8
Genetic Syndromes & Eating Disorders
Treatment
Paleolithic Diet
Paleolithic nutritional intervention is based upon a diet pattern
presumed to exist during the Paleolithic period (lasting 3.4 million
years and ending 6000-2000 BC). It differs from some other diets in
that it excludes grains, dairy, and ultra-processed foods.
Encouraged Discouraged
• Fresh vegetables, f ruits, and root
vegetables
• Grass-fed lean red meats
• Fish/seafood
• Eggs
• Nuts and seeds
• Healthful oils (olive, walnut, flaxseed,
macadamia, avocado, and coconut)
Avoid:
• Cereal grains
• Legumes, including peanuts
• Dairy products
• Potatoes
• Ultra-processed foods
• Ref ined sugar, ref ined vegetable
oils, and salt
Vegetarian Diet
a
A vegetarian nutritional intervention includes a meal plan consisting
of foods that come mostly from plants.
Encouraged Discouraged
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Seeds
• Nuts
• May include eggs
and milk
• Fowl
• Fish
• Beef
• Pork
• Lamb
Vegetarian Diet Variants
• Vegan ("Total Vegetarian"): Only plant-based foods (e.g., f ruits, vegetables,
legumes, grains, seeds, and nuts) with no animal proteins or animal by-
products, such as eggs, milk, or honey
• Lacto-vegetarian: Plant foods plus some or all dairy products (e.g., cheese)
• Lacto-ovo Vegetarian (or Ovo-lactovegetarian): Plant foods, dairy
products, and eggs
• Semi or Partial Vegetarian: Plant foods and may include chicken or f ish,
dairy products, and eggs, but not red meat
• Pescatarian: Plant foods and seafood
• Flexitarian: Mostly plant-based foods (minimally processed), with
occasional f ish, meat, and animal products in moderation
a
Plant-based nutritional intake is generally associated with weight loss, reduced risk of heart disease
(including heart failure), and beneficial effects on metabolic diseases, some cancers, and possibly all
cause mortality. However, these potential benefits may be negated when more healthful plant-based
whole foods (i.e., with natural fiber and nutrients) are replaced by ultra-processed foods, fried foods,
and refined carbohydrates. Vegetarian diets may also result in deficiencies of micronutrients such as
vitamin B12, which may require monitoring and replacement when appropriate.