The China Study

     Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University lead a study of 65 counties across 24 provinces in rural China.  It involved 6500 adults aged 35-64.  Dietary questionnaires, blood and urine samples were analyzed yielding over 347 data points for interpretation.

     Some key findings:

Fat intake:rural China 14% of total caloric intake vs US >35%

Protein intake: rural China 10% of calories from animal protein, US 70%

Total caloric intake of rural Chinese diet was 20-30% more that in US

     The diet consumed in rural China is plant based nutrition compared with the typical American diet based upon animal protein.

     The study analysis showed a tremendous difference in the incidence of "Diseases of Affluence", specifically cancer, heart disease and diabetes.  These diseases exist in very low rates in rural China compared to the US.  What's more, rural Chinese who emigrated to the US, adopting the local diet then developed these diseases at the same rate as native born Americans.  One finding I found to be particularly amazing involved a 3 county area in China with a population of over 400,000 in which, during the 3 years of the study, not a single person died from a heart attack.  In a comparable sized US region the rate of death from heart attacks is about 80 per year, so 240 over a 3 year period compared to zero.  I find that astounding.

     The effects of these dietary differences were also noted to impact other disease states i.e. kidney stones, osteoporosis, and autoimmune diseases.  The implications are broad.  Adopting a plant based diet can significantly impact the incidence and prevalence of the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S.  It will, however, take a tremendous change in our dietary habits.  

     Reading the China Study, as well as Dr. Esselstyn's Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, has totally changed my perspective on diet and health.  I am now 2 months into my adoption of these dietary changes and feel great.  Join me, it's not as daunting a task as it first appears.   In fact it is quite simple.  Read the China Study, it is eye opening.

Cholesterol - It's not just bad for your heart

     It is widely publicized that high cholesterol levels are linked to coronary artery disease.  But.... did you know that the single biological factor associated with 'diseases of affluence' (diabetes, coronary artery disease and cancers of the brain, breast, colon, liver, stomach and leukemia) is..... you guessed it......Cholesterol.

     In the China Study,  Dr. T. Colin Campbell found that in rural China, where a plant based diet is followed the incidence of these diseases of affluence was extremely low.  In this region the average total cholesterol was 127! (The average in the US is ~200)

    More on this comprehensive study to come.

Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease

    I have recently finished reading 'Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease' by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn.  It is more than interesting.  His general message is very powerful.  Western diets based on animal protein lead to significant vascular inflammation and development of plaque (blockages).  Additionally the inflamed lining of these vessels also makes "vulnerable" plaques at higher risk of rupture.  People with a total cholesterol of less than 150 and LDL of less than 80 are at extremely low risk for coronary events.  His study spanning more than 15 years showed solid evidence of stabilization and even reversal of coronary artery disease.  This is remarkable.

    To achieve these results the study patients followed a strict change in diet.  A no fat vegan dietary plan.  "Nothing with a face or a mother" is allowed to be eaten.  This includes no fish, dairy, nuts (except a few walnuts in low risk people), no avocados, no oils, and no soy milk (except non fat).  This may sound spartan at first blush but he goes on to describe many food ideas and the last half of the book contains many recipes and meal plans.  I have been following this diet for the last 2 weeks and have been very pleasantly surprised.  No hunger, no cravings and many options.  It does take more work, both mental and physical, as most prepared foods are off limits.

     Now, as a cardiac surgeon, how is this new information to be integrated into my practice? First, I still believe that patients with tight lesions and unstable symptoms need urgent revascularization to relieve symptoms and ideally avoid muscle damage.  Next, I will be informing my patients about these findings, the potential impact on their long term health and encourage them to read this book and adopt the dietary changes. I am continuing my research in the exciting area.  

    Congratulations to Dr. Esselstyn for an amazing study over a long period, breaking with standard conventions and achieving stunning results.

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