Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN’s Post

I was interviewed for Fox News Media on Best and Worst Foods for people with diabetes to maintain good health. Check out what I had to say here. Thank you Melissa Rudy for including me in this piece! https://lnkd.in/ekFgR6Ah #diabetesprevention #hearthealthydiet #diabetesdiet #metabolicsyndrome #hearthealthydiet

If you're reading this, it's clear you're serious about improving your cardiovascular well-being.⁠ ⁠ Maybe you're tired of worrying about your calcium score, your genetic history of heart disease, or relying on medication. ⁠ ⁠ Perhaps you're eager to enhance your heart health markers like cholesterol, blood pressure, or waist circumference.⁠ ⁠ You understand the power of science-backed nutrition and want to harness it to feel your best. But navigating all the conflicting advice out there can be overwhelming. Trust me, I get it.⁠ ⁠ Imagine this: What if you knew exactly which foods could optimize your blood vessel health and overall heart function? ⁠ ⁠ Picture having a clear understanding and confident plan to optimize your heart health, reduce anxiety and potentially reduce or even eliminate your need for medication - all while enjoying meals that are easy, satisfying and delicious. ⁠ ⁠ I'm here to guide you through it all. ⁠ ⁠ ⭐️ As a preventive cardiology dietitian, I've helped countless clients regain control of their heart health and lives. ⁠ ⁠ ⭐️ I invite you to join my 6-week Heart Optimization Group Program starting NEXT Friday, July 12th.⁠ ⁠ ⭐️ This program is designed for a select group of 30 individuals who are serious about transforming their heart health. ⁠ ⁠ 👉🏼 When you sign up for the program, we work together to optimize your blood vessel health, ensure you are protecting your heart, reducing your risk of future cardiac events, and making you feel more confident in your nutrition choices so you can enjoy your life!⁠ ⁠ ❤️ To secure your spot, enroll today: https://lnkd.in/ecCQWHrQ #coronaryarterydisease #coronaryheartdisease #coronaryangiography #coronarycalciumscore #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattackprevention #heartattackrecovery #hearthealth #hearthealthy #hearthealthydiet #hearthealthawareness #hearthealthyliving #highcalciumscore #hearthealthyrecipes #heartdisease #heartdiseaseawareness #heartdiseaseprevention #heartdiseasesurvivor #heartdiseasewarrior #heartdiseasesupport #highcholesterol #cardiacbypasssurgery #cardiacrehab #cardiacsurgery #cardiacdiet #heartfailureawareness #heartfailure #heartfailuresurvivor #heartfailurediet

CLIENT SUCCESS STORY: A 55 year old woman came to see me because she had a recent increase in her statin medication and she was anxious given her family history of heart disease and her medical conditions. She had a coronary calcium score test of 194, which was 98th percentile for age, ethnicity and gender, indicating a significant amount of plaque in her coronary arteries.    She had joined my 6 week heart optimization group program in March and then joined my VIP one on one Program in May. She had her blood tested before the start of the group program and then in July, two months into the VIP program.

 We worked together to a) optimize her risk profile by focusing on what we are ADDINg to her diet and in the right balance and volume for effective results, b) understand plaque formation to prevent further promotion of plaque and to assist with its stabilization c) how to implement these heart health optimization strategies into her busy and fast paced lifestyle.    In 4 months, she lowered her LDL by 55 points (from 87mg/dL to 32mg/dL) and the doctor reduced the dosage of her statin medication. She reduced her triglycerides (TG) levels by 50 points (144mg/dL to 94mg/dL) increased her HDL (from 40mg/dL to 58mg/dL), lowered hsCRP from 3.2mg/dL to 0.7mg/dL, and reduced her waist circumference by 2 inches. The best part is she has more energy, and she feels better in all aspects of her health!  ⭐️ From triglycerides to blood sugar to LDL to apoB to HDL to inflammatory markers like hsCRP - ALL of these cardiometabolic labs matter -  and we can optimize them through science based nutrition to help reduce your risk of cardiovascular events!   ⭐️ Join my upcoming 6-week heart optimization group program starting July 12th. I will teach you how to implement science-based nutrition to address inflammation, insulin resistance, abnormal lipids, oxidative stress, and optimize your cardiovascular health to reduce your risk of a heart attack. ⭐️ The group has limited spots available! 👉🏼 To secure your spot, join today: https://lnkd.in/ecCQWHrQ ❤️I look forward to supporting you on your heart health journey! #coronaryarterydisease #coronaryheartdisease #coronaryangiography #coronarycalciumscore #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattackprevention #heartattackrecovery #hearthealth #hearthealthy #hearthealthydiet #hearthealthawareness #hearthealthyliving #highcalciumscore #hearthealthyrecipes #heartdisease #heartdiseaseawareness #heartdiseaseprevention #heartdiseasesurvivor #heartdiseasewarrior #heartdiseasesupport #highcholesterol #cardiacbypasssurgery #cardiacrehab #cardiacsurgery #cardiacdiet #heartfailureawareness #heartfailure #heartfailuresurvivor #heartfailurediet

I often hear people say to me “my doctor told me I will die if I don’t take a statin, and now I am confused because I read online that it may increase my calcium score.”⁠ ⁠ ⚠️ While statins can be a part of the picture and be life saving for some, this type of language is not conducive to helping anyone.⁠ ⁠ ⭐️ It is important that you surround yourself with qualified healthcare professionals who will explain the situation to you fully so you can understand it and then make a more grounded decision for your health. ⁠ ⁠ 👉🏼 Statins may help stabilize soft plaque meaning it may cause the soft plaque in the arteries to harden. Since the calcium score only detects hardened plaque, the calcium score will rise in this event. ⁠ ⁠ There are many tactics that can help stabilize soft plaque and prevent complications from atherosclerosis and heart disease - and it should always include science based nutrition. ⁠ ⁠ ⭐️ If you are looking for a supportive environment that encourages questions, does not push supplements or a one sized fits all solution, and is there to educate, empower, and help you implement science based nutrition for optimal heart health, consider joining my 6 week heart optimization group program.⁠ ⁠ ❤️ I am here fore you and I would love to help guide you on your heart health journey.⁠ ⁠ 💫 My next program begins on Friday, July 12th and spots are VERY limited! Secure your spot today here: https://lnkd.in/e5eigZgA ⁠ *payment plan options are available.⁠ ⁠ Feel free to message with me with any questions. #coronaryarterydisease #coronaryheartdisease #coronaryangiography #coronarycalciumscore #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattackprevention #heartattackrecovery #hearthealth #hearthealthy #hearthealthydiet #hearthealthawareness #hearthealthyliving #highcalciumscore #hearthealthyrecipes #heartdisease #heartdiseaseawareness #heartdiseaseprevention #heartdiseasesurvivor #heartdiseasewarrior #heartdiseasesupport #highcholesterol #cardiacbypasssurgery #cardiacrehab #cardiacsurgery #cardiacdiet #heartfailureawareness #heartfailure #heartfailuresurvivor #heartfailurediet

When someone knows they have a high Lipoprotein(a) or a cardiovascular diagnosis they often go into panic mode.  I get it, it is not easy to mentally process this extra load or anxiety-provoking news you just heard. I have gotten messages from people saying “why do people even test for Lp(a) if there is nothing you can do but know you now have a death sentence.”  When I hear any of these comments, I take the time to really explain why it is important to know your Lp(a) because it actually can SAVE YOUR LIFE!
 Let me explain: While Lipoprotein a, also known as Lp(a), is a genetically inherited independent risk factor for a heart attack and stroke, and we cannot change it, research shows that if we hold stricter standards to cardiovascular risk factors that we can control, specifically apoB, people can live well into their 100s with it! By knowing your Lp(a) is high, you can be more proactive in the things you CAN change through science based nutrition (and medications as necessary)! This means: 1️⃣ Obtain stricter standards on laboratory results, such as BP (110/70mmHg), LDL (less than 70mg/dL),  apoB (<50-80mg/dL), hgA1c <5.4%, triglycercides <100mg/dL, non-HDL cholesterol <100mg/dL, hsCRP <1.0mg/dL, as a few examples. 2️⃣ Take ownership of your heart health by implementing science based nutrition and lifestyle intervention geared towards heart health – it is not about calorie restriction, but rather nutrient sufficiency!  Focus on adding in therapeutic foods that will protect your blood vessels, optimize blood flow, and improve cardiovascular health and function. Look at the whole picture to ensure you are addressing inflammation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress as it pertains to nutrition, stress, physical activity, sleep, etc. ⭐️ If you need help with this, work with a registered dietitian nutritionist who specializes in heart disease.  ❤️ If you are looking to learn and implement science based nutrition to optimize your cardiovascular risk profile and your heart health, join my next 6 week heart optimization group program. It begins on July 12th and spots are very limited! Enroll today here: https://lnkd.in/e5eigZgA Study reference: https://lnkd.in/eVhxb99G #atherosclerosis #Lpa #inflammation #heartdisease #heartattacksurvivor #heartattack #plaque #coronaryarterydisease #heartdiseaseawareness #heartdiseaseprevention #heartattackprevention #calciumheartscan #cardiovasculardisease #cardiovascularhealth #highbloodpressure #highbloodpressurediet #highcholesterol #lipoproteina #hearthealthydiet #hearthealth #hearthealthawareness #hearthealthyliving #highcholesteroldiet #highcholesterolproblems #cholesterollowering #cholesterolcontrol #cholesterolawareness #cardiacrehab #cardiacrehabilitation #cardiacbypass

Here are five tips to approach heart health with empowerment through science-based nutrition: 1. Shift your mindset from fear to action: Instead of worrying about high calcium score or a recent heart diagnosis, focus on what steps you can take to improve your heart health. 2. Take charge of your nutrition: Learn which foods can help lower blood pressure, reduce heart strain, and manage calcium buildup in arteries. 3. Embrace regular health monitoring: Rather than dreading doctor visits, use them as opportunities to track progress and adjust your health plan as needed. 4. Educate yourself on heart health indicators: Understand what your blood pressure readings, echo findings, or calcium scores mean, and discuss actionable strategies with your healthcare provider. 5. Join supportive programs: Engage in structured science based programs like my 6-week heart optimization group to gain knowledge, support, and motivation in managing your heart health effectively. ⭐️ Change your mindset from fear to empowerment and take charge of your heart health today! ❤️ Join my upcoming program starting July 12th for expert guidance and actionable steps toward a healthier heart. Limited spots available—reserve your spot now! 👉🏼 Secure your spot before enrollment closes here: https://lnkd.in/ecCQWHrQ 💫 I look forward to embarking on this heart health journey together! #coronaryarterydisease #coronaryheartdisease #coronaryangiography #coronarycalciumscore #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattackprevention #heartattackrecovery #hearthealth #hearthealthy #hearthealthydiet #hearthealthawareness #hearthealthyliving #highcalciumscore #hearthealthyrecipes #heartdisease #heartdiseaseawareness #heartdiseaseprevention #heartdiseasesurvivor #heartdiseasewarrior #heartdiseasesupport #highcholesterol #cardiacbypasssurgery #cardiacrehab #cardiacsurgery #cardiacdiet #heartfailureawareness #heartfailure #heartfailuresurvivor #heartfailurediet

A recent study showed that diets with higher inflammatory potential, as measured by the dietary inflammatory index, are associated with an increase in NT-proBNP levels—a marker for heart failure risk. This re-emphasizes that making dietary changes may play an important role in managing cardiovascular health. Previous research consistently shows that diets high in inflammation are associated with higher risks of conditions like metabolic syndrome, cancer, coronary heart disease, and heart failure. On the other hand, following an anti-inflammatory diet based on this index has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which could help prevent chronic diseases and their complications. What is interesting though is that this dietary inflammatory index which looks at over 6500 pieces of literature shows some foods that increase inflammation, but more of those that help to decrease it. ⭐️ This points to the fact that we need to focus on what we are ADDING to the diet to improve heart health. ❤️ Come join my upcoming 6-week heart optimization group program starting on July 12th. We'll delve into strategies for reducing inflammation through science based nutrition and enhancing your cardiometabolic health with evidence-based approaches. 👉🏼 For further details, click here: https://lnkd.in/e5eigZgA ⭐️ Feel free to reach out via PM if you have any questions! Study reference: https://lnkd.in/e8qGn5pr #heartfailure #heartfailuresurvivor #heartfailureawareness #heartfailuresucks #chf #chfwarrior #aorticstenosis #afib #heartfailurediet #heartattack #lowsodiumdiet #hearthealthydiet #lowerbloodpressure #heartattackprevention #highbloodpressure #highcalciumscore #coronaryarterydisease #heartattacksurvivor #heartfailureprevention #heartdisease #heartdiseaseawareness #heartattackawareness #hearthealth #hearthealthy #hearthealthyfood #hearthealthawareness #hearthealthyeating #hearthealthyliving #cardiovasculardisease #preventivecardiology

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is underdiagnosed and undertreated, which is a big disservice to preventive heart attack risk reduction. PAD is a vascular disease that leads to narrowing and potential blockage of the arteries outside of the heart and brain, particularly in the abdominal aorta, iliac, and lower extremity arteries. Plaque buildup, atherosclerosis, in these arteries, is the most common cause of PAD.  When the lower extremity arteries are narrowed due to having too much artery clogging cholesterol in the blood vessels, it can lead to leg pain called claudication. Claudication typically presents as leg pain, discomfort, tightness, cramping when walking, or burning in the calf, thigh, hip or buttocks that happens at a similar level of walking day to day, disappears when standing for several minutes ,and happens again when walking resumes. Many times people notice it when they see a change in their inability to walk as fast or as long as usual. If you have symptoms of PAD, please ask your doctor for further assessment. Untreated PAD can also lead to limb amputation. Some MODIFIABLE risk factors include: smoking (4x increased risk), diabetes (1.5-4x increased risk), high cholesterol (2x increased risk), high blood pressure (2.5-4x increased risk), metabolic syndrome, and high inflammatory markers. ⭐️In order to PREVENT and properly manage peripheral artery disease, we must take a PROACTIVE approach to optimize your cardiometabolic risk factors and take care of your blood vessel health. ❤️ A science based heart healthy nutrition and lifestyle plan is imperative to optimize blood flow and arterial stiffness to manage cardiovascular disease. It includes addressing these above cardiometabolic risk factors and implementing a diet that addresses inflammation through ADDING in foods.  💫 In my 6 week heart optimization group program, we discuss a truly heart healthy diet that improves heart and blood vessel health - no matter where you are in your heart journey - to help you live a long and healthy life without health complications. 👉🏼 My next program begins on July 12th and spots are limited! Secure your spot today: https://lnkd.in/e5eigZgA #coronaryarterydisease #coronaryheartdisease #peripheralarterydisease #coronarycalciumscore #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattackprevention #heartattackrecovery #hearthealth #hearthealthy #hearthealthydiet #hearthealthawareness #hearthealthyliving #highcalciumscore #hearthealthyrecipes #heartdisease #heartdiseaseawareness #heartdiseaseprevention #peripheralarterydiseaseawareness #peripheralarterydiseasetreatment #heartdiseasesupport #highcholesterol #cardiacbypasssurgery #cardiacrehab #cardiacsurgery #cardiacdiet #heartfailureawareness #heartfailure #heartfailuresurvivor #heartfailurediet

A 55-year-old woman consulted me because she was struggling with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and was confused about what to eat. She had constant pains in her legs and difficulty walking short distances, which diminished her quality of life. She had a significant family history of heart disease and her medical history showed elevated blood pressure (130/80 mmHg), a waist circumference of 39 inches, high blood sugar levels (103 mg/dL, no HgA1c tested), and high cholesterol (LDL 130 mg/dL). She started to notice these trends during menopause, and her doctor was not overtly concerned. When she started having pains in her legs, she was prescribed medications but it didn’t provide relief. We worked together and focused on implementing an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-sufficient diet. Prior, she had cut out all “the bad” foods but did not focus on adding in the heart healthy foods that help with improving her blood vessel health. After implementing science based nutrition, in 3 weeks, her BP optimized to 112/72mmHg and she noticed a reduction in the inflammation in her legs. She mentioned how the constant throbbing and aching began to subside, and she felt she was able to move more freely without discomfort. After a month and a half, improvements continued, and her energy levels increased and it allowed her to incorporate more exercises into her routine with ease. Six months later, her waist circumference decreased to 34 inches, blood sugar normalized to 93 mg/dL with an HgA1c of 5.4% (normal <5.7%), and cholesterol levels dropped by 48 points to 82 mg/dL. ❤️ Focus on what you are ADDINg into your diet to help improve your blood vessel and heart health. If you are looking for support on your heart health journey, join my next 6 week heart optimization group program that begins on July 12th! ⭐️ Enrollment is open, and the exclusive bonus offer from yesterday's email has been very popular! There's only 1 spot left for the personalized video lab review (where I'll analyze your bloodwork and provide a comprehensive interpretation, empowering you to make informed health decisions and meaningful changes in the group!) 💫 Join now before this opportunity is gone! https://lnkd.in/e5eigZgA #coronaryarterydisease #coronaryheartdisease #peripheralarterydisease #coronarycalciumscore #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattackprevention #heartattackrecovery #hearthealth #hearthealthy #hearthealthydiet #hearthealthawareness #hearthealthyliving #highcalciumscore #hearthealthyrecipes #heartdisease #heartdiseaseawareness #heartdiseaseprevention #peripheralarterydiseaseawareness #peripheralarterydiseasetreatment #heartdiseasesupport #highcholesterol #cardiacbypasssurgery #cardiacrehab #cardiacsurgery #cardiacdiet #heartfailureawareness #heartfailure #heartfailuresurvivor #heartfailurediet

When your body does not get all of the vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, etc. it needs through food, it cannot do its job as efficiently.⁠ ⁠ This can lead to fatigue, heart palpitations, frequent or prolonged illness, hair loss, weak or brittle nails, frequent headaches, among other things.⁠ ⁠ It also puts extra pressure on your heart to do its job. ⁠ ⁠ It also may lead to inflammation and oxidative stress. ⁠ 
⁠ We need specific nutrients in order for our heart to beat regularly, for our body to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that are part of everyday living, and for our energy levels to remain high.⁠ ⁠ Let’s focus on nourishing your body with heart healthy foods in the right balance and with your circadian rhythm for optimal heart health and longevity.⁠ ⁠ Let’s focus on changing the mindset of “I don’t eat this,” to “I eat all of these things which help me feel great, nourish my body, and protect my heart.” ⁠ ⁠ 👉🏼 When we switch to this mindset, not only does our heart health improves, so does your quality of life.⁠ ⁠ ❤️ Join me in my next 6 week heart optimization group program that begins on July 12th where we discuss how to optimize heart health by addressing the underlying root causes through science based nutrition. ⁠ ⁠ 💫 Spots are limited and enrollment is open. Secure your spot here: https://lnkd.in/e5eigZgA #womensheart #womenshearthealth #womensheartdisease #womenshearthealthawareness #microvasculardisease #womenshealth #menopause #menopauseawareness #menopausesupport #hearthealthmonth #hearthealth #hearthealthydiet #menopausediet #coronaryarterydisease #highcalciumscore #atherosclerosis #heartdiseaseprevention #heartdisease #heartdiseaseawareness #heartattackprevention #cardiacdiet #cardiacnutrition #coronarycalciumscore #highbloodpressure #insulinresistance #hearthealthy #cardiovasculardisease #osteoperosisdiet #sciencebasednutrition #highcholesterol