In this engaging Wellness Academy session, Victor Baquero, MD, a primary care physician at UC Davis with over 22 years of experience, shares valuable lessons learned from his patients that go beyond what was taught in medical school. Dr. Baquero highlights the transformative role of nutrition and lifestyle in preventing and reversing chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Drawing on personal stories and patient successes, he advocates for a food-first approach, emphasizing the power of diet, lifestyle changes, and preventive medicine over medications.
This video is perfect for medical professionals seeking to enhance their patient care practices and anyone looking to improve their well-being through practical and sustainable lifestyle changes. Whether you’re a patient or a healthcare provider, Dr. Baquero’s insights offer valuable guidance on achieving and maintaining optimal health.
Quick insights
- Nutrition and lifestyle medicine can play a crucial role in managing and reversing chronic diseases, yet they are often under-emphasized in medical education.
- Dr. Baquero advocates for a patient-centered approach, encouraging patients to address diet and lifestyle first and foremost whenever possible.
- High LDL cholesterol is a major contributor to heart disease, and diet changes, such as increasing fiber intake, may help reduce cholesterol levels by nearly 50%.
- Excessive sodium intake is a leading cause of high blood pressure; adopting a low-sodium diet may help reduce dependency on medications.
- A diverse gut microbiome, supported by a varied diet rich in fiber, plays a critical role in overall health and disease prevention.
- Sleep is an often overlooked yet vital aspect of health, impacting cortisol levels, weight, mood, and cognitive function.
Featured expert: Victor Baquero, MD
Dr. Victor Baquero serves as the Clinic Medical Director and an Associate Physician in the Department of Family Medicine. He chose family practice due to its broad scope, which allows him to address a variety of medical and social issues. Dr. Baquero enjoys working with families and providing care for all members from infancy to adulthood. As a patient advocate, he emphasizes preventive medicine, early intervention, and a healthy lifestyle to maintain good health. His philosophy of care is simple yet profound: “treat others as you would like to be treated.”
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Baquero focuses on achieving wellness and health through lifestyle, nutrition, and prevention. He prefers recommending a trip to the grocery store or farmer’s market over the pharmacy. Additionally, he has extensive training in dermatology and procedural medicine, regularly performing and teaching outpatient procedures, including skin procedures, joint injections, and vasectomies. Dr. Baquero’s comprehensive approach to family medicine ensures holistic and compassionate care for his patients.
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Video highlights
00:00 – Introduction
Dr. Victor H. Baquero introduces himself and the topic of his discussion, focusing on what he did not learn in medical school but has learned from his patients. He acknowledges that medical school education often lacks comprehensive training on lifestyle and nutrition interventions, which are crucial for disease prevention. Dr. Baquero shares a personal story about his experience as an athlete with high cholesterol, despite a healthy lifestyle, which led him to explore a whole-person approach to health. This lecture will cover insights he has gained over 22 years of practice, emphasizing diet and lifestyle interventions.
03:45 – Exploring nutrition and food as medicine
Dr. Baquero shares how his personal experience sparked a quest for knowledge in nutrition and lifestyle prevention. He believes that what we eat significantly impacts our health and integrates this belief into patient care. He discusses the importance of food colors and their nutritional benefits, and he often encourages patients to choose grocery stores over pharmacies for their health needs.
04:47 – Addressing heart disease with diet and lifestyle
Dr. Baquero highlights heart disease as a leading cause of death in the U.S., noting that even infants can be at risk due to maternal diet. He explains that LDL cholesterol contributes to artery plaque buildup and discusses how dietary choices can impact LDL levels. Instead of defaulting to medications, he advocates for a food-first approach, focusing on high-fiber foods to help lower cholesterol levels.
09:40 – Diet implications for high blood pressure
Dr. Baquero explains the link between high blood pressure and diet, noting that excessive sodium intake is a significant factor. He shares insights from living with a salt-free diet tribe, highlighting the benefits of low sodium intake. He recommends dietary changes like the DASH and Mediterranean diets to manage blood pressure effectively.
14:10 – Addressing obesity and diabetes
Dr. Baquero discusses the obesity epidemic and its role in various health issues. He explains how adipose tissue contributes to inflammation and chronic diseases. He emphasizes that addressing the root causes of obesity and diabetes through diet and lifestyle changes is more effective than relying solely on medications. He highlights the importance of individualized care and understanding each patient’s unique needs.
20:30 – 3 Tips for eating right for patients from Dr. Baquero
Dr. Baquero advises patients on eating right by focusing on the quality, timing, and quantity of food. He helps patients set realistic goals for health improvement, emphasizing plant-based foods and reducing dairy intake. He also discusses the impact of these dietary changes on overall health.
21:40 – A Conversation around dairy consumption, bone health, and cancer
Dr. Baquero examines observational studies related to dairy consumption and its effects on bone health and prostate cancer. He provides insights into the potential risks and benefits of dairy in the diet.
28:28 – Understanding the digestive system and exploring the science
Dr. Baquero overviews the digestive system and the importance of a diverse gut microbiome. He discusses how diet impacts gut health and mentions studies on fecal transplants and the effects of antibiotics on the microbiome.
28:28 – The importance of sleep
Dr. Baquero emphasizes sleep as a crucial pillar of health, noting its impact on cortisol levels, mood, weight, and overall well-being. He discusses the long-term effects of sleep deprivation and suggests lifestyle interventions to improve sleep quality.
40:42 – Concluding with a story of hope
Dr. Baquero shares an inspiring story of a 65-year-old patient who transformed his health through simple lifestyle and diet changes. Initially struggling with obesity, diabetes, and other issues, the patient made gradual improvements with Dr. Baquero’s guidance and eventually achieved remarkable health and fitness, including running marathons. This story highlights the body’s resilience and the power of lifestyle interventions.
Resources
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References
- Fraser, G. E., Jaceldo-Siegl, K., Orlich, M. J., Mashchak, A. D., Sirirat, R., & Knutsen, S. F. (2020). Dairy foods, calcium intakes, and risk of incident prostate cancer in Adventist Health Study-2. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 112(5), 1345–1352. DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa273
- Zhao, Z. F., Zhou, D. D., Gao, S. R., & Yao, Y. X. (2021). The association between dairy products consumption and prostate cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Nutrition. DOI: 10.1017/S0007114521000466
- Schnohr, P., et al. (2011). High-intensity cycling and longevity in Scandinavian populations. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 19(1), 73-80. PMID: 30282598