S1 Ep63: Healthy eating with Chef Dr. Mike

Michael S. Fenster, MD, FACC, FSCA&I, FRSM, MAINE, PEMBA — the cardiologist and professional chef better known as Chef Dr. Mike — joins the show to talk about a healthy diet and the importance of nutrition in primary care.

For more from Chef Dr. Mike, check out his deep dive on ultraprocessed foods and his recipe for pan-seared miso black cod with fresh fennel, broad beans and seafood broth on Medical Economics.

Be sure to check out Medical Economics Pulse, a quick-hitting news podcast that keeps busy physicians in the know.

Music Credits:
CHILL RELAXED HIPHOP (JUNKY MONKEY) by Tasty Tunes - stock.adobe.com
Relaxing Lounge by Classy Call me Man - stock.adobe.com
COCKTAIL by Mythical Audio - stock.adobe.com

Editor's note: Episode timestamps and transcript produced using AI tools.

Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00
Overview of the podcast and its focus on nutrition's role in healthcare.

Evolution of Diet and Heart Health (00:01:12)
Discussion on how the understanding of diet's impact on heart health has changed over the years.

Historical Context of Medicine (00:02:41)
Insights into the evolution of medicine from battlefield practices to modern health challenges.

Nutrition as a Young Science (00:03:57)
Exploration of the origins of nutrition science and its early successes in addressing deficiency diseases.

Limitations of Traditional Nutrition Approaches (00:05:10)
Critique of simplistic views on nutrition and the challenges of chronic disease management.

Holistic Approach to Nutrition (00:07:20)
Advocacy for a more holistic understanding of nutrition, emphasizing food combinations and synergy.

Complex Systems in Nutrition (00:09:31)
Introduction of a complex systems approach to nutrition, acknowledging the multitude of food compounds.

Personalized Nutrition (00:10:45)
Discussion on the importance of personalized nutrition and individual dietary needs.

Clinical Advice for Physicians (00:11:25)
Guidance for doctors on how to engage patients in discussions about nutrition and health.

Behavior Change in Patients (00:12:49)
Emphasis on the need for behavioral strategies alongside medical interventions for long-term health.

Utilizing Physician Extenders (00:14:55)
Suggestions on how to effectively use healthcare teams to address nutrition in patient care.

Books on Food and Medicine (00:15:49)
Overview of Dr. Fenster's upcoming book and its focus on the communication of food experiences.

Quality of Food Matters (00:17:17)
Highlighting the importance of food quality in overall health and wellness.

Navigating Misinformation (00:19:01)
Discussion on the challenges posed by misinformation in nutrition and health.

Interpreting Contradictory Research (00:20:11)
Advice on how to critically assess conflicting studies and their implications for health.

Understanding Data Analysis in Nutrition (00:21:57)
Insights into how data analysis can influence perceptions of dietary impacts on health.

Real Food vs. Processed Food (00:23:07)
Comparison of the healt