PRAISE FOR THE PALEOVEDIC DIET “Integrative medicine expert Dr. Akil Palanisamy makes both timeless knowledge and leading-edge research accessible in this groundbreaking and timely book. The Paleovedic Diet is rich with useful information on such diverse issues as gluten sensitivity, the human microbiome, detoxification in modern times and the rise of autoimmune disease. The Paleovedic Diet is a must-read for anyone serious about achieving optimal health and vitality.” —Andrew Weil, MD, world-renowned integrative medicine physician and bestselling author “The Paleovedic Diet represents the best of integrative medicine, combining ancient wisdom with modern science and functional medicine to create a definitive roadmap to health. In an engaging and easy to read style, Dr. Akil presents the most up-to-date, evidence-based health information available today. He sheds light on topics such as optimal nutrition, the 100 trillion bacteria that make up your microbiome, the best way to exercise, and powerful detox practices. He reveals the hidden healing powers of spices and shows you how to use Ayurveda to customize a diet that’s best for you. The Paleovedic Diet can help you lose weight, increase energy, and reverse disease.” —Mark Hyman, MD, eight-time #1 New York Times–bestselling author and functional medicine expert “Dr. Akil deftly weaves the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda together with the principles of a nutrient-dense, Paleolithic diet to create a practical, individualized approach to wellness. If you’ve been looking for a way of eating and living that is tailored especially for your body and mind, this book is for you.” —Chris Kresser, LAc, New York Times–bestselling author of The Paleo Cure “An impressively powerful intersection between East, West, and Ancestral Health. The Paleovedic Diet gives you a comprehensive guide to optimal health that integrates time-tested recommendations from ancient cultures along with the hard modern science that backs up their efficacy. Every page is chock full of invaluable, evidence-based guidelines on how to individualize your health plan for success. It’s a truly impressive collection of information.” —Mark Sisson, New York Times–bestselling author of The Primal Blueprint “In The Paleovedic Diet, Dr. Akil integrates his extensive clinical experience, the latest scientific research, and the most effective aspects of the Paleo diet with Ayurveda, the time-tested traditional medical system of India. He has created an enlightening, customizable, and easily actionable roadmap to optimal health that will open your eyes. The Paleovedic Diet has changed my approach to healthy living—and it’ll change yours, too.” —Michelle Tam, New York Times–bestselling author of Nom Nom Paleo: Food For Humans “The Paleovedic Diet is a powerful synthesis of the healing wisdom of a thousand years of ancient medicine and the precision and clear thinking of the best of scientific method. In elegant and easily accessible language, Dr. Akil Palanisamy makes available to us a wealth of previously unknown information about ourselves and the resolution of our most common problems. It is impossible to read this book without finding something in it that will heal you. A brilliant contribution to the health of every one of us.” —Rachel Naomi Remen, MD, New York Times–bestselling author of Kitchen Table Wisdom and My Grandfather’s Blessings “If you have been increasingly confused about what to eat, this is the book for you! Dr. Akil provides a sage and easy to follow middle way that blends the best of medical science with the wisdom of ancestral traditions.” —Victoria Maizes, MD, Executive Director, Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine “Dr. Akil has beautifully blended the ancient, timeless wisdom of Ayurveda and Ayurvedic principles of healing with the light of modern medicine, integrated so that anyone can use it for his or her total healing.” —Vasant Lad, BAMS, internationally recognized Ayurvedic physician, author of Ayurveda: Science of Self-Healing To my beloved wife, Aiswarya, and my beautiful daughter, Alisha—you have brought so much light, joy, and love into my life. You are everything to me. TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD INTRODUCTION MY STORY—WHEN MY BODY FAILED ME PART ONE—Fuel Your Body Optimally 1 Hunter-Gatherers and Blue Zones 2 Carbs, Grains, and Gluten 3 All about Fats and Protein 4 The Unknown Superfoods—Maximizing Nutrient Density 5 Heal the Gut—Heal the Body 6 Your Ayurvedic Body Type—The Key to Customization 7 The Kitchen Pharmacy—Twelve Powerful Healing Spices PART TWO—Exercise, Sleep, and the Mind-Body-Spirit Balance 8 Your Daily Routine—Ayurvedic Tips and Intermittent Fasting 9 The Five Secrets of Optimal Exercise 10 Improve Your Sleep 11 The Mind Controls the Body: Stress-Reduction and Spirituality PART THREE—Detoxify to Reach the Next Level of Health 12 Reducing Your Exposure to Toxins 13 The Paleovedic Detox 14 How to Stay Healthy—Avoiding Common Pitfalls Using Foods and Supplements 15 Putting It All Together—Your Customized Food Plan Appendix A Menu Plan for the Paleovedic Detox by Sharon Meyer Appendix B Paleovedic Recipes by Sharon Meyer Acknowledgments Notes Index DISCLAIMER This book is intended to provide information for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition or illness. It is not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment prescribed by a health-care professional. If you suspect that you have a medical problem, consult a licensed health-care provider to diagnose and treat your condition. Any use of vitamins, herbs, or any nutritional supplements should be under the supervision of a trained practitioner. The author and publisher specifically disclaim any liability or loss, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence of the application of any of the contents of this book. Mention of specific companies or organizations in this book does not imply endorsement by the author or publisher. FOREWORD “What’s right for me?” It’s a question I hear all the time. Personalizing the vast health information out there to find out what’s best for you has been a challenge until now. The Paleovedic Diet provides the solution. Dr. Akil Palanisamy has integrated the latest medical research with powerful ancient wisdom to help you create a customized diet and lifestyle plan. The Paleovedic Diet contains much of interest to a broad spectrum of people, ranging from Paleo aficionados to serious biohackers to innocent newbies— indeed to anyone who is really serious about optimizing his or her health. This book can help you to lose weight, boost your energy and vitality, and begin to reverse any health challenges you might be facing. “Dr. Akil” does the heavy lifting for you by reviewing and summarizing the scientific literature. There is no other physician in the world more qualified than Dr. Akil to give you accurate and reliable health information, based on his extensive experience treating thousands of complex patients. This captivating book will take you on a whirlwind journey through a wide range of fascinating topics. In Part One, The Paleovedic Diet spotlights health- promoting secrets of long-lived societies and traditional cultures. Dr. Akil addresses every major question you might have about nutrition and dispels myths about grains and gluten, protein, good and bad fats, and exactly which fruits and vegetables to eat. He reviews the latest research about the microbiome and tells you how to optimize this vitally important but neglected human organ. He includes an impressive evidence-based review of spices, which are an incredible source of nutrients, phytochemicals, and other healing compounds that those in the Paleo world should take advantage of. Part Two of the book covers all other important aspects of health besides nutrition. Ayurveda, which could seem esoteric, is explained in clear and practical terms to help you to understand your biochemical individuality and develop a personalized diet and lifestyle program that’s right for you. Dr. Akil also discusses the importance of a daily routine, intermittent fasting, physical activity, optimal sleep, stress reduction, and balance of your mind-body connection. In Part Three, Dr. Akil addresses a topic that is often overlooked in the Paleo realm: detoxification. He reviews startling research about the role of environmental toxins and strategies for reducing these toxins. He has created a powerful three-week detoxification protocol called The Paleovedic Detox, which can jumpstart your digestion, improve your elimination of toxins and pollutants, and help you heal from illness. You don’t have to settle for feeling bad, just getting by, or blaming your issues on getting old. You don’t have to settle for anything less than perfect health. The Paleovedic Diet empowers you with the information and tools to take charge of your health and thrive. This user-friendly program has the potential to change many lives for the better, especially yours. The invitation is open—start feeling better today! —Robb Wolf, New York Times–bestselling author of The Paleo Solution