Dr. Weston A. Price was a dentist and researcher who conducted extensive studies on the relationship between nutrition, diet, and dental health during the early 20th century. He was a dentist and researcher who lived from 1870 to 1948. He became concerned about the declining dental health he observed in his patients, particularly those living in industrialized urban areas. To understand the root causes of dental problems, he embarked on a series of research expeditions during the 1930s. . . .
Dr. Price and his wife traveled around the world, studying the diets and lifestyles of various indigenous and traditional cultures. He found that populations following traditional diets, rich in nutrient-dense foods, had excellent dental health, well-formed facial structures, and overall robust health. In contrast, those who had adopted modern, processed diets experienced dental issues, including cavities, misaligned teeth, and jaw deformities.
Dr. Price's research culminated in his book "Nutrition and Physical Degeneration," published in 1939. In this book, he documented his findings and advocated for the importance of traditional, nutrient-dense diets in maintaining dental and overall health.
Here is some information about him, his work, and his advocated diet and book.
Who: Dr. Weston A. Price
Dr. Weston A. Price was born in 1870 in Canada and became a dentist. He later founded the research institute known as the Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation.
Dr. Price conducted his research during the 1930s. His work was based on extensive travels and studies of various indigenous and traditional cultures around the world.'
Who: The Legacy, The Weston A. Price Foundation
The Weston A. Price Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting traditional diets and the research of Dr. Weston A. Price. The foundation is funded through a combination of sources, including donations, memberships, educational programs, and sales of books and resources. They also host events and conferences to support their mission and generate funding. The specific financial details of the foundation may vary over time, so it's advisable to visit their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on their funding sources and financial transparency.
The Book: Nutrition and Physical Degeneration
Dr. Price's findings were published in his book titled "Nutrition and Physical Degeneration," which was first published in 1939. In this book, he presented his research and advocated for the importance of nutrition in dental and overall health. His work had a significant influence on the natural health and nutrition movements and continues to be referenced by proponents of traditional and whole-food diets.
Oral Hygiene Diet
Dr. Price was concerned about the deteriorating dental health he observed in his patients, particularly in urban areas. He believed that modern industrialized diets, which were high in processed foods and lacked traditional nutrient-rich foods, were a significant factor contributing to dental issues, such as cavities, misaligned teeth, and jaw deformities.
Dr. Price's research led him to advocate for a diet based on traditional, nutrient-dense foods. This diet, often referred to as the "Price-Pottenger diet," emphasized the following principles:
Whole, Unprocessed Foods
He recommended the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods, including organ meats, seafood, raw dairy products, and natural fats.
High Nutrient Density
Dr. Price believed that nutrient-dense foods, particularly those rich in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and K2, were essential for dental health.
Avoidance of Processed Foods
He discouraged the consumption of processed foods, especially those containing white flour, refined sugar, and vegetable oils.
Proper Food Preparation
Dr. Price emphasized traditional food preparation methods such as fermentation and soaking to enhance nutrient absorption and reduce anti-nutrients.
Impact on Teeth
Dr. Price's research found that individuals following traditional diets had excellent dental health, with minimal cavities and properly aligned teeth. In contrast, those who had adopted modern, processed diets had more dental problems, including cavities, crooked teeth, and narrow jaws.
How do I start the Weston a price diet?
Starting the Weston A. Price diet involves adopting a traditional, nutrient-dense eating pattern based on the principles outlined by Dr. Weston A. Price in his research.
Here are some steps to consider:
Educate Yourself:
Begin by learning about the principles of the Weston A. Price diet. This diet emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods, including nutrient-rich foods like organ meats, seafood, raw dairy products, and natural fats. It also promotes the avoidance of processed foods, refined sugar, and vegetable oils.
Research and Meal Planning:
Research traditional recipes and meal ideas that align with the Weston A. Price diet. Incorporate foods rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K2. Plan balanced meals that include a variety of nutrient-dense foods.
Source Quality Ingredients:
Look for sources of high-quality, organic, and locally sourced foods, especially when it comes to animal products. Seek out farmers' markets, local producers, and suppliers of traditional and whole foods.
Food Preparation:
Practice traditional food preparation methods such as fermenting, soaking, and sprouting to enhance nutrient absorption and reduce anti-nutrients in foods.
Gradual Transition:
If you're currently following a different diet, consider making gradual changes to align with the Weston A. Price diet. Slowly incorporate traditional foods into your meals while reducing processed and refined foods.
Consult a Nutritionist or Dietitian:
For personalized guidance and to ensure that the diet meets your specific nutritional needs, consider consulting a nutritionist or dietitian familiar with the principles of the Weston A. Price diet.
Vegan? This Diet is NOT.
The Weston A. Price diet is not vegan-friendly, as it emphasizes the consumption of animal-based foods, particularly nutrient-dense animal products such as organ meats, seafood, raw dairy products, and natural fats. This diet is rooted in Dr. Weston A. Price's research, which highlighted the importance of these animal-based foods in promoting dental and overall health.
Key components of the Weston A. Price diet that are not vegan-friendly include the following:
Animal Products:
The diet encourages the consumption of a variety of animal products, including meats, organ meats, bone broths, and dairy products from pastured or grass-fed animals.
Animal Fats:
Natural fats like butter, lard, and tallow from animal sources are recommended for cooking and flavoring.
Seafood:
Nutrient-rich seafood, especially fatty fish like salmon, is an important part of the diet due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids and other beneficial nutrients.
Fermented Dairy:
Raw or fermented dairy products, such as raw milk, kefir, and cheese, are included in the diet.
While the Weston A. Price diet promotes nutrient-dense whole foods, it may need to be adapted or supplemented to accommodate specific dietary concerns and sensitivities. Always prioritize your health and well-being when making dietary choices and seek professional guidance when needed.
Caveats and additional notes:
If you follow a vegan lifestyle or dietary restrictions that exclude animal products, the Weston A. Price diet may not be suitable for you. Vegan diets are typically plant-based and do not include animal-derived foods. Instead, vegan diets rely on plant-based sources of protein, fats, and nutrients.
If you have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, you may want to explore other nutritionally balanced and health-conscious diets that are compatible with your lifestyle. Always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet to ensure that it meets your nutritional requirements.
While Dr. Price's work has had a lasting impact on the discussion of nutrition and dental health, some aspects of his research have been criticized for lacking scientific rigor by modern standards. Nevertheless, his emphasis on the role of traditional diets in promoting dental health remains a topic of interest and discussion in the fields of nutrition and dentistry.
