HighGBS: 89 (High Risk)nutrition

Heart Disease Reversal Protocol

Developer: Dean Ornish, Caldwell Esselstyn

6-12 months to see reversal on imaging, lifelong for sustained benefit

Protocol Overview

Evidence-based intensive lifestyle program proven to reverse coronary artery disease. Combines very low-fat plant-based diet, exercise, stress management, and social support.

Conditions Treated

Coronary artery disease

atherosclerosis

post-MI

Protocol Steps

Diet - whole food plant-based: <10% calories from fat (Ornish/Esselstyn approach - most restrictive but proven), eliminate all animal products (meat, fish, eggs, dairy except nonfat dairy), eliminate oils (including olive oil), eliminate nuts except small amount (too high fat), emphasize whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits

Alternative: Mediterranean diet (less restrictive, also evidence-based but slower reversal)

Exercise: Minimum 30 minutes moderate aerobic activity daily, gradually increase to 60+ minutes, walking, cycling, swimming

Stress management: Daily practice - yoga, meditation, deep breathing, progressive relaxation - 1 hour daily in Ornish program

Social support: Weekly support group (shown to improve adherence and outcomes)

Smoking cessation: Absolute requirement - use all tools needed (NRT, Chantix, counseling, hypnosis)

Omega-3: 2-4g EPA/DHA from algae oil (plant-based source) or fish oil for anti-inflammatory effects

Vitamin D: Optimize 50-80 ng/ml (cardiovascular protection)

B-vitamins: Methylated B-complex to reduce homocysteine <7-9 (high homocysteine = CV risk)

CoQ10: 100-300mg ubiquinol (especially if on statins which deplete CoQ10)

Magnesium: 400-800mg (cardiovascular health, most people deficient)

Vitamin K2: MK-7 180-360mcg (directs calcium to bones, out of arteries)

Pomegranate juice: 8 oz daily (improves endothelial function, reduces plaque)

Aged garlic extract: 1200mg daily (Kyolic brand studied - reduces plaque progression)

L-arginine: 6-9g daily (nitric oxide production, improves endothelial function) - or L-citrulline 3-6g

Bergamot: 500-1000mg daily (improves lipid profile, endothelial function)

Red yeast rice: If statin-intolerant, 1200-2400mg (natural statin, monitor like pharmaceutical)

Nattokinase: 2000 FU daily (fibrinolytic, may reduce plaque - blood thinner effect)

Statins: Consider if very high risk (discuss with cardiologist - weigh benefits vs side effects)

Monitoring: Lipid panel, CRP, homocysteine, Lp(a), ApoB, coronary calcium score, advanced lipid testing (LDL particle number), repeat imaging to document reversal

Key Resources

Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Caldwell Esselstyn, "Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease", Ornish program Medicare-covered

Contraindications & Risks

Very restrictive diet (compliance challenging), social difficulties, nutrient deficiencies (B12, D, zinc, iron if not supplemented), nattokinase and garlic have blood-thinning effects

Important Notes

Revolutionary: Dean Ornish and Caldwell Esselstyn proved coronary artery disease reversal with lifestyle alone (angiographic evidence). Ornish published 1990 Lifestyle Heart Trial - first to show reversal. Esselstyn's patients (73 severe CAD patients who completed program) had 99.4% freedom from cardiac events vs. expected 80% event rate. Diet is most controversial - <10% fat is very restrictive, eliminates oils and nuts. They argue anything more won't reverse disease. Mediterranean diet also has strong evidence (Lyon Diet Heart Study, PREDIMED) but less aggressive reversal. Mechanism: Very low-fat stops LDL oxidation and endothelial damage, allows reverse cholesterol transport. Stress management underappreciated - meditation/yoga improves endothelial function, reduces cortisol. Exercise improves collateral circulation. Supplements support endothelial function and reduce inflammation. Vitamin K2 keeps calcium out of arteries (in bones instead). Aged garlic extract has CAC (coronary calcium) studies showing reduced progression. Ornish program now Medicare-covered (only lifestyle program with that status). Compliance is challenge - very restrictive. But works if followed. Some cardiologists skeptical of diet-only approach for severe CAD (prefer statins + stents) but data supports lifestyle. Best outcomes: Combine intensive lifestyle with optimal medical therapy.

Key Supplements & Herbs in This Protocol

Herbs

Garlic

Allium sativum

Critical Safety Warning

This protocol is documented for educational purposes only. The Gabriel Bullshit Score (GBS) of 89 reflects significant institutional response and controversy. Some alternative health protocols have resulted in serious harm or death.

Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before beginning any treatment. Do not delay or forego proven medical care.

Quick Overview

Evidence LevelHigh

GBS Score89 / 100

Categorynutrition

DeveloperDean Ornish, Caldwell Esselstyn

Duration6-12 months to see reversal on imaging, lifelong for sustained benefit

About GBS Score

The Gabriel Bullshit Score reflects the magnitude of institutional response, controversy, and documented concerns. Higher scores indicate greater institutional pushback, not necessarily inefficacy. This is a research tool, not medical advice.