Dr. Cordain,

Superb interview. A few questions for clinical applications:

1. RE: unleavend bread.
Would the problems associated with this food be mitigated (and to what
degree) by SPROUTING the grains and making an unleaved bread?

2. RE: "Foods which yield a net acidic load mainly as sulfates... Foods
which cause a net acid excretion include meat, fish, cheeses and grains.
Excess dietary protein can adversely affect bone."
What then is the effect of supplemental sulfur, as MSM
(Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane), for the symptoms of arthritis? Are we merely
adding to the acid burden in the body with MSM, resorbing more bone?
High sulfur vegetables (cabbage, kale, asparagus, etc), do these benefit
the body by providing sulfur for healthy hair, nails, connective tissue
as claimed by nutrition books?

On a clinical note, the validity of your thesis in favor of the paleo
diet has been borne out in the application of a paleo diet with many of
my patients who suffer from insulin-resistance syndrome. Many years as
vegetarians (really as "grain-arians",  considering the amount of grain
so-called vegetarians eat) has led to serious deficiencies and
symptomology. Only in these past few years (upon learning of the paleo
diet approach, from Eaton, Eades, Sears and yourself) have I been able
to turn things around by strictly adhering to a near-zero grain diet. In
addition, because of their insulin resistance, these patients must also
restrict their intake of fruits, as well.

In considering the value of paleopathology/paleobiology, I am reminded
of the sign hanging over the door in cadaver dissection-anatomy lab at
med school, written in Latin, it translates to: "The Dead Teach The
Living." There is much to learn from those who have come before us,
lived, died and now provide testimony to their lifestyles in the
remnants of their physical bodies.

Thank you for your enlightening and vital work in this area.

William Thornton, DC