, 2025