Anyone heard of this doctor?

[Rosemary349]

Hi

the doctor's name is Dr Esselstyn.  Website www.heartattackproof.com.

He talks about plant based diets as being important for keeping cholesterol levels below 150 mg/dL.  I know there is no simple answer but he appears to be the one person who is offering a decisive natural strategy....with some impressive results from a small study of patients.

Has anyone heard anything about him?  I'm just curious.  Thinking of buying his book but thought i'd check it out here first.

thanks for looking

Rosemary349

[ed34]

I thought latest research seems to suggest the cause of heart disease is a particular type of bacteria found in the gut? This bacteria loves red meat and doesn't seem to exist in people that don't eat red meat. The bacteria feeds on the meat and the byproduct ends up in the blood stream, which is none existent in vegetarians. I think the next stage of the research is to develop a drug which kills off that bacteria in the gut.

[kk5819]

I know Dr. Esselstyn and have been to his counseling session at the Cleveland Clinic. I've followed his diet recommendations for two and a half years. The results are good. I feel wonderful, have energy and my cholesterol is in the 120 - 130 range. An added benefit, I lost 40 lbs. with no effort. His book is worthwhile as it explains his research and how he became interested in the prevention of heart disease. Half of the book is recipes to get you started on a plant-based diet. Go for it!

[kk5819]

I know Dr. Esselstyn and have been to his counseling session at the Cleveland Clinic. I've followed his diet recommendations for two and a half years. The results are good. I feel wonderful, have energy and my cholesterol is in the 120 - 130 range. An added benefit, I lost 40 lbs. with no effort. His book is worthwhile as it explains his research and how he became interested in the prevention of heart. Half of the book is recipes to get you started on a plant-based diet. Go for it!

[Rosemary349]

thanks, that's what i'm thinking...his regime doens't look harmful in any way and he seems to be offerring a way forward for people who are any stage in the disease process.  What's more it's a decisive approach to diet - when there is so much confusion in this area.

I think it's worth checking out - happy to hear any other opinions  :-)

[erijon]

I have seen his book and read about him on the Internet. He's actually been on staff at the Cleveland clinic as well. It's basically a vegan diet, I'm sure it would reduce one's cholesterol level and reduce the risk of heart attack as reducing any risk factor would. I have not seen any criticism of his work, may be worth checking out.

Jon