Thursday Mar 06, 2025

Vegiterranean, Anyone? Yes, Please!

Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the U.S. for over a century, but could changing the way we eat make a real difference? Dr. Kim Williams thinks so.

In this episode, Dr. Regina Druz sits down with Dr. Williams from the University of Louisville to break down what to eat for heart health. They talk about the science behind the vegan diet, Mediterranean diet, and DASH diet, weighing the benefits of each. Dr. Williams makes a strong case for a whole food plant-based approach, pointing to research that links it to lower rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Dr. Druz, while not vegan herself, highlights the importance of personalized nutrition and the need to tailor dietary choices to individual health goals.

The conversation goes beyond food, touching on healthcare disparities, access to healthy options, and the role of AI in patient care. Dr. Williams shares how he’s using AI tools like ChatGPT to create personalized meal plans, making it easier for patients to follow heart-healthy diets without feeling overwhelmed. They also dig into community-driven solutions, from teaching kitchens to partnerships with local businesses, aimed at increasing access to fresh, affordable produce.

If you’re wondering whether your diet really impacts your heart or questioning how to make healthier choices that actually stick, this episode is packed with helpful insights you can use.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

01:00 The State of Heart Disease in America

03:55 Health Equity Initiatives at University of Louisville

05:04 Challenges in Inner City Health

07:02 Patient Stories and Health Disparities

10:03 Lifestyle Medicine and Prevention

12:32 Nutritional Advice for Heart Health

14:02 The Role of Time, Team, and Tools in Patient Care

16:20 Whole Food Plant-Based Diet and Heart Health

18:36 The Impact of Unhealthy Plant-Based Foods

20:15 Using AI for Personalized Nutrition Plans