Dr. Blanchet: Extreme Diets and Heart Disease

QUESTION: " I have angina upon exertion.  I
have been on the Esselstyn diet with about 90-95% compliance. My
numbers are better, but my symptoms have not improved.  I
have been told to wait 5 years.  I don't want to put my life
on hold any longer.  What are your thoughts?"


BASIC ESSELSTYN DIET: Dr. Esselstyn's diet revolves around
swearing off much of the typical Western diet. It means halting
consumption of all meat, eggs, dairy products, nuts and processed
foods. No meat. No organic chicken, no wild fish, no cold
cuts. One more thing: You can't even consume oils -- not even
olive oil. 

Fruit, vegetables (except avocados, which are too fatty), whole
grains and legumes. Those are the core of what one can eat. Dr.
Esselstyn's argument is that living by the standards of this diet
will prevent the onset of heart disease, among other health
problems.