Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn

Last weekend Dr. Kahn was in Austin, Texas to visit his food truck (ATX Food Co. on Barton Springs Road) and to participate on a panel at the largest conference on the Paleo Diet. Why? This was not "his crowd" and he knows that certain members in the auditorium were not happy he was included. The discussion with other health care providers was animated but also revealing as to the difficulty getting credible information based in science. Paleo, not for Dr. Kahn, maybe not for anyone.

Once upon a time, eating fish may have been healthy. In 2019, we live in a world where industrial pollutants in the water, air and in our food is a real health issue. A new study this week indicates an association between eating fish, persistent organic pollutant exposure, and early death. What can we do? What can we learn? How can we avoid and deal with this issue? Plants remain the best choice.

The smash hit medical book of 2017 was The Plant Paradox by Dr. Steven R. Gundry. Dr. Kahn took exception with the content and references and wrote an article critical of the book that went viral. He also debated Dr. Gundry on The Doctors Show and won outright. However, the book was on the NY Times Bestseller list for over 30 weeks and he made a fortune from dishonesty. Now he has a new book. Take a listen. Is this one any better? Beware.

Maybe you enjoy time in a sauna but did you know that there was a large body of medical data indicating it may be extending your life? Lowering your blood pressure? Reducing inflammation? Strengthening your heart? And preventing pneumonia? Indeed, the health benefits of sauna have been studied and are huge. This is the hottest way to add life to your years and years to your life.

A new term has been introduced: exercise snacks. Don't reach for the almonds, go walk for 5 minutes or climb 2 flights of stairs. A bite sized fitness snack. Dr. Kahn reviews his health habits and many take under 10 minutes, little health snacks. What do you do?

The number one question someone is asked that eats only plant foods is "Where do you get your protein"? The answer to this question has been addressed by many but how about carotenoids, omega-3, isoflavones, and fatty acids? A new study is described that provides support for the health of a plant diet as practiced in a community setting. Also, a discussion of how nutrition is assessed by lab testing at the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity is reviewed.

A recent turmoil has erupted because some young "vegan" YouTube stars have been seen eating fish and other animal foods. Can anyone persist on plants alone? Dr. Kahn has for 42 years and he is not quitting! Some of the benefits are discussed and some option to make your diet easier and more successful.

The new ACC/AHA guidelines made headlines worldwide for 1 of 10 recommendations: Less use of 81mg aspirin. But what of the other 9 topics? This week Dr. Kahn reviews all 10 topics and why a lifelong effort to avoid heart disease is the key step. You will learn about diet, fitness, not smoking and other goals on this edition of Heart Doc VIP on Empower Radio.

When the opportunity to interview one of the leaders in integrative and holistic medicine came up, Dr. Jaffe, Dr. Kahn packed his recorder and met in Philadelphia at a meeting they both were speaking at. Dr. Jaffe is a hero from his training at the NIH, to his research, to his establishing one of the best labs (www.elisaACT.com) and supplement companies (www.perque.com) worldwide. They talk about physical training, markers of aging, and his program for longevity. You will want to check out his website at drrusselljaffe.com.

Learning a few words of a foreign language can make a huge difference meeting new people or when traveling. Speaking a few words of medical, particularly heart medical, can make a big difference in your health. This week we dive into angina, edema, congestive heart failure, dyspnea and other important terms. The better you learn the language, the safer you will be on medical visits on this edition of Heart Doc VIP on Empower Radio.

It may not be fair to have to deal with both cancer and heart issues but it is common. Indeed, there is now a specialty called cardio-oncology that focuses on the best heart and cancer outcome. This is due in part to the frequency of heart disease and also some of the toxicity of cancer agents and treatments. The role of the heart doctor in cancer care is growing and discussed on this edition of Heart Doc VIP on Empower Radio.

Do you need fitness equipment that costs thousands of dollars? It is nice if you have all of that but new data says the old fashioned push up can be one of the best ways to assess your health and perhaps one of the best exercises. This week we look at new data on fitness, pushups, exercising, and long and healthy lives. You will benefit from refocusing in 2019 on pushing your fitness up and up on this edition of Heart Doc VIP on Empower Radio.

Heart Month is about red hearts and valentines but it is also about getting real with the risks of heart disease. No-one knows that more than Victoria Dupuy after her 46 year old husband Dean died suddenly without warning of heart issues. She set up a charitable foundation to teach others to get checked early, before tragic events happen. Now, major medical groups are embracing that message. Be your own heart for your health and your family. Test not guess this week and learn about these new recommendations. Heart Disease is reversible and preventable!

Food chemistry is fascinating and practical. One of the most exciting examples is both the biochemistry of how garlic can be healthy and an actual therapy of some very important conditions. On this edition of Heart Doc VIP we discuss scientific studies showing aged garlic, a preparation that concentrates the antioxidant power of garlic, for heart, arthritis, and even gum disease. Dr. Kahn's advice, reach for the garlic in any form you can find.

2019 is proving early on to be providing important guidelines and advice on eating for optimal health and an optimal planet. This week the risks of fried food and the benefits of whole foods are discussed. The key new topic is the 2019 Food Guidelines from Canada just released and providing a very balance view of how to feed your family to avoid chronic disease like diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer. The Canadians include a comment on alcohol intake. Have a listen

How do you pick a diet for yourself? Your family? Your business? Dr. Kahn is required to advise his patients on health based on the strongest evidence to prevent and reverse disease. It has to be a recommendation that promotes healthspan and possibly lifespan. This week, 8 Pillars of Support for a Plant Diet are presented. No other dietary pattern exists with the same support. Listen for more on this edition of Hear Doc VIP on Empower Radio.

The PESA study in Madrid is publishing some of the most interesting findings on how common silent artery disease is, who has it, how to detect it and what causes it. On this edition of Heart Doc VIP Dr. Kahn dives into the PESA data with a look at studies in 2015, 2017 and just this week. The new data confirms the importance of striving for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. It is a heart preventive habit.

It is January and everyone is focused on a new commitment to health. How about Standuary? Taking 10-15 minutes and hour, or 5 mins every half hour, and get up, stand, move, shake, walk? It's called NEAT and Dr. Kahn talks about it this week. If you want to advance to a new level, consider a standing desk at home and in your office. They are sturdy and support optimal health. The science is reviewed for you to consider on this edition of Heart Doc VIP on Empower Radio.

This is one of Dr. Kahn's favorite discussions: who made the list, who got bruised and beaten and what are the differences? This annual tradition from the US News and World Report was just published. Who was on the panel? How did they evaluate the contenders? Which diets came in last? Which came in the top of their classes? For heart disease? Diabetes? Overall? Take a short and sweet listen on this edition of Heart Doc VIP on Empower Radio.

Thank you for listening to this pea cast, we made it through 2018! I am grateful for the opportunity to treat and teach the detection and reversal of heart disease emphasizing longevity and optimal health. This final edition of 2018 reviews the top 10 scientific studies you should use to plant your health for 2019, one spoon and fork at a time. Wishing you a healthy and joyful 2019.

From the beaches of Miami, a discussion of Dr. Kahn's recent trip to the largest anti-aging meeting of the year. What did he learn? And the health benefits of sunshine. Do you know what the sun does for us? Find out on this edition of Hear Doc VIP on Empower Radio. Happy New Year!

Do you have just 12 minutes a day to dedicate to your brain? Know anyone starting to have memory loss who might spend 12 minutes a day? New research on an ancient practice called the Kirtan, Kriya or KK from the Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation in Tucson, Arizona had been published. This a tool you can learn quickly and use daily for your health. Dr. Kahn has been using it for years. Teach it to others. Learn more on this edition of Heart Doc VIP on Empower Radio.

Sweetness is good quality in humans and a bad trait in hour red blood cells. This week we discuss the process of advanced glycation end-products or AGEs, a chemical reaction that literally AGEs you, your skin, your arteries, your nerves and your brain. How do we develop AGEs? From two pathways, one related to blood sugar and one to the method of cooking. Learn more from this pea cast and share a 5 stare review on iTunes.

Ever heard of TMAO? Have you had your blood level measured? You can at the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity and it is an important advance in heart evaluation and care. This edition we talk in depth about TMAO, how it forms, how it can be lowered, and the fishy business of fish as a source of TMAO. Plants rule the health world once again on this edition of Heart Doc VIP on Empower Radio.

So many overeat over the Thanksgiving Day weekend but can you eat too much and still be deficient in some vital nutrients? Can you be low in vitamin D and omega-3, not found in turkey or stuffing? Will you be healthier if you supplement routinely with vitamins like D3 and omega-3? There are a number of huge studies on this topic just published that we will review and translate as to what that means for you. We review REDUCE-It, VITAL and Seafood studies on this edition of Heart Doc VIP on Empower Radio.

On this edition of Heart Doc VIP, a discussion of new guidelines from the recent American Heart Association annual meeting is the focus. The key hot topics are 1. Do we treat patients over age 75? 2. Do we use only high dose medications or can we personalize therapy? 3. Is there a role for medications other than "statins"? What is the role of coronary artery calcium CT scans? And as a bonus, new data from Japan on ezetimibe is news to know. Share this with friends and your doctor.

A new word for you to use: senolytic agents, also called senotherapeutics. Agents that prevent senility. This area of integrative research is a very active focus as aging is the number one cause of disease and death. This week 3 new areas of hopeful research that can be approached with whole foods (think strawberries) or targeted supplements is reviewed. Bottom line: eat your fruits and vegetables and maybe more.

In the United States alone there are 80 million people suffering from blood pressure. Of most concern is that up to 20% may not even know they have it as they have not been checked in a long time. What if you do know you have high blood pressure? Are you trapped on medication forever? Maybe not. Listen to this weeks "pea-cast" and get a dozen tips on how to reverse your heart disease at its root cause of weight, nutrient depletion, sleep, stress, and fitness.

Dr. Kahn would not wish advanced congestive heart failure (CHF) on his worst enemy (not many of them) but as an integrative cardiologist, he loves the challenge of diagnosing, treating, and reversing CHF. Yes reversing. This week he explores the what, why, where, how and how not to deal with a very serious disease that has many non-traditional therapies. Share this with anyone you know suffering from CHF.

Should you exercise? Yes! The science of exercise has documented benefits for over 50 years but we keep learning the nuances of optimal fitness. This edition will explore the benefits of exercise, the role of the Tabata or HIIT protocols the U shaped curve of exercise, and the role of NEAT or fidgeting. This would be a great time to stand up, take a walk or run, or use a standing treadmill desk.

Is the answer to the fountain of youth NO or NR? Nicotinamide riboside or NR is getting a lot of attention. The science is mainly in animal studies but a few human ones exist. Can it help us live longer or better? Can we add it to a longevity Blue Zones lifestyle and gain even more? Is it a "mimetic" to garner the health advantages of fasting or calorie restriction? These questions and more are the focus of this week's discussion. To life!

Why is this edition of the pea cast a few days late? Listen in and learn but it is Joe Rogan's fault! Dr. Kahn discusses fast food, fake news, an amazing visit to LA to meet Larry King, Joe Rogan and Bassem Youssef, and a host of other topics. You won't want to miss this discussion.

Your genes load the gun but your lifestyle pulls the trigger of illness. Yet, genes may be 20% of the risk of developing heart disease, the #1 killer of men and women. This episode dives into genetic testing for heart disease as practiced at the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity. If you have "bad" genes, get a great lifestyle. If you have good genes, get a great lifestyle too!

It's a tough week if you read the web. Reports all over the internet claim full fat dairy three times a day is good for your heart. That is the PURE study. Some question whether it is pure BS but it has big numbers and tells people what they want to hear about ice cream. Then, a cardiologist in San Diego has an editorial in the Houston Chronicle saying eat more meat to prevent heart disease. Is it Alice in Wonderland and the Cheshire Cat? Find out the back story on this edition of Heart Doc VIP on Empower Radio.

The word stent is only used in cardiology circles but these small devices are used to treat well over a million people every year. For over a decade, stents have largely replaced using a balloon alone to unblock arteries (called PTCA). The history of stents is interesting and the proper use of stents is controversial. Everyone should know some information about stents and then work very hard to avoid them!

A new report from the CDC says we are not reaching an important group of middle aged persons and 75,000 a year are dying needlessly in the USA alone. The basics remain no smoking, exercising, a quality diet rich in whole plant foods, sleep, and stress management. This week we go in more depth about some hidden secrets that cause heart disease and finish we two big recommendations to improve your heart. Know Your Numbers.

One of the most important decisions in the determination of symptoms as heart burn (GI) versus angina (cardiac and serious). This week we discuss the features of heart vs. GI symptoms, what to do, when to call, and when to go to the ER. Angina is a symptom of the #1 killer in the Western world, coronary heart disease, and must be dealt with aggressively. Share with your loved ones.

Who isn't stressed? Everyone has their share at every level of life. A method to cope with stress is the key and meditation has so much evidence to support it as a useful tool. TM, KKM, and MBSR are an alphabet soup but are 3 methods with scientific support for healing and health properties. Even the ability to promote a longer life, a lower risk of heart attack, and less depression and anxiety. Yes, meditation is medication.

You may take your mouth and teeth for granted except for 1-2 visits for the dentist a year but in fact, your mouth is alive and teeming with good and unhealthy bacteria. The mouth is often overlooked as a source of disease and inflammation and can effect your blood vessels. The association with cardiovascular disease is strong. Dr. Kahn will talk about his journey with advanced dental care and why you should consider getting cutting edge care so hopefully you do not need to be cut on!

After 4 years, Dr. Kahn's smash hit book, Dead Execs Don't Get Bonuses, has been released in a revised edition, just this week. It is updated and now published by a well respected publisher to make it even easier to reach millions. It lays out how to get checked the right way to avoid being a deadly statistic. The mantra is "test not guess" but what tests to ask for? It's all spelled out win a clear, quick, and urgent manner that becomes a "must read" for 2018. Buy a lot, give them out, and share the idea that heart disease is an option and not an inevitable outcome of life. Gratitude.

The topics of ECG, Echo and Stress Testing was previously covered but now let's turn to a "hot" topic: nuclear cardiology. Dr. Kahn's roots go way over 30 years ago to training making pictures of heart blood flow and strength and participated some major advances in this field. All these years later you may still be asked to undergo a nuclear cardiology scan. Therefore, lets discuss what they are, how they are done, the risks, the alternatives, the benefits. At the end you will know thallium from cardiolite from MUGA and other doctor talk.

It may seem radical to talk about your toothpaste and deodorant, but the nearly 100,000 industrial chemicals created in the last century area part of the struggle we are having with your health. A new study in pregnant women is discussed. The role of BPA, triclosan, bromides, RoundUp and other toxicants are the focus. Strategies to boost your bodies defenses and switching out products (ewg.org and thrivemarket.com) are the key messages.

Have you heard of a documentary called the Magic Pill? How eating more fat and less fruit can heal autism, cholesterol issues, diabetes, and obesity? These are the examples given in the film populated by a few doctors, authors, and a celebrity chef with handsome eyes. But is it real? Is it the Magic Pill to eat more fat? Or is it the Magic Kill Pill? Listen and learn on this edition of Heart Doc VIP on Empower Radio.

Dr. Kahn looks at two studies that made major headlines in the last 6 months, both suggesting that vitamins are a waste of money. Also, are medical journals benefiting from the success of pharmaceutical companies as opposed to natural therapies? Do journals take millions of dollars from drug companies? Were the studies of good quality? Is there any new data? Dr. Kahn dives deep to find reasonable conclusions on this edition of Heart Doc VIP on Empower Radio.

In this weeks discussion a surprising new article by 4 prominent leaders in nutrition join forces to reach consensus on one aspect of nutrition and health: which fats are preferred. The data goes back over 60 years and a kind shout out to Ancel Keys, Ph.D. is provided by some former (and off base) critics. We are inching towards the realization that largely or solely plant diets are the best (and skip the coconut oil).

Chelation Therapy means "the claw" in Latin and refers to chemicals that may trap and remove toxins like lead and mercury from the body. Does Chelation Therapy also make heart arteries younger and cleaner? The data is growing that it does but an interesting patient today in the Kahn Center has me scratching my head. Take a listen.

The critical role of having a community is put into focus with a discussion of Roseto, Pennsylvania and the famous Roseto Effect. Alas, now a memory of modern life. In addition, two new research studies indicate that feeling lonely and living life without a partner are associated with adverse health effects for a variety of heart disease. Groups like the Plant Based Nutrition Support Group, faith groups, sports leagues, and extended family and friends are another basis for total health and longevity.

The news this week from Johns Hopkins University was that erectile dysfunction (ED) in men doubled the risk of having a heart attack, stroke or even a heart death. It is a clue NOT to be ignored. In fact, other studies have identified a risk much higher, even 50X higher, if ED is present. It may be the clue that saves a life so if you have or know anyone with ED, have them get the advanced cardiovascular check up and lifestyle training that may save their life and restore their joy and performance.

The word is that vitamins are a waste. Wait! How about a vitamin that saves lives? Reduces a serious heart disorder Congestive Heart Failure? Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol? Before you pitch your vitamin bottles, take a listen to the news on CoQ10.

The number one cause of death in the world relates to elevated blood pressure which is a shocking statistic. How do you know your risk? The best way is to monitor your blood pressure at home AND a 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor. This can tell if you have normal, elevated, white coat or masked hypertension. It can also tell if you blood pressure DIPS normally at night. You will learn more here today in a short and sweet conversation on Heart Doc VIP.