Comments on: Why It’s Quiet Around Here

By: Richard Nikoley

Richard Nikoley — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:42:08 +0000

Since that incident I have had almost zero problems this season. I
suppose the lesson is that when this happens, get away from the source.

By: dmkendig

dmkendig — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:07:52 +0000

Just stumbled onto this old(er) post of yours. I've had a similar experience when it comes to springtime allergies, namely they've kicked my butt ever since high school (I'm 25 now). Had the scratch tests too (aren't those fun) and found numerous trees and pets to be on my list of things to 'avoid.' However, since going low-carb (1-2 years) but now Paleo/Primal (6 months?!?) I've noticed these allergies have almost disappeared, moreso since going Paleo. I went from at one time being recommended for weekly/monthly allergy shots to now like you using an antihistamine occassionally/as needed.

Anyway what caught my eye was the 'relapse' you had with allergies and your comments. I too occassionally have allergic relapses, mostly when visiting my parents and their cat. I've found two things. First, If I had eaten some/a bunch of sugar or typical SAD food that weekend (unfortunately this happens occassionally when I go home to a house filled with food vices from my childhood) then the allergies were much more likely to occur...an interesting n=1 observation. The second is right on with what you mentioned...if I go back home and have with me clothes that I had taken or worn while home my allergies tend to continue until I throw that whole mess in the washer. Just wanted you to know my observations were right on with yours.

Sorry for the long comment and thanks for a great blog...I always look forward to reading it.

By: Richard Nikoley

Richard Nikoley — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:01:18 +0000

Absolutely. This is why low-carb diets often fail. I'm sure there have been failures with people eating paleo, but I don't think I've yet to hear of them.

I myself went on Atkins at least 6 times and failed each time.

By: AndrewS

AndrewS — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:30:19 +0000

Hunter-gatherer diets weren't necessarily low-carb, so saying "Low Carb" doesn't really capture it.

It's not a neolithic diet; it's chosen specifically to match our evolutionary heritage.

I'd suggest calling it "paleo", with a lowercase p. I'm leaning that way, now.

By: Dawson

Dawson — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:24:27 +0000

Thanks for the reply! I think the movement definitely needs some common terminology. Keep up the good work!

By: Richard Nikoley

Richard Nikoley — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:40:35 +0000

I agree, Dawson. I typically call it _a_ Paleo diet, or Paleo-like diet. I never call it "The Paleo Diet," for that very reason. Mark Sisson uses "Primal," and De Vany, "Evolutionary Fitness or EvFit.

I've toyed with an actual name that's completely different, but for now "Paleo or Paleo-like fits the bill.

By: Dawson

Dawson — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:28:36 +0000

Love the blog. A question. Why do you call the way you eat a Paleo diet? I've noticed that on many occasions you evince the benefits of fat(including sat fats)in the diet, and since Dr Cordain advocates low fat eating(for obvious political correctness reasons not evolutionary ones – which goes against his premise) it begs the question: why call it the Paleo diet? I won't discount the importance of the work Dr Cordain has done with his book (though there where others who made the evo/food connection much earlier) but I feel that strictly adhering to the Paleo diet as he outline would be missing a many parts of the puzzle from our ancestors diet(s)(how the hell does he think we survived the last few ice ages, on lean meat??). Is it just that the term is so fitting and catchy?

By: Richard Nikoley

Richard Nikoley — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 07:10:15 +0000

Yes. Last year I had nothing at all, first time ever. I may have had a normal sneeze, now and then, but that's it. This time there was just too much, but it has passed, now.

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 07:03:10 +0000

I used to get pretty significant seasonal allergies that would start the first day we open all the windows in the house, and would run through July if I didn't get going on nasonex or the like. I used to get mild wheezing whenever I had a significant cough. Went low carb / mostly wheat free 6 months ago, and I never wheezed once during my 3 weeks with a cough this January, and so far no allergies this year! Have you noticed any changes of this nature since you started your health improvements?

By: Joe Matasic

Joe Matasic — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 06:22:00 +0000

Love Dr. Bronner's Peppermint. Use it as my soap and shampoo. The tingle is nice. I take it backpacking and wash up after a number of days in the woods. Really nice then.