Adherence to a Paleolithic Diet in Combination With Lifestyle Factors Reduces the Risk for the Presence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

BackgroundEvidence suggests the role of changing traditional lifestyle patterns, such as Paleolithic, to the modern lifestyle in the incidence and epidemic of chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between the Paleolithic diet (PD) and the Paleolithic-like lifestyle and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among an adult population.Materials and MethodsThis case-control study was carried out among 206 patients with NAFLD and 306 healthy subjects aged >18 years. PD score was evaluated using a validated 168-item quantitative food frequency questionnaire. In addition, to calculate the Paleolithic-like lifestyle score, the components of physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and smoking status of the participants were combined with the score of the PD.ResultsThe mean PD and Paleolithic-like lifestyle scores were 38.11 ± 5.63 and 48.92 ± 6.45, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, higher scores of adherence to the PD diet conferred a protection for the presence of NAFLD [odds ratio (OR): 0.53; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.28–0.98; P for trend = 0.021]. Furthermore, PD and healthy lifestyle habits were negatively associated with NAFLD (OR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.23–0.78; P for trend = 0.007).ConclusionOur data suggest that the PD alone and in combination with lifestyle factors was associated with decreased risk of NAFLD in a significant manner in the overall population. However, prospective studies are needed to further investigate this association.

Adherence to the Paleolithic diet and Paleolithic-like lifestyle reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in the United States: a prospective cohort study

“…In this investigation, the PD score and PLL score were formulated according to the method utilized by Sohouli et al [ 8 ]. In brief, all food items identified in the DHQ were categorized into 14 predetermined food groups based on their nutrient and culinary similarities.…”

“…According to the method used by Sohouli et al [ 8 ], the PLL score is a combination of physical activity score, BMI score, smoking status score and PD score. In this study, a score of 5 was assigned to individuals in the highest tertile of physical activity, while scores of 3 and 1 were assigned to those in the middle and lower tertiles, respectively.…”

“…The diet is also typically rich in nuts and lean meats, while avoiding or minimizing dairy products, grains, sugar, and salt. Whalen et al developed the PD score based on the specific characteristics of this diet [ 6 , 7 ], while Sohouli et al expanded upon this score by incorporating lifestyles factors that have been shown to have a significant impact on disease [ 8 ]. By integrating physical activity level, body mass index (BMI), and smoking into the PLL score, Sohouli et al provide a more comprehensive assessment of adherence to the Paleolithic lifestyle.…”

“…Together, these two scores can help researchers and clinicians evaluate the impact of the Paleolithic diet and lifestyle on health outcomes. In fact, many studies have used the PD score alone or in combination with lifestyle factors (i.e., PLL score) to analyze the incidence of chronic diseases [ 8 , 9 ], cancer [ 10 , 11 ], and mortality [ 7 ]. In particular, Whalen et al found that higher adherence to PD was associated with a lower incidence of colorectal adenomas [ 6 ].…”

The Relationship between Pathogenesis and Possible Treatments for the MASLD-Cirrhosis Spectrum

“…Paleolithic diet Improves glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and lipid profile and reduces hepatic steatosis [94,[99][100][101][102].…”