319: Heart Disease Prevention with Dr. Andrew Freeman

I AM HUMAN

Join my enlightening conversation with Dr. Andrew Freeman, a leading cardiologist and staunch advocate for plant-based nutrition, as he reveals the critical factors behind heart disease and unravels the myths surrounding diet and health. Dr. Freeman shares his personal transformation from unhealthy eating to becoming a plant-based champion, shedding light on the misinformation spread by the food industry and how to cut through the noise for a healthier lifestyle. Learn about the key health statistics you must know to evaluate your cardiovascular risk and the potential impact of endurance activities on heart health.

We also tackle the underutilization of plant-based methods in cardiology, despite robust professional guidelines supporting these approaches. Dr. Freeman and I discuss the cognitive dissonance many face when it comes to diet and health, particularly in a society bombarded with processed foods. From hypertension to rare cardiovascular conditions, we emphasize the power of lifestyle medicine and share practical strategies for communicating these life-changing approaches to patients. Finally, we delve into essential health metrics for adults to monitor, and tips for extreme athletes to safeguard their heart health while engaging in endurance activities.

Dr. Freeman is a distinguished cardiologist and educator with a rich background in medicine and academia. He completed his internal medicine training at Brown University and earned his medical degree with research honors from SUNY Buffalo, following a summa cum laude graduation from Cornell University. Currently based at National Jewish Health, he serves as Director of Clinical Cardiology and Director of Cardiovascular Prevention and Wellness, alongside his role as Associate Professor of Medicine. Dr. Freeman is renowned for his advocacy of lifestyle medicine, notably through initiatives like the Walk with a Doc program in Denver, emphasizing exercise as medicine. A leader in his field, he contributes extensively to cardiovascular research, particularly on plant-based nutrition, and actively mentors medical students and professionals while promoting health education across Colorado.

Discussion points:

• (0:00:00) Intro of Dr. Freeman, background
• (0:06:04) Dr. Freeman’s journey to plant-based
• (0:11:26) The China Study book
• (0:13:00) Incorporating plant-based lifestyle into medical practice
• (0:18:00) Most common cardiovascular diseases and their causes
• (0:22:16) Countering misinformation and disinformation
• (0:26:00) Most humans will die of heart disease- not war, not cancer…
• (0:27:00) Health numbers you should know- blood pressure, etc.
• (0:29:00) AFib and diet
• (0:34:30) Closing questions, what we wish people knew
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Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional.

The I AM HUMAN podcast explores topics such as plant-based nutrition, lifestyle medicine, personal development, and spirituality to promote health, well-being, longevity, and joy and help you craft your best life yet. Subscribe today, and send your feedback to [e-mail]

Dr. Yami is a board-certified pediatrician, certified lifestyle medicine physician, national board-certified health and wellness coach, author and international speaker. She is a passionate promoter of healthy lifestyles, especially the power of plant-based diets for the prevention of chronic disease. She hosts the popular podcast I AM HUMAN (formerly Veggie Doctor Radio) which boasts listeners from 98 countries and more than a million downloads to date. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, has a certificate in plant-based nutrition and is a certified Food for Life Instructor. Dr. Yami owns Nourish Wellness, a pediatric practice in Yakima, Washington where she lives with her husband and two sons. Her book is called “A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy”. You can learn more about Dr. Yami at DoctorYami.com.

Resources:

Book: The China Study

https://x.com/heartcuredoc

Vegfest Colorado

National Jewish Health

More From Dr. Yami:

TEDx Talk - http://bit.ly/DOCTORYAMITEDX

A Parent's Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy by Dr. Yami - https://amzn.to/4edSFHx

Questions? Email me: [e-mail]

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Credits:

Show Poducers: Dr. Yami, Alejandra Parra

Graphic Designer: Alejandra Parra

Music: GlowBox Productions, https://glowboxproductions.com

Editing: The Castos Productions team, https://castos.com/productions

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