EP351: Talking Heart and Aging With Dr Luong Part 2

Welcome to my podcast. I am Doctor Warrick Bishop, and I want to help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. I’m a practising cardiologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the creator of The Healthy Heart Network. I have over 20 years as a specialist cardiologist and a private practice of over 10,000 patients. Podcast Summary Introduction: Warwick Bishop hosts Dr. Rebecca Loong, a qualified dietitian with a PhD in cardiometabolic health and accredited sports dietitian, for the second episode of their discussion series. This episode focuses on macronutrients—specifically fats and protein—and their role in promoting healthy aging, building on their previous conversation about carbohydrates and insulin in heart-healthy diets. Key Takeaways: Frailty and cardiovascular disease are closely interrelated, with frailty increasing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 2-5 times and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by about 2 times. A dietary pattern rich in vegetables, legumes, and seafood is associated with reduced prevalence of frailty across multiple research studies, both observational and longitudinal analyses. Older adults require higher protein intake than previously recommended, with current evidence suggesting 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, compared to the older guideline of 0.9 grams per kilogram. Approximately 100 grams of cooked protein sources (fish, chicken, or beef) provides roughly 30 grams of protein, and protein intake should be distributed throughout the day across multiple meals rather than concentrated in one sitting. Protein comes from diverse food sources including meat alternatives, legumes, fish, nuts, seeds, eggs, and dairy products, making it easier to meet daily targets by incorporating protein at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whole foods are generally preferable to protein supplements because they provide additional vitamins and minerals alongside protein, though supplements can be useful when whole food intake is inadequate. Dairy consumption is particularly important for older adults, with recommended servings increasing from 2.5 serves to 3.5-4 serves daily to support both protein intake and calcium needs for bone health. Using practical tools like the fist measurement method or free apps like "Easy Diet Diary" can help people understand portion sizes and track protein intake without requiring long-term food tracking.