Joe K., a CHIP graduate, experienced such success with the program that he started spreading the word. His friend John C. was intrigued and soon after adopted a plant-based diet to see the firsthand effects for himself. Here is his story:
Back in December of 2017. there was no question about it — I was feeling lousy. I was tired, not sleeping well, and avoiding activities. I felt like my heart rate was up and I was on the verge of going to the doctor.
At 51 years old, I had been on statins and daily aspirin for years due to a family history of heart disease and high cholesterol. My dad died too young of a heart attack at age 57. I was also taking omerprazole as needed for heartburn.
I rediscovered cycling in my 40s, but my last real ride was in June of 2017. Even before that, I noticed that it was getting harder to keep up with the pack. I love cycling, but by the fall of 2017, I just didn’t feel good enough to ride.
So here were my “numbers” from my physical exam on 1/19/2017:
Height: 5’8″
Weight: 202 lbs. (clothed)
Total Cholesterol: 165 (with statins)
HDL: 41
LDL: 92
TRIG: 158
Starting in the fall of 2017, a long-time friend (Joe) had been telling me his story; a recent health scare that he had and about his new eating habits to cope. He introduced me to Dr. Esselstyn’s book, ‘Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure’. I started reading about plant-based eating.
By December of 2017, I was ready to make a change. I was feeling like crap and kind of scared about my health, so I decided I had nothing to lose. I changed my diet almost overnight to conform to the guidelines in the book. I set a goal to lower my total cholesterol below 150 and my LDL below 80. There were a few exceptions to the meal plan, but I was pretty strict. I noticed an improvement in how I felt in just two weeks.
As of 3/22/2018, here are my results:
Weight: 185 lbs. (clothed)
Total Cholesterol: 119
HDL: 40
LDL: 48
TRIG: 154
My doctor gave me the option to come off atorvastatin entirely, or continue and check again in six months. In addition, I feel better, have more energy, and am sleeping great. I have NOT had heartburn in about three months. What’s not to like!
I am looking forward to the cycling season! Thanks, Joe, for all the support and encouragement!!
John