Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Hello fellow PH'ers

Stats : 6'1 190lbs Athletic 10%BF Very Active

I've been following a Paleo diet for over a year now and have experimented with different macro-nutrient ratios. It seems that my body runs better on a medium fat intake (40-50% cal intake). I've noticed however that the type of fat I consume has a different effect on my digestion. I've read the literature about saturated fat and understand it's role in the paleo diet.

When I first started paleo, I was still in the mindset that saturated fat was bad and followed a diet similar to Cordain's Paleo Diet for Athletes. I would stick to lean proteins (chicken breast, sardines, lean steaks) and would obtain most of my fats from olive oil, nuts and seeds, fish oil, eggs and a little butter. (fat ratio still at 40-50% and 25% carb 25% protein)

In the last 6 months I've tried to reduce my PUFA intake and increase my saturated fat intake. I've kept the fat ratio the same and eliminated nuts and seeds, olive oil and replaced them with fatty cuts of meat from pasture raised animals, coconut oil and ghee.

I've always had a difficult time digesting saturated fat and feel nauseous after consuming large amounts. My digestive system seems to prefer a meal consisting of a chicken breast and avocado than ground beef and veggies. I feel more sluggish and tired when eating this way.

Without changing my calorie intake or macro nutrient ratios I've also put on weight.

Any thoughts or comments are appreciated. Has anyone had a similar experience?

flag	asked Apr 13 2012 at 14:55 Eric 1,054●1●3●16

e.istre91 · Accepted Answer · 2012-04-13 15:12:18Z UTC

How do you react to coconut oil exclusively? Considering that one is predominately medium chain triglycerides, it should be the least likely to cause you any problems. Most people who have trouble digesting saturated fats are not producing adequate bile salts to help digestion along. The MCT's do not need bile salts to be digested. Usually one could adapt quite readily to producing the bile salts necessary, however your body seems to have opposed that.

First, experiment with some coconut oil and see how you respond. This could help determine if its an issue of bile salts.

If that still causes you problems, I'd say go back to eating the way you were before. My opinion right now is that PUFA's from whole natural foods won't kill you, and can probably be just as healthy as SFA. Maybe mix it up when you feel the craving for some fatty beef. We should eat what makes us feel good and healthy, not what we are told will make us feel good and healthy :). I think how we feel is the best indicator of our health, if we are actually paying attention to it.

foreveryoung · Answer 2 · 2012-04-13 15:19:35Z UTC

I have experienced similar problems. I follow a diet very similar to Cordain's paleo diet for athletes and do better with lots of MUFA as opposed to saturated fatty acids. Feel way better with avocado, olive oil, mixed nuts, etc and leaner cuts of meat. I have no idea why this is though.

I follow a 40/30/30 macro split b/c I add in starch, fruit, and/or coconut water around workouts.

Digestion problems with Saturated Fats

2 Answers