Interview with Cardiologist Dr. Monica Aggarwal: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Plant-based Diets

Interview with Cardiologist Dr. Monica Aggarwal: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Plant-based Diets

“Monica Aggarwal, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine in the University of Florida Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. Serving as the Director of Integrative Cardiology and Prevention at the University of Florida, Dr. Aggarwal focuses on promoting food as the foundation of healing and for its medicinal value. She is also the Director of Medical Education for Cardiology, where she directs education for medical residents and cardiology fellows, with a focus on prevention, nutrition and lifestyle. In the hospital, she has multiple initiatives including developing a 100% plant based menu for cardiac and vascular patients. She conducts research on nutrition education in medical institutions and on how a plant based diet impacts cardiovascular disease. Board certified in cardiology, echocardiography and nuclear cardiology, she is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology (ACC), where she is a member of the nutrition council working on nutrition policies for the nation. Monica specializes in preventative management of heart disease with lifestyle techniques in conjunction with medications.


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Breakdown of questions (click on the time in blue to be taken straight to that section of the video)

1:04 Start of interview / Dr. Aggarwal’s diagnosis

6:35 What the best rheumatoid arthritis doctors said

9:48 Switching to more plant-based

13:08 Changes after the diet switch (including coming off meds)

16:25 The cure to arthritis?

18:17 Role of medication

20:40 How can diet have a role in an autoimmune disease? (inflammation via gut biome)

22:54 Other lifestyle changes besides diet

23:40 Top recommendations for someone with arthritis

28:13 Dr. Aggarwals prevention clinic

31:36 Why aren’t doctors telling patients about this?

33:30 More of the amazing things Dr. Aggarwal is doing!

35:35 Mental health in chronic illness - so important!

36:24 Raising plant-based kids


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Dr. Aggarwal's website: https://www.drmonicaaggarwal.com/

Dr. Aggarwal’s book: “Finding Balance: Empower Yourself with Tools to Combat Stress and Illness” (outlines 10 prescriptions to help guide people to better health) https://www.drmonicaaggarwal.com/book...
Available on Amazon - https://amzn.to/2yYVaLO

Dr. Aggarwal's social media
Youtube:    / @drmonicaaggarwal  
Facebook:   / monicaaggarwalmd  
Twitter: @StrongHeartDoc
Instagram: drmonicaaggarwal