Each year, roughly 1.5 million Americans have a heart attack -- and most of them survive. But research shows that just one year after their diagnosis, the vast majority fail to adhere to the dietary changes that could prevent a second heart attack (from family/friend . After losing her father to his second heart attack and fearing that her husband would suffer the same fate after his first, Dr. Janet Bond Brill was inspired to write Prevent a Second Heart Attack: 8 Foods, 8 Weeks to Reverse Heart Disease.
Packed with every tool someone needs -- including daily checklists, nutrition information, a complete two-week eating plan, and dozens of mouth-watering recipes to suit every meal, taste, and budget -- the delicious and foolproof program ensures that heart attack survivors and their loved ones will be satisfied, rather than deprived, as they eat their way to better heart health. Here's some Q&A to tell you more about the book!
Q: But what exactly are the best lifestyle changes - - alongside drugs - - for preventing a second heart attack and even reversing heart disease?
A: That is the very question this book answers. A tremendous amount of scientific research has investigated the application of various diet and exercise plans in preventing further coronary events. I have found that the bulk of the scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the notion that post–heart attack patients should be advised to eat a Mediterranean-style diet, be physically active at least thirty minutes a day, and not smoke.
In fact, the famed Lyon Heart Study that tested aCretan Mediterranean diet in cardiac patients reported a phenomenal reduction of recurrence rate of 70 percent compared to the control diet (a typical low-fat Western-style diet). I propose that a Mediterranean-style diet, as outlined in Prevent a Second Heart Attack and backed by powerful evidence, can be even more effective than the eating plans currently recommended by many cardiologists - - simply because it tastes good and makes life more enjoyable. Following vegan-style plans can also reverse heart disease but only if adhered to - - an extremely difficult chore for most Americans.
Q: Hindsight is 20/20, but is there anything you would have suggested your husband, Sam, do to prevent his first heart attack?
A: Looking back, I would say I underestimated the power of three risk factors to promote a heart attack: severe emotional duress, family history, and a low HDL ("good") cholesterol. Sam underwent an invasive medical test (an angiogram) at age forty-five, and the results came back negative for any trace of cardiovascular disease. His blood values were excellent except for a low HDL value of 32 (under 40 mg/dL is considered a risk factor). He didn't smoke, had normal blood pressure, and was not overweight. He continued under the care of his cardiologist - - and had passed his exercise stress tests with flying colors. Then came the economic tsunami that hit the Florida real estate market (my husband is a general contractor) . . . combined with the stress of his father's second bypass operation . . . and he had a heart attack on July 31, 2009 - - and thankfully survived with minor heart muscle damage. So obviously, looking back, he should have been taking much more aggressive preventive measures given his family history - - such as medications, HDL-boosting lifestyle measures, and practicing more stress management techniques.
Q: Is heart disease really reversible?
A: Yes. Studies published in leading medical journals have shown that following alifestyle similar to the one outlined in my book - - and combined with physician-prescribed medications - - can stabilize and even reverse vulnerable plaque.
Q: Can I eat red meat?
A: The Prevent a Second Heart Attack plan consists of removing the plaque- building foods (red meat, cream, butter, eggs, and cheese) that cause blood vessel damage and replacing them with delicious anti-inflammatory foods that facilitate the body's natural healing processes to reverse existing heart disease and restore quality of life.
To combat the confusion issue, the Prevent a Second Heart Attack Plan offers powerful lifesaving advice, translating the complex clinical findings into a simple, easy-to-follow set of guidelines, "The Eight Dietary Commandments": (1) no more butter and cream, to be replaced by extra virgin olive oil; (2) no day without greens and other vegetables; (3) no day without figs or other fruit; (4 & 5) no meat (beef, lamb, pork), and replaced by fish and legumes; (6) no day without walnuts and flaxseeds; (7) no day without whole grains and cereals; (8) and moderate alcohol consumption, mainly in the form of red wine, recommended at dinner. (Plus a bonus food - - deep, dark, sinfully rich chocolate!)
Q: What is the best exercise for my heart?
A: The scientific consensus is that walking is the best exercise prescription for fighting off heart disease. How much, how often, and how fast (plus a discussion of the latest scientific research on exercise for heart disease) is detailed in the chapter on exercise. The best medicine for healing the arteries and reversing heart disease is moderate exercise, and the best exercise for you is the one you will do on a daily basis!
Q: What makes your plan so different and easier to follow than some of the other heart disease reversal plans on the market?
A: Many of the best-selling plans advise avoiding fish; any and all kinds of oil; avocado; nuts; seeds, and chocolate--delightfully tasty foods--all advocated in my plan.
Q: Can I really begin to heal my arteries in just 8 weeks?
A: Clinical research has shown a significant reduction in the rate of secondary events in post-heart attack subjects switching to a Mediterranean-style diet--in as little as 6 weeks.
Q: What about protein--where do I get my protein from?
A: The Prevent a Second heart Attack plan urges you to become a "vegaquarium." By getting your protein from the earth and the sea, you will also be fueling your body with numerous additional nutrients that fortify your daily heart disease defense system--artery healing components not found in a Western-style diet high in animal protein.
Q: Can I drink coffee and tea?
A: The Prevent a Second heart Attack plan is a plant-based diet. Both coffee and tea are made from plants--and plants contain plaque-fighting phytonutrients. So yes, you can have coffee and tea.
So as you can see- this book is DIFFERENT and totally doable! Consider it for Mother's and Father's Day presents! Tell your spouse/siblings/parents about the book's back story and urge them to give the book a try! Check out the Roasted Potatoes Recipe below to see for yourself!
About the Author:
Janet Bond Brill, Ph.D., R.D., LDN, author of Prevent a Second Heart Attack: 8 Foods, 8 Weeks to Reverse Heart Disease, is a diet, nutrition, and fitness expert who has appeared on national television. She is the author of Cholesterol Down: 10 Simple Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol In 4 Weeks Without Prescription Drugs, and specializes in cardiovascular disease prevention. Dr. Brill lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and three children. You can find out more info on her website.
Dr. Janet's Oven-Roasted Red Potatoes
Serves 6
Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs small red potatoes, quartered
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp Herbes de Provence
1 tsp Kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cp sliced Kalamata olives
1/2 cp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat over to 400 degrees/
2. In large bowl, toss potatoes with the olive oil, the add the spices, toss again.
3. Place potatoes in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, cut side down. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the potatoes are soft when pierced with a fork and browned.
4. When the potatoes are cooked remove from the baking sheet and place on a platter.
5. Toss potatoes with olives and parsley. Serve warm!
Cal per serving: 143, Chol: 10mg, Carb: 21g, Sugars: 1 g
Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this book and interview for review purposes, free of charge, from FSB Associates. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about the book.
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