Lessons From Tim Russert.

First off, my sincere condolences to Mr. Russert’s family and friends.  May he rest in peace.

On to the lesson (warning: links to studies and media ahead):

Tim Russert’s recent passing is (to my eyes, anyway) another example of how doctors with the best intentions doing everything they’re “supposed to” do end up not being able to help a person avoid premature death.  In fact, by following medical orthodoxy but not directly applying what the research says, they may even have done Mr. Russert a grave disservice. 

Let’s look at some key points in Mr. Russert’s health profile:

• First, he was overweight, with a majority of that overweight round his middle (visceral fat).  But he exercised everyday (by riding on an exercise bike).
• He had “good cholesterol“, because he was taking statins.  But he still had high triglycerides and low HDL.
• According to some reports, he was a type 2 diabetic.
• Finally, he likely had a high-stress job and lifestyle.

Are you thinking what I’m thinking?  No?  Ok – I’ll put the pieces together for you.

Russert was insulin-resistant (Type 2 diabetic).  This put him at far greater risk for all cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, etc.)  Russert was probably prescribed a cardio-protective diet, which translates to “low-fat.”  A low-fat diet (as Gary Taubes, Mike Eades and others have pointed out) is by definition a high-carb diet.  This constant consumption of carbs further exacerbates Russert’s already high insulin, which him at even greater risk. 

Worse still, the typical diet recommended for diabetics limits Russert’s intake of protein and fat, which will cause his HDL to decrease.  HDL levels are inversely associated with mortality from heart disease; the higher your HDL level, the less chance you have of dying from heart disease.

The high carbs also cause his triglyceride levels to increase.  High triglyceride levels are positively associated with mortality from heart disease; the higher your triglycerides, the greater chance you have of dying from heart disease.

Don’t even get me started on the statins.  Or his work stress. 

All in all, it didn’t look good for poor Tim. 

Mr. Russert’s doctors, acting in good faith, saw that he was at risk for a potential cardiac event and put him on a so-called cardio-protective program.  They gave him the best treatment and care possible within the guidelines of medical orthodoxy.  But what if medical orthodoxy is wrong?

What if eating a low-carb diet comprised mostly of real foods like meats, eggs, vegetables, some fruit, nuts, and seeds was the best way to promote health and avoid disease?

Just an opinion.