Heart Surgeon Speaks Out On What Really Causes Heart Disease

I've been hearing this for a number of years now! It's really the over-processing of foods that is rampant now that really causes a lot of the chronic health problems we are seeing.

In other news: Car Mechanic Speaks Out On What Why My Wife is A Bad Driver

It's because she's a woman

Good article!

Well, everyone is entitled to an opinion. And everyone is entitled to try and sell a book (like Dr. Lundell).

That said, what I find missing from this article are any references to peer reviewed medical studies, or any studies for that matter.

I'm certainly not pro processed foods, but to state that cholesterol isn't culpable with heart disease, and that a low fat diet is causative of heart disease, seems to fly in the face of accepted medical knowledge per peer reviewed studies.

Two diets (both high in carbs and very low in fat) are the Dean Ornish and Dr. Esselstyn diets. Both are very high in carbs and very low in fats. And both have peer reviewed studies to back up their claims of actually *reversing* heart disease. In fact, the Ornish diet as well as the Pritikin diet (similar) are both partially reimbursed by Medicare for example. Not because of their opinions, but because of the studies that show these diets can actually work.

Here's another discussion about Dr. Lundell and his diet on another forum. A number of interesting points are made:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=28150

-- James

Even though Dr. Lundell has credibility problems, there is science to back up his claims. Most of the research that blamed dietary fat and cholesterol for cardiovascular disease is stemmed back to the lipid hypothesis BS from the 50s. There are newer studies showing that refined carbs have a more negative effect on cardiovascular disease than saturated fat or cholesterol. One example is the study below, and there are more studies that will say the same thing.

http://www.njmonline.nl/getpdf.php?t=a&id=10000756

Dr. Lundell´s article has received phenomenal attention and it has caught the eye of news media. It touches on a number of important issues concerning cardiovascular disease in general. To me the article unfortunately appears a bit like it is written by a preacher or a politician who has to sell a message whatever the costs. The article lacks the professional approach of a scientist who carefully examines available scientific data before drawing conclusions.

Please visit my blog at
http://www.docsopinion.com/2012/03/what-is-it-that-really-causes-heart.html

I have totally cut out processed foods and am eating naturally. I feel more satisfied, there is more flavor and I am losing weight very quickly. I'm also Gluten free and non dairy (except feta and mozarella cheese 3x a week). Almond milk is my standard now.

The rough part is going to the grocery store 3-4x a week to pick up fresh healthy fruit and vegetables. I eat nuts and berries, fish and chicken. It's easy, clean and healthy!!
Oh i'm off my blood pressure drugs now. No more issues there.

My food diary is open if you want to see what I eat. I haven't weighed in for 1 month, but I'm down at least 6 inches in the last 2 weeks.

Previous Poster: Dr. Lundell´s article has received phenomenal attention and it has caught the eye of news media. It touches on a number of important issues concerning cardiovascular disease in general. To me the article unfortunately appears a bit like it is written by a preacher or a politician who has to sell a message whatever the costs. The article lacks the professional approach of a scientist who carefully examines available scientific data before drawing conclusions.

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Actually, sounds more like something written by a PR firm to sell a book. Here is what Quack Watch.org has to say about Dr. Lundell

http://www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/lundell.html

Primal avoids all that crap - love it!

http://www.quackpotwatch.org/quackpots/quackpots/barrett.htm

http://www.canlyme.com/quackwatch.html

http://www.quackpotwatch.org/quackpots/quackpots/barrett.htm

Thanks, that was one of the funniest things I've read in ages! (you may want to look into the so-called consumer advocate that published this comedy)

Previous Poster: http://www.quackpotwatch.org/quackpots/quackpots/barrett.htm

http://www.canlyme.com/quackwatch.html

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Apparently "quackpotwatch" was set up by "quackwatch" detractors specifically do discredit its founder. Haven't really read anything negative about it's founder from independent and reliable sources.

And while I haven't studied in depth the whole soap operish tale on quackpotwatch, there was something written about a 2003 court decision where journalists would/should stop citing the quackwatch site. And yet, both Time Magazine and Lancet have quoted the site and it's founder favorable since. That's about all I care to discuss on the quack fight LOL

But back to the the actually topic -- Dr. Lundell and his claims.

His statements still sound like a press release to sell his book and nutritional supplements.

Did he do any studies? Did he cite any studies? Any peer review? Again-- both Dr. Dean Ornish and Dr. Esselystyn have studies to show that a very low fat, high carb diet can reverse arteriosclerosis. And that cholesterol levels *are* important.

Yes, Lundell, mixes into the brew some legitimate claims (like processed food being bad) and touches on the hot topic of "inflammation", but that in no way justifies or supports many of the claims he ends up with.

-- James

Interesting article-thanks for sharing it!
Personally, I don't think there's any harm in eating a clean diet. Eliminating processed foods sure can't hurt!

I was once told that, half of all doctors graduate medical school in the bottom 50% of their class. Just something to think about.