Episode 462: Plant Diet Benefits from Head to (Almost) Toe

This week, Dr. Joel Kahn explores three advanced methods for cleansing the blood. He begins with apheresis, a medical technique that removes LDL cholesterol and Lipoprotein(a), and discusses new developments in access to this life-saving therapy. Dr. Kahn also breaks down two emerging treatments gaining popularity—EBOO (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation) and TPE (Therapeutic Plasma Exchange)—and how they may play a role in improving cardiovascular health. In the second half, Dr. Kahn turns to the topic of cholesterol-lowering therapies like statins, emphasizing how long-term use and individualized risk assessment matter more than online debates suggest. He highlights tools such as the Mayo Clinic Statin Decision Aid, PREVENT calculator, and Astro-CHARM calculator to help patients and practitioners make informed decisions.  Thanks to the Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club for sponsoring this episode. Visit getfreshdrkahn.com for a special offer.

This week, Dr. Kahn dives into the latest research on how healthy plant-based diets can benefit the body from head to almost toe — including lowering dementia risk, improving sexual health, reducing mortality, and supporting the planet. He also breaks down new studies showing the downsides of even one egg a day, the low testing rates of Lipoprotein(a), and why traditional heart risk factors still matter. Plus, hear how maintaining low cholesterol and heart-healthy habits starting at age 18 can dramatically improve long-term outcomes.  A packed episode filled with practical takeaways for your heart and overall health.

Connie Zack, co-founder of Sunlighten Sauna, joins Dr. Kahn to discuss the science and benefits behind infrared sauna and red light therapy. Sunlighten is the leading brand in “full spectrum” infrared saunas, designed to deliver maximum results even at lower temperatures. Connie explains how infrared sauna therapy can improve cardiovascular health and support healthy blood pressure—benefits that are well documented in clinical studies. She also explores the growing field of red light therapy (photobiomodulation), which offers additional wellness advantages and even includes FDA-approved applications.  This episode dives into how combining these two therapies can optimize overall health and recovery. You’ll enjoy this insightful and practical conversation.

This week marks the 10th anniversary of the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity—thank you for being part of the journey! Dr. Kahn reviews important new Mayo Clinic data comparing causes of heart attacks in men vs. women under 65. The findings show that non-traditional causes are significantly more common in women. Because the study ended in 2018, neither COVID nor vaccine-related data were included. In addition, Dr. Kahn covers a range of timely health topics: Sucralose (Splenda) and cancer therapy Magnesium for hypertension Eating early vs. late in the day Hydration and survival The ongoing debate over whether meat promotes or protects against cancer deaths (spoiler: it does not) Thanks to Igennus.com—use discount code DrKahn for savings. And don’t miss the group PROLON fast beginning October 5, 2025. Order your kit now at prolonlife.com/drkahn.

Dr. Monica Aggarwal, a practicing cardiologist and mother, experienced rheumatoid arthritis but was able to dicontinue using medications through the diet and lifestyle changes as she shares in her book Body on Fire. She later completed a randomized study of plant-based diets—with and without olive oil—showing that both improve outcomes compared to the standard American diet. An advocate for whole foods, she suggests choosing avocados and olives over the oils derived from them, while also recognizing supporting data for extra-virgin olive oil and avocado oil. Check out her book and listen to our conversation on this special bonus episode of Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn.

This week, Dr. Kahn reviews brand-new science under the headline “Things We Put in Our Mouth.” He covers a range of topics, including a new study on long-term ketogenic diets and their potential harms, the risks of being underweight, the impact of high-fat diets on autophagy, gut health by diet type, cocoa powder and inflammation, cannabis use and diabetes risk, Pycnogenol and cellulite, and the role of exercise after weight loss. He then highlights an important new study from Spain—the PREDIMED trial—showing the health benefits of extra-virgin olive oil in a large, randomized population.  Dr. Kahn also invites listeners to join his upcoming PROLON fast beginning October 5, 2025. To participate, order your PROLON box at prolonlife.com/drkahn.  Special thanks to igennus.com for supporting the show. Use discount code DrKahn at checkout.

This week, Dr. Kahn reports on a new Mayo Clinic study on the relationship between chronic insomnia and accelerated brain aging in a group of study subjects who had advanced brain testing over time. He suggests 20 tips for better sleep and a bonus 21st: cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). Additional topics include heart disease remaining the #1 cause of death, TMAO and cognitive impairment, ATTR-cardiomyopathy, childhood blood pressure and future heart disease, niacin and optimal liver health, and the relationship between heart diseases like atrial fibrillation and cognitive decline. Thanks to igennus.com and the discount code DrKahn.  Dr. Kahn will be leading a group Fasting Mimicking Diet starting 10/5/25. Order your PROLON kit (Next Gen) at www.prolonlife.com/drkahn.

This week, Dr. Joel Kahn dives into surprising results from recent medical research. The most eye-opening? Women recovering from a heart attack with relatively preserved heart function were found to have higher mortality risk when discharged on beta-blockers — a finding that challenges 40 years of clinical practice. Dr. Kahn urges listeners to discuss these results with their own healthcare teams. Other unexpected studies are highlighted too, including new insights on taurine, spermidine, meal timing, ketogenic diets, aspirin therapy, and even sugar substitutes.  Special thanks to igennus.com — use discount code DrKahn for savings.

This week, Dr. Joel Kahn shares the case of a patient at the Kahn Center diagnosed with ATTR cardiomyopathy, a serious disorder in which a protein (amyloid) infiltrates the heart and can be fatal. It is often associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, neuropathy, and spinal stenosis. Fortunately, exciting new therapies are now available. Other topics in this episode include the latest cholesterol guidelines, niacin and mood, Galleri cancer screening, “inflammaging” in native cultures, beta-blockers after heart attack, menopause and aging, and inflammation in women. Thanks to Igennus.com — use discount code DrKahn.

This week, Dr. Joel Kahn reviews the latest research on men’s health, focusing on diet and prostate cancer. He highlights findings that support whole-food, plant-based diets and discusses the connection between prostate cancer, heart disease, and the cardiovascular risks associated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Other topics covered include plant-based diets and disease rates, the role of LDL cholesterol in soft plaque formation, TMAO in abdominal aortic aneurysms and kidney disease, periodontal disease and its impact on heart health, saccharin and cardiovascular risk, extreme physical activity and carotid plaque, and the effects of Tylenol use during pregnancy.  Dr. Kahn also reviews new research on cyclodextrin suppositories, a paper examining the impact of statins on blood sugar, and the potential role of TUDCA as a possible antidote.  Resources mentioned in this episode include the cyclodextrin paper available at www.atherocare.com/drjoelkahn and details on TUDCA at https://shop.drjoelkahn.com/catalog/product/view/id/17560/s/tudca-tauroursodeoxycholic-acid-60-capsules/. Special thanks to our sponsor Igennus.com, use discount code DrKahn for all products.