Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Okay, this is going to sound really silly. But I often get asked by my friends, "So, does this mean you don't brush your hair[except with a sprig of pine], and you won't use toothpaste to brush your teeth, and you aren't going to use shampoo and conditioner?" And they go on to ask if I'll EVEN TAKE showers, given that I don't have a spring or a lake to go bathe in.

They seem to be getting a little carried away with going paleo, but to appease them... Is there anyone out there who has cut out certain non-food/exercise ways of living as a result of being paleo? Of course, it doesn't have to be those mentioned above, but things such as topical treatments/drugs/clothing... Anything outside of the normal parameters of "Paleo". I could see, to some extent, people cutting out certain neolithic devices/customs to lead a more natural lifestyle, so I suppose their wonder is valid.

I want to have an actual answer for them, ha. I doubt it will be the last time I hear about it.

flag	asked Nov 11 2011 at 3:06 McKenzie 1,046●1●3●13

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Are any friends who ask you this stuff potential romantic interests? They are prob flirting with you. – Bread-Eating Beelzebub Nov 11 2011 at 3:32

Some people do eschew these things as noted below. But you can tell them that "paleo" (or evolutionary biology) is just something that helps to inform your choices about diet and health. In other words, "It's not re-enactment." (Although for some, it is.) – Dave S. Nov 11 2011 at 17:29

I miss high school...nah not really. – JayJay Nov 11 2011 at 19:08

Renee · Answer 1 · 2011-11-11 03:30:24Z UTC

Paleo isn't about not following the current standards of health and hygiene and style, so yes I still shave and brush my teeth. But, to me, Paleo IS about making conscious efforts to educate ourselves about the products we use and ingest, and and to choose those the least harmful to us and to the planet. I'm thinking more about where things are made, whether their packaging is recyclable, whether they were produced in ethical conditions, and whether they are good for me. There are some things I'm using less often, like my microwave and my Teflon pans, which I will probably eventually get rid of altogether. And I'm finding that simple, natural one-ingredient products (i.e. vinegar and hot water for my floors, or oil of oregano for a cold) work just as well if not better than the chemical-laden mass-market products.

I'm still clinging hard to the crackberry, though.

Jos · Answer 2 · 2011-11-11 03:28:02Z UTC

I actually been shampoo free for about 2 months (only using baking soda and apple cider vinegar) and also recently I caught a little cold (sore throat but gone now) but instead reaching to take Tylenol or anything like that, I drank freshly squeezed lemon mixed with warm water (no honey or any kind of sweetener) and drank lots of water and got lots of sleep.

Nance · Answer 3 · 2011-11-11 03:34:03Z UTC

I still use shampoo, but no more than once every 3-4 weeks. In between, I just give my hair a good rinse with water and brush it well at night.

I haven't used commercial deodorant for months; I mix coconut oil and baking soda into a thick paste.

I wash my dishes by hand and carry my laundry 100 yds to the laundromat instead of using my truck. I don't use toothpaste very often, although I dry brush thoroughly every day.

I don't use my microwave much any more and I've switched my dogs from kibble and canned to kibble and raw.

Lutfisk · Answer 4 · 2011-11-11 03:45:00Z UTC

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your friends are stupid.

answered Nov 11 2011 at 3:45

Lutfisk
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Lol, not nice. I think they are somewhat joking. – McKenzie Nov 11 2011 at 5:27

Knarf · Answer 5 · 2011-11-11 04:09:49Z UTC

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No soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, or toothpaste for me. Basically, no personal care products. Just some baking soda and water sometimes, an abrasive brush, and a comb in the shower (for my head). I usually just make stuff that I need. Saves me loads of money per month. Now...to find a paper towel replacement...

answered Nov 11 2011 at 4:09

Knarf
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rags! admittedly I do a lot of laundry between the kitchen rags, the cloth diapers, the "family cloth". – Dunnie Nov 11 2011 at 4:14

Same here. I don't like all the man made chemicals in the stuff. – Aaron Curl Nov 11 2011 at 4:38

wildthing · Answer 6 · 2011-11-11 05:24:23Z UTC

I drive four hours to a health food store to stock up on gluten free shampoo and hair conditioner. I do not use soap..its just chemicals. I use lemon water, baking soda and vinegar to clean things. I use organic coconut oil on my skin. I do use a toothpaste but it is free of Fluoride and glass. I do not use antiperspirant, I use a deodorant from the health food store. Who needs to flood their body with aluminum? I am so allergic to chemicals and colorings, I can't even breathe perfume because it has yellow #5 in most of it. My doctor finally said...do not put anything on your skin that you cannot eat.

Non-paleo peer confusion

6 Answers