Dr Berg Interviews Low Carb Cardiologist Dr Bret Scher

Let’s face it, when it comes to matters of the heart, conventional wisdom often falls short. We’re told to pop a pill, cut out fat, and load up on whole grains for optimal heart health.

What if there's another way, a path less traveled that prioritizes low carb heart health? Could embracing a lifestyle that focuses on healthy fats and minimizes refined carbohydrates be the key to a healthier heart?

Unlocking Low Carb Heart Health: Insights From a Cardiologist

It all started with a conversation, a casual exchange with a colleague about low-carb diets. My initial reaction? Skepticism, plain and simple. His conviction, however, forced me to confront my own biases.

This push led me to investigate the science behind the low carb diet and its effects on heart health. This journey led me down a rabbit hole of studies, research papers, and firsthand accounts.

The more I explored, the more my eyes opened to a new understanding of heart health. The conventional approach of prescribing medications and performing procedures like angiograms, while sometimes necessary, often felt like addressing a problem too late.

By then, significant damage had often been done. The realization struck me: to truly make a difference in heart health, we need to intervene earlier. We need to address the root causes rather than simply treating the symptoms.

Beyond LDL: The Many Facets of Low Carb Heart Health

Traditional cardiology tends to fixate on LDL cholesterol (the "bad" kind) as the primary indicator of heart disease risk. But this approach neglects the nuances of a low-carb approach. It ignores the multifaceted nature of cardiovascular health.

For many embracing a low-carb lifestyle, markers of overall health improve dramatically. These markers include insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels. This is true even if their LDL cholesterol remains stable or slightly elevated.

One test, in particular, provides a clearer picture of heart disease risk. The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score measures actual calcium deposits in the arteries. This non-invasive CT scan takes just seconds and offers a glimpse into the health of your arteries.

Remarkably, the latest cholesterol guidelines finally acknowledge the value of CAC scores in assessing cardiovascular risk. A score of zero, indicating no calcium buildup, may negate the need for medication. This is true even if traditional risk factors like LDL levels are elevated.

Electrolytes, Arrhythmias, and the Importance of Mineral Balance

Low-carb diets, particularly ketogenic diets, often come with a shift in electrolyte balance. As your body transitions into a fat-burning state, you might experience increased urination. This potentially leads to a loss of important minerals like magnesium and potassium.

These electrolytes play a vital role in regulating heartbeat and maintaining proper muscle function. Replenishing these minerals with supplements or through diet can help address issues like palpitations (irregular heartbeats). This will improve overall heart health on a low-carb diet.

It’s worth noting that insulin resistance, often made worse by high-carb diets, can also impair mineral absorption.

Angina, Microvascular Disease, and The Silent Struggle

What happens when someone experiences angina (chest pain often signaling heart problems) but their arteries appear clear on an angiogram? This baffling situation, known as syndrome X or microvascular disease, suggests the presence of blockages.

These blockages or spasms are in the smaller, harder-to-detect blood vessels. Treating these smaller vessels poses a unique challenge, one that conventional cardiology often struggles to address.

This scenario underscores the limitations of relying solely on traditional markers and procedures for assessing cardiovascular health. This highlights the need for a more holistic and personalized approach. This approach goes beyond surface-level assessments.

Navigating the Challenges of Low Carb Heart Health

Despite growing evidence, advocating for a low-carb approach to heart health within conventional medical circles often feels like an uphill battle.

Many colleagues, entrenched in years of traditional teachings that demonize fat and elevate LDL cholesterol above all else, remain resistant to new perspectives. It can be frustrating, to say the least.

However, I find solace in witnessing the positive transformations in my clients' lives as they adopt a low-carb, keto-like diet. This diet is similar to the lchf diet, another low carbohydrate option for those with cardiovascular risks.

The Power of Lifestyle: Embracing Long-Term Heart Health

While large-scale, long-term studies on low-carb diets and cardiovascular disease outcomes are limited, evidence suggests a promising correlation between a well-formulated low-carb lifestyle and positive heart health markers.

This includes improvements in blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and blood sugar control, all of which contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease.

When I see clients achieve significant weight loss, improved blood work, and, most importantly, report feeling energized and vibrant on a low-carb plan, it fuels my commitment to challenging conventional paradigms and advocating for alternative paths to optimal heart health.

I am an advocate for my clients, and for good reason. A low carb diet can improve cholesterol levels and help reduce the intake of saturated fat, all things that have been shown to contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Cardio Keto

Explores the powerful benefits of a ketogenic diet in promoting cardiovascular health. By focusing on low-carb, high-fat foods, the keto diet helps reduce inflammation, improve cholesterol levels, and stabilize blood sugar, all of which are crucial for heart health.

One delicious and heart-healthy option is incorporating low carb tostadas into your meal plan. These tostadas, made with alternative flours like almond or coconut, provide the satisfying crunch you crave without the excessive carbs.

Topped with heart-healthy ingredients like avocado, lean proteins, and fresh vegetables, low carb tostadas are not only tasty but also support your keto goals and heart health.

This combination of the keto diet and creative, low-carb meals can lead to significant improvements in your cardiovascular wellness and overall well-being.

Conclusion

As someone deeply invested in the science and practicality of low carb heart health, I urge you to remain curious, challenge assumptions, and be your own advocate for well-being.

Empowering yourself with knowledge, questioning traditional narratives, and staying open to emerging research may be the key to unlocking a lifetime of low carb heart health and vitality.

Remember, true heart health goes beyond cholesterol numbers; it's about embracing a holistic lifestyle that supports your body's natural ability to thrive.