So we should all burn our possessions and head out into the forest? “Of course not,” Iladi shudders. “That would be like a lifelong camping trip with 30 close relatives for company. Nobody would recommend that.”
Instead we can adapt our modern lifestyle to match our genome by harnessing modern technology, such as fish oil supplements to increase our intake of omega-3. All well and good. But I can’t escape the feeling that the six-step program seems like common sense. Isn’t it obvious that more sleep, exercise and social connectedness are good for you?
“The devil is in the detail,” replies Ilardi. “People need to know how much sunlight is most effective, and at which time of day. And taking supplements, for example, is a complex business. You need anti-oxidants to ensure that the fish oil is effective, as well as a multivitamin. Without someone spelling it out, most people would never do it.” Ilardi practices the program himself. He’s never been depressed, he tells me, but it increases his sense of well-being and reduces his absentmindedness (his college nickname was “Spaced”).
It all makes sense, but will I try it myself? I don’t suffer from depression, but well-being sounds nice. I’m not so sure about the fish oil, but I might just give it a go.
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