Episode 411: Is it Cholesterol, Insulin Resistance, or Both?

This week, Dr. Joel Kahn addresses a bold claim making the rounds: “Cholesterol doesn’t matter—it’s all about insulin resistance (IR).” Is that really true? Dr. Kahn breaks down the science, explaining how IR is measured, its connection to heart disease, and the best ways to improve metabolic health. Since it’s Heart Month, Dr. Kahn also revisits the top risk factors for heart disease—still the leading cause of death for both men and women. He explores the life-extending benefits of a plant-based diet, along with surprising heart health hacks, from flossing your teeth to taking forest walks (yes, really). Plus, new research on why avoiding cigars and pipes is just as important as skipping cigarettes.  🚨 Don’t miss Reversing Heart Disease Summit 3.0 on March 18th! Sign up now at drtalks.com/summit/reversing-heart-disease/ to learn how to protect and even reverse heart disease.

In this special bonus episode, Dr. Joel Kahn sits down with world-renowned nitric oxide (NO) expert Dr. Nathan Bryan to break down why NO is crucial for artery health, circulation, and overall wellness—including sexual health.  Dr. Bryan has been at the forefront of nitric oxide research, working with leading companies to develop test kits and products that help boost NO levels naturally.  As a Texas-based rancher, his approach differs from Dr. Kahn’s plant-based perspective, but the conversation is packed with valuable insights for optimizing vascular health. Tune in for a fascinating deep dive into the science of nitric oxide and how it impacts your body.

Join Dr. Joel Kahn as he invites you to register for the Reversing Heart Disease Naturally Summit 3.0: drtalks.com/summit/reversing-heart-disease. This week, Dr. Kahn dives into fascinating new studies on topics such as forest bathing, glyphosate (RoundUp) and its connection to heart disease, the risks of carnivore and ketogenic diets, fat accumulation in muscles, and the health benefits of legumes like lentils in managing pre-diabetes. The main focus of the episode is an in-depth look at the latest research on heart calcium and CT imaging. Dr. Kahn discusses the predictive power of calcium scores, particularly when results exceed the 90th percentile. He also reviews findings from the SCOT-HEART study, which compared CT angiography to standard care, demonstrating improved outcomes when clinicians have CT data. Additional topics include the role of CT imaging in detecting heart disease in athletes and the significance of breast artery calcium as a marker of cardiovascular health.

Dr. Cheng Ruan, an internationally renowned expert in integrative medicine and founder of the Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine in Houston, joins Dr. Kahn for a fascinating conversation. Discover key health and wellness insights you can't afford to miss! Don't forget to mark your calendar for the Reversing Heart Disease Summit 3.0 on March 18, 2025.

This week, Dr. Kahn introduces the Contagion Kit at www.twc.health, along with the special coupon code Drjkahn. The week saw two significant FDA updates: the ban on Red Dye 3 and a proposal for clearer front-of-package labeling. Dr. Kahn also discusses a new study on time-restricted eating and highlights research on reversing atherosclerosis in brain arteries using intensive cholesterol-lowering medications. As a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, Dr. Kahn emphasizes the importance of eating colorful, whole plant foods. He shares a concerning new study from the Harvard School of Public Health, which links red meat consumption to memory loss. Finally, a groundbreaking paper from the University of Michigan quantifies how our food choices affect longevity. The study reveals that eating just one hot dog may shorten life by 36 minutes, while a plant-based meal could add 48 minutes. It's a striking reminder of how every food choice can impact our health over a lifetime.

As pioneers in heart disease reversal, the founders of the Bale-Doneen Method have been at the forefront of advancing preventive cardiology. Amy Doneen, DPN, runs a successful practice in Spokane, WA, called The Prevention Center. With decades of experience in patient care, there’s much to learn from her expertise. This is an engaging and insightful discussion.

Prayers to all those impacted by the wildfires in LA and the surrounding areas. Many listeners live in the affected region. This week, Dr. Kahn discusses hot topics like green tea for brain health, coffee for heart health, and reasons to avoid sugary beverages. He also studies okra, which has been found to lower blood sugar and cholesterol. Two reports on Lipoprotein(a) raise concerns about its connection to atrial fibrillation and aortic enlargement. Finally, Dr. Kahn discusses a study on using nasal sprays to shorten the duration of respiratory illnesses. In his clinic, he uses CoFixRX oral and nasal spray.  The main topic is Dr. Kahn's recent experience with genetic testing. A longevity panel from GB Insight was explored and found to be useful. Even more useful were the results from www.mygenefood.app, which included an analysis of cholesterol absorption. Additionally, food and vitamin recommendations were provided and reviewed this week.

Dr. Kahn interviews world-renowned hypertension expert Mark Houston, MD, of Nashville, TN, and the Hypertension Institute. They pay tribute to Stephen Sinatra, MD, the founder of the field of metabolic cardiology. The discussion touches on high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and heart disease prevention. This episode is not to be missed.

Happy New Year to all! Dr. Kahn is at his Florida office and available for consultations in January and February. To schedule an appointment, call 248-731-7412. This week, Dr. Kahn reviews several important topics, including the US News & World Report Best Diets, the Surgeon General's advisory on alcohol and cancer, plant-based diets and blood sugar control, coronary artery calcium scoring and prognosis in kidney patients, the endothelial glycocalyx, a comparison of stress nuclear heart studies to coronary CT angiograms, and the implications of a blood test called MPO (myeloperoxidase).  For the main topic, Dr. Kahn discusses Power Foods for weight control. Simple tweaks to the diet—such as incorporating spices, legumes, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and sea vegetables—can have a profound impact on appetite, calorie trapping, and metabolism.

Dr. Kahn and the team at the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity extend their warmest wishes for a joyful and healthy 2025! In this year-end episode, Dr. Kahn reflects on the top blogs he authored for the Kahn Center, offering valuable insights to help you start the new year with vitality and well-being. Best wishes for a fantastic 2025!  Special thanks to igennus.com – use discount code DrKahn for exclusive savings.