22. Can alcohol consumption be beneficial?
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
Release Date: 12/13/2024
47. Statins vs. Lifestyle: Which Truly Reduces Heart Disease Risk?
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
In this episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, we take a deep dive into statins, their true benefits, their real risks, and the massive role lifestyle plays in shaping heart disease outcomes. Rather than accepting oversimplified medical advice, this episode empowers you to think critically, understand uncertainty in medicine, and make fully informed decisions about your own health. You’ll learn how to interpret risk statistics (like relative vs absolute risk), why lifestyle may outperform medication for many people, and why statins are helpful for some—yet potentially unnecessary or...
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46. Preventing Fractures & Building Stronger Bones
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
In this special Walk Don’t Run to the Doctor episode, Miles Hassell MD tackles one of the most important, yet misunderstood health topics: osteoporosis and fracture prevention. Rather than focusing on numbers from a Dexa scan or quick prescriptions, this episode empowers you with real, actionable steps to build stronger bones and improve your long-term health with evidence-based lifestyle tools. You’ll learn why lifestyle choices—good food you make at home, sunlight, and movement—often outperform medications in maintaining bone health. The discussion blends current research, humor, and...
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45. Why Pills Aren't Saving You (But This Might): Link in Description
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
This week we are featuring a recent podcast recorded at George Fox University, called George Fox Talks. Erika Barber, MD talks with Miles Hassell MD about taking ownership of your own health. Through thoughtful eating and by giving your palate a chance to develop an appreciation for the richness of available food, you can have a transformative impact on the quality of your life and your body’s ability to resist disease. Watch the full episode through the links provided. YouTube: Apple Pocasts: Spotify: Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine,...
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44. Is Your Blood Pressure Medicine Making You Sicker?
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
Are blood pressure medications saving lives—or quietly making things worse? In this episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD takes a hard look at the role of blood pressure drugs. While medications can protect against stroke and heart damage, they also carry serious side effects—from fatigue and dizziness to diabetes and falls in older adults. The bigger issue? Medications can distract from the most powerful treatment of all: lifestyle change. Eating better, moving more, trimming excess weight, and cutting harmful habits often work better than pills—and without the...
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43. How to Be Young at an Old Age with Mac Lake
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
In this episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD sits down with author Mac Lake to explore the connection between faith, health, and personal responsibility. Mac Lake is a highly respected leader, author, and founder of Multiply Group, where he helps leaders and organizations develop strategies to multiply their leadership impact. An inspirational trainer and leadership coach, Mac is gifted at simplifying complex ideas into actionable strategies that anyone can implement to achieve transformative results in their personal life, team, and organization. He has written seven...
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42. Are Red Dye, High Fructose Corn Syrup, and Fancy Tests Health Distractions?
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
In this episode of Walk Don’t Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD unpacks the common health “distractions” that steal attention, money, and energy from what really matters for your well-being. From the sugar wars (high fructose corn syrup vs. cane sugar), to food dyes, celebrity health fads, and fancy but questionable medical tests, we explore how to separate hype from evidence. Key Takeaways: High fructose corn syrup and cane sugar are equally harmful—what matters is cutting refined sugars overall. Food dyes aren’t the main problem—we shouldn't be eating the ultra-processed...
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41. Your letters: Listeners Avoiding Surgery
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
In this episode, Miles Hassell, MD answers heartfelt listener letters about gallbladder disease and knee pain—sharing real-life stories of patients who successfully avoided major surgeries through lifestyle medicine. From tackling gallstones with diet and exercise to managing osteoarthritis without knee replacement, Dr. Hassell highlights how small, consistent changes—like removing sugar, eating a Mediterranean-style diet, incorporating probiotic foods, and staying active—can dramatically improve health outcomes. Key Takeaways: Gallbladder health: Slow weight loss, high-fiber foods...
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40. The Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods and Your Child’s Health
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
In this episode, Miles Hassell MD, an internal medicine physician from Portland, Oregon, dives deep into one of the most important responsibilities of parenthood—feeding your kids well. He tackles the real-life challenges families face in a world dominated by ultra-processed foods, marketing traps, and busy schedules. Learn how simple, home-cooked meals can drastically improve your child’s mental and physical health, prevent chronic diseases, and build lifelong habits. From breakfast hacks to family cooking tips, this episode is a practical and inspiring guide for every parent. Key...
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39. The Truth About Vegetable Oils
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
In this episode, Miles Hassell MD breaks down the often misunderstood world of cooking oils. From olive oil to avocado oil, he explains which fats support long-term health—and which ones belong in the trash. Key Takeaways: Extra virgin olive oil is the only widely available oil with strong evidence supporting real health benefits. Avocado, canola, and other industrial oils are ultra-processed, taste terrible without the help of BigFood processing techniques, and lack nutritional value. Avocados are good food though...thinly sliced, they top any meal or snack nicely. Don’t be...
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38. Constipation: Fix It Naturally – No Pills, Just Real Solutions
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
Are you or someone you know struggling with constipation? In this episode, Dr. Miles Hassell MD of GreatMed.org explores the real impact of constipation on health and quality of life—and how to fix it without relying on Big Pharma. What You’ll Learn: The health risks and causes of chronic constipation Lifestyle-based solutions that are safer and more effective than over-the-counter meds The role of fiber, fluids, probiotics, and movement in restoring colon health Practical tips: foods to eat, supplements to consider, and travel-friendly strategies Why addressing constipation is a...
info_outlineIn this episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD explores the complex and often controversial topic of alcohol consumption and its impact on health. From historical context to modern studies, he provides a balanced look at the potential benefits and risks of alcohol, encouraging viewers to make informed decisions based on evidence rather than emotion.
Summary:
Dr. Hassell discusses the nuanced role of alcohol in health and lifestyle. While heavy drinking poses clear dangers—such as liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and societal harm—low to moderate consumption might have benefits in certain contexts. Evidence from large studies suggests reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of dementia for moderate drinkers, particularly when paired with a healthy lifestyle.
Key Takeaways:
- Moderation is Key: Up to 7 drinks per week for women and 10-14 for men may provide benefits, but heavy drinking is harmful.
- Context Matters: Alcohol's benefits are most evident in a healthy lifestyle, alongside good nutrition and regular exercise.
- Potential Benefits: Includes improved heart health, reduced type 2 diabetes risk, and enhanced cognitive function.
- Risks to Consider: Alcohol can still pose risks, including cancer, dependence, and societal harm, even at low levels.
- Preferred Choice: Red wine may offer additional health benefits due to its antioxidants.
For more insights and advice on reducing dependence on medications through lifestyle changes, make sure to subscribe to Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor.
More references can be found at www.GreatMed.org
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References:
Buljeta, I., et al. (2023). Beneficial effects of red wine polyphenols on human health: comprehensive review. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 45(2), 782–798. https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45020052
Yoo, J. E., et al. (2022). Association between changes in alcohol consumption and cancer risk. JAMA Network Open, 5(8), e2228544. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.28544
Yoo JE, et al. Association between changes in alcohol consumption and cancer risk (supplemental data, tables e1 and e2). JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(8):e2228544. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.28544
CDC.gov. (2024). About moderate alcohol use. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/moderate-alcohol-use.html#:~:text=to%20not%20drinking.-,Moderate%20drinking,or%20less%20in%20a%20day
Pierre-Louis, T., et al. (2020). Effects of alcohol consumption in general, and wine in particular, on the risk of cancer development: a review. Oeno One, 54(4). https://doi.org/10.20870/oeno-one.2020.54.4.3569
Hong, S., et al. (2020). Alcohol consumption and the risk of prostate cancer: a dose-response meta-analysis. Nutrients, 12(8), 2188. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082188
Zhang, X., et al. (2021). Alcohol consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and mortality: a prospective cohort study. Nutrition Journal, 20(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-021-00671-y
Ortola, R., et al. (2024). Alcohol consumption patterns and mortality among older adults with health-related or socioeconomic risk factors. JAMA Network Open, 7(8), e2424495. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.24495
Lofterod, T., et al. (2020). Exploring the effects of lifestyle on breast cancer risk, age at diagnosis, and survival: the EBBA-Life study. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 182(1), 215–227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-020-05679-2
Tamimi, R. M., et al. (2016). Population attributable risk of modifiable and nonmodifiable breast cancer risk factors in postmenopausal breast cancer. American Journal of Epidemiology, 184(12), 884–893. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kww145
Cancer.gov. (2021, July 14). Alcohol and Cancer Risk. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol/alcohol-fact-sheet#how-does-alcohol-affect-the-risk-of-cancer
Colditz, G. (2024). Overview of Cancer Prevention. UpToDate.com https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-cancer-prevention
AICR.org. (2024, July 5). New study finds AICR/WCRF’s cancer prevention recommendations are associated with reduced mortality risk from all causes, cancer and heart disease. American institute for Cancer Research. https:// www.aicr.org/news/new-study-finds-aicr-wcrfs-cancer-prevention-recommendations-are-associated-with-reduced-mortality-risk-from-all-causes-cancer-and-heart-disease/