----- Original Message -----


> I see no
> > reason to imagine that paleo peoples were free of disease.
>

Microorganisms have much shorter lifespans than we do.  As a result, they
evolve much more quickly.  So they will always win an evolutionary battle
with large organisms.  As a result, it was our lot and the lot of most
mammals to die of an infectious disease unless we died of childbirth or
trauma.  Hunter gatherers will encounter these diseases less often because
of low population density.  But when they do encounter microorganisms, they
can be wiped out in a hurry, healthy immune system or not.  We live in a
remarkable time because antibiotics have saved us from the usual state of
affairs.  I don't look for meaning in the universe, but if I did I would say
that we were put on this earth to be food for germs. (Note I am not
dismissing the importance of a healthy immune system.  I have been eating
Paleo for about 5 years and I can't remember the last time I was sick.  I
don't even get colds.)  Ken