"Our hunter-gatherer ancestors were healthy beasts due to adapting to their environment." 

In sync with nature, these ancestors practiced intermittent fasting, feasted abundantly after a hunt, especially on meat, and followed the sun's schedule, sleeping as it set and waking as it rose. 

Their diet? 

Entirely whole, natural, and complete foods, unmarred by modern factory processes like cooking in seed oils.

In the vast tapestry of human history, there was once a time when nature's rhythm dictated our lives. 

Every aspect of our modern environment influences our biology—sometimes for the better, but often for the worse. 

Sunlight, sleep, food, stress, attention, relationships, childbirth, raising children, education: all facets of our lives are shaped by our surroundings. 

A deeper look reveals that our current practices starkly contrast with our ancestors, illuminating the root of many health issues we face today.

Our modern environment, rife with conveniences and distractions, has distanced us from these ancestral practices. 

This deviation from our roots has led to various health and psychological problems and paved the way for industries like Big Pharma, Big Medical, and Big Food. 

These giants and numerous state-sponsored regulations often operate on a flawed status quo that perpetuates illness.

As we journey forward, let's delve into this mismatch and explore strategies to realign with our innate human nature, taking cues from our ancestors and correcting the modern "mismatch." 

Modern Human Challenges

As Robert M. Sapolsky wisely noted, "We live well enough to have the luxury of getting ourselves sick with purely social and psychological stress." 

Indeed, in the modern age, we are presented with an overwhelming number of options, opportunities, and choices. 

However, these conveniences come with challenges: heightened distractions, amplified stress, and escalating feelings of loneliness. 

The dark shadow of this modernity is evident in the rising rates of suicide, mental disorders, and drug abuse.

Our Ancestral Blueprint 

While our ancestors' lives were firmly rooted in their surroundings, today's environment often seems at odds with our innate human nature. 

This stark contrast has left many modern humans grappling with an environment that feels mismatched to their biological predispositions.

For instance, humans are naturally inclined to eat when food is available. In the ancestral environment, this was a survival advantage. 

But today, with food available at every corner, this same instinct can lead to overindulgence. 

By extending this analogy to other contemporary temptations like pornography, entertainment, and drugs, it becomes clear that we live in a world filled with traps that go against our instincts.

However, not everyone is succumbing. A small percentage, approximately 3-5% of the population, is thriving amidst these challenges. 

These folks harness technology to monitor habits, optimize physical health, and achieve goals. 

Their success can be encapsulated in a single term: CONTROL.

These individuals exert control over their diets, activities, and even their leisure time. 

Rather than succumbing to their primal urges, they've learned to manage them, realizing that control is the key to navigating the modern environment effectively.

While the environment might have changed, our primal urges remain the same. 

The solution to the modern human mismatch lies in adapting our behaviors and exerting control to better align with our environment. 

The more we understand our past, the clearer it becomes that our modern environment might be the root of many of the health challenges we face today. 

Our challenges extend beyond just food. 

The digital age brings with it:

• An overwhelming array of choices leads to stress
• Increased feelings of isolation and loneliness
• A rise in mental health issues and substance abuse

Yet, amidst this chaos, a handful of modern humans have found a way to thrive. 

The Wild Blueprint for Modern Well-being

As we journey through the 21st century, our modern lives present challenges that our ancestors could scarcely have imagined. 

Yet, we can forge a path to holistic well-being by returning to our roots and combining ancestral wisdom with modern insights. 

Here's a roadmap to help navigate this complex terrain.

Food Choices: From Ancestral Roots to Modern Adaptations

Our ancestors' diet directly reflected their environment and survival needs. 

They consumed what they could hunt or forage, often eating their catch raw or cooking it over an open flame. 

This diet was simple but highly nutritious, comprising:

• Whole animal foods: They didn't just consume the meat but valued the nutrient-dense organs and marrow, understanding the full range of nutrition an animal could provide.
• Natural foods: This category spanned berries, nuts, seeds, tubers, spices, herbs, and certain plants. These were gathered from the wild, ensuring they were organic and free from today's contaminants.
• Seafood: A valuable source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Wild fruits and plants: These were consumed seasonally and provided essential vitamins and minerals.

It's essential to note the foods they didn't eat, which starkly contrasts with many modern diets:

• Highly refined seed oils and other processed foods.
• Foods transported globally lose their freshness and vitality.
• Products formulated by food scientists are often laden with synthetic substances to enhance taste and addictiveness.
• Mass-produced grains, legumes, and hybridized modern fruits and vegetables

Modern Adaptation for Optimal Health

In today's world, while we can't fully replicate our ancestors' diet, we can make choices that align closer to their eating habits:

• Local Sourcing: Prioritize buying whole foods from local farmers. This not only supports local economies but also ensures fresher produce.
• Nose-to-Tail Approach: Embrace a holistic approach to animal consumption. By eating nose-to-tail, we can benefit from the full range of nutrients an animal provides.
• Wild-Caught Seafood: Opt for wild-caught seafood, ensuring it's free from contaminants commonly found in farm-raised variants.
• Diverse Plant Intake: Consume a colorful mix of plants, seeds, and nuts. Diversity ensures a broader range of nutrients and minerals.
• Wild or Heirloom Plant Varieties: Choose wild fruits and plants when possible. If not available, opt for small, locally-produced, or heirloom varieties.
• Avoid Processed Foods: Clear, highly refined, and mono-cropped grains, beans, legumes, and other energy-dense plant sources. Instead, seek out heirloom varieties or wild variants closer to what our ancestors would have consumed.

Understanding our ancestral roots and adapting to modern conditions can align our diets with our biology to enhance our health and well-being.

Sleep Patterns: Embracing Nature's Rhythm

Our hunter-gatherer ancestors had an intimate relationship with the environment, which extended to their sleep patterns. 

Without the conveniences (and distractions) of electricity, their day ended with the setting sun and began with its rise. 

There were practical reasons for this; nighttime posed dangers from predators, making it an evolutionary advantage to rest during these hours. 

Sleeping together provided not only warmth but also safety.

This alignment with nature resulted in a sleep cycle in tune with the body's natural circadian rhythm.

They didn't contend with the challenges of artificial lighting, especially the blue-light-emitting screens and bright LED bulbs that many of us face today.

Their sleep was deep, refreshing, and in sync with the earth's rhythm.

Modern Strategies for Natural Sleep

While our modern world has changed dramatically, we can still draw inspiration from our ancestors to optimize our sleep

• Natural Sleep Environment: Ensure your sleeping space mimics the natural environment as much as possible. This means sleeping in a dark, cool room reminiscent of the natural nighttime temperatures.
• Limit Blue Light: Our screens, a primary source of blue light, can disrupt our sleep patterns. Reduce exposure by using dimmer lights at night, switching to red lights or orange glow bulbs, and avoiding screens a few hours before bedtime. If you must use screens, utilize features like 'night shift.'
• Natural Bedding: Choose natural fiber sheets and bedding, avoiding synthetic materials like polyester. These natural fibers can enhance sleep quality by regulating temperature and wicking away moisture. Invest in a good mattress, preferably one made of natural materials. 
• Quality Sleep Supplements: Remember, you spend a significant portion of your life sleeping; it's worth the investment.
• Dietary and Lifestyle Considerations: Avoid caffeine and other stimulants after noon. Consider supplements like magnesium and GABA to promote relaxation before bed. Reading fiction can be a gentle way to wind down and prepare the mind for sleep.
• Sync with the Sun: Try to go to bed as it gets dark and wake up with the first light. This aligns your sleep pattern with your natural circadian rhythm, promoting more restful sleep.

Realigning our sleep with nature's rhythm can profoundly improve our health, mood, and overall well-being.

The Essential Role of Supplements in Modern Life

The very land that feeds us has been changed irrevocably. 

Even if you're sourcing your foods from local farmers, it's worth noting that much of the livestock raised today feeds on less-than-ideal pastures. 

The aggressive agricultural practices of the past half-century, characterized by the excessive use of chemicals like Glyphosate and the monocropping of corn, wheat, and soy, have severely depleted the nutrient quality of America's soil. 

This degradation affects us all, and the path to restoration, if feasible, may span generations

Moreover, our modern environment, teeming with toxins and stress, expedites the depletion of nutrients in our bodies. 

It also hinders the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals. 

Given these circumstances, the importance of supplements in ensuring we receive the nutrients our bodies crave is undeniable.

Key Supplements to Consider

• Omega-3 is a vital fatty acid, often derived from wild-caught fish and cod liver oil, known to combat inflammation.
• Magnesium: An essential mineral, it plays a role in over 600 biochemical processes in our body. Its importance cannot be overstated.
• Vitamin C: While everyone acknowledges its significance, emerging studies hint that we might underestimate its value.
• Vitamin D3: Critical for bone health and more. Low levels, as evidenced by many, including personal experiences, can lead to fatigue and other health issues.
• B Vitamins: Essential for energy and focus. Any deficiency here can noticeably affect our daily performance.
• Minerals: Copper, zinc, silica, and others are fundamental for various bodily functions. A mineral test can pinpoint which ones you might be lacking.
• Butyrate: A key player in gut health.
• Creatine: Found in red meat and seafood, it's known for its role in muscle building, but its benefits are manifold.

It's crucial to approach supplementation with a tailored perspective, understand your body's needs, and source quality products. 

Combating the Toxic Onslaught in Modern Living

Our surroundings today are filled with toxins, from plastics and heavy metals to mold and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 

While each toxin could merit a detailed discussion, the pressing need is to address how we can mitigate their impact on our lives.

Practical Steps to Reduce Toxin Exposure

• Water Filtration: Invest in good quality filters for your drinking water and showers to ensure you're not consuming or absorbing harmful chemicals daily.
• Natural Clothing and Bedding: Opt for fabrics made from natural fibers. Not only are they more breathable and comfortable, but they also lack the synthetic chemicals found in many modern materials.
• Clean Personal Care: Consider using natural or homemade deodorants, skincare, and haircare products. Doing so reduces the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals commonly found in commercial products.
• Natural Cooking and Storage: Use glass, metal, and wood for storing food, and prioritize cast-iron or tri-ply stainless steel for cooking. These materials don't leach harmful substances into your food.
• Detoxification: Consider incorporating sauna sessions into your routine, which can help your body expel toxins.
• Grounding: Walking barefoot on natural surfaces, also known as "earthing," can have various health benefits, including detoxification.
• Sunlight and Red Light Therapy: Regular exposure to natural sunlight and sessions of red light or near-infrared light therapy can boost your health in numerous ways, from improving sleep to aiding skin health.
• Natural Cleaning: Opt for natural cleaning supplies or make your own at home. This reduces your environmental footprint and ensures your living spaces are free from harmful chemicals.

By consciously making these changes, you can create a healthier living environment that aligns more closely with our natural human needs. 

Stress: The Pervasive Challenge of the Modern Era

In the digital age, stress is an omnipresent challenge, deeply interwoven into the fabric of our lives. 

The struggle is real and complex, from the external pressures of our hyper-connected world to the internal battles with our subconscious and past traumas.

Navigating the Stress Landscape

While there's no one-size-fits-all solution to managing stress, a multifaceted approach can help mitigate its effects:

• Experimentation: The key is to explore and find what works for you. This could involve various modalities, therapies, or even plant medicines. The objective is to identify practices that resonate with you and positively impact your well-being.
• Embrace Slowness: In the relentless hustle of modern life, deliberately slowing down can be transformative. Whether it means doing less but with more depth, disconnecting after a particular hour, or simply creating moments of pause in your day, slowing down can provide the clarity and space needed to combat stress.

By confronting stress head-on and tailoring strategies to our unique needs, we empower ourselves to thrive amidst life's challenges and pave the way to a more harmonious existence.

Mindful Practices

Grounding oneself in the present moment is a potent antidote to life's chaos. By embracing mindful practices, we can achieve equilibrium, transforming our mind and body.

Meditation: Experiment with different forms, from breath meditation to transcendental approaches. Even short sessions can have profound effects on your mental state.

Sports: Engaging in sports not only keeps you fit but also offers a form of mindfulness, helping to anchor you in the present moment.

Sauna and Cold Therapy: These practices can help relax, detoxify, and boost overall health.

Embracing these mindful practices nurtures our well-being and fortifies our resilience, allowing us to navigate life with clarity and purpose.

Social Connections:

In the quest for mental well-being, never underestimate the transformative power of human connections.

Community: Prioritize building and maintaining solid relationships. Make sure you surround yourself with positive influences and participate in regular social activities.

Volunteering: Helping others can provide a sense of purpose and reduce feelings of isolation and stress.

Fostering genuine social connections enriches our lives, creating a tapestry of support and purpose that anchors us in an ever-changing world.

Philosophical Approaches

Ancient philosophies offer profound insights that remain strikingly relevant in the vast landscape of the human psyche. 

These timeless teachings can guide us through life's turbulence toward a place of balance and a more profound understanding.

• Wu Wei: This Taoist concept of "not forcing" teaches acceptance and flow. Embracing this philosophy can reduce stress and foster a greater sense of calm and gratitude.
• Seeking Meaning: As Nietzsche aptly put it, "he who has a why can bear almost any how." Finding purpose and meaning in life can be a bulwark against the feelings of emptiness and nihilism that compound stress.

Managing stress requires a holistic approach tailored to individual needs. 

By integrating these strategies, you can navigate the complexities of modern life with resilience and grace.

Conclusion

The journey to realign with our roots in a modern world is complex but crucial. 

Understanding our past and making conscious decisions can bridge the gap between our ancestral roots and modern lives.

If this resonates with you, share it with others. 

Stay tuned for more insights on human relationships, stress, and mastering your mental environment.