Episode 476: The Upside-Down Pyramid of the USDA Guidelines
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
Release Date: 01/13/2026
Episode 496: 41 Lessons for Health and Longevity from Bryan Johnson
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
This week, Dr. Kahn discusses Bryan Johnson’s efforts to reverse his “biological age” and the 41 lessons he has shared along the way. These are valuable insights that Dr. Kahn largely endorses. Other topics include the sit-to-stand test; how PCOS can become PMOS; therapies for Peyronie’s disease and PSA testing; plant-based diets and aging; plant-based diets during pregnancy; pregnancy complications; and the cardiac health of offspring. A big thanks to for supporting the podcast. Use discount code DrKahn to save on the BeKind line of plant-based nutritional products.
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Episode 495: New Research On Aged Garlic Extract, NAD+, And Heart Health
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
This week, Joel Kahn, MD, dives into fascinating new research on aged garlic extract and its potential role in healthy aging, muscle function, and cardiovascular wellness. He reviews a recent study showing how aged garlic extract improved muscle and aging markers in mice while also activating the NAMPT pathway in humans, which may help boost NAD+ production. Dr. Kahn also breaks down several newer studies highlighting the cardiovascular benefits of aged garlic extract, a supplement he’s used at the Kahn Center for more than a decade. He discusses the specific Kyolic formula available here: ...
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Episode 494: The Amazing Properties of Glycine and Good Sleep
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
This week, Dr. Kahn discusses his long-standing interest in the amino acid glycine and its potential health benefits. Sleep is a key focus, highlighted by a new report on the widespread difficulty adults face in getting a full night’s rest. Glycine may also offer favorable cardiovascular support. Additional topics include coffee and aging, methamphetamines and heart attacks, Lipoprotein(a) and cardiovascular risk, yoga and overall health, a tribute to Eugene Braunwald, MD, TMAO and atherosclerosis, and a new study on the benefits of adopting heart-healthy habits early in life. Thanks...
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Episode 493: The Top 3 Dietary Predictors of Cardiac Death Worldwide
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
This week, Dr. Kahn reviews new data from the Global Burden of Disease study analyzing the relationship between diet and death from heart disease. In 2023, an estimated 5.9 million deaths worldwide were linked to poor dietary choices, led by excessive sodium intake and insufficient consumption of fruit and whole grains. It’s a fascinating and important study with clear takeaways. Other topics include stents for angina, causes of sudden cardiac death, daytime napping and health outcomes, plastic-free diets, PCSK9 inhibitors vs. statins, calcium supplements, and the purity of fish oil samples....
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Episode 492: Does the Shingles Vaccine Reduce Heart and Brain Disease?
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
This week, Dr. Kahn addresses a topic gaining attention in the media: whether taking the shingles vaccine (Shingrix in the USA) may reduce the risk of heart events and dementia. Multiple studies suggest this could be true, although no randomized trials have been performed to confirm it. Furthermore, most of these studies focus on a version of the vaccine that was discontinued in the U.S. in 2020 (Zostavax), making the assumption that Shingrix provides the same benefits somewhat speculative. This is a topic worth discussing with your primary care team. Other topics include controversies in...
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Episode 491: Heart Disease in Masters Athletes: What to Do?
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
This week, Dr. Kahn dives into heart disease in “masters athletes,” highly active individuals over 35 who train and compete at a serious level. Despite their fitness, research shows they may face equal—or even higher—rates of cardiovascular issues like arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and aortic dilation. A new consensus statement breaks down what to watch for and recommends advanced screening like EKGs, coronary calcium scans, and detailed blood work. Beyond that, Dr. Kahn shares insights from his own recent mitral valve surgery recovery and explores why common heart risk...
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Episode 490: My Surgical Journey 2 Weeks Later
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
This week, Dr. Kahn shares an update on his recovery following robotic mitral valve repair surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Just 10–12 days post-op, he walks through his experience—from diagnosis and testing to surgery with Marc Gillinov, MD. He covers the procedure, time in the ICU, and early recovery milestones, along with what’s next in his healing journey. Thanks to Igennus for sponsoring this episode—visit and use code DrKahn.
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Episode 489: Big Heart Health News You’ll Want To Know About
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
This week, Dr. Kahn shares exciting updates from the American College of Cardiology meeting, highlighting several new trials focused on reducing heart events in patients with diabetes and those with established heart disease. The results are promising and could help prevent strokes, heart attacks, and even save lives. Additional topics include vegan diets and cancer risk, heart disease in police officers, the link between Alzheimer’s disease and statins, concerns around erythritol sweeteners, Lp(a) levels in stent patients, niacin for fatty liver disease, and the role of beta blockers after...
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Bonus Episode: Why a CIMT Ultrasound Is a Must-Have Examination with Joseph Ence
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
What if a quick, painless ultrasound could reveal your true vascular age? In this bonus episode of Heart Doc VIP, host Dr. Joel Kahn sits down with Joseph Ence to discuss CIMT (carotid intima-media thickness)—a simple, non-invasive test used in over 5,000 research studies over the past 20+ years to measure plaque and thickness in the carotid arteries. Safe and radiation-free, this ultrasound provides valuable insight into your cardiovascular health by estimating your “vascular age.” They also explore how targeted interventions—like lifestyle changes, supplements, and...
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Episode 487: The Role of Diet, Blood Pressure, and Hormones in Dementia
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
This week, Dr. Kahn breaks down new research on dementia risk, including the roles of high blood pressure and early menopause. He looks at conflicting studies on red meat and ApoE4, which pretty much sums up nutrition science: one study says yes, another says absolutely not. For now, limiting red meat—especially processed—is still the safest move. He also covers the risks of skipping breakfast, calcium CT scoring for elevated lipoprotein(a), tooth loss and heart disease, long-term clopidogrel use after stents, ultraprocessed foods, Repatha and statins, Cleerly AI scans, micro-exercise...
info_outlineThis week, Dr. Kahn breaks down the newly released USDA 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines and the surprising upside-down food pyramid they present. He explains how the final report differs from last year’s Advisory Committee recommendations, including changes in committee membership and the influence of advisors with financial ties to the meat and dairy industries. Looking back at the original 1980 dietary guidelines, Dr. Kahn asks an important question: how much has really changed? His takeaway remains refreshingly simple—eat food, mostly plants, not too much.
Short topics this week include urinary measurements of protein intake, optimal timing for surgery in dilated aortic roots, the cardiovascular risk of lipoprotein(a), and whether the science behind the Blue Zones truly holds up.
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If you want it a touch shorter or more punchy for Apple Podcasts specifically, I can trim it another 10–15%.