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The Fat Truth About Diabetes

2020-01-28T11:16:22+00:00

The Fat Truth About Diabetes There is a common misconception that eating too many carbohydrates is responsible for causing diabetes. While eating foods with refined flours and sugars may play a contributory role, it is the consumption of too much fat, mostly saturated fat from animal protein, that is the major culprit. Development of diabetes involves the complex interplay of insulin resistance from fat infiltration of muscle, liver, and pancreas; inflammation which damages the liver and pancreas; and disruption of our gut microbiome. It is true that consuming carbohydrates will lead to elevated blood glucose (sugar) levels once insulin resistance has already [...]

The Fat Truth About Diabetes2020-01-28T11:16:22+00:00

Animal Protein: Adverse Effects Beyond Fat and Cholesterol

2019-11-29T17:03:27+00:00

There is a misconception in Western society that in order to obtain adequate amounts of protein, one must consume animal-based foods. Proteins are composed of building blocks called amino acids, and just like animal protein, plant-based protein sources contain all of the essential amino acids that cannot be made in the body. In fact, many animals get all of their protein exclusively from plants. Animal vs. Plant Protein Ounce per ounce, animal-based foods are more concentrated sources of protein than plant-based foods. The amino acids in animal-based proteins are in a similar number and proportion to the proteins in human muscle, [...]

Animal Protein: Adverse Effects Beyond Fat and Cholesterol2019-11-29T17:03:27+00:00

The Cardiovascular Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

2019-08-03T02:02:13+00:00

Introduction Intermittent fasting has become increasingly popular over the past couple of years, as a means not only of helping weight loss, but also for touted benefits of favorably influencing our genes to reduce aging,  reducing inflammation (the root cause for most chronic diseases), and increasing cellular repair through a process called autophagy (when cells remove dysfunctional intracellular proteins that have accumulated) . Does scientific evidence support these claims? What Happens When We Eat? Every time we consume food, our body breaks down the protein, carbohydrates, and fats into amino acids, sugars, and fatty acids, respectively. While refined carbohydrates (not whole-food [...]

The Cardiovascular Benefits of Intermittent Fasting2019-08-03T02:02:13+00:00

Hypertension: Home Blood Pressure Monitoring and Non-pharmacologic Treatment Measures

2019-05-21T00:13:21+00:00

The current guidelines from the American College of Cardiology recommend close home monitoring of blood pressure by patients. Why is this? We are reluctant to diagnose a patient with hypertension based on only one or two readings obtained during an office visit. So many factors can immediately influence blood pressure, including sleep, stress, diet, alcohol consumption, and timing of medications. As these factors vary day-to-day, so will the blood pressure. Ultimately, it is important that the average blood pressures are at goal, even if there are some high and low readings. In the office, we might see people with white coat [...]

Hypertension: Home Blood Pressure Monitoring and Non-pharmacologic Treatment Measures2019-05-21T00:13:21+00:00

Coronary Artery Calcium Score

2019-05-11T22:44:05+00:00

In my cardiology practice, I encounter a fair number of young to middle-age patients who are interested in screening for cardiovascular disease. For some, it's just curiosity, while others are eager to explore their own health due to having a strong family history of heart attacks or strokes, or because they themselves have had one or more cardiac risk factors (smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure). One test that often comes up is a coronary artery calcium score. This test uses a CT scanner to detect calcium in the walls of the coronary arteries. There is a standardized scoring system [...]

Coronary Artery Calcium Score2019-05-11T22:44:05+00:00

2018-08-28T01:54:42+00:00

Below are selected handouts provided by the Institute for Functional Medicine. These can be printed and used for your individualized food and exercise plans.   General Dietary Information Functional Nutrition Fundamentals - Eating Your Way to Better Heath Eating a Balanced Diet Food Sources of Dietary Fiber Food Sources of Essential Fatty Acids Dietary Sources of Arachadonic Acid Cascade (Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids) Micronutrients - Minerals Micronutrients - Vitamins Cooking to Preserve Nutrients   Nutrition and Gut Health Five R Framework for Gut Restoration Probiotic and Prebiotic Foods Eating For Your Microbiome   Calculating Basal Metabolic Rate and Caloric Needs Selecting [...]

2018-08-28T01:54:42+00:00

Side Effects of Statins

2018-05-15T09:53:16+00:00

Despite the proven benefits of the cholesterol-lowering statin medications in reducing future cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes, particularly in those with known cardiovascular disease, many patients remain reluctant to take these medications due to potential perceived side effects. In complying with current cardiology guidelines, I encourage all patients with known vascular disease, including those who have adopted a heart-healthy, plant-based lifestyle to take a statin. Dr. Robert Vogel recently presented data which should help to ease the minds of the many patients concerned about potential statin side-effects.(6) One potential side-effect of statins is the possibility that they may [...]

Side Effects of Statins2018-05-15T09:53:16+00:00

The Best Diet to Lower Bad Cholesterol

2018-04-23T00:06:12+00:00

High cholesterol is a major contributing factor for heart attacks and stroke, the first and fifth leading causes of death in our country. While the traditionally recommended goal for total cholesterol is to achieve a level of less than 200mg/dL, we know from observational studies such as the Framingham Heart Study and the China Study that achieving a level of less than 150mg/dL is associated with a near absence of cardiovascular events. According to the CDC, more than 95 million adults have total cholesterol levels greater than 200mg/dL, and nearly 30 million have levels over 240mg/dL.(1) Current guidelines recommend treating high [...]

The Best Diet to Lower Bad Cholesterol2018-04-23T00:06:12+00:00