About this episode

Dr. Kahn discusses the cardiovascular risks associated with Prozac and other medications, along with various health topics including exercise and diet.

This week, Dr. Kahn reviews important new research showing that the commonly prescribed antidepressant Prozac (fluoxetine) may disrupt cholesterol metabolism, injure the endothelium (the delicate lining of arteries), and potentially increase cardiovascular risk. He also examines growing evidence linking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and several common cancer therapies to endothelial damage, emphasizing that patients should always discuss the risks and benefits of these medications with their healthcare team rather than stopping treatment on their own. Other topics include new Harvard research showing that combining aerobic exercise, strength training, and less time spent watching television can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 60%; promising data on niacin for glioblastoma brain cancer; predicting statin-related muscle injury; the protective effects of plant-based diets against heart disease, dementia, and several cancers; tea consumption and lower cardiovascular risk; vitamin K-rich leafy greens and lung health; whole grains and breast cancer prevention; and the latest research on red meat, inflammatory bowel disease, and hypertension. Thanks to igennus.com/drkahn for…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Joel Kahn

Topics covered

• antidepressants
• cardiovascular risk
• endothelial damage
• exercise and diabetes
• plant-based diets
• cancer therapies
• nutrition

Keywords

• Prozac
• fluoxetine
• endothelium
• cardiovascular risk
• exercise
• plant-based diet
• niacin
• statins
• tea consumption
• red meat

Sponsors

igennus.com

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Harvard

Products: Prozac, fluoxetine

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• Episode 503: Supplements to Reverse Atherosclerosis: Follow-Up to The Proof · July 7, 2026 · 29 min
• Episode 501: The Surprising Science of Gratitude and Heart Health · June 23, 2026 · 28 min
• Episode 500: The Long Path to Building an Integrative Cardiology Practice · June 16, 2026 · 31 min
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