The supposed diet we were designed for

[Unklejon]

Sorry this is my second comment on day one, but I have just read a comment about “man’s original diet”, which quotes a nutritionist as saying “ That a certain diet was closer to what we were designed for”. initially I would say science does not support the idea of divine design for our species. So I would prefer to stick with term evolved in my comments.

If we choose to go far enough back we originally evolved to photosynthesise sunlight. Fast forward several billion years past the primeval slime buffet and look at the evolution of the Simian's, they were by nature opportunistic feeders, taking what food they could get when they could get it. Preference based on availability and this is, at least to my mind, the basis of what we evolved to.

Diets based on beans, lentils etc would have only been available in areas where wild variants of these items would grow. Home erectus and Neanderthal were never great believers in 5 a day, more focused on getting any food in 5 days.

Even after the agrarian revolution local diet was surely still based on local availability. It was certainly much later in man’s evolutionary path that a mixed options diet became widely available and only when foodstuffs could be transported effectively. So whilst we rightly praise the “Mediterranean diet” we should note that the rest of the world who could not access such a diet certainly did not die out. So I think it would be fairer to say that human kind evolved to eat what was available. Only with greater choice, science and shared knowledge did we start to greater idea of what an ideal diet would look like. So let’s just eat a balanced diet based on what we need now and stop this apparently constant need to somehow justify it.

[Hidden]

Welcome Unklejon.

I haven't seen the comments to which you refer (so I cannot speak to those quotes).

However, I have:

- heard what my Hepatology Professor advised me during my last Consultation,

- studied guidance on the BLT website,

- endeavoured to learn the lessons available from the generosity of spirit and supportive kindness shared by the community of lived experience members here - who may be ahead of me on their liver disease severity management and healthcare journey (either as Patients or Carers).

- truly appreciated the support gained from this community. After all, not everyone is fortunate to have a good support network in the real World.

I personally value the collaborative style of this forum, which is experienced as quite distinct from the more traditional Social Media platforms beyond.

Therefore, here, I find we are fortunate to hold dear - a safe space - in which to explore our deep concerns / emotional management / self-care / the complexities of some of our multiple diagnoses / the frustration which may accompany our post code lottery of liver health pathway / share our knowledge on finding our safest navigable paths through the unknown vistas ahead.

I do my best; based upon the above combined sources of information.

Hoping you will derive benefit from this community. Best wishes on your NAFLD journey.

[Unklejon in reply to Hidden]

I hear you and appreciate your kind thoughts.

Whilst we can each support one another, we each finaly travel our own path in our own way. After a long life time of living with two incurable and often time debilitating mental health problems, yesterday after waiting about 20 months for an ultrasound scan, it took just 90 minutes from the scan finishing at the hospital and me getting a “See me” text from my GP. That in its self is scary given it can take four to six weeks to get an appointment here. As ever with my luck it came in at 5 on a Friday so no one to ask.

Given my my partner of 46 years left me 2 days before Christmas I have no one to talk to. My mental health conditions mean that if there is a space in my understanding my head fills it with the worst case scenarios. Also due to my MH conditions I am classified as a suicide risk, Therefore I am unsurprisingly scared witless at the moment. I have to deal in facts so when I saw the other contributor stating opinion as fact I was quite upset. Virtue signalling as I believe they call it nowadays is something I find dangerous around people who are lost and looking for answers.

Again thank you for the response, at least I know someone heard me and I am real.

[Breakfastbabe in reply to Unklejon]

I am so sorry to hear about your mental health issues and recent events in your life. I hope that the outcome of your ultrasound is positive news in that, even if there are issues they can be addressed.I found your post on diet interesting and it brought to mind a conversation between a Norwegian and a Spaniard I knew about the Mediterranean diet where the Norwegian said " It might be healthy but it doesn't grow in Norway and we are all still alive." Each person is individual and complex and what works for one won't work for another. I wish you all the best and hope that you can find some solace and support from this forum.

[BritishLiverTrust12 Moderator British Liver Trust in reply to Unklejon]

Hi Unklejon,

We are sorry to hear that you are finding things difficult at the moment. We would encourage you to speak to someone if you are struggling to cope or feel like you have no one to talk to.

We would encourage you to speak to your mental health team, or contact charities such as Mind and Samaritans who have helplines if you want to chat. Try not to worry about not knowing what to say, trained call handlers will be able to guide and support you.

The British Liver Trust also have a helpline if you have any liver related concerns. The helpline is open Monday 9am to 3pm and Tuesday to Friday 9am to 4pm on 0800 652 7330.

Take care,

British Liver Trust

[Kristian]

"Eat what you need". I think this is probably the best dietary advice I've ever seen. It pretty much covers all eventualities. You ever thought of writing a book? lol.

Our dietary needs are going to change through time and also individual circumstances. So, yeah, there isn't really a one fits all approach. Well there wasn't until now, lol - Eat what you need 😆😆.