Hormones Archives - The Paleo Network

Posts

Serotonin & The Paleo Diet

We have probably all heard the word serotonin, but usually in relation to going to the gym or doing another form of exercise. It is true to say that exercise boots serotonin levels in the brain, which is why we feel better after a workout, even if it was a bit of a struggle to get there. Serotonin is what is often referred to as the feel good transmitter as it plays a huge part in how happy we feel and if the levels of serotonin in our brain are too low, it can often lead to depression.

Depression is the result of an imbalance of hormones and exists when the neurological system is not functioning as it should be. There are many people who also believe that depression is related to inflammation in the body, which can also cause other illnesses. There is a strong relation between the body and the mind, which is why we need to take care of our bodies, in order to feel balanced and happy in the mind.

Depression can really take over a persons’ life and stop them enjoying important stages of their lives. It is a type of mental illness which can cause the sufferer to become suppressed and even stop going out completely. There are many people who turn to their doctors when they feel themselves becoming depressed and the answer is often a bottle of anti-depressants. These may help in the short term but they can be addictive, so much so that the user may not be able to come off them. It is important to realise the connection between body and mind and take care of our diets as a way of ensuring we don’t suffer from depression.

As the Paleo diet involves eating the right balance of foods which reduce inflammation and lift serotonin levels, it can be hugely effective in combating an illness such as depression. A diet which is rich in Omega 3 is thought to be a way of reducing and fighting depression as it contains lots of anti-oxidants which help us to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The oil in fish is a natural method of combating depression and can be found in lots of tasty foods such as salmon, tuna and seafood.

It is important to eat foods which reduce inflammation in the body as this is thought to increase our chances of suffering from mental illnesses such as depression. The Paleo diet is a way to achieve this by stocking up on vegetables, fruit and fish and staying away from candy and crisps. Inflammation is not only significant in the effects on the brain but it can also increase the likelihood of suffering from other serious illnesses such as cancer and diabetes.

Foods which contain high levels of protein can also be beneficial in lifting our moods, as they contain amino acids which are known to improve our neurotransmitters. The proper functioning of the neurotransmitters is the way to maintain a healthy mind and as a result, a healthy body.

In order to raise our serotonin levels and ensure we feel healthier from the inside to the outside, we need to look at the natural way of achieving this, rather than reaching for tablets. A healthy diet, together with a combination of exercise, can go a long way to helping us to feel healthier and happier for the rest of our lives. We can change our diet to incorporate healthier food groups, such as meat, fish, vegetables and fruit, at any stage of our lives and it will still have a huge effect on our health.

It is not a case of depriving yourself when following the Paleo diet; it is a method of eating lots of all of the right foods which are natural enhancers of serotonin levels, as well as helping us to achieve a healthy weight. Food plays a huge part in our lives and as such, it is essential to get it right.

7 signs deficient vitamin d sunshine paleo network

7 Signs You’re Deficient in Vitamin D

3 Comments

Do you get enough Vitamin D? Luckily we seem to be coming out of the sun-fearing era slightly, but even so, with so many of us in office jobs, it can be really hard to get enough vitamin D.

Whilst some foods are fortified with vitamin D, they aren't natural whole foods-and even so, the amount they provide is tiny compared to the levels you can get naturally, from the sun.

There’s no substitute for getting regular blood tests to find out exactly where your vitamin D levels are sitting, but did you know certain symptoms may indicate a deficiency?

How’s your mood?

Sunlight boosts serotonin levels, which are associated with our mood. If you’re feeling inexplicably blue, vitamin D is definitely worth investigating.

You have darker skin

The darker your skin, the more sun exposure you’ll need to get sufficient vitamin D levels. This means if you have darker skin and live further from the equator – or spend a lot of time indoors, you’re more likely to be deficient

You’re in pain

If you have bone or muscle pain, this could also point to low vitamin D levels. In fact, most muscle weakness appears to be linked to low levels of vitamin D.

You’re tired

If you’re generally feeling fatigued, this could be because you don’t have enough of the vitamin D required for its role in energy production.

Respiratory issues

Another potential symptom is chronic respiratory problems such as asthma – it’s been observed that higher vitamin D levels can decrease the severity of asthma attacks.

You’re overweight

Being overweight means you need move vitamin D in your system, since its fat soluble – whilst decreased levels also make it harder to lose weight.

You get every infection and bug going around

Vitamin D plays an important role in your immune system – so if you’re catching one thing after another, get those levels checked!

Getting Vitamin D Naturally: Smart Sun Exposure

The best and most efficient way to get vitamin D is through direct sun exposure on bare skin. But how much is enough? That depends on a few factors — your skin tone, location, time of year, and how much skin you expose. In Australia, spending around 10 to 20 minutes in the sun between 10am and 3pm (depending on the season and your location) can be sufficient for many people. However, in winter months or for those living in the southern states, more time may be needed to maintain adequate levels.

It’s important to find a balance between safe sun exposure and avoiding overexposure. Brief, frequent periods in the sun are generally safer and more beneficial than occasional long sunbathing sessions. Aim to expose areas like your arms, legs, or back without sunscreen for a short time, then apply protection if you're going to be outdoors longer.

Why Supplementation May Be Necessary

For many of us, especially those working indoors, living in urban environments or with darker skin tones, regular sun exposure isn’t always possible. In these cases, vitamin D supplements can be a useful tool. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is the most effective form for supplementation, and it’s often recommended to take it with a fat-containing meal to improve absorption, as it’s a fat-soluble vitamin.

The dosage varies depending on your current levels, but many health practitioners suggest 1000 to 5000 IU per day as a general maintenance dose for adults. However, a blood test is the only way to know your baseline and the correct dose you may need. Too much vitamin D can be toxic, so it's important to supplement mindfully and under professional guidance.

Food Sources of Vitamin D

While food won’t give you enough vitamin D to rely on exclusively, it can still help you top up your levels. Natural food sources include:

Oily fish: Salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herring are among the richest sources.
Egg yolks: Free-range eggs have higher levels of vitamin D than caged varieties.
Beef liver: Not for everyone’s taste, but a traditional nutrient powerhouse.
Mushrooms: Specifically UV-exposed varieties like portobello or shiitake can provide some vitamin D2.

These foods can complement your sun exposure or supplementation, but most won’t provide sufficient levels on their own, particularly in winter or during periods of limited sunlight.

The Link Between Vitamin D and Hormonal Health

Vitamin D plays a key role in hormone regulation, particularly in supporting reproductive and thyroid health. In women, low levels have been linked to PMS, PCOS, and even fertility issues. For men, vitamin D is essential for testosterone production and overall hormonal balance. A deficiency can contribute to mood instability, fatigue, and reduced libido in both sexes.

As many people on a paleo diet focus on rebalancing their hormones through real food and lifestyle changes, optimising vitamin D is a critical piece of the puzzle. Ensuring adequate levels helps stabilise mood, supports adrenal function, and enhances resilience to stress.

Vitamin D and Bone Density

Most people associate calcium with bone strength, but vitamin D is just as important — if not more so. Without enough vitamin D, your body struggles to absorb calcium from food. This means even if you’re consuming plenty of bone broth, leafy greens and sardines, you may not be benefiting fully if your vitamin D status is low.

In older adults, low vitamin D levels are associated with increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. For younger people, ensuring adequate levels helps lay the foundation for strong bones later in life. If you follow a dairy-free paleo diet, monitoring your vitamin D becomes even more crucial for maintaining skeletal health.

Children and Vitamin D Deficiency

Children need vitamin D for proper growth, immune support and bone development. In Australia, where the slip, slop, slap campaign has successfully raised awareness about sun safety, many children now get very little unfiltered sun exposure. This has led to a resurgence of rickets in some areas — a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency resulting in soft, weak bones.

If you’re raising your kids on a paleo lifestyle, make sure they get some time in the sun each day. Encouraging outdoor play not only boosts vitamin D but also supports mental health, physical fitness and sleep. In cases where sun exposure is limited, a child-specific vitamin D supplement may be recommended by your healthcare provider.

When to Get Your Levels Checked

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned earlier — from fatigue to frequent illness or mood swings — a simple blood test for 25-hydroxyvitamin D can give you answers. The ideal range varies by practitioner, but most integrative and functional medicine experts suggest levels between 75 to 120 nmol/L for optimal health (higher than the minimum reference range used in conventional medicine).

In Australia, you may need to request this test specifically from your GP, and it may not always be bulk billed, depending on your symptoms or medical history. Regardless, it’s a worthwhile investment if you suspect your vitamin D levels are suboptimal — especially heading into winter.

Final Thoughts on Vitamin D and Paleo Living

For those living a paleo lifestyle, vitamin D is one of the few nutrients that can’t be reliably obtained from food alone. It’s essential for immunity, mental wellbeing, hormonal balance, bone health, and energy levels. With so many people spending their days inside under artificial light, it's not surprising that deficiency is common — even here in sun-blessed Australia.

Whether it’s stepping outside for some midday sunshine, including wild-caught oily fish in your weekly menu, or taking a high-quality supplement after checking your blood levels, taking action to maintain healthy vitamin D levels will support every aspect of your health and wellbeing.

When was the last time you made a conscious effort to get some sun? It might just be the missing link in your wellness routine.

When did you last get your levels checked? Were you deficient?

Are You Suffering From Adrenal Fatigue?

6 Comments

Tired, washed out and exhausted, even when you had enough sleep? Feeling tired, weak and incapable of doing things? Could you be suffering from adrenal fatigue?

What are the adrenals?

The adrenals are like two caps on top of the kidneys which play a key role in the endocrine (hormonal) system. They produce more than 50 different hormones, such as adrenaline (epinephrine), noradrenaline, cortisol, progesterone and testosterone. These hormones are involved in energy production, water-salt balance, blood pressure, metabolism, heartbeat, liver function, the immune system, blood sugar level, fat storage and dealing with stress.

When we’re under stress, the adrenals should react by releasing adrenalin and noradrenalin to cope with physical danger, typically called the ‘fight or flight’-reaction. Whenever the ‘danger’ is gone, the adrenals make sure that the hormone levels are back to normal. Cortisol is produced in this situation and the release of DHEA is suppose to ‘un-stress’ the body.

And, who isn't faced with stress these days? Work, family, pressure from friends and our eating pattern put us under constant stress. This stress on the mental, physical and emotional levels, ensure that the adrenals are constantly overloaded with the amount of hormones they have to release. When these processes are prolonged, the adrenals can become exhausted; adrenal fatigue. We start to feel tired and are not able to cope with whatever comes our way any more.

Symptoms of adrenal fatigue

Because the adrenals play such an important role in the endocrine system, the symptoms of adrenal fatigue are expressed in various forms. This long list makes it more than clear that the right balance of hormones is crucial to us.

Appetite for salt
Hypoglycemia
Dizziness
Sleeping disorders
Inflammations
Headache
Unstable blood sugar
Excessive thirst and urge to urinate
Swellings
Hemorrhoids
Varicose veins
Bad digestion
Heart disorders
Asthma
Infections
Behavioral and memory problems
Allergies
Hyperpigmentation

Some other symptoms are

Mood swings
Irritation
Low energy level
Depression
Painful body parts
Low blood pressure
Anxiety attacks
And many more…

What to do if you're suffering from adrenal fatigue?

Change your nutrition! When you have adrenal fatigue, the time you eat becomes very important. You need to keep the cortisol in your blood at the right level. If you don’t have the right amount of cortisol in your blood, it’s hard for your body to keep the right glucose levels. The result of this could be hypoglycemia.

People with exhausted adrenals often tend to choose the foods and drinks which give them energy at the expense of the adrenals, such as fast food, soft drinks and coffee. The fats in fast food are the wrong fats, the carbohydrates are often refined and the nutritional value is low. This way they withhold their body of the nutrients it needs more than ever, to function and recover. And this will make the adrenals more and more exhausted.

Eat immediately when you get up, to refuel your body. This is not the time for intermittent fasting.

Eat a strict Paleo diet, with enough protein, healthy fats, unrefined carbohydrates, vegetables and enough fruits. You may choose to experiment with increasing your carbohydrate intake in the form of things like pumpkin and sweet potato.

Stress is a huge factor, with sufferers of adrenal fatigue simply trying to do it all. When trying to heal, it’s really important to reduce stress, and take time out to meditate and relax.

Have you suffered from adrenal fatigue? What helped you to heal? Please share your stories and tips in the comments below, and help someone out!

Practical Daily Strategies for Supporting Your Adrenals

Once you suspect adrenal fatigue, or you’re actively recovering from it, your daily routine becomes critically important. By building intentional practices into your day, you can support your adrenals and gradually restore your energy levels. The Paleo lifestyle is a fantastic starting point, but it often needs to be fine-tuned for those dealing with adrenal dysfunction.

Prioritise Consistency in Meals

Instead of focusing solely on what you eat, it’s also crucial to be mindful of when and how you eat. Don’t skip meals, and avoid long gaps without food. Eating every 3–4 hours can help regulate blood sugar and support cortisol rhythm. Your meals should always include a source of protein, a healthy fat, and a portion of slow-digesting carbohydrates, like sweet potato or butternut squash. These choices help to nourish your body steadily throughout the day.

Start the Day Right

Unlike those with strong adrenal function who may thrive on intermittent fasting or coffee first thing in the morning, those with adrenal fatigue typically need to eat within 30 minutes of waking up. Choose a nourishing breakfast such as eggs with sautéed spinach and pumpkin, or a bowl of slow-cooked lamb with roast vegetables. Avoid caffeine in the first hour of waking; this gives your natural cortisol levels a chance to rise as they’re meant to.

Move Gently and Purposefully

Exercise is often touted as the ultimate stress-reliever—but for those with adrenal fatigue, too much intensity can backfire. Ditch the HIIT workouts, long-distance running and overtraining. Opt instead for gentle walks in nature, restorative yoga, stretching, or short bodyweight workouts. Once your energy stabilises, you can slowly build back to more intense forms of movement if desired.

Manage Your Exposure to Stress

Modern life is full of chronic, low-level stressors—from the blare of devices to looming work deadlines and family obligations. While we can’t eliminate stress entirely, we can actively manage it. Prioritise sleep by keeping a strict bedtime routine and limiting screen time in the evening. Try deep breathing exercises, journaling, or guided meditations to shift your nervous system into a state of rest and repair. Even 10 minutes a day can make a meaningful difference over time.

Adaptogens and Natural Support

Some people turn to adaptogens—herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola, or licorice root—to help modulate stress response and support adrenal function. These herbs may offer gentle support, especially when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes. However, always speak to a practitioner before introducing supplements, especially if you’re on medication or have pre-existing conditions.

The Role of Sleep

Sleep is perhaps the most important—and underrated—component of healing adrenal fatigue. Aim for at least 8–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. If you struggle with falling or staying asleep, make your bedroom a sanctuary: darken the room completely, keep it cool, avoid screens before bed, and try magnesium or a calming herbal tea in the evening.

Track and Reflect

Adrenal fatigue recovery is not always linear. Some days will feel better than others. Keeping a journal of your energy levels, food intake, sleep, and stressors can help identify patterns and guide your progress. You may start to see that you’re consistently more fatigued after a certain activity or meal—this information is gold when it comes to fine-tuning your recovery plan.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your fatigue persists despite lifestyle changes, it may be time to consult a functional medicine practitioner or naturopath who can run specific tests (like salivary cortisol or DUTCH testing) to evaluate your hormone levels. They can also help uncover any underlying causes such as thyroid imbalances, gut infections, or nutrient deficiencies that might be contributing to your exhaustion.

You’re Not Alone

Finally, it’s worth remembering that adrenal fatigue—while frustrating—is common, especially among busy adults trying to juggle work, family, and health. The more we speak about it, the more we can support one another on the path to recovery. Sharing your story might just help someone else recognise their own symptoms and start the healing process.

Have you made any changes that helped you regain your energy? Do you follow a specific Paleo plan for adrenal support? Add your experience in the comments – your journey could inspire someone else to take their first step toward wellness.

Estrogen & The Paleo Diet

6 Comments

When people mention estrogen they are more often than not referring to estradiol which is the major form of oestrogen in both men and premenopausal women. Today we will talk about estradiol which is the hormone that has the most wide-ranging effects on both women and men.

What is estrogen?

It’s actually a catch-all type term for a number of chemicals with similar functions and shapes such as estradiol (E2) or estrone (E3). During a female's reproductive years her estradiol levels are higher than other estrogens. During menopause however these estradiol levels decrease with the bulk of the woman’s estrogen content coming from E3 and E1. This is important as it is the E2 that the woman’s ovaries pump out and this is what has the biggest effect on her reproducing years – sending fat stores to the hips and thighs rather than to the abdomen. It is the decrease in E2 during menopause that leads to an increase of abdominal fat.

Estrogen is also responsible for maturing the female sex organs and the growth of the uterus. In males while testosterone is responsible for the male reproductive organs estrogens inhibits the death of cells in sperm cells.

Estrogen actually inhibits growth and has been used effectively to stop girls growing too tall. It is also a major part of bone development for males and females and can lead to poor bone density as women age as they become unable to produce normal amounts of estrogen. Estrogen replacement therapy usually assists and rectifies the bone density problem.

Women suffering from clinical depression have been found to produce less estrogen – but more testosterone, than normal with estrogen replacement therapy helping their condition. Men who suffer from depression actually produce far more estrogen than normal. Women also have an increase in function of their atherosclerotic arteries which could help explain the increase in heart conditions in pre-menopausal women.

Estrogen has reduced the formation of amyloid plaque that occurs in the brain of Alzheimer patients. In as many as 80% of breast cancer cases estrogen receptor sites rely on estrogen for fuel, with a rather common treatment for this type of breast cancer being to suppress the production of estrogen. Research has shown that males who received high levels of estrogen whilst in the womb are at greater risk of developing prostate and testicular cancer as adults.

Estrogen is very useful and can reduce strength and lean muscle mass while still promoting body fat accumulation with estrogen-dominant males often being obese and under-muscled. It is the large dose of estrogen that throws off the delicate hormonal balance and cause problems. While stunting a Child's growth might sound negative when you first hear about it, unchecked growth can have terrible consequences for the Child's health.

Both males and females need and produce estrogen for a reason as it has some very important uses within the human body. The problems lie in the unnatural amounts of the hormone within the body . Estrogen is essential for both women and men but imbalances – especially in post-menopausal women and in men can lead to muscle loss and fat gain.

Have you had your levels tested? If you've had an imbalance, please share your experience in the comments below – you never know who you might help out!

How Modern Diets Influence Estrogen Levels

Modern Western diets, with their high levels of processed foods, sugar, and industrial seed oils, have a disruptive effect on hormone production, including estrogen. Excessive sugar intake, for example, can spike insulin, which in turn influences oestrogen levels by increasing aromatase – the enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. This contributes to estrogen dominance, a condition increasingly common in both men and women.

Unlike highly processed diets, a Paleo approach focuses on whole, nutrient-dense foods that help regulate hormonal balance naturally. With balanced blood sugar, steady insulin levels, and reduced toxic exposure, your body is far better equipped to maintain optimal levels of estrogen and other vital hormones.

Environmental Estrogen Mimics

Another concern tied to hormone imbalance is the intake of xenoestrogens – chemical compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. These are found in pesticides, plastics (like BPA), cosmetics, and non-organic animal products. Although they aren’t biologically identical to human estrogen, they can still bind to estrogen receptors and cause havoc.

Following a Paleo lifestyle helps reduce your exposure to xenoestrogens. Prioritising organic produce, grass-fed meats, and natural personal care products can significantly reduce the load of synthetic estrogens on your system.

Paleo Foods That Support Healthy Estrogen Levels

Certain foods can naturally assist the body in metabolising and balancing estrogen levels. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale are rich in indole-3-carbinol, a compound that supports the liver’s ability to metabolise excess estrogen. The liver plays a key role in detoxifying hormones, and the nutrients in these vegetables directly assist that process.

Fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi promote gut health, which is also crucial in hormone regulation. The gut microbiome affects the reabsorption and excretion of estrogen. A healthy gut flora ensures that your body doesn’t recycle excess hormones, which could otherwise be reabsorbed and lead to imbalances.

Healthy fats like those from avocado, nuts, olive oil, and oily fish support hormone production as well. Hormones like estrogen are built from cholesterol and healthy fats, so removing fat entirely from the diet – as some mainstream diets suggest – can be counterproductive.

Exercise and Lifestyle: Key Components

Diet isn’t the only piece of the puzzle. Lifestyle factors like exercise and stress management play huge roles in regulating estrogen. High-intensity exercise can help lower estrogen dominance by promoting fat loss – especially from the abdominal region, where excess estrogen is often stored and produced.

Equally important is reducing chronic stress. Elevated cortisol (the stress hormone) can interfere with the balance of sex hormones, leading to increased estrogen in men and reduced progesterone in women. Simple changes like getting better sleep, meditating, walking in nature, and unplugging from devices can support a healthier hormonal environment overall.

Post-Menopausal Estrogen Balance

After menopause, estrogen levels naturally decline, and the source of estrogen shifts largely to fat cells and the adrenal glands. Maintaining a healthy body composition and supporting adrenal health become even more important. Paleo's anti-inflammatory approach, full of nutrient-rich, unprocessed foods, can be highly beneficial for post-menopausal women looking to stabilise their hormonal landscape without resorting to synthetic hormone therapies.

Supplements such as magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids also support hormonal health and are often helpful during this stage of life. However, food should always be the foundation, with supplementation only where necessary.

Men and Estrogen: The Other Side of the Coin

Although estrogen is often associated with female health, it's vital for men as well. Estrogen in men supports brain function, libido, and bone health – but too much of it can lead to issues such as gynecomastia (male breast development), low testosterone, and abdominal weight gain.

Poor diet, excess alcohol, and high exposure to plastics are all culprits. Fortunately, adopting a Paleo framework – minimising processed foods, alcohol, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals – can go a long way in restoring hormonal balance for men.

Putting It All Together

Estrogen isn’t inherently “bad” – it’s essential. The real issue is imbalance, especially in today’s environment where so many factors conspire to push hormone levels out of their natural rhythm. By adopting a Paleo lifestyle, you support the body’s natural ability to regulate hormones by feeding it whole foods, reducing toxins, and living in alignment with how humans evolved to function.

If you suspect you might be dealing with estrogen dominance or imbalance, speak with a qualified healthcare provider who understands the interplay between diet, lifestyle, and hormones. Getting the right tests, such as saliva or Dutch hormone panels, can give you clear insights into what’s really going on.

Ultimately, balancing estrogen is not about quick fixes or drastic hormone therapy – it’s about supporting your body consistently with the right inputs. And a well-structured Paleo diet provides exactly that.

Curing Cancer With Sugar?

9 Comments

I’ve seen two examples of cancer charities fundraising by selling sweets, chocolates and cakes, just in the last three days. It makes me so cross – and makes me realise how far we've yet to go in terms of nutritional understanding.

From what I understand there seem to be significant links between cancer and sugar. Apparently cancer cells require far more glucose than normal cells to grow, and studies indicate depriving cells of glucose can be effective in killing cancerous cells. Restricting calories, such as through intermittent fasting, also appears to be effective in starving cancer cells. Sugar also appears to have a role to play in inflammation, oxidation and the cellular damage from which cancer originates. I've also been reading a lot about the hormone IGF 1, present in milk which appears to elevate hormone levels and may increase the risk of ovarian, prostate and testicular cancers.

So why then are charities trying to cure cancer encouraging people to consume more calories and to consume these calories through processed, dairy rich, sugar-laden products?

Whilst environmental factors clearly are a factor in many cancers, I believe by having a good nutritional base (i.e. a Paleo diet being rich in anti-inflammatory foods, with a good omega 3/ omega 6 ratio and no processed or toxin containing foods) and a good lifestyle, cancer is far less likely.

Another factor that seems prevalent in some cancers is chronic stress. Whilst in our ancestral history stress used to be severe, but short-lived (threat of attack for example), chronic, long-term stress is now common-place. Many examples of chronic stress seem to be in the workplace – exactly the places the cancer charities are using to sell these products! I’d also speculate that it’s stressed workers who are more likely to want the brief satisfaction of chocolates and sweets – exactly the people who shouldn't have them!

Am I missing something, or is there something seriously wrong about trying to cure cancer with sugar?

Understanding the Sugar and Cancer Connection

The irony of selling sugar to raise money for cancer research is hard to ignore. As more scientific evidence links sugar intake to cancer progression, it seems fundamentally contradictory to promote sugary treats as a means of supporting a cure. It not only sends a confusing message but may actually undermine public health in the long run. This paradox deserves greater attention, especially as nutritional literacy grows.

Glucose, a simple sugar, is the preferred fuel source for all cells in the body, including cancer cells. However, cancerous cells are metabolically different from healthy cells. They tend to rely far more heavily on glucose for their rapid growth and survival. This phenomenon is known as the Warburg effect, where cancer cells consume glucose at a much higher rate than normal cells, even in the presence of oxygen.

Does Sugar Feed Cancer?

It’s overly simplistic to say that sugar causes cancer, but there is growing evidence to suggest that high-sugar diets may contribute to its progression. Chronic consumption of sugar-rich foods can lead to obesity, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation—all of which are recognised risk factors for cancer. Elevated blood glucose and insulin levels may also fuel the growth of existing tumours, making dietary sugar a potential accelerant in cancer progression.

Some researchers believe that insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), both elevated by high-sugar diets, can promote cell proliferation and suppress apoptosis (cell death), enabling cancerous cells to survive and multiply unchecked. This is one reason low-sugar and low-carbohydrate dietary protocols are now being studied as potential adjunct therapies for cancer patients.

The Paleo Diet as a Cancer-Preventative Lifestyle

While no diet can guarantee immunity from cancer, the Paleo approach is rich in nutrients that may support the body in preventing chronic disease. It eliminates processed sugars, grains, and dairy—three common dietary elements linked to systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. By focusing on whole, unprocessed foods with a low glycaemic load, the Paleo diet helps to regulate blood sugar levels and may reduce the internal environment that allows cancer cells to thrive.

Vegetables: Packed with fibre, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that help protect cells from oxidative damage.
Healthy fats: Sourced from avocados, nuts, seeds, and wild-caught fish, these fats support hormone balance and reduce inflammation.
High-quality proteins: Grass-fed meats and pasture-raised poultry are rich in essential amino acids and free from added hormones or antibiotics.
Low in sugar: With no refined sugar and minimal natural sweeteners, the Paleo diet keeps blood glucose levels stable.

Additionally, the anti-inflammatory nature of the Paleo diet may help to reduce the chronic inflammation thought to be a root cause of many cancers. Omega-3-rich foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds are known to help balance pro-inflammatory omega-6 fats often consumed in excess in modern diets.

Fasting, Ketosis, and Cancer Metabolism

Emerging research is also exploring how intermittent fasting and ketogenic diets may play a role in cancer prevention or support. When glucose availability is reduced—such as during fasting or carbohydrate restriction—the body begins producing ketones from fat. Unlike normal cells, many cancer cells are metabolically inflexible and cannot efficiently use ketones as fuel, which may inhibit their growth.

Combining a Paleo approach with elements of intermittent fasting may therefore offer a dual benefit: improved metabolic health and a less hospitable environment for cancer cells.

Why Are Cancer Charities Promoting Sugar?

The short answer may be: tradition, convenience, and fundraising effectiveness. Bake sales and chocolate drives are familiar, easy to organise, and tend to raise money quickly. But they also perpetuate the normalisation of sugary foods, particularly in settings like offices and schools—where stress and poor eating habits often collide.

By encouraging sugary indulgence in the name of charity, well-intentioned organisations may be sending the wrong message. It undermines public health education and could even contribute to the same diseases they seek to cure. The disconnect between medical science and fundraising methods is stark and long overdue for reform.

What Should Fundraising Look Like Instead?

Imagine a world where cancer charities promoted whole food lunches, sugar-free smoothie stalls, or mindfulness and stress-reduction workshops instead of cupcakes and lolly bags. These healthier alternatives may not be as instantly gratifying, but they offer far more meaningful alignment with the long-term goal: reducing the incidence and severity of cancer.

Even activities like charity walks, yoga sessions, or outdoor group fitness classes could shift the fundraising culture towards health-supportive experiences that educate and uplift, rather than fuel the problem. There’s no reason we can’t fund the cure while also promoting the prevention.

The Role of Chronic Stress in Cancer Development

It’s worth remembering that sugar isn’t the only modern culprit. Chronic stress is another significant contributor to immune dysfunction and inflammation. Cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, can disrupt hormonal balance and suppress immune surveillance—both of which are critical in catching and destroying early cancer cells.

And where does stress often live? In the workplace. The same places where chocolates are sold at desks in support of a cure are often environments marked by high cortisol, poor sleep, and nutritional shortcuts. Supporting wellness in these environments requires more than a morning tea fundraiser—it demands a shift in values.

A More Integrated Approach to Cancer Awareness

In an era where lifestyle diseases are on the rise, it makes sense for cancer awareness efforts to adopt a more integrative perspective. This includes promoting clean eating, emotional resilience, physical activity, environmental toxin reduction, and adequate sleep. A Paleo-inspired lifestyle naturally addresses many of these pillars by removing processed food, reintroducing natural movement, and encouraging time spent outdoors and in rest.

Of course, no one is suggesting that dietary change alone is a magic cure. Cancer is complex and multifactorial. But acknowledging that lifestyle plays a major role in prevention and progression is vital—and that message needs to be echoed not only in scientific literature but in how we educate, fundraise, and support one another.

Rethinking the Message We Send

We can’t claim to be serious about curing cancer while simultaneously promoting behaviours that increase the risk of developing it. Education, community leadership, and conscious consumer choices must go hand in hand. Promoting a lifestyle that lowers inflammation, regulates blood sugar, and reduces exposure to toxins should be as high a priority as any research grant.

The conversation around cancer needs to evolve—and that starts with small actions, like questioning why sugar remains central to so many awareness campaigns. If we’re truly aiming for prevention and cure, it’s time to align our actions with our goals.

What do you think about sugar-based fundraising for cancer? Have you seen more holistic or health-positive initiatives in your community? Let us know in the comments below—every conversation brings us closer to a better solution.

Is milk paleo dairy primal lacto cheese-min

Dairy and Paleo

8 Comments

Dairy is one Paleo area I've been thinking about a lot recently. A lot of people follow a strict Paleo diet, and include dairy, known as a lacto-Paleo diet. Dairy is also the main difference between a Primal and a Paleo diet (Primal includes modest amounts of high quality dairy).

Prior to my trip to the AHS in August, my diet was a lot closer to Primal than it was Paleo. Pedro Bastos gave an excellent lecture at the AHS on Dairy, Hormones & Human Health, which was quite an eye opener for me.

When I got back, I started the Whole30 which meant excluding dairy for 30 days. I used to drink lots of tea everyday, with milk (I am English after all) – but luckily I got over this in America, as tea just didn't seem to be as common place over there. I also used to have a fair amount of yoghurt and cheese, which I also gave up. I expected to be counting down the days when I could resume my dairy habit, but it just didn't happen.

Since August I haven’t had any milk, but I have had cheese a couple of times and yoghurt once. And the strangest thing? I just don’t miss it at all. I now enjoy drinking lots of different types of tea without milk, or hot water with a slice of lime. I'm not really sure how I’d include milk again now! I do like the taste of cheese and yoghurt, but I just don’t feel the need to include them in my diet. Since I've gone stricter Paleo, I've been feeling fantastic. My skin, sleep, mood, focus and general well being– everything has improved. I should probably reintroduce dairy to identify exactly the effect it has on me – but given that I don’t miss it, I’d rather just continue to avoid it.

I'm often asked how I can possibly get enough calcium without dairy. I eat a good amount of dark green leafy vegetables, which are a great source of calcium. From what I have read calcium balance is far more important than calcium intake. When eating a diet high in acid-producing foods, such as the standard western diet, the kidney balances the acid load using the alkaline calcium salts from the bones. As I don’t eat any processed food or grains and have a good balance of alkaline and acid foods in my diet, I have a good calcium balance – and therefore a lower calcium intake is not a problem.

Taking an evolutionary standpoint, obviously milk would not have been drunk until relatively recently, as ruminants weren't domesticated, so certainly wouldn't have been milked. The purpose of milk is to nourish the offspring of the mother and enable it to grow – when you consider we are the only animal to eat another animals milk, it does seem a little odd?

One of the main arguments against dairy is IGF-1 (insulin like growth factor 1). IGF-1 is increased by the cow’s growth hormones, which cause the cow to produce more milk. IGF-1 is believed to promote cancer by increasing cell division and multiplying of cancer cells. Commercial dairy cows are kept in gestation (by being artificially inseminated) almost constantly to ensure they produce milk. They are milked ten out of 12 months – whereas a more natural milking pattern would involve only milking during early pregnancy. It’s obviously in the interests of the dairy producers to do this, as they want to produce as much milk as possible. The further into the pregnancy the more growth hormones are contained in the milk (as clearly the purpose of the milk is to support a growing calf).

For me, the jury is still out. However, if I do decide to consume dairy again, I’ll go out of my way to find raw milk – I don’t think I could ever be happy with any commercial, pasteurised milk as I feel far to removed from the process and will never really know what is in it – and the condition of the cow(s) it came from.

Where Dairy Fits into a Modern Paleo Lifestyle

Since stepping away from dairy, many people on a Paleo journey report similar findings: clearer skin, better digestion, and increased energy levels. But the decision to eliminate or reintroduce dairy should be informed by your own body's response, personal preferences, and your goals for health and nutrition.

Reintroducing Dairy: What to Consider

If you're thinking about adding dairy back into your Paleo diet, consider a structured reintroduction. Start with small portions of high-quality fermented dairy, like kefir or organic yoghurt, and observe any reactions over 2–3 days. This approach allows you to isolate potential sensitivities, such as bloating, fatigue, or skin breakouts.

Fermented vs. Pasteurised Dairy

Not all dairy is equal. Fermented dairy products are often easier to digest, thanks to beneficial bacteria that help break down lactose. Traditional options like kefir, raw cheeses, and natural yoghurt may be better tolerated by those with minor dairy sensitivities. Pasteurised dairy, by contrast, often lacks these helpful bacteria and enzymes, making it more difficult to digest.

Raw Milk and Ethical Sourcing

For those who tolerate dairy, raw milk from ethically raised, grass-fed animals may be the most Paleo-aligned option. Though difficult to source in Australia, raw milk retains all its natural enzymes, which can assist with digestion. It also comes without the denatured proteins and nutrients that pasteurisation can cause. If you do explore raw dairy, ensure it’s from a trusted, transparent source.

The Nutrient Trade-Off

Dairy is rich in calcium, phosphorus, fat-soluble vitamins (like A and D), and high-quality proteins. For those who can digest it well, it can be a nutrient-dense addition to a balanced diet. However, these same nutrients are available from other Paleo-friendly sources such as bone broth, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, oily fish, and offal—making dairy non-essential for nutrient sufficiency.

Understanding Dairy Intolerance

Many people with dairy intolerance struggle with lactose (the milk sugar), casein (a milk protein), or both. Symptoms can range from digestive discomfort to skin inflammation and joint pain. If you notice these symptoms after consuming dairy—even in small amounts—it may be best to exclude it entirely or only consume fermented varieties like aged cheese or kefir, which have lower lactose levels.

Why Some Paleo Followers Choose Lacto-Paleo

The lacto-Paleo variation includes dairy, but only when it comes from good sources and is well tolerated. Advocates of this approach argue that dairy can provide beneficial fats and proteins, especially in active individuals or those aiming to gain lean mass. For others, the choice is cultural or culinary—cheese and yoghurt may have long been staples of their traditional diet.

Can You Be Paleo and Still Enjoy Cheese?

Yes—if your body allows it. Hard, aged cheeses often have minimal lactose and are better tolerated by many. Look for cheese made from grass-fed animals and avoid processed varieties that include additives and preservatives. Goat and sheep milk cheeses are also worth considering, as they’re often easier to digest than cow’s milk products.

Is Butter Paleo?

Butter is often the exception to the no-dairy rule for many Paleo followers. Ghee (clarified butter) is typically well tolerated even by those with lactose or casein intolerance, as both are removed during processing. Ghee offers a rich source of healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins and is perfect for high-heat cooking.

Creating a Dairy Strategy That Works for You

Ultimately, the choice to include dairy in your Paleo lifestyle is personal. Some feel fantastic on a strict dairy-free protocol, while others thrive with occasional high-quality dairy. Listen to your body, monitor your reactions, and don’t be afraid to tweak your approach as your lifestyle, goals, and health evolve.

What to Do if You're Craving Dairy

If you miss creamy textures or tangy flavours, there are plenty of dairy-free Paleo substitutes. Coconut yoghurt, almond milk, cashew cheese, and macadamia nut creams can all recreate the mouthfeel of dairy without the potential downsides. These options are also suitable for those who follow an autoimmune Paleo (AIP) protocol or strict elimination diets.

The Bottom Line

Dairy is one of the most debated topics in the Paleo community. Whether you choose to exclude it entirely, include only fermented or raw versions, or adopt a flexible lacto-Paleo approach—what matters most is how it makes you feel. Experiment, stay curious, and make choices that support your long-term health and wellbeing.

What do you think about dairy? Do you feel better of worse including dairy in your diet, or leaving it out? I'd love to hear your views!

Tag Archive for: Hormones