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Coming up, groundbreaking research suggests the shingles vaccine can greatly reduce the risk of heart attacks. What's the science behind it? Also ahead: the New Space Race between the US and China goes up a gear as Beijing unexpectedly delays the launch of its Chang'e 7 mission. Plus, the frozen 'poo pills' that scientists hope can help keep allergies at bay. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Welcome to this week's Midlife Minute episode! Statistically, one in three women will die of heart disease. So, today, we're answering some of the many questions I received about lipids and heart health. Although I've done other lipid-focused Midlife Minutes before, this episode is yet another dedicated to Dr. Tom Dayspring, as I've received such a vast number of questions on this particular topic. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why understanding your ApoB and Lp(a) is an essential part of assessing your cardiovascular risk Why treatments for lipid abnormalities should be individualized to fit each specific abnormality Essential lifestyle measures for supporting overall cardiovascular health How CAC scoring, CT coronary angiography, and Clearly AI-assisted imaging differ, what each test measures, and their limitations How cardiovascular disease can sometimes present differently in women Why are premature atrial contractions and premature ventricular contractions often benign when the heart is structurally normal? How the roles of statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, GLP-1 medications, and emerging RNA therapies differ, and why they should not be considered interchangeable How declining estrogen impacts cardiovascular health Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow. Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line
Are eggs really the “clean” protein we've been told they are? In this episode of the Eat to Live Podcast, Dr. Joel Fuhrman and his daughter Jenna take a closer look at eggs, cholesterol, protein, choline, and what the research may actually tell us about long-term health. Dr. Fuhrman explains why some studies suggesting eggs carry only a modest cardiovascular risk may underestimate the bigger picture, especially when eggs are added to a diet already high in cholesterol. They also discuss how egg yolks may affect people with insulin resistance or diabetes risk, and why pregnancy can make these questions even more important. Plus, they tackle some of the biggest questions surrounding protein.
In this conversation, Dr. Jeffrey Gladden and Dr. Philip Ovadia discuss the critical intersection of cardiology and longevity, emphasizing the need for a shift from treating heart disease to preventing it. They explore personal transformations, the role of diet, particularly low-carb and carnivore diets, and the importance of understanding insulin resistance in relation to heart health. The discussion also highlights advancements in cardiovascular diagnostics and the necessity for early detection and patient education to combat heart disease effectively. For Audience Join the other 20,000+ high-performers getting weekly insights on biological reversal, exponential strategies, and Life Energy optimization→ https://start.gladdenlongevity.com/subscribe If you're ready to measure your 60+ biological ages and build a personalized reversal plan, apply for a discovery call here → https://start.gladdenlongevity.com/apply-now Use code 'Podcast10' to get 10% OFF on any of our supplements at https://gladdenlongevityshop.com/! Takeaways · The focus on longevity in cardiology is essential. · Preventing heart disease is more effective than treating it. · Personal health transformations can lead to professional insights. · Dietary changes can significantly impact heart health. · Insulin resistance is a major factor in heart disease. · Understanding the role of cholesterol is crucial. · Early detection of insulin resistance can prevent heart disease. · Patient education is vital for long-term health outcomes. · Innovative diagnostics can revolutionize heart disease management. · A holistic approach to rehabilitation is necessary for recovery. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Longevity in Cardiology 02:50 The Shift from Treatment to Prevention 05:59 Personal Transformation and Dietary Changes 08:58 Understanding Insulin Resistance and Heart Disease 12:02 The Role of Diet in Cardiovascular Health 15:07 Innovations in Cardiovascular Diagnostics 18:02 The Importance of Early Detection 20:56 Rehabilitation and Patient Education 24:07 The Future of Cardiology and Preventative Care To learn more about Dr. Philip Ovadia: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ovadiahearthealth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifixhearts/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ifixhearts X URL: https://x.com/ifixhearts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IFixHearts LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/philip-ovadia-heart-health/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Stay-off-Operating-Table-Metabolic/dp/1737818205/ Reach out to us at: Website: https://gladdenlongevity.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gladdenlongevity/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gladdenlongevity/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gladdenlongevity YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5_q8nexY4K5ilgFnKm7naw Gladden Longevity Podcast Disclosures Production & Independence The Gladden Longevity Podcast and Age Hackers are produced by Gladden Longevity Podcast, which operates independently from Dr. Jeffrey Gladden's clinical practice and research at Gladden Longevity in Irving, Texas. Dr. Gladden may serve as a founder, advisor, or investor in select health, wellness, or longevity-related ventures. These may occasionally be referenced in podcast discussions when relevant to educational topics. Any such mentions are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. Medical Disclaimer The Gladden Longevity Podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services — including the giving of medical advice — and no doctor–patient relationship is formed through this podcast or its associated content. The information shared on this podcast, including opinions, research discussions, and referenced materials, is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should not disregard or delay seeking medical advice for any condition they may have. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any questions or concerns about your health, medical conditions, or treatment options. Use of information from this podcast and any linked materials is at the listener's own risk. Podcast Guest Disclosures Guests on the Gladden Longevity Podcast may hold financial interests, advisory roles, or ownership stakes in companies, products, or services discussed during their appearance. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of Gladden Longevity, Dr. Jeffrey Gladden, or the production team. Sponsorships & Affiliate Disclosures To support the creation of high-quality educational content, the Gladden Longevity Podcast may include paid sponsorships or affiliate partnerships. Any such partnerships will be clearly identified during episodes or noted in the accompanying show notes. We may receive compensation through affiliate links or sponsorship agreements when products or services are mentioned on the show. However, these partnerships do not influence the opinions, recommendations, or clinical integrity of the information presented. Additional Note on Content Integrity All content is carefully curated to align with our mission of promoting science-based, ethical, and responsible approaches to health, wellness, and longevity. We strive to maintain the highest standards of transparency and educational value in all our communications.
What if we've been focusing on the wrong things when it comes to preventing heart disease? In this episode of Optimal Metabolism, I sit down with Daniel Trevor, heart attack survivor, citizen scientist, serial entrepreneur, and author of Unholy Trinity: How Carbs, Sugar & Oils Make Us Fat, Sick & Addicted and How to Escape Their Grip. Daniel's interest in cardiovascular and metabolic health became deeply personal after suffering a heart attack despite believing he was doing the right things for his health. That experience sent him deep into the research surrounding cholesterol, insulin resistance, blood sugar, type 2 diabetes, nutrition, and cardiovascular disease. And this conversation challenges a LOT of conventional thinking! We explore whether cholesterol alone gives us an accurate picture of cardiovascular risk, why metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance deserve much more attention in the heart disease conversation, and which tests Daniel believes can provide a better picture of what's happening before a cardiovascular event occurs. We also get into statins, vegetable oils, low-fat diets, processed foods, obesity, prediabetes, and why our rates of metabolic disease have risen so dramatically. You don't have to agree with every perspective presented in this episode to benefit from asking better questions about your health. My hope is that this conversation encourages you to become more informed about your own metabolic health, understand your numbers, and have deeper conversations with your healthcare provider. WHAT WE DISCUSSED: Daniel's own heart attack and why it completely changed the direction of his life Why he began questioning conventional thinking surrounding cholesterol and heart disease Is high cholesterol always an accurate predictor of cardiovascular risk? The relationship between insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, blood sugar, and heart disease Why prediabetes and insulin resistance can go undetected for years Which cardiovascular tests and markers Daniel believes deserve more attention The controversy surrounding statins and their relationship with blood sugar and type 2 diabetes What Daniel believes we've gotten wrong about vegetable oils and dietary fat Why he challenges conventional low-fat nutrition advice Processed foods, appetite, cravings, and our modern food environment What's really behind the dramatic rise in obesity and metabolic disease What the Blue Zones can—and can't—teach us about longevity Practical steps you can take to better understand your metabolic and cardiovascular health ABOUT DANIEL TREVOR Daniel Trevor is a citizen scientist, serial entrepreneur, heart attack survivor, and author of Unholy Trinity: How Carbs, Sugar & Oils Make Us Fat, Sick & Addicted and How to Escape Their Grip. Following his own heart attack, Daniel immersed himself in research surrounding cardiovascular disease and metabolic health. His book draws from more than 1,200 scientific references as he explores the relationships among our modern diet, insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Learn more about Daniel and his work: DanielTrevor.com JOIN ME FOR MY 12-WEEK METABOLIC RESET! I'm officially starting another round of my 12-Week Metabolic Reset this September—and I'm doing it right alongside you! If you're ready to focus on your blood sugar, insulin resistance, weight, energy, and overall metabolic health, I'd love for you to join me. If you're planning to participate, now is the time to get started with the Feel Great System so you have your products and are comfortable using them before we officially begin the Reset. 12-Week Metabolic Reset: https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/reset/ Get Started with the Feel Great System: https://ufeelgreat.com/c/SHANAH LET'S GET IN TOUCH: Website: https://shanahussinwellness.com/ Instagram: @shana.hussin.rdn
Nutrition Nugget! Bite-sized bonus episodes offer tips, tricks and approachable science. This week, Jenn is talking about frozen vegetables. With a summer Cyclospora scare putting salad greens on trial, is the humble freezer aisle the safer, smarter choice? Jenn breaks down exactly how frozen veggies are harvested, blanched, and locked in at peak nutrition, and whether that process really does more to protect you than your fresh produce drawer. She also tackles the critics head-on: are frozen vegetables "processed," do they lose flavor and texture, and is fresh really always more nutritious? The catch is in how you cook them, and one wrong move could turn a nutrient-packed shortcut into a mushy, flavorless mistake. Jenn weighs both sides before landing on her verdict about whether frozen vegetables a permanent spot in your healthy eating routine. Like what you're hearing? Be sure to check out the full-length episodes of new releases every Wednesday. Have an idea for a nutrition nugget? Submit it here: https://asaladwithasideoffries.com/index.php/contact/RESOURCES:Become a Happy Healthy Hub MemberJenn's Free Menu PlanA Salad With a Side of FriesA Salad With A Side Of Fries MerchA Salad With a Side of Fries InstagramGMO, Organic & Local, Oh my!Jenn Trepeck, Nutrition Nugget, Salad With A Side Of Fries, Health Tips, Wellness Tips, Frozen Vegetables Nutrition, Frozen Vegetables, Fresh Vegetables, Nutrient Density, Blanching, Cyclospora Outbreak, Food Safety, Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants, Fiber, Heart Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, Cancer Prevention, Weight Loss, Wellness, Organic Produce, Grocery Shopping, Meal Prep, Processed Food, Minimally Processed, Whole Foods, Ultra Processed Food, Food Labels, Sodium Content, Added Sugar, Stir Fry, Soup Recipes, Steaming Vegetables, Cooking Methods, Shelf Life, Economical Eating, Budget Friendly Groceries, Irrigation Water Contamination, Parasite Contamination, Freezer Staples, Vegetable Intake, Healthy Eating Habits, Chronic Disease Prevention, Food Storage, Nutrition Education, Are Frozen Vegetables As Healthy As Fresh, How To Cook Frozen Vegetables Without Losing Nutrients
South Asians represent about a quarter of the world's population but account for over 60 percent of the world's heart disease. The highest rates of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. And yet most women in the community have no idea this could be coming for them.This week I spoke with Dr. Ambreen Mohamed, a cardiologist with a passion for improving cardiovascular health, particularly in South Asian communities. This is a conversation I have wanted to have for a long time, and it is personal. I lost my mother to a massive heart attack over a year ago, and like so many women in our community, her symptoms did not look like what we are taught to recognize.We talk about why women's heart attack symptoms are so often dismissed, why the research was built on men for decades, and why what we call atypical is actually just different. We get into the genetics that make South Asians uniquely vulnerable, including lipoprotein A, APOB, insulin resistance, visceral fat distribution, and why someone can look healthy on the outside and have significant cardiovascular risk on the inside. We talk about the cultural pressures that make South Asian women put everyone else first, and how chronic stress compounds an already elevated risk.We also cover what good prevention actually looks like. What to ask your doctor. What markers to check beyond a standard cholesterol panel. How pregnancy history, PMOS, preeclampsia, and early menopause all factor into cardiovascular risk assessment. And what is coming down the pipeline in cardiology that gives Dr. Mohamed genuine excitement.This is not a doom and gloom conversation. It is an empowering one. Because knowing your risk is the first step to doing something about it.South Asians make up about 25 percent of the world's population but account for over 60 percent of global heart disease, with the highest rates of diabetes and metabolic syndrome of any ethnicity.What you'll learn:Women's heart attack symptoms are often dismissed because they can present differently from the classic Hollywood version, including fatigue, jaw pain, back pain, nausea, and indigestion rather than crushing chest pain.Microvascular disease, disease of the smaller coronary arteries, is more common in women and diabetics and can be missed entirely on standard imaging.The skinny fat phenomenon is real: visceral fat, the fat that wraps around organs deep in the body, increases cardiovascular risk even in people who appear slim.Early menopause is an independent risk factor for high blood pressure, and the estrogen drop during perimenopause and menopause accelerates cardiovascular risk.Sleep apnea is one of the most underdiagnosed contributors to high blood pressure and should be screened for before jumping to medication.The foundation of prevention is not supplements or peptides: it is sleep, movement, diet, stress management, and knowing your numbers.Connect with Dr. Mohamed:WebsiteInstagramTikTok
1 in 4 people have insulin resistance, which quietly raises your risk of heart disease and cancer, often without any change in your blood sugar. And most of those who have it have no idea. It can remain completely hidden for years, with no obvious symptoms and no warning signs… But it can be reversed. Today, Professor Rob Semple, a world-leading expert on insulin resistance, explains what insulin does in your body, why you need it to live, and what happens when it stops working properly. By the end of this episode, you will understand how to spot the warning signs and have practical steps you can take to protect yourself. If your last blood test came back "normal," how confident are you that it tells the whole story? Are you overlooking one of the biggest drivers of chronic disease?
Episode 26-33 Is Insulin Resistance The Greatest Threat To Your Health? Nearly EVERY chronic disease is strongly linked to Insulin Resistance. Or, stated another way… As you age, Insulin Resistance may be THE factor that causes you to suffer with one or more of the following conditions: High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Alzheimer's, Stroke, Parkinson's, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Obesity, Heart Disease, Autoimmune Disorders, Vision Problems, Kidney Failure, Neuropathy, Bipolar Disorder, Depression. On this episode I address the basics regarding Insulin Resistance. Specifically I ask 5 questions that you need to know the answers to should you desire to live a long and HEALTHY life: 1) What is Insulin Resistance? 2) Why is it so harmful? 3) What causes it? 4) How can it be corrected? 5) How do you know if you have it? Give this episode a good listen if you want to prevent, and possibly reverse, Insulin Resistance and the negative health consequences that come with it. And, as always, be sure to share this episode with a friend. Thanks! ———————- Want to learn more? Continue the conversation regarding this episode, and all future episodes, by signing up for our daily emails. Simply visit: GetHealthyAlabama.com Once there, download the "Symptom Survey" and you will automatically added to our email list. ———————- Also, if you haven't already, we'd appreciate it if you'd subscribe to the podcast, leave a comment and give us a rating. (Thanks!!!) * This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. Please consult with your health care provider before making any health-related changes.
"It [cardiovascular disease] becomes an issue in middle age because that's when they start looking, not because that's when it starts." —Dr. Daniel Chong Heart disease and midlife are more connected than most people — or their doctors — realize, and this episode of Essential Ingredients pulls that connection into the open. Justine Reichman sits down with naturopathic physician Dr. Daniel Chong and returning co-host Dr. Lisa Brent to unpack why cardiovascular risk quietly rises for both men and women in midlife, and why so few people are told to watch for it until it's already underway. This conversation is for anyone in perimenopause, menopause, or andropause who's been handed a cholesterol number without context, or who's simply never been told when to start paying attention. Dr. Chong breaks down lipid testing, arterial plaque, nitric oxide, and even the surprising role your dentist plays in your heart health — all in plain, usable language. By the end, you'll understand that cardiovascular disease isn't a midlife event — it's a decades-long process that just happens to get noticed in midlife, and that the actions you take starting this week can change its trajectory. Key Takeaways: Plaque development in the arteries can begin in childhood or even before birth, so family history matters far more than age when deciding when to start testing. A single elevated LDL reading isn't enough to justify a statin prescription — triglyceride-to-HDL ratios and more detailed testing give a fuller picture. Gum disease and harsh antibacterial mouthwash can disrupt oral bacteria needed to produce nitric oxide, which directly affects artery health. Dark leafy greens, berries, garlic, and onions support nitric oxide production and should be eaten daily, regardless of what else is on the plate. Movement spread throughout the day — not just a single workout — meaningfully lowers cardiovascular risk on its own. Around age 35–40 is a reasonable starting point for a fasting lipid panel if there's no strong family history pushing that number younger. Listen to the full episode for the complete breakdown of lab testing, imaging, and diet strategy Dr. Chong uses with his patients: https://tinyurl.com/Essential-Ingredients-Podcast Meet Daniel: An expert in cardiovascular health, Dr. Daniel Chong is a licensed naturopathic physician with over two decades of experience. He earned his doctorate from the National University of Natural Medicine in 2000. Dr. Chong specializes in preventing and reversing cardiovascular disease using drug-free strategies, defining himself as a "nutritional angiologist." He holds advanced certifications in cardiometabolic medicine and the Bale-Doneen Method for heart attack prevention. Dr. Chong helps patients optimize arterial health through advanced risk assessment, lifestyle medicine, and nutrition at his Vital Human telehealth practice and Portland clinic. Website Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Meet Lisa: Dr. Lisa Brent is a licensed naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist specializing in women's health. With a commitment to holistic and patient-centered care, she integrates primary care training with expertise in lifestyle medicine, nutrition, bioidentical hormone therapy, and gut health. Dr. Brent is dedicated to empowering her patients through education, individualized wellness strategies, and compassionate support. She is the founder of Be Well Natural Medicine, hosts educational events such as the Women's Health Symposium, and provides care both in-person and via telehealth. Website Instagram Facebook Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Podcast Chapters: 00:32 The #1 Cause of Death for Women Nobody Talks About 02:14 Meet Dr. Daniel Chong: Cardiovascular Expert 04:17 Why Heart Disease Risk Rises in Midlife 06:02 When Should You Start Checking Your Cholesterol? 09:02 How Long Elevated Lipids Matter More Than the Number 11:44 The Hormone Mistake Most People Make 17:21 What to Actually Ask Your Doctor 18:42 Why One Lipid Panel Isn't Enough for a Diagnosis 24:05 The Surprising Link Between Dental Health and Heart Disease 28:37 The Diet Pattern That Actually Protects Your Heart 37:17 One Change to Make This Week THE PRIMES ✨ You're more capable than you have ever been, and somehow more invisible than ever. You keep handing out advice you do not take yourself. You keep saying 'after this next thing' to your own life, and the people around you have no idea because, from the outside, everything looks fine— that is exactly what The Primes was built for.
There's a hidden fat that matters more for your health than your weight. This is visceral fat: it wraps around your organs, raises your risk of heart disease and cancer, and builds up even in people who look slim and healthy. In today's episode, Professor Jimmy Bell, a world-leading expert in measuring visceral fat, explains how we can shrink this dangerous belly fat in just 12 weeks. Jimmy explores why two people can weigh exactly the same and carry completely different amounts of this hidden fat, what it is, where it hides and why it matters. By the end, you'll have a completely new understanding of body fat, and what it really means for your long-term health. If your weight has stayed exactly the same for years, what do you think is happening underneath it?
Episode 26-32 Insulin Resistance- The "Silent Killer" You Probably Have, But Don't Know It Do you have Insulin Resistance? That's a question you should know the answer to. Why? Because Insulin Resistance is linked to nearly every major chronic disease. Diseases such as High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Alzheimer's, Stroke, Parkinson's, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Obesity, Heart Disease, and Autoimmune Disorders. Insulin Resistance is also something very few doctors talk about. Why? I honestly don't know. But what I DO know is this: YOU need to know about Insulin Resistance… AND you need to know how to find out whether or not you have it. This is especially true if you are over the age of 30 as the majority of American adults HAVE Insulin Resistance and don't even know it! On this episode I talk about Insulin Resistance and how to determine if you have it. Give this episode a good listen and, as always, be sure to share it with a friend. Thanks! ———————- Want to learn more? Continue the conversation regarding this episode, and all future episodes, by signing up for our daily emails. Simply visit: GetHealthyAlabama.com Once there, download the "Symptom Survey" and you will automatically added to our email list. ———————- Also, if you haven't already, we'd appreciate it if you'd subscribe to the podcast, leave a comment and give us a rating. (Thanks!!!) * This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. Please consult with your health care provider before making any health-related changes.
Disclaimer: This episode and article are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always consult your physician before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications.TL;DR* The CDC's top 10 causes of death account for roughly 74% of all deaths in the US each year, and up to 80% of chronic disease is estimated to be driven by lifestyle factors — diet, movement, sleep, stress, and toxin exposure. * This episode goes cause by cause (heart disease, cancer, COVID/respiratory disease, accidents, stroke, Alzheimer's, diabetes, kidney disease, flu/pneumonia, and suicide) and lays out what the peer-reviewed research says about preventing, slowing, or reversing each one.* Ready to build your own plan? Book a free Metabolic Blueprint Session →The List, and the Number That Should Keep You Up at NightAccording to the CDC, ten conditions account for about 74% of all deaths in the United States every year:* Heart disease* Cancer* COVID-19 / chronic lower respiratory diseases* Accidents (unintentional injuries)* Stroke* Alzheimer's disease* Diabetes* Kidney disease* Influenza and pneumonia* SuicideHere's the part that doesn't get said enough: research estimates that up to 80% of chronic disease is driven by lifestyle factors — diet, movement, sleep, stress, and toxin exposure. Those aren't destinies. They're decisions, and decisions can change.A landmark paper in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that poor diet alone accounts for more deaths in the US than tobacco use. The fork may be more dangerous than the cigarette. And yet, most patients who end up on four to six medications were never once asked what they eat, how they sleep, or whether they move their bodies before those prescriptions were written. That's the difference between a sick care system and a healthcare system.Heart Disease and Stroke: The Most Reversible Disease We KnowHeart disease kills one American every 34 seconds and has held the #1 spot for over a century. But it's also one of the most reversible conditions in medicine.In 1990, Dr. Dean Ornish's landmark Lifestyle Heart Trial showed that intensive lifestyle changes — diet, exercise, stress management, and social support — could reverse coronary artery disease without drugs or surgery. Arterial plaques reduced. Blood flow improved. Chest pain decreased. A 2019 study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology confirmed it: a plant-predominant diet, regular aerobic exercise, not smoking, and a healthy weight reduced cardiovascular risk by over 80%.What that looks like in practice:* A Mediterranean or whole-food, plant-based diet rich in omega-3s and antioxidants (this isn't the only diet that works — it's the broadest evidence-backed baseline)* Zone 2 cardio (low-intensity aerobic work, three to five times a week — a brisk walk counts)* Managing chronic inflammation, the real driver of arterial plaque formation* Reducing refined sugar and seed oils, which damage the endothelial lining of the arteries* Prioritizing sleep, since poor sleep spikes cortisol and directly harms the heartStroke follows the same playbook: control blood pressure through diet, exercise, and stress reduction. The DASH diet in particular has been shown in multiple studies to lower blood pressure as effectively as medication in many patients.Cancer: 30–50% Preventable, and Possibly More Metabolic Than GeneticTo be clear, this isn't a claim about curing cancer — it's about how much prevention research is available and underused. The World Health Organization estimates that 30–50% of cancers are preventable. The American Institute for Cancer Research has identified lifestyle factors that dramatically reduce risk across multiple cancer types:* Diet. A 2022 meta-analysis in The Lancet linked poor dietary patterns — low fiber, low fruit/vegetable intake, high processed meat — to one in five cancer deaths globally.* Obesity. Excess weight is now the second-leading risk factor for cancer after smoking, because fat tissue is metabolically active and produces hormones like estrogen and inflammatory cytokines that fuel cancer growth.* Exercise. A 2019 study of over 1.4 million people found higher physical activity was associated with lower risk across 13 cancer types, including breast, colon, and endometrial cancer.* Fasting and metabolic health. Emerging research on intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating shows it can lower insulin-like growth factor, a key promoter of cancer cell proliferation.* Toxin reduction. Chronic low-grade exposure to pesticides, plastics (BPA, phthalates), and environmental pollutants has been linked to increased cancer risk. Choosing organic where possible, filtering water and air, and reducing plastic in cookware and storage all matter.There's also a deeper shift happening in how researchers understand cancer itself. It's long been treated primarily as a genetic disease, but the evidence is increasingly pointing toward cancer as a metabolic disease. Dr. Thomas Seyfried at Boston College has done groundbreaking work showing that cancer cells overwhelmingly rely on glucose and glutamine fermentation for energy — which is why a ketogenic or low-glycemic approach may help starve cancer cells while protecting healthy ones. The research is still evolving, but it's compelling.Think of your body like a garden. You can water it, enrich the soil, and pull the weeds — or you can dump sugar and chemicals on it and wonder why nothing grows right. Disease doesn't happen to you. It grows in an environment you create, consciously or not. The good news: you can change that environment starting today.Alzheimer's: “Type 3 Diabetes”Alzheimer's is rising, and it's terrifying to watch someone go through it. But emerging science shows it has a strong lifestyle and metabolic component — researchers now sometimes call it “type 3 diabetes” because of the profound link between insulin resistance and neurodegeneration.Dr. Dale Bredesen's ReCODE Protocol, published in the Journal of Aging, showed that a multimodal lifestyle intervention — diet, exercise, sleep optimization, hormone balancing, and stress reduction — reversed early cognitive decline in the majority of patients treated. In his 2014 case series, 9 of 10 patients with early Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment showed measurable improvement, with several returning to work.Key strategies from the research:* Sleep is non-negotiable. The brain's glymphatic (waste clearance) system activates primarily during sleep, flushing out amyloid beta plaque. Poor sleep means plaque buildup.* Exercise. A 2020 study showed aerobic exercise increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) — essentially fertilizer for neurons — and reduces dementia risk by up to 35%.* Mediterranean-MIND diet. Shown to slow cognitive aging by an estimated 7.5 years in adherent individuals.* Blood sugar management. Insulin resistance in the brain disrupts its ability to use glucose for energy, effectively starving neurons.* Social connection. Harvard's 80-year longitudinal study found relationship quality was the single strongest predictor of cognitive health and longevity in old age.Type 2 Diabetes and Kidney Disease: One Disease Driving AnotherOver 37 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, and another 96 million are pre-diabetic. Here's the part that surprises people: type 2 diabetes is reversible in the majority of cases, and this isn't controversial — the science is overwhelming.The 2019 DiRECT trial, published in The Lancet, found that nearly half of type 2 diabetics achieved full remission through an intensive dietary intervention alone, with no medication. Other studies using low-carbohydrate and very-low-calorie diets have replicated these results consistently.Diabetic nephropathy — kidney damage from chronically high blood sugar — is the leading cause of kidney failure in the US. Control the upstream issue (blood sugar and metabolic dysfunction) and you protect the downstream organ.The diabetes reversal framework from the research:* Dramatically reduce refined carbohydrates and added sugars to blunt insulin spikes and reduce fat storage in the liver and pancreas* Practice time-restricted eating or intermittent fasting to improve insulin sensitivity* Add resistance training — muscle is your biggest glucose sink, so more muscle means better blood sugar control* Reduce visceral fat (the fat around and inside your organs), a key driver of insulin resistance and inflammationIf this list feels like a lot, that's fair. But it's not about blame — it's about empowerment. You have more control over your health outcomes than the medical system has typically told you.Respiratory Disease, Flu, and PneumoniaChronic lower respiratory diseases like COPD and emphysema are largely driven by smoking and air quality. Quitting smoking remains the single most impactful intervention here, full stop.For flu and pneumonia risk, immune resilience matters: vitamin D optimization, zinc and elderberry, and gut microbiome health (roughly 70% of your immune system lives in your gut). Even mild sleep deprivation has been shown to quadruple susceptibility to viral infection.Suicide and Mental HealthThis is the cause of death nobody wants to talk about, but it's in the top 10 — and it's the leading cause of death for men under 50, and the second-leading cause of death for people ages 10–34.While this is complex and deeply personal, research points to several lifestyle levers:* Exercise functions as an effective antidepressant, largely through endorphin release* The gut-brain axis matters more than most people realize — over 75% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut, so gut health directly shapes brain chemistry* Social connection and purpose. Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning, written while he was in a Nazi concentration camp, captured this: meaning and connection to purpose are essential for survival, and perspective shapes both physiology and outcome* Reducing alcohol, a central nervous system depressant that worsens anxiety and depression despite short-term reliefIf you or someone you love is struggling, crisis hotlines are available 24/7. There's often a reason it's happening, and there's often a way through it.The Common ThreadAcross every single one of these conditions — heart disease, stroke, cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, kidney disease, respiratory disease, immune function, mental health — the same five levers keep showing up: diet, exercise, sleep, toxin reduction, and blood sugar balance.Your daily habits are either building disease or building resilience. Every meal, every walk, every night of good sleep compounds — just like interest in a bank account.This Week's Action Plan* Do a food audit. For the next three days, write down everything you eat. No judgment, just awareness — you can't change what you can't see.* Walk 30 minutes a day. It lowers blood pressure, improves insulin sensitivity, boosts BDNF, and reduces cortisol. Simple, not easy — do it anyway.* Optimize your sleep. Consistent bedtime, dark room, cool temperature, no screens.* Get your labs done. Know your fasting glucose, A1C, CRP, vitamin D, triglycerides, and LDL — these are your early warning systems.* Address one stress source this week. A conversation you need to have, a boundary you need to set, or ten minutes of breathwork. Chronic stress is silently killing you — take action on it.Ready for a Real Plan?If you're ready to take your health seriously and want a clear roadmap instead of guesswork, book a Metabolic Blueprint Session. In 30–45 minutes, we'll walk through your top three priority areas and how programs like the Metabolic Momentum Accelerator, the Cellular Reboot Accelerator, and the Total Health Restore Protocols can help.Schedule your complimentary consult →Know someone this could help? Share this episode with them — it might change or even save their life.If this episode was valuable, leaving a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps this show reach more people.ReferencesStudies and sources cited in this episode:* CDC — Leading Causes of Death data* Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) — poor diet and US mortality* Ornish, D. et al. (1990) — The Lifestyle Heart Trial* Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2019) — plant-predominant diet, exercise, and cardiovascular risk reduction* DASH diet research on blood pressure control* World Health Organization (WHO) — cancer preventability estimates* American Institute for Cancer Research — lifestyle and cancer risk* The Lancet (2022 meta-analysis) — dietary patterns and cancer deaths* Physical activity and cancer risk study (2019, ~1.4 million participants)* Seyfried, T., Boston College — cancer as a metabolic disease* Bredesen, D., Journal of Aging — the ReCODE Protocol; 2014 case series* BDNF and exercise study (2020) — dementia risk reduction* Mediterranean-MIND diet and cognitive aging research* Harvard Study of Adult Development (80-year longitudinal study) — relationships and longevity* DiRECT Trial, The Lancet (2019) — type 2 diabetes remission through dietary intervention* Frankl, V. — Man's Search for MeaningThis article summarizes claims and studies as presented in the podcast episode. Listeners are encouraged to review primary sources directly and consult their own physician before making health decisions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tripleplaydoc.substack.com/subscribe
A clearer heart scan can change more than an image, it can change a decision. We talk with Jared Vest, who oversees nuclear cardiology and PET CT at Centra, about the arrival of cardiac PET CT and why it's a major leap forward for diagnosing heart disease closer to home. We walk through SPECT versus PET in plain language, then dig into what makes PET CT the new gold standard: higher-quality imaging and the CT mapping that helps correct for attenuation artifacts that can mask or mimic poor blood flow. That accuracy matters because it helps clinicians send the right patients to the right next step, including whether someone truly needs a heart cath or can avoid an unnecessary procedure.We also get into what's especially exciting about cardiac PET CT: the ability to quantify blood flow and coronary flow reserve, not just “look” at perfusion. That opens the door to detecting smaller defects and microvascular disease earlier, and it points toward future options like viability imaging to see whether heart muscle can benefit from intervention. If you care about preventive cardiology, advanced cardiac imaging, or patient-centered heart disease care, hit play, then subscribe, share with a friend, and leave us a review with your biggest takeaway.For more content from Centra Health check us out on the following channels.YouTubeFacebookInstagramTwitter
CardioNerds (Dr. Apoorva Gangavelli, Dr. Rebecca Garber, and Dr. Tina Reddy), discuss pre-pregnancy risk stratification and counseling with Dr. Katy Young across a range of risks. This episode was produced as part of the CardioNerds Academy curriculum by House Einthoven under the guidance of House Chief, Dr. Apoorva Gangavelli and Academy Program Director, Dr. Gurleen Kaur. A matching review article will be published in US Cardiology Review, the official journal of CardioNerds. This discussion was planned in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Board Review Course. Audio editing by CardioNerds intern, Dr. Patrick Pekyi-Boateng. Enjoy this Circulation 2022 Paths to Discovery article to learn about the CardioNerds story, mission, and values. CardioNerds Episode PageCardioNerds AcademyCardionerds Healy Honor Roll CardioNerds Journal ClubSubscribe to The Heartbeat Newsletter!Check out CardioNerds SWAG!Become a CardioNerds Patron! Notes: Why is pregnancy considered a “physiologic stress test,” and why does risk extend beyond delivery? Blood volume, heart rate, and cardiac output rise while systemic vascular resistance falls, peaking in the late second/early third trimester; underlying (even undiagnosed) heart disease can be unmasked or worsened. Postpartum (“fourth trimester”) is a high-risk period, not a safe zone – fluid shifts, rising SVR, and bleeding risk can precipitate decompensation in patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, valvular disease, or aortopathy. Adverse pregnancy outcomes (hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, peripartum cardiomyopathy) are markers of future cardiovascular risk and warrant long-term preventive follow-up. What is the practical framework for approaching pre-pregnancy cardiovascular risk? Four broad categories: (1) patients who may need cardiac screening before pregnancy, (2) patients needing risk-factor/medication optimization, (3) known cardiovascular disease where pregnancy is reasonable with structured risk stratification, and (4) high-risk disease where pregnancy may need to be delayed, modified by intervention, or discouraged. Testing should be targeted, not blanket – reserved for symptoms, abnormal exam, concerning family history, or reduced functional capacity. How is risk stratified in patients with known cardiovascular disease? Use a combination of tools per 2025 ESC guidelines: mWHO 2.0 (broad maternal risk category), CARPREG II (additional predictors of maternal cardiac events), and ZAHARA (useful in congenital heart disease). Key lesion-specific factors: aortic size/growth, valve severity, ventricular function, symptoms, blood pressure, and family history of dissection. Translate risk into practical terms for patients rather than leading with a numerical score. Which cardiovascular medications require review before conception? ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and ARNIs should be transitioned off before pregnancy; statins, MRAs, and SGLT2 inhibitors also need review. DOACs are contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation; mechanical valve anticoagulation requires individualized shared decision-making, as no strategy is risk-free for mother and fetus. Medication changes are best made proactively, before conception, rather than reactively. This is not an exhaustive list! The medication list needs to be reviewed carefully. Which conditions carry high or prohibitive risk in pregnancy? Pulmonary arterial hypertension, Eisenmenger syndrome, severe ventricular dysfunction, prior peripartum cardiomyopathy with residual LV dysfunction, severe left-sided obstructive valve disease (e.g., severe mitral stenosis), mechanical valves, significant aortopathy, cyanotic congenital heart disease, and Fontan physiology. Common theme: limited cardiovascular reserve and high risk of decompensation, thrombosis, arrhythmia, heart failure, aortic dissection, or death. These patients need expert multidisciplinary evaluation before pregnancy. Severe mitral stenosis is poorly tolerated because tachycardia shortens diastolic filling time and raises left atrial pressure, risking pulmonary edema and decompensation. When should genetic testing or counseling be offered? Consider when a diagnosis may be inherited or affect the patient, pregnancy, or family members: inherited cardiomyopathies, aortopathies, channelopathies, select congenital heart disease, and some pulmonary hypertension syndromes. Recurrence risk of congenital heart disease in offspring is roughly 6-10% when the mother has CHD; fetal echocardiography should be offered. How should contraception be approached in high-risk cardiac patients? Frame contraception as part of the cardiac care and reproductive safety plan to prevent unplanned high-risk pregnancy. Long-acting reversible contraception is often preferred; progestin-only methods are generally safer than estrogen-containing options with thrombosis risk, pulmonary hypertension, or mechanical valves. What are key delivery-planning considerations for cardiac patients? Vaginal delivery is preferred unless there is an obstetric indication for cesarean or a specific cardiac reason (e.g., unstable maternal status, therapeutic INR) to avoid labor. Planning should address delivery location, anesthesia involvement, telemetry needs, fluid management, and postpartum monitoring, clearly communicated across the multidisciplinary team in advance. How should clinicians counsel patients when pregnancy is discouraged but strongly desired? Acknowledge the patient’s goals and the emotional weight of the conversation; separate the goal (family building) from the timeline (safety now vs. after optimization). If pregnancy remains prohibitively risky, discuss alternatives for family building and ensure adequate patient support. What are the key gaps and future directions in cardio-obstetric risk stratification? Current risk tools (mWHO, CARPREG II, ZAHARA) provide common language but do not fully capture functional status, prior pregnancy history, or how risk evolves over time. Future direction: individualized, dynamic risk prediction incorporating imaging, biomarkers, exercise capacity, and social drivers of health, with better long-term links between pregnancy complications and cardiovascular prevention. References 1. European Society of Cardiology. 2025 ESC Guidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease and pregnancy. 2. Mehta LS, et al. Cardiovascular Considerations in Caring for Pregnant Patients: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2020;141:e884-e903. PMID: 32362133. doi:https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000772 3. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 212. Pregnancy and Heart Disease. Obstet Gynecol. 2019;133(5):e320-e356. PMID: 31022123. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000003243
This episode is sponsored by Super Patch: https://bit.ly/misuperpatch Apply for Muscle Intelligence Coaching: https://muscleintelligence.com/apply You cleaned up your diet, cut the carbs, and your LDL went up. Your doctor circled it in red and reached for a statin. Dr. Anthony Jay spent five years doing heart disease research full time at Boston University Medical School — running autopsies, removing plaque from human arteries, publishing on oxidized LDL — and for most of that time he was a statin guy himself. His mentor took them and bragged about it. His textbooks put the men who invented them on a pedestal. Then he kept looking at what was actually inside the plaque, and at what the endpoint studies actually measured, and he changed his mind. He is the author of Estrogeneration and the new book Sugar Beat, and he runs a DNA consulting practice doing four consults a day. In this conversation he walks through the 28,000-person study that ranks insulin resistance more than five times higher than LDL as a risk for an early heart attack, explains what LDL is actually built to do in the body, and traces the fifty-year sequence in which the target moved from total cholesterol to LDL to particle number to particle size to ApoB — each time, he argues, right as a new drug became available. He lays out the mechanism he believes builds plaque in the first place, why your heart is designed to run on fat and what happens when you train it on sugar instead, and which markers he thinks are actually damaging the artery wall while nobody tests for them. Ben pushes back the whole way, with his own father and with a client whose LDL sits above 800. If your labs came back red and nobody explained what was actually measured, start here. KEY TAKEAWAYS The risk factor that outranked LDL by more than four to one in a 28,000-person study of real heart attacks, not blood markers What LDL is actually for, and why getting healthier can raise it by design The $40 scan he ran on himself that told him more than twenty years of cholesterol readings ever did Why he argues that lowering the number can leave you with more arterial calcification rather than less The genetic quirk he has never discussed publicly that makes olive oil and avocado a real problem for a surprising number of people CONNECT WITH DR. JAY Website – https://www.ajconsultingcompany.com DNA Analysis & Consults – https://www.ajconsultingcompany.com/dna.html YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/anthonyjaycast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/anthonygjay Book – Sugar Beat: How Sugar, Not Cholesterol, Destroys Your Arteries Book – Estrogeneration: How Estrogenics Are Making You Fat, Sick, and Infertile
You've seen the click-bait headlines: "Take this one supplement and dissolve plaque," or "Eat this one food every day to dissolve plaque." None of this true, any more than reducing cholesterol "dissolves plaque."There is a logical and scientifically validated approach to gain control over coronary atherosclerotic plaque and thereby risk for heart attack and related cardiovascular events. It begins with identifying, then eradicating, small dense LDL particles. Think of small dense LDL particles as the first domino in a long line of dominoes that will fall just by knocking down the first domino. Support the showYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WilliamDavisMDBlog: WilliamDavisMD.comMembership website for two-way Zoom group meetings: InnerCircle.DrDavisInfiniteHealth.comBooks:Super Gut: The 4-Week Plan to Reprogram Your Microbiome, Restore Health, and Lose WeightWheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight and Find Your Path Back to Health; revised & expanded ed
Commentary by Dr. Timothy Ka-chun UN.
Heart disease is still the leading cause of death worldwide. Yet many people assume it only happens to those who are older, out of shape, or obviously unhealthy. In this episode, I sit down with cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Jeremy London, whose own heart attack challenged many of the assumptions we make about heart health. We discuss why prevention isn't always as straightforward as it seems—and how understanding your personal risk can help you take a more proactive approach to your health. We cover: Why some healthy people still develop heart disease The difference between standard cholesterol tests and a more complete assessment How to better understand your personal cardiovascular risk The lifestyle changes that can help lower your long-term cardiovascular risk Interested in more comprehensive lab testing? Learn more at Function and use code MARK2026 to save $50 on your membership. Heart disease is often preventable—but only if you know what to look for. Listen to my conversation with Dr. Jeremy London to learn how a better understanding of your personal risk can help you protect your long-term heart health. View Show Notes From This Episode Sign up for Dr. Hyman's Brainshaping Academy to learn how to nourish the biological systems that support your mental, emotional, and cognitive health https://drhyman.com/products/brainshaping?utm_source=dr_hyman_show&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=may_27&utm_content=link Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman https://drhyman.com/pages/picks?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcast Sign Up for Dr. Hyman's Weekly Longevity Journal https://drhyman.com/pages/longevity?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcast Join the 10-Day Detox to Reset Your Health https://drhyman.com/pages/10-day-detox Join the Hyman Hive for Expert Support and Real Results https://drhyman.com/pages/hyman-hive This episode is brought to you by Paleovalley, Pique, Perfect Amino, Seed, BON CHARGE, and Cozy Earth. Shop nutrient-rich foods and supplements at paleovalley.com/hyman and save 15% off your first order. Elevate your daily wellness ritual at piquelife.com/hyman and enjoy 20% off plus free gifts. Help fill protein gaps at bodyhealth.com and use code HYMAN20 for 20% off. Support your gut health daily at seed.com/hyman and use code 25HYMAN for 25% off your first month. Explore red light products at boncharge.com/hyman and enjoy 15% off with code HYMAN. Upgrade your sleep setup with cozyearth.com and enjoy 20% off with code HYMAN.
A cardiac surgeon who's performed thousands of open-heart operations says most of his patients didn't have to be there — and the culprit isn't cholesterol, it's metabolic health.In this episode of Health Longevity Secrets, Robert Lufkin MD sits down with Dr. Philip Ovadia, board-certified cardiac surgeon and author of the new book "Stay Off My Kitchen Table." Once morbidly obese and prediabetic himself, Ovadia lost nearly 100 pounds and rethought everything he was taught about heart disease. He explains why "meat is medicine," how red meat got vilified by bad science, what really drives heart disease, and how his nationwide telehealth practice is rebuilding primary care around metabolic health.Chapters:00:00 — Introduction01:34 — Why a Heart Surgeon Wrote "Stay Off My Kitchen Table"04:54 — Do You Need to Eat Meat? Nutrient Density and Bioavailability07:30 — Meat Is Medicine: Why Red Meat Was Vilified09:38 — How Bad Epidemiology Made Meat the Villain12:43 — Red Meat Down 40%, Heart Disease Worse: What That Tells Us14:23 — Ovadia's Own Journey: Obese, Prediabetic, and Gary Taubes15:54 — Why Medical Schools Resist This (and What's Changing)19:01 — RFK Jr, Trump, the New Food Pyramid and realfood.gov21:38 — Leaving Employed Surgery for a Telehealth Practice25:24 — Metabolic Care Beyond the Heart: Building Primary Care31:38 — What Telemedicine Patients Actually Experience37:01 — It's Not Just What You Eat — It's What You Absorb38:50 — Gut Health, Anti-Nutrients, and the NAD Supplement Problem42:37 — Best Wearables: Why the CGM Tops the List44:11 — Empowering Patients to Take Back ControlKey takeaways:Metabolic health — not cholesterol — is the primary driver of heart disease, and most heart surgery is preventable through diet and lifestyle."Meat is medicine": red meat was vilified largely by poorly done epidemiologic science layered with political and economic interests.U.S. red meat consumption has fallen ~40% since the 1950s–60s, yet heart disease has gotten worse — strong evidence meat isn't the cause.It's not just what you eat, it's what you absorb: gut health, bioavailability, and plant anti-nutrients all shape your results.The continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is the single most powerful wearable for understanding how food and lifestyle affect your metabolic health.Studies & sources:"Stay Off My Kitchen Table" by Dr. Philip Ovadia (with Joshua Lisik) — ovadiahearthealth.com"Stay Off My Operating Table" by Dr. Philip Ovadia — GoodreadsOvadia Heart Health (nationwide telehealth practice) — ovadiahearthealth.comNew U.S. dietary guidelines & food pyramid — realfood.govGary Taubes (author and science journalist) — garytaubes.comDr. Lufkin's book "Lies I Taught in Medical School": robertlufkinmd.com/lies⭐ Enjoying the show? Please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts — it takes 30 seconds and helps more people discover the science of health and longevity. Thank you!New episodes every other Tuesday. Subscribe so you don't miss one.Continue this conversation on Substack: https://robertlufkinmd.substack.comLies I Taught In Medical School — Free sample chapter: https://www.robertlufkinmd.com/lies/Web: https://www.robertlufkinmd.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/robertlufkinmdX: https://x.com/robertlufkinmdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertlufkinmd/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@robertlufkinLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlufkinmd/
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter's Weekly Newsletter Jim Otvos is a biophysical chemist who pioneered the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to measure lipoprotein particles and developed the first FDA-cleared method for directly quantifying LDL particle number (LDL-P), a technology that has since expanded to provide broader insights into metabolic health, inflammation, insulin resistance, and mortality risk. In this episode, Jim recounts the unlikely story of transforming a flawed cancer test into a new way of measuring lipoproteins, explains what standard cholesterol tests can miss and why LDL-P and apoB can inform treatment decisions beyond LDL cholesterol alone, and dispels the misconception that large, "fluffy" LDL particles are benign. He also explores how NMR can reveal insulin resistance before blood sugar rises, GlycA as a marker of chronic low-grade inflammation, and the metabolic vulnerability index (MVX) as a potential measure of frailty, resilience, and mortality risk across the lifespan. Finally, Jim explains why NMR diagnostics remain underused despite the wealth of information they can extract from a single blood test. We discuss: How investigating a flawed 1986 cancer test led to the development of NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) lipoprotein testing [3:30]; How standard lipid panels measure cholesterol and triglycerides, and why LDL cholesterol is estimated rather than directly measured [15:15]; How NMR spectroscopy measures lipoprotein particle size and concentration [20:30]; Why LDL particle number matters more than particle size, and why large, "fluffy" LDL is not benign [28:45]; Discordance between LDL cholesterol and LDL particle number: which measure better reflects cardiovascular risk? [36:30]; How metabolic syndrome and lipid-lowering treatment contribute to the discordance between LDL-C and LDL-P, and the value of particle number for managing risk [45:30]; Using the NMR-derived LP-IR score to detect insulin resistance and predict type 2 diabetes before glucose rises [51:15]; The development, commercialization, and uncertain future of the Vantera NMR Analyzer and NMR-based diagnostics [1:04:45]; The analytical efficiency of NMR testing and the data-driven development of the Metabolic Vulnerability Index (MVX) [1:16:00]; GlycA as an NMR-derived marker of systemic inflammation: its discovery, biological basis, and advantages over hs-CRP [1:25:45]; Developing the Metabolic Vulnerability Index (MVX): biomarkers of inflammation, malnutrition, muscle wasting, and mortality risk [1:34:00]; What MVX can tell us about longevity and mortality [1:44:15]; How MVX may reveal metabolic frailty and predict premature mortality decades in advance in young, healthy adults [1:50:30]; Potential applications of MVX for predicting treatment response, surgical resilience, and clinical trial outcomes, and the barriers to broader use [2:00:00]; ApoB versus LDL-P: their clinical similarities, the additional information provided by NMR, and barriers to broader adoption [2:07:30]; Interpreting the effects of the CETP inhibitor, obicetrapib, on LDL-P, apoB, and small HDL particles [2:13:00]; The future of NMR diagnostics and MVX: translating scientific potential into broader clinical use [2:20:45]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
Life is longer for “those who think young”; Watching too much TV may shrink your brain (literally!); Diet and supplements may help lupus; When a high-fiber diet before surgery may be inadvisable; Your mouth may be the gateway to your overall health and longevity.
Tonight, Dr. Galati has more news articles he wants to discuss. However, he starts with a story about Mattress Mack calling his son yesterday. Dr. Galati talks about heart disease (dying from it), heart attack, cholesterol, etc. He also takes some time on Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Dr. Galati ends with one more article on eating something regularly leading to longevity.
Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for more than 100 years. But if we know so much more today than we did decades ago, why is it still such a major health concern? In this episode, Shelley Rael, MS, RDN, looks at how cardiovascular disease has changed over time, why survival rates have improved, and why prevention remains one of the biggest challenges in healthcare. Learn what counts as heart disease, why regular screening matters, and which lifestyle habits have the greatest impact on reducing risk. The discussion focuses on the bigger picture rather than fear, helping put headlines and statistics into perspective while highlighting practical steps that support long-term heart health. Read the companion blog and other links in the show notes for additional details and references. Learn More: Read More: Heart Disease Is the #1 Killer, But Are We Making Progress? Read More: Red Meat and Health: How Much Is Too Much? Listen: Red Meat and Health: How Much Is Too Much? Read More: Processed Meats: What They Are and What Actually Makes Them a Concern Listen: Processed Meats: What They Are and What Actually Makes Them a Concern Read More: Healthy Fats: Why Avocados Aren't the Only Good Source Read More: Why Variety Matters More Than Trying to Eat the "Ideal" Diet Learn More: American Heart Association Learn More: CDC Heart Disease Facts
Join the Conversation at 303-477-5600 or text to 307-200-8222. Monday-Friday, 3 pm-6 pm MT. https://RushToReason.com Hour 1 Stage 4 Cancer, Heart Disease, and the Health Choices That Could Change Everything. Kick off Health and Wellness Wednesday with John Rush as he dissects new revelations about Anthony Fauci and the unresolved mysteries of the COVID era. Then, plunge into two gripping, real-life stories of defying the odds—where hope, healing, and prevention take center stage. What if stage 4 cancer isn't the end—but a new beginning? Emma Victoria Johnson reveals how she turned a devastating diagnosis into a story of hope, discovering lifesaving breakthroughs at Oasis of Hope. Hear how bold lifestyle changes, nutrition, and immune health fueled her fight for recovery. Next, Wayne Elliott recounts surviving a heart attack at just 35. Discover the unconventional choices he credits with transforming his life—and what most people overlook about heart health. Obesity, statins, Alzheimer's, toxins, and the daily habits that could change your future—don't miss these life-altering insights. John wraps up with a bold question: Is our addiction to convenience silently sabotaging our health? This hour is packed with inspiring stories, frank conversations, and eye-opening ideas that might just make you rethink your everyday choices. Timestamps 11:46 — Emma Victoria Johnson — https://www.oasisofhope.com 30:38 — Wayne Elliott — https://straussnaturals.com HOUR 2 Freedom, Socialism, Fauci, and Colorado's Political Crossroads. Start with a wake-up call: Richard Battle lays out why America stands at a crossroads—can free enterprise and liberty survive in a world drifting toward socialism? Hear powerful arguments for economic freedom, plus a candid look at inflation, government overreach, and immigration. John tackles Colorado's political storm, revealing why divided conservatives could see their state slip away for good. Sunny Kutcher of Young Americans Against Socialism brings the heat, exposing the rapid rise of socialist ideas and the high stakes for government accountability. Dive into Fauci's testimony, pandemic fallout, free speech battles, and border clashes—plus, why the next Colorado election could change everything. If you care about America's future, you can't afford to miss this. Timestamps 1:09 — Richard Battle — https://RichardBattle.com 30:37 — Sunny Kutcher — https://yaas.org Hour 3 COVID Secrets, AI Showdown, and Colorado's Tech Future Hang in the Balance Uncover the untold story behind COVID lockdowns as Michael Pack reveals what went into the making of ‘Lockdown Dissidents.' Go behind the scenes with Fauci's diary, the fallout of school closures, and the fight for civil liberties. John Rush pulls back the curtain on the backlash he faced for challenging the status quo—proving why questioning authority is more important than ever. Then, shift gears as Scott Garliss breaks down the high-stakes world of Wall Street and artificial intelligence—revealing how today's tech battles could decide America's financial future. John fires back at short-sighted tech critics, champions AI innovation, and explains why your vote could shape the next era of American leadership. Timestamps 1:07 — Michael Pack — https://palladiumpictures.com/ 28:34 — Scott Garliss — https://www.bentpinecapital.com/
Join the Conversation at 303-477-5600 or text to 307-200-8222. Monday-Friday, 3 pm-6 pm MT. https://RushToReason.com Hour 1 Stage 4 Cancer, Heart Disease, and the Health Choices That Could Change Everything. Kick off Health and Wellness Wednesday with John Rush as he dissects new revelations about Anthony Fauci and the unresolved mysteries of the COVID era. Then, plunge into two gripping, real-life stories of defying the odds—where hope, healing, and prevention take center stage. What if stage 4 cancer isn't the end—but a new beginning? Emma Victoria Johnson reveals how she turned a devastating diagnosis into a story of hope, discovering lifesaving breakthroughs at Oasis of Hope. Hear how bold lifestyle changes, nutrition, and immune health fueled her fight for recovery. Next, Wayne Elliott recounts surviving a heart attack at just 35. Discover the unconventional choices he credits with transforming his life—and what most people overlook about heart health. Obesity, statins, Alzheimer's, toxins, and the daily habits that could change your future—don't miss these life-altering insights. John wraps up with a bold question: Is our addiction to convenience silently sabotaging our health? This hour is packed with inspiring stories, frank conversations, and eye-opening ideas that might just make you rethink your everyday choices. Timestamps 11:46 — Emma Victoria Johnson — https://www.oasisofhope.com 30:38 — Wayne Elliott — https://straussnaturals.com HOUR 2 Freedom, Socialism, Fauci, and Colorado's Political Crossroads. Start with a wake-up call: Richard Battle lays out why America stands at a crossroads—can free enterprise and liberty survive in a world drifting toward socialism? Hear powerful arguments for economic freedom, plus a candid look at inflation, government overreach, and immigration. John tackles Colorado's political storm, revealing why divided conservatives could see their state slip away for good. Sunny Kutcher of Young Americans Against Socialism brings the heat, exposing the rapid rise of socialist ideas and the high stakes for government accountability. Dive into Fauci's testimony, pandemic fallout, free speech battles, and border clashes—plus, why the next Colorado election could change everything. If you care about America's future, you can't afford to miss this. Timestamps 1:09 — Richard Battle — https://RichardBattle.com 30:37 — Sunny Kutcher — https://yaas.org Hour 3 COVID Secrets, AI Showdown, and Colorado's Tech Future Hang in the Balance Uncover the untold story behind COVID lockdowns as Michael Pack reveals what went into the making of ‘Lockdown Dissidents.' Go behind the scenes with Fauci's diary, the fallout of school closures, and the fight for civil liberties. John Rush pulls back the curtain on the backlash he faced for challenging the status quo—proving why questioning authority is more important than ever. Then, shift gears as Scott Garliss breaks down the high-stakes world of Wall Street and artificial intelligence—revealing how today's tech battles could decide America's financial future. John fires back at short-sighted tech critics, champions AI innovation, and explains why your vote could shape the next era of American leadership. Timestamps 1:07 — Michael Pack — https://palladiumpictures.com/ 28:34 — Scott Garliss — https://www.bentpinecapital.com/
Join the Conversation at 303-477-5600 or text to 307-200-8222. Monday-Friday, 3 pm-6 pm MT. https://RushToReason.com Hour 1 Stage 4 Cancer, Heart Disease, and the Health Choices That Could Change Everything. Kick off Health and Wellness Wednesday with John Rush as he dissects new revelations about Anthony Fauci and the unresolved mysteries of the COVID era. Then, plunge into two gripping, real-life stories of defying the odds—where hope, healing, and prevention take center stage. What if stage 4 cancer isn't the end—but a new beginning? Emma Victoria Johnson reveals how she turned a devastating diagnosis into a story of hope, discovering lifesaving breakthroughs at Oasis of Hope. Hear how bold lifestyle changes, nutrition, and immune health fueled her fight for recovery. Next, Wayne Elliott recounts surviving a heart attack at just 35. Discover the unconventional choices he credits with transforming his life—and what most people overlook about heart health. Obesity, statins, Alzheimer's, toxins, and the daily habits that could change your future—don't miss these life-altering insights. John wraps up with a bold question: Is our addiction to convenience silently sabotaging our health? This hour is packed with inspiring stories, frank conversations, and eye-opening ideas that might just make you rethink your everyday choices. Timestamps 11:46 — Emma Victoria Johnson — https://www.oasisofhope.com 30:38 — Wayne Elliott — https://straussnaturals.com HOUR 2 Freedom, Socialism, Fauci, and Colorado's Political Crossroads. Start with a wake-up call: Richard Battle lays out why America stands at a crossroads—can free enterprise and liberty survive in a world drifting toward socialism? Hear powerful arguments for economic freedom, plus a candid look at inflation, government overreach, and immigration. John tackles Colorado's political storm, revealing why divided conservatives could see their state slip away for good. Sunny Kutcher of Young Americans Against Socialism brings the heat, exposing the rapid rise of socialist ideas and the high stakes for government accountability. Dive into Fauci's testimony, pandemic fallout, free speech battles, and border clashes—plus, why the next Colorado election could change everything. If you care about America's future, you can't afford to miss this. Timestamps 1:09 — Richard Battle — https://RichardBattle.com 30:37 — Sunny Kutcher — https://yaas.org Hour 3 COVID Secrets, AI Showdown, and Colorado's Tech Future Hang in the Balance Uncover the untold story behind COVID lockdowns as Michael Pack reveals what went into the making of ‘Lockdown Dissidents.' Go behind the scenes with Fauci's diary, the fallout of school closures, and the fight for civil liberties. John Rush pulls back the curtain on the backlash he faced for challenging the status quo—proving why questioning authority is more important than ever. Then, shift gears as Scott Garliss breaks down the high-stakes world of Wall Street and artificial intelligence—revealing how today's tech battles could decide America's financial future. John fires back at short-sighted tech critics, champions AI innovation, and explains why your vote could shape the next era of American leadership. Timestamps 1:07 — Michael Pack — https://palladiumpictures.com/ 28:34 — Scott Garliss — https://www.bentpinecapital.com/
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Could 12 everyday high-fibre foods really help lower your risk of heart disease, dementia and some cancers? The world is obsessed with protein, but fewer than 1 in 10 people eat enough fibre. But this year, fiber is making an unexpected comeback. In this episode, legendary chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and ZOE's Chief Scientist Professor Sarah Berry ask whether fibre is another food trend or a powerful part of our diet that we have overlooked. Taking inspiration from Hugh's new book High Fibre Heroes, they explore how fibre feeds your gut microbes, helps you feel full and slows the release of sugar into your blood. And, by the end of the episode, you'll know how to eat more fibre without costly ingredients or difficult recipes, and how to turn familiar foods into simple meals packed with flavour. Are you buying more protein while overlooking the foods your body may need most? The answer could already be in your cupboard, freezer or fridge.
Get personalized root-cause care with Empower Functional Health.Learn more at empowerfunctionalhealth.com_____Heart surgeon Dr. Philip Ovadia joins Judy Cho to discuss what may actually drive heart disease beyond a single focus on LDL cholesterol. Drawing from 25 years in cardiac surgery and more than 3,400 operations, he explains why insulin resistance, inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, diet, and vascular damage deserve more attention in heart disease prevention.The conversation also examines statins, coronary artery calcium scans, CT angiograms, seed oils, processed carbohydrates, red meat, vegan diets, gut health, and nutrient absorption. Dr. Ovadia shares how becoming obese and prediabetic changed his own understanding of metabolic health, and why he now focuses on helping patients avoid the operating table.We discuss the following: Dr. Ovadia's lessons from 3,400 heart surgeriesWhy cholesterol isn't the root causePharmaceutical and food industry influenceHow diet guidelines failed patientsDr. Ovadia's personal health transformationSeed oils vs processed carbohydratesEarly warning signs of heart diseaseCoronary calcium scan and CT angiogramWhat a heart surgeon eats for breakfastDr. Ovadia's new bookCan vegans have optimal health?When diet alone isn't enough_____EPISODE RESOURCESNutritionist's Guide to the Carnivore DietDr. Philip Ovadia's WebsiteDr. Philip Ovadia's InstagramStay Off My Kitchen Table BookStay Off My Operating Table (First Book)_____WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
American health is on the steep decline. MAHA was supposed to fix the problem, but instead has spent time promoting big-meat and big-dairy rather than informing the public about how the obsession and overconsumption of these products is poisoning us at a rate closely aligned with processed junk. Frying potatoes in beef tallow doesn't solve the problem that the food itself, and the additives, are making us addicted and sick. RFK Jr even posted on the official Real Food website that his stance was not an attack on the industry. Well, it should be. Considering that some of the greatest warriors in human history, from Gladiators and Roman Legionary, to Samurai, ate very little meat and dairy, and considering that diets with little or none of these ingredients are the only lifestyle changes in studies that have ever reversed diseases of the heart and diabetes, perhaps we are being lied too yet again. *The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, subscribe below.
My name is Al Schmidt, I am 85 and I have been on an incredible journey since July 2016, and this is my story. I have had coronary artery disease for most of my adult life. In 1985, when I was 48, I had my first angina pains while riding a bicycle. I had always been active. After a series of tests I had a quintuple bypass. That was a traumatic event in my life. I took the pledge, gave up red meat, and embarked on a low fat diet. I watched my weight, around 170 I continued to be active, walking, hiking, and biking. My father had died at 59 and that was about 10 years away. He was overweight and ate meat with every meal. So I went on what I thought was a healthy low fat diet. My goal was to limit my fat intake to around 20%-25% of my daily calories and no red meat. Remember this was the 80's and 20%-25% fat was considered low. I had an angiogram and was told I needed a stent. This time the recovery was minimal. I had two incisions in my groin one from the angiogram and one from the stint. I remember thinking how easy a stint was compared to bypass surgery. I had to wonder if my original cardiac surgery had been this easy would I have changed my lifestyle? As time went on I had some problems with PVC's (premature ventricular contractions) and such. I became intolerant to several long-term medications that I had been taking. I was unable to take ANY statin to keep my cholesterol down. I had another stint implanted, various irregular pulse problems, and Acid Reflux. In 2014 I started having shortness of breath and chest pains while walking and going up and down stairs. I started taking Imdur and Ranexa which opened my blood vessels. While my symptoms went away, I knew what my future held. By 80 years of age I had become a full-fledged card carrying Cardiac Cripple. A Cardiac Cripple is one that cannot complete the normal daily actives without debilitating chest pains. This included sex. As an aside I have to mention, regarding sex in your 80s, “four” play takes on a new importance. It becomes more like “eight” play. But I digress. I could not climb stairs, I could not walk from my house to my neighbor's house without severe and frightening chest pains. I could not take the trash out. I had been used to walking a mile and a half, climbing stairs, and living an active life. My existence now was limited to sitting in front of my computer and or watching TV (and I hate TV). I was becoming depressed. I was lower than snake shit in a wheel rut. SO HOW ABOUT SOME RESULTS First NO angina. I can walk long distances, I can climb stairs, and I am mobile again. My Cholesterol went from 196 to 149 in 3 months. I lost 30 pounds. I am 5' 11” and went from 180 to 150 in two months. My kidney function went from 40% down to normal. I feel great. I have much more energy. I go out and do all the little fix-it chores that I had been neglecting before. I don't have my usual 3 o'clock lack of energy. I don't doze off when I am reading or in front of my computer. I don't get those ugly looking bruise marks on my arms and hands I had Dark Blue skin on my ankles which went away after 11 months. Swollen left foot the result of 1985 bypass. My website: https://www.stayingalivewfpb.com/
Many men over 50 assume they're in good shape because they exercise, eat reasonably well, and have decent cholesterol numbers. Dr. Jeffrey Boone argues that those measures don't always reveal what's happening inside your arteries. He explains why taking a more proactive approach to heart health may help prevent heart attack long before symptoms appear.You'll discover:Why Dr. Boone believes every man over 50 should know whether plaque is already present in his arteries and how a Coronary Calcium Score can help.Why lifestyle alone may not be enough for some men with genetic risk factors for heart disease.How combining smart habits, advanced testing, and evidence-based treatment can support long-term cardiovascular health.Listen for practical insights that may change how you think about protecting your heart for the decades ahead.If you find this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with friends and family.NEW FOR 2026: Click here to get my weekly Unstoppable After 50 Playbook
Dr. Philip Ovadia is a board-certified heart surgeon on a mission to help people stay off his operating table. After overcoming his own struggles with obesity and poor metabolic health, he shifted his focus from treating advanced heart disease to preventing it by addressing its root causes. As the bestselling author of Stay Off My Operating Table, Dr. Ovadia challenges conventional thinking about heart health and advocates for nutrition, metabolic health, and lifestyle as the foundation for preventing cardiovascular disease. Through his clinical work, writing, and education, he empowers people to take control of their health long before surgery becomes necessary. In this episode, Drs. Brian and Philip talk about… (00:00) Intro (01:21) Dr. Ovadia's personal health journey (05:09) Insulin resistance and heart disease (09:29) Insulin resistance, inflammation, and imaging (25:44) GLP medications and heart disease risk (28:47) Why meat is essential for human health (33:17) How Dr. Ovadia's colleagues have reacted to his unconventional dietary views and how the medical field is reacting to the keto/low carb revolution (39:25) Various lab tests and plaque progression (41:19) Gut health and the carnivore diet (42:54) Fermentation and detoxifying foods (46:29) Outro For more information, please see the links below. Thank you for listening! Links: Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.lowcarbmd.com/ Dr. Philip Ovadia: Books: https://ovadiahearthealth.com/books/ Website: https://ovadiahearthealth.com/ X: https://x.com/ifixhearts Dr. Brian Lenzkes: Website: https://arizonametabolichealth.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianLenzkes?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author Dr. Tro Kalayjian: Website: https://toward.health Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoctorTro IG: https://www.instagram.com/doctortro/ Toward Health App Join a growing community of individuals who are improving their metabolic health; together. Get started at your own pace with a self-guided curriculum developed by Dr. Tro and his care team, community chat, weekly meetings, courses, challenges, message boards and more. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/doctor-tro/id1588693888 Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.disciplemedia.doctortro&hl=en_US&gl=US Learn more: https://toward.health/community/
Why can two people with similar LDL levels experience radically different cardiovascular outcomes? In this episode, I speak with Peter Anderson about the possibility that endothelial nitric oxide may be one of the major variables separating these outcomes.We explore whether nitric oxide can be understood as a protective “bank” that is progressively depleted by ageing, hypertension, smoking, insulin resistance, obesity, sleep deprivation, psychological stress and circadian disruption.We also discuss dietary nitrate, rocket and beetroot, oral bacteria, sunlight, ultraviolet A, infrared light, movement, erectile function, flow-mediated dilation, ketosis, statins, calcium scores and the emerging controversy surrounding coronary CT analysis in lean-mass hyper-responders.CONSULT DR MAX
What Triggers Age-Related Belly Fat? New Stem Cell Findings and a Nutrition Perspective: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses research from City of Hope (published in Science) on why belly fat increases with age even without major weight gain, emphasizing the health risks of visceral fat as an endocrine organ linked to inflammation, diabetes, heart disease, and accelerated aging. The study suggests aging activates adipocyte progenitor cells (APCs) and produces an age-specific stem cell population called committed preadipocytes (CP-As) that generate new fat cells, with experiments showing older APCs create more fat cells even when transplanted into young mice. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified greater CP-A activity in middle-aged mice and similar cells in higher numbers in middle-aged human tissue. Researchers implicate the LIFR signaling pathway and propose future therapies to block these cells, while Leyla questions root causes and argues metabolic dysfunction—insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, high carbohydrate intake, and sedentary behavior—should be addressed nutritionally rather than via a pill.
The Real Truth About Health Free 17 Day Live Online Conference Podcast
Stents don't prevent attacks. Statins don't reverse disease. Only lifestyle change addresses the root cause. #StentMyth #StatinLimits #LifestyleMedicine #HealthTalks
Suppose the habits shaping your family's future were set decades before you were born? This episode of Salad with a Side of Fries dives into the real, practical steps behind building generational health and finally breaking cycles of diet culture, stress, and chronic disease.Host Jenn Trepeck unpacks how breaking the cycle begins with honest conversations, family history, and daily choices around hydration, sleep, and stress management (including family meals) that any household can start putting into practice today for lasting, healthy aging.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why generational health is really about the lifestyle we pass down, not just the genes we inherit✅ How to talk to picky eaters using energizing foods and fuel-based language instead of good and bad labels✅ The real protein needs for growing kids and teens✅ How modeling healthy behavior around stress, screens, and family meals teaches kids more than any lecture or ruleThe Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into real-life wellness and weight loss, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Why life expectancy is dropping and how generational health can reverse that trend07:06 Breaking the cycle of childhood diet rules, sneaking treats, and food restriction08:56 How family history of disease and epigenetics shape the lifestyle patterns we pass down15:13 The six human foundations behind every healthy lifestyle17:17 Nutrition tips for handling picky eaters using fridge first and energizing food language21:23 Calculating real protein needs for growing kids and teenage athletes based on body weight29:12 Modeling calm, stress management, and the importance of connection and community33:27 How GLP-1 medications are quietly reshaping shared meals and family food culture40:02 Using screen time and modeling to teach kids healthy, generational health habitsKEY TAKEAWAYS:
Leveling Up: Creating Everything From Nothing with Natalie Jill
Before menopause, our risk of heart disease is HALF what a man's is. Within a few years of our last period, it is EQUAL. By our seventies, it is HIGHER. So why is nobody screening us for it? This is the conversation midlife women have been waiting for. I sat down with Dr. Jayne Morgan, a research cardiologist and Vice President of Medical Affairs at Hello Heart, who is calling out menopause itself as the most missed opportunity in preventive cardiology. She is the creator of the Stairwell Chronicles, a science communicator who translates complex cardiology into kitchen-table language, and she has spent 25+ years researching what is actually happening to our hearts in midlife. This is our fourth cardiologist on the show. And she is different. She brings the research, the data, and a fierce honesty about why our healthcare system was built around the male body, and what we do about it now. WE GO DEEP ON: • Why menopause is a CARDIOVASCULAR event, not a gynecologic footnote • The half / equal / greater stat that every midlife woman needs to memorize • The 37-minute delay women face in the ER for cardiac care, and the exact phrase that gets you seen • Why hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, and brain fog are cardiovascular signals, not just inconveniences • What estrogen actually does for your heart and what happens when it drops, and the 10-year HRT window • Her take on statins, the online backlash, and what the research actually says about LDL • What to do if you tried a statin and felt terrible — • Why it is LDL AND insulin resistance AND inflammation — not one versus the other • The labs to demand: ApoB, Lp(a), hs-CRP, fasting insulin, CAC scan • Why women were excluded from cardiovascular clinical trials until 1993, and how that built the entire field on the wrong data • The exact advocacy phrase that gets your concern documented in your chart • Three things you can do this week that actually move the needle This is not a doom episode. This is the conversation you bring to your doctor tomorrow. TIMESTAMPS: • 00:00 — Why menopause is a cardiovascular event • 12:00 — The symptoms women miss and the 37-minute ER delay • 26:00 — Estrogen, HRT and the 10-year window • 42:00 — LDL, cholesterol and the statin debate • 54:00 — What to test, what to track, what to demand • 66:00 — Health equity and self-advocacy • 76:00 — Three things this week Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube Learn More About Dr. Jayne Morgan Instagram ➜ http://www.instagram.com/drjaynemorgan Website ➜ https://drjaynemorgan.com/ Hello Heart➜ https://www.helloheart.com/ Thank you to our show sponsors: LEELA QUANTUM: Get 10% off your first Leela Quantum order with the code NatalieJill at checkout at https://midlifeconversations.com/leela TIMELINE: Timeline is offering 20% off your order of Mitopure! Go to https://timeline.com/NATALIEJILL BIOPTIMIZERS: Stop settling for one form of magnesium when your body needs all 7. This one has them all! Get yours at https://bioptimizers.com/nataliejill and use code NATALIEJILL to save Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: https://theflatbellyguide.com/ Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: https://ageoptimizer.com Connect with me on social media! Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Nataliejllfit Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Nataliejillfit For advertising inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/ Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast.
Send us Fan MailSend us Fan MailIn this enlightening episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we sit down with Dr. Jeffrey L. Boone, a leading cardiologist and author dedicated to revolutionizing heart health. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Boone has focused his career not just on treating heart disease but on preventing it, emphasizing the critical role that stress plays in cardiovascular health. He shares his remarkable journey from western Kansas to consulting for elite organizations like the NFL and MLB, and discusses his upcoming book, *A World Without Heart Attacks*, which aims to inspire a new approach to heart health.Dr. Boone elaborates on the importance of early detection and prevention, advocating for a shift in how we measure heart disease, moving beyond traditional risk factors to more proactive imaging techniques. He passionately argues that heart disease is often a silent killer, urging listeners to take charge of their health long before symptoms arise.Throughout the episode, Dr. Boone provides valuable insights into:- The significance of lifestyle changes and early intervention in preventing heart disease- The impact of stress on cardiovascular health and how to manage it effectively- Innovative imaging techniques that can detect heart disease before it becomes critical- The connection between heart health and brain health, and the potential to prevent dementia- His vision for making heart disease prevention accessible to everyone, not just elite athletesJoin us for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional wisdom and encourages listeners to take proactive steps towards a healthier future. For more information on Dr. Boone and his work, visit booneheart.comSupport the show
What really helps you live a long, healthy life? Can healthy ageing be as simple as a few everyday habits? In this episode, Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, world-leading oncologist, bioethicist and World Health Organization adviser, shares six rules from his book Eat Your Ice Cream that may help lower your risk of dementia, heart disease, cancer and early death. Ezekiel explores the science of healthy ageing, longevity and disease prevention, and explains why many wellness trends distract us from what matters most. By the end of the episode, you'll have six practical habits that have the biggest impact on living well for longer. From building stronger relationships and staying mentally active to improving your diet, exercise and sleep, Ezekiel offers a simple framework designed to support health over decades, not weeks. If you want to live a longer, healthier life, are you focusing on the habits that matter most?
I'm delighted to reconnect with Dr. Philip Ovadia today. He is a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with over 20 years of experience in the operating room and the founder of Ovadia Heart Health, a telemedicine practice focused on preventing and treating metabolic and cardiovascular disease through dietary and lifestyle intervention. He has co-authored two books, including, most recently, Stay Off My Kitchen Table. Today we discuss key statistics on metabolic health, metabolic health challenges, and lifestyle interventions, including Dr. Ovadia's three I's (insulin resistance, inflammation, and imaging), optimal lab values, vulnerable populations, and why prevention is key, especially for women and heart disease. We discuss the influence of gut and metabolic health, elimination diets, the reintroduction of food, and the positive influence of AI on medicine. We also cover the impact of GLP-1s and so much more. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation with Dr. Phil Ovadia on why improving metabolic health is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent cardiovascular disease. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why clinicians often fail to recognize the five metabolic syndrome criteria as signs of metabolic disease Dr. Ovadia introduces his "three I's”, and explains why they deserve far more attention when evaluating cardiovascular disease risk. How dietary and lifestyle interventions can improve metabolic health, reduce medication use, and help people feel more empowered Why blood work should always be interpreted as part of the bigger picture rather than focusing on a single value How metabolic changes during perimenopause and menopause can increase cardiovascular disease risk, and why prevention is particularly important How gut dysfunction can interfere with nutrient absorption and contribute to ongoing metabolic health challenges The value of using the carnivore diet as an elimination diet Dr. Ovadia explains why he is optimistic about AI in medicine How Dr. Ovadia's perspective on GLP-1 medications has evolved, and how he now uses low-dose GLP-1s alongside dietary and lifestyle interventions for certain patients Some simple measures to help you better understand your current metabolic health Bio: Dr. Philip Ovadia Conducting over 3,000 heart surgeries taught Dr. Philip Ovadia that good health comes from lifestyle and nutrition, not surgery. Sadly, many of his patients considered their heart attacks “inevitable.” Having lost 100lbs to overcome lifelong obesity, Dr Ovadia is on a mission to help people stay off his operating table by teaching them how to never need a heart surgeon through his Telehealth practice, Ovadia Heart Health. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow. Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Philip Ovadia On his website On social media: @ifixhearts Pre-order a copy of Stay Off My Kitchen Table
Cheryl Meyer, known as Cheryl M Health Muse, shared her journey from a successful jewelry designer to a health advocate after experiencing severe pain and being misdiagnosed by conventional doctors. She discovered functional medicine, which led her to eliminate toxins from her life, adopt an organic diet, and address her food sensitivities. Over five years, she eliminated toxins from her environment, improved her diet, and managed her stress through yoga and breathing exercises. Cheryl emphasized the importance of self-advocacy, continuous research, and holistic approaches in achieving health and wellness. For the transcript and full story go to: https://www.drmanonbolliger.com/cheryl-meyer2 Highlights from today's episode include: Cheryl explains You are the magic pill—your lifestyle creates your wellness. Cheryl explains how to become an "army of one" and systematically remove toxins from your life. Manon speaks about allopathic medicine today is mostly disease management, not true healing. ABOUT CHERYL MEYER Cheryl Meyer, otherwise known as Cheryl M Health Muse, once a successful solopreneur in the jewelry design business. With a 7 figure business, faced a daunting wake-up call one morning when she couldn't get out of bed due to excruciating pain. Misdiagnosed and brushed off by conventional medicine, she embarked on a journey to discover the root cause herself. Unveiling her autoimmune diseases;Fibromyalgia. Hashimotos, IBS and TYPE II Diabetes, Cheryl realized her relentless work ethic and unhealthy lifestyle were the culprits. Refusing to accept this as her fate, she dove into research, overhauled her diet, and pursued education in holistic health—resulting in an incredible transformation. Cheryl has reversed her Fibromyalgia, IBS, her Type II Diabetes, her Fatty liver and lost 80 pounds without dieting. Now 77 she feels better than she did in her 50s. Today, Cheryl is a beacon of hope for those battling chronic illnesses. Autoimmune Diseases, Heart Disease, Liver Disease, Cancer, Dementia and more. She was recently certified by the American Brain Council to teach their course on brain health. With her superpower of finding holistic solutions, she empowers clients to reclaim their health and vitality. She encourages everyone to take back their power to pursue their wellness. Through books, classes, coaching, podcasts and more, Cheryl inspires others to embrace the journey to wellness, proving that nothing is impossible when it comes to feeling great and living well. She talks 20 lifestyle habits to lasting wellness. Cheryl is now a PSYCH-K facilitator and can help you get fast results by leading you to change your subconscious programing. Cheryl is currently working on modules to encourage self-love as the foundation to finding wellness, your perfect mate, and finding the success you seek in business and life. She has done extensive research on manifestation Her husband, a retired techy is creating an AI site with all her research and writings called ASK THE HEALTH MUSE. She is a huge advocate of eating the organic rainbow of fruits and vegetables as the route to eating from the" farmacy" to a life of lasting wellness. Core purpose/passion: I am known as the Rainbow Queen because I advocate with starting to eat the organic rainbow from a source as close to you as possible. I also regularly talk where the toxins are lurking and how to purge them from your life. Radical Self-love my latest book, expands self care to self-love and then all aspects of ones life, since it was the key reason I got so ill. I am currently writing classes on the Liver, the lymph and fascia system, and then the gut. They will all be up on my You Tube channel, my website and possibly my Issuu page. Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | ABOUT MANON BOLLIGER, RBHT, FCAH: As a retired Naturopath 1992-2021, I saw an average of 150 patients per week and have helped people ranging from rural farmers in Nova Scotia to stressed out CEOs in Toronto to tri-athletes here in Vancouver. My resolve to educate, empower and engage people to take charge of their own health is evident in my best-selling books: 'What Patients Don't Say if Doctors Don't Ask: The Mindful Patient-Doctor Relationship' and 'A Healer in Every Household: Simple Solutions for Stress'. and What if Your Body is Smarter than You Think? I am the Founder & CEO of The Bowen College Inc. which teaches BowenFirst™ Therapy and holds transformational workshops to achieve these goals. So, when I share with you that LISTENing to Your body is a game changer in the healing process, I am speaking from expertise and direct experience". Mission: A Healer in Every Household! For more great information to go to her weekly blog: http://bowencollege.com/blog. For tips on health & healing go to: https://www.drmanonbolliger.com/tips Follow: Manon Bolliger website | Linktr.ee | Rumble | Gettr | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | LinkedIn | Follow: Bowen College Inc. | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Twitter | Rumble | Locals ABOUT THE HEALERS CAFE: Manon's show is the #1 show for medical practitioners and holistic healers to have heart to heart conversations about their day to day lives. Subscribe and review on your favourite platform: iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Libsyn | iHeartRadio | Gaana | The Healers Cafe | Radio.com | Medioq | Audacy | Follow The Healers Café on FB: https://www.facebook.com/thehealerscafe Remember to subscribe if you like our videos. Click the bell if you want to be one of the first people notified of a new release. * De-Registered, revoked & retired naturopathic physician after 30 years of practice in healthcare. Now resourceful & resolved to share with you all the tools to take care of your health & vitality!
Is a plant-based diet the best for supporting metabolic health? Cardiologist Dr. Jaimela Dulaney spent years practicing plant-based nutrition before her own experience with insulin resistance, blood sugar swings, and endurance running led her to rethink what personalized nutrition can look like.In this episode, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Dr. Dulaney about what changed her perspective, both personally and professionally.They cover:How CGMs helped reveal unexpected blood sugar patternsWhy insulin resistance can show up even in active, normal-weight individualsHow Dr. Dulaney thinks about LDL cholesterol in the context of metabolic healthWhy low-carb and ketogenic diets may help some people improve energy, recovery, and blood sugar stabilityWhy there may not be one “best diet” for every patientThis conversation highlights the importance of listening to patients, tracking meaningful lab trends, and staying open to new evidence when personal experience and clinical outcomes begin to tell a different story.
In this conversation, Ari Whitten and I go straight to the cellular level to answer a question most of cardiology never asks: where does your energy actually come from, and what happens to your heart when it runs low? Ari walks through the work of Dr. Robert Naviaux and the ‘cell danger response,' the idea that your mitochondria are constantly reading the environment and deciding whether to make energy or switch into defense mode. Stressors like toxins, junk food, poor sleep, and chronic psychological stress push them toward defense, and that shift shows up as fatigue, oxidative stress, and inflammation, the same drivers I see underneath so much heart disease.From there, we get practical. Ari breaks down why how you breathe matters as much as how much you move, how a simple breath-hold test reflects your body's oxygen delivery, and why 20 to 30 minutes of daily movement may be one of the most powerful things you can do for your heart. It all comes back to what I teach every day: Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well. Give your cells what they were designed for, and your energy and your heart tend to follow.- - - - -About the Guest:Ari Whitten, MS, is the founder of The Energy Blueprint and one of the most respected evidence-based voices on fatigue, energy, and mitochondrial health. He holds a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine, a bachelor's in Kinesiology, and certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Corrective Exercise Specialist and Performance Enhancement Specialist.After losing nearly a year of his own life to severe chronic fatigue in his twenties, Ari devoted his career to understanding how cellular energy is built and broken. He is the bestselling author of Eat for Energy and The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy, and has taught his science-first approach to energy on stages around the world.Website: theenergyblueprint.comInstagram: @theenergyblueprintPodcast: The Energy Blueprint- - - - -Jack Wolfson, DO, FACCWebsites: https://drjackwolfson.com/; https://naturalheartdoctor.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackwolfsonReady to move past the confusion and fear of typical heart health approaches? Visit naturalheartdoctor.com/discovery to schedule your free discovery call and start your journey toward a 100-year heart with real, evidence-based answers.- - - - -PODCAST Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death, but recognizing the warning signs early can make all the difference. In this episode, cardiology nurse practitioner Monica Sanford shares the symptoms people often overlook, how to advocate for your heart health, the latest advances in cardiology, and practical steps you can take to reduce your risk and live a healthier life.
→ Ora Organic | Real ingredients, planet-friendly packaging, easy to love. Head to https://ora.organic/pages/drg and use my code HEALTHYSELF30 to enjoy 30% off your first Ora order today. → Puori | Go to https://puori.com/DRG and use the code DRG at checkout to get 32% off your first Puori Creatine+ subscription order. → Santa Barbara Chocolate | CocoaDynamics available at https://SantaBarbaraChocolate.com. Use code DRG20 for 20% off. Episode Description: Social media has convinced women that they need to lower their cortisol to lose belly fat, sync their workouts to their menstrual cycle, eat differently depending on their cycle phase, avoid heavy lifting to stay lean, and take a stack of longevity supplements to live longer. Dr. Mary Pardee is here to call most of that what it is. Dr. Mary is a naturopathic and functional medicine doctor, one of Dr. G's closest friends, and one of the most evidence-based voices in the wellness space. This is her third time on Heal Thy Self and she is not holding back. From LDL cholesterol to VO2 max to the Mediterranean diet to cold plunge, she is cutting through the noise and giving women the clearest, most direct framework for actually living longer. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why LDL cholesterol is causative for heart disease the way smoking is causative for lung cancer, what numbers to actually target at different life stages, and why plaque formation begins in your 20s • The truth about cycle syncing workouts and food, why it is a marketing tactic designed to confuse a vulnerable population into buying something, and what the research actually says about training through your cycle • How to structure protein intake for muscle building, the exact grams per kilogram targets for different goals, and why women are still chronically under eating protein even in 2026 Plus the labs every woman should be running, what a DEXA scan actually reveals about body composition, and why cold plunge has no longevity evidence behind it while sauna does. Find Dr. Amy Pardee: Website: https://www.modrnmed.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.marypardee Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 2:07 - Rapid Fire: Cortisol, LDL, Heavy Lifting & Cycle Syncing — Myth or Fact? 5:30 - How Dr. Mary Became the Most Evidence-Based Naturopathic Doctor Dr. G Knows 9:10 - The Vulnerable Populations Being Targeted by Wellness Influencers 11:45 - The Truth About Cortisol and Belly Fat (And Who This Advice Is Actually Hurting) 15:00 - Calories vs. Whole Foods: Why "Just Eat Clean" Is Gaslighting a Lot of People 19:00 - DEXA Scans, Skinny Fat & Why Women Often Need to Add Muscle, Not Lose Weight 22:30 - How Much Protein Women Actually Need and Why Most Are Undereating It 26:00 - Animal Protein vs. Plant Protein: Has Dr. Mary Changed Her Mind? 28:30 - Heart Disease Is Still the #1 Killer — Here's Why That Hasn't Changed 31:00 - LDL Is Causative for Heart Disease, Full Stop (And Why the Nuance Is Misleading People) 35:00 - What LDL Numbers Should Actually Trigger Treatment 37:30 - Should People in Their 30s Be on Statins? Dr. Mary Says Yes 39:00 - How Much Can Diet Actually Lower Your LDL? The 20% Reality 42:00 - The Mediterranean Diet vs. Keto vs. Carnivore: What the Research Actually Supports 45:00 - VO2 Max: What It Measures, Why It Matters & Whether You Need to Test It 49:30 - Cycle Syncing Your Workouts and Diet: Social Media Trash 52:30 - Cold Plunge vs. Sauna for Longevity: What the Evidence Actually Shows 54:30 - The Labs Every Person Should Ask Their Doctor to Run 58:00 - One Thing Dr. Mary Wants Every Woman to Walk Away With Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As part of our summer series, we're revisiting some of the most important conversations we've had on the topics that matter most to our health. And few are more important than heart disease. Heart disease remains the number one cause of death worldwide. Yet despite decades of research, millions of prescriptions, and billions of dollars spent on treatment, many people are still confused about what actually causes it—and what we can do to prevent it. For years, the conversation around heart disease has focused almost entirely on cholesterol. But what if that's only part of the story? In this special compilation episode, you'll hear from Dr. Cindy Geyer of The UltraWellness Center, Dr. Eric Topol, and Dr. Aseem Malhotra as they explore a different perspective on heart disease—one that goes beyond cholesterol and looks at the deeper drivers of cardiovascular risk, including inflammation, insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, lifestyle, and early detection. You'll hear why many experts now believe heart disease often begins decades before symptoms appear, why traditional testing can miss important warning signs, and how emerging science is giving us new tools to identify risk earlier than ever before. Most importantly, you'll hear a message that is both practical and hopeful: that many of the factors driving heart disease are within our control, and that prevention remains one of the most powerful tools we have. Let's dive in. View Show Notes From This Episode Sign up for Dr. Hyman's Brainshaping Academy to learn how to nourish the biological systems that support your mental, emotional, and cognitive health https://drhyman.com/products/brainshaping?utm_source=dr_hyman_show&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=may_27&utm_content=link Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman https://drhyman.com/pages/picks?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcast Sign Up for Dr. Hyman's Weekly Longevity Journal https://drhyman.com/pages/longevity?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcast Join the 10-Day Detox to Reset Your Health https://drhyman.com/pages/10-day-detox Join the Hyman Hive for Expert Support and Real Results https://drhyman.com/pages/hyman-hive This episode is brought to you by BON CHARGE, BIOptimizers, Rho, Made In, Seatopia, and Cozy Earth. Explore red light products at boncharge.com/hyman and enjoy 15% off with code HYMAN. Go to bioptimizers.com/hyman and use code HYMAN to save 15% off your order, plus get a free gift. Explore science-backed products at rhonutrition.com and use code HYMAN for 20% off the entire site. Upgrade your cookware at madeincookware.com and save 10% off your first order with code HYMAN-HIVE. Find a cleaner source of seafood. Check out seatopia.fish/hyman and receive free shipping on your first order. Head to cozyearth.com to save 20% and upgrade all of your daily essentials today. (0:00) The persistence of heart disease and the low-fat diet hypothesis (0:32) Preventing heart disease through diet, lifestyle, and simple behaviors (2:19) Revisiting key conversations on heart disease (3:44) Beyond cholesterol: deeper drivers and risk factors (7:18) Typical workup, treatments, and advances in cholesterol testing (17:48) Metabolic health, hormonal, and inflammatory factors in heart disease (29:37) Advances in cardiovascular diagnostics and AI (31:31) Impact of lifestyle and new pharmacological treatments (36:55) Statins, side effects, and lipoprotein fractionation (40:13) The role of AI, new diagnostics, and Dr. Topol's journey (43:19) Rethinking treatment: diet, industry influence, and the low-fat craze (45:28) Saturated fat, cholesterol, and revisiting the evidence (48:00) Cholesterol in heart disease risk and systematic drug review (52:31) Insulin resistance, cholesterol's role, and mortality (58:31) Challenges in changing medical dogma (1:00:31) Closing remarks and call to action
High cholesterol has been treated as the main cause of heart disease for decades. But over the years, I've changed my mind. Today, I believe cholesterol is only part of the story, and that inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic health are often the real drivers of cardiovascular disease. In this encore episode, I'm revisiting one of my most talked-about Office Hours conversations to share how my thinking has evolved and why understanding the root cause of heart disease can completely change the way you approach prevention. In today's episode, I discuss: Why cholesterol alone is a poor predictor of heart disease—and the biomarkers I believe matter even more, including ApoB, lipoprotein(a), inflammation, and insulin resistance The surprising role sugar, refined carbohydrates, and metabolic dysfunction play in driving cardiovascular disease Why two people with the same cholesterol can have dramatically different heart disease risk—and how a personalized approach changes the conversation The nutrition, lifestyle, and testing strategies I use to help reduce inflammation, improve metabolic health, and lower cardiovascular risk at its source Heart disease isn't simply a cholesterol problem—it's often a metabolic and inflammatory problem. When you understand what's really driving your risk, you can stop chasing a single number and start addressing the underlying biology that supports lifelong cardiovascular health. Track your metabolic and cardiovascular health biomarkers: functionhealth.com/mark for 160+ lab tests at just $365/year. Use code MARK2026 for $50 off. Have a question you'd love answered on Office Hours? Submit it here' (0:00) The cholesterol and heart disease paradox; introduction and overview of cholesterol, inflammation, and metabolic health (1:11) Sponsor: Function Health (1:41) Traditional views vs. new science on cholesterol, inflammation, and heart disease (4:52) Inflammation and sugar as key factors in heart disease (8:41) Advanced markers: ApoB, lipoprotein fractionation, and comprehensive testing (13:57) Causes of inflammation and holistic heart disease prevention (19:35) Metabolic health risks, new technologies, and personalized interventions (22:35) Diet, exercise, lifestyle, and supplements for heart and metabolic health (25:03) Understanding heart disease beyond cholesterol (25:37) Sponsor: Brain Shaping Academy (26:33) Community engagement, sharing, and final thoughts (28:07) Sponsor acknowledgments and closing remarks