

By Leyla Muedin MS, RD, CDN
Cholesterol is not a foe in and of itself. Here’s why: Cholesterol is a necessary substance in our bodies. It’s part of all of our cell membranes—the phospholipid membrane. As much as 80 percent of cholesterol is produced by the…read more
Categories: Heart Disease
By Dr. Ronald Hoffman
Cholesterol always gets a bad rap, but few medical consumers—and even health professionals—finger triglycerides as a more likely suspect in heart disease causation. Triglycerides are circulating fats in the bloodstream. That fact was memorably brought home to me in medical…read more
Categories: Heart Disease
By Leyla Muedin MS, RD, CDN
Q: My mother has had undiagnosed pre-diabetes for years and now has established coronary artery disease (CAD). Her cardiologist has her convinced that embarking on a super low-fat diet will help to decrease her LDL cholesterol. Hoping you can explain…read more
Categories: Heart Disease
By Leyla Muedin MS, RD, CDN
Q: Would you please suggest some breakfast ideas for someone who has coronary artery plaque and is on a statin? A: A cause of cardiovascular disease is inflammation. That inflammation is typically triggered by poor diet consisting of inflammatory foods…read more
Categories: Heart Disease
By Dr. Ronald Hoffman
As the weather warms up and gyms reopen, more Americans are shaking off lockdown and re-engaging with exercise. As you huff and puff your way back to optimal condition, here’s a little inspiration to keep you motivated: 1) Cardiovascular: It’s axiomatic…read more
Categories: Heart Disease
By Dr. Ronald Hoffman
It’s Heart Month, so be forewarned: You’re going to be subjected to the usual wrong information. Saturated fats continue to be demonized by health “authorities.” The American Heart Association persists in recommending: “Eat an overall healthy dietary pattern that emphasizes:…read more
Categories: Heart Disease
By Leyla Muedin MS, RD, CDN
Fact: Those with diabetes, pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome progress to coronary artery disease as much as 70 percent faster than individuals without diabetes. High blood sugar and insulin levels create inflammation, especially in arteries. The high carb diet associated with…read more
Categories: Heart Disease
By Dr. Ronald Hoffman
This month marks the 57th annual American Heart Month. President Lyndon Johnson (who died of heart disease) issued the first proclamation in 1964. Despite over a half-century of exhortation to diet and exercise, and drug and surgical advances, heart disease remains…read more
Categories: Heart Disease
By Leyla Muedin MS, RD, CDN
Q: I am a 71-year-young man in excellent condition. At my last physical, my HDL was 63, triglycerides 55, and LDL was 173. I’ve been told this is on the high side for LDL. How do I reduce my LDL…read more
Categories: Heart Disease
Though we think of declining estrogen as the hallmark of menopause, it's actually common for…
Up to 12 percent of Americans have ulcers at some point in life. Peptic ulcers…
Gallbladder disease is a modern illness. An estimated 20 million Americans have gallbladder disease. The…
Each year, at holiday time, I compile a list of the year’s top podcast episodes.…
I write this article with a bit of trepidation—some may think I’m betraying my “holistic”…
Q: How can I ensure that I’m getting the most nutrition possible from my food?…
Leyla Weighs In: Olive Oil and Brain Function