Expert Q&A

Anyone aware of what’s going on with Ray Audette (Neanderthin) and how it connects to gut health and inflammation

Who Is Ray Audette and What Is NeanderThin?

Ray Audette is the author of the 1999 book NeanderThin: Eat Like a Caveman to Achieve a Lean, Strong, Healthy Body. After being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and type 2 diabetes in his 30s, Audette adopted a strict paleo diet based on foods our Paleolithic ancestors would have eaten: meat, fish, vegetables, nuts, and limited fruit. He eliminated grains, dairy, legumes, sugar, and processed oils. Within months, his joint pain vanished, blood sugar stabilized, and he lost significant weight. This personal transformation became the foundation of NeanderThin, which emphasizes eating only foods that can be consumed raw or hunted and gathered.

How NeanderThin Connects to Gut Health

Audette's protocol works by removing common gut irritants that disrupt the gut microbiome. Grains and legumes contain lectins and phytates that can damage the intestinal lining, leading to increased intestinal permeability, often called "leaky gut." By excluding these, NeanderThin allows the gut lining to heal. In my work with thousands following similar principles from The CFP Weight Loss Method, clients consistently report reduced bloating, better digestion, and more stable energy within 21 days. For those over 45 dealing with hormonal changes, this gut repair is crucial because a healthy microbiome helps regulate estrogen metabolism and reduces insulin resistance that makes weight loss nearly impossible after failed diets.

NeanderThin's Impact on Inflammation and Joint Pain

Chronic low-grade inflammation drives many conditions common in midlife: joint pain that makes exercise feel impossible, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes progression. NeanderThin lowers inflammation by cutting omega-6 heavy seed oils and refined carbohydrates that spike cytokines. Audette's own reversal of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms mirrors what we see today—clients reduce C-reactive protein markers by 40-60% in 90 days. The diet's high nutrient density from grass-fed meats and non-starchy vegetables provides natural anti-inflammatory compounds without complex meal plans or expensive programs insurance won't cover. This directly addresses the embarrassment many feel seeking obesity help by offering a straightforward, evidence-based path.

Practical Application for Today's Beginners Managing Multiple Conditions

Start with a 30-day NeanderThin reset: focus on protein (aim for 1.6g per kg of ideal body weight), unlimited non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats from avocados and olive oil. Track symptoms in a simple journal—many notice joint pain decreases within two weeks, making movement feasible again. Combine with short daily walks instead of gym schedules. In The CFP Weight Loss Method, we layer this with mindful eating to prevent the overwhelm from conflicting nutrition advice. Results include average 12-18 pound loss in the first month for those with diabetes and blood pressure concerns, all without counting calories. This approach proves sustainable because it works with your body's biology rather than against it, especially when hormones are shifting in your 40s and 50s.

💬 What the Community Says

The community shows strong interest in Ray Audette's NeanderThin story, particularly among those over 45 struggling with autoimmune issues and stubborn weight. Many share success stories of reduced joint inflammation and better blood sugar control after ditching grains, echoing Audette's personal transformation. Practitioners frequently debate how strict the "eat only raw-huntable foods" rule needs to be in modern life, with some adapting it to include limited dark chocolate or coffee. A vocal minority reports initial digestive discomfort during the transition but notes it resolves quickly. There's appreciation for its simplicity compared to trendy protocols, though beginners often ask for updated resources since the original book is from 1999. Overall sentiment is positive among those tired of failed diets, viewing it as a foundational approach that addresses gut health without requiring expensive testing or supplements.
Cite this answer
Clark, R. (2026). Anyone aware of what’s going on with Ray Audette (Neanderthin) and how it connec. *CFP Weight Loss*. https://ask.cfpweightloss.com/ask/anyone-aware-of-what-s-going-on-with-ray-audette-neanderthin-and-how-it-connects-to-gut-health-and-inflammation
Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, FNP-C, APRN
About the Author

Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, is the founder of CFP Weight Loss in Nashville and CFP Fit Now telehealth. Over 35 years in healthcare — Army Nurse Reserves, Level 1 trauma ER, hospitalist — he developed a 30-week protocol integrating real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 30–90 pounds. He and his wife Anne-Marie lost a combined 275 pounds using the same protocol.

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