Open Heart Surgery with Boots Boots Knighton

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Flashback to episode 34 when this podcast was called The Heart Chamber Podcast, I had nutrition expert Michelle Routhenstein share her wisdom on heart health and nutrition. We talked about the importance of personalized care and finding qualified healthcare professionals, cautioning against one-size-fits-all diet trends like the keto diet or ancestral diets. Here's the thing... we need macronutrients to support heart health!!! Michelle's long-distance nutrition programs aim to address the root causes of heart disease through personalized, science-based nutrition. Listeners are encouraged to be proactive in their healthcare and ask questions, emphasizing the need for individualized nutrition approaches.
If you are looking for something specific - here's where you'll find it:
06:08 Dietitian focuses on heart health and prevention.
10:35 Emphasis on teamwork in patient care. Doctors lacking nutrition knowledge, refer patients to nutritionists.
14:37 Impact of stress on health; the importance of self-care for overall well-being; the need to choose the right medical professionals.
19:24 Avoiding one-size-fits-all diets. Emphasis on personalized, sustainable approach to diet for heart health.
21:16 Rethinking past advice.
25:18 Low carb diets may lead to heart issues and nutrient deficiencies.
27:28 Low carb diets lead to ketosis, but may stress kidneys, liver, and cause health issues like keto flu.
32:22 Adequate nutrition is crucial for athletes' health and performance, as improper balance of macronutrients can lead to increased free radical production and plaque formation in arteries. It is important to question and understand the biological mechanisms behind nutritional claims.
35:58 Group and 1 on 1 support for heart health with personalized guidance, blood work focus, resources, and accountability.
39:26 Be your own health advocate. Understand your numbers, ask questions, and take care of your heart.
40:29 Encourages reaching out to Michelle for heart health tips and joining her group. Airing weekly heart health episodes in February.
A Little More About Today's GuestMichelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, serves as the owner and president of Entirely Nourished LLC, a specialized private practice in nutrition counseling and consulting focused on the prevention and management of heart disease. Employing a science-based, holistic approach, she is dedicated to enhancing individual's heart health by addressing cardiometabolic risk factors and mitigating the likelihood of cardiovascular issues as individuals age.
Acknowledged as a thought leader and expert in heart disease management and prevention, Michelle is deeply committed to educating individuals on nurturing their hearts for healthy and thriving lives. She adopts a dynamic perspective on nutrition that addresses the root causes of chronic diseases, safeguarding individuals' hearts for longevity. Her passion lies in translating Nutritional Sciences into an easily understandable language that can be applied for the long term.
Michelle has a compelling presence on social media, particularly on Instagram (Heart.Health.Nutritionist) and LinkedIn (/in/michellerouthenstein/), where she shares valuable information to educate and empower her followers to take ownership of their heart and overall health, guiding them in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease through nutrition and lifestyle changes.
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#59 In this episode, host, Boots Knighton, addresses a heartfelt email from a listener named DH. DH shares her struggles with failed heart surgeries and the upcoming need for another complex procedure to repair her mitral and tricuspid valves. Boots discusses the emotional and physical challenges of heart surgery, emphasizing the importance of mental health and seeking support. Boots offers encouragement, shares personal experiences, and highlights the power of resilience and self-advocacy. Listeners are invited to connect, support the podcast, and follow DH's journey. This episode focuses on inspiration, community support, and navigating heart health challenges. Visit OpenHeartSurgeryWithBoots.com for more episodes and resources.
***Support the show!*** Your financial support means so much to me and fellow heart patients. Thank you for considering donating today.
**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**
How to connect with Boots
Email: Boots@theheartchamberpodcast.com
Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton
Boots Knighton
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Open Heart Surgery with Boots

Hey heart buddies, this episode is truly extraordinary. Try to imagine plugging your heart in at night to keep it beating. Yeah, I can't imagine it either. I say this often when I have the honor of interviewing heart transplant recipients and this time is no different.
Allow me to introduce you to Christian Jousset. Christian, after facing a daunting heart failure diagnosis in 2015, navigated a world of medical treatments, surgical procedures, and life-saving devices (say hello to the heartmate 3/LVAD that kept Christian alive!). He is now thriving post heart transplant!!! Christian's story is a testament to unwavering resilience and personal growth. Christian candidly discusses his mindset shift, the importance of support groups, and his exciting new goals, including writing a book and coaching others. This episode guarantees to captivate your senses and provide valuable lessons in overcoming adversity. Christian highlights the profound strength and boundless potential within us all. Thank you, Christian, for your willingness to share your story with the world.
***Support the show!*** Your financial support means so much to me and fellow heart patients. Thank you for considering donating today.
The following gene likely contributed to Christian's need for a new heart: TTN titin [Homo sapiens (human)] - Gene - NCBI (nih.gov)
About Christian Jousset: An effective bilingual communicator, I take pleasure in seeing everyone succeed. I strongly believe in everyone's potential and strive to help them discover their strengths and abilities. I have over 30 years of international experience with an organic approach and connection to my diverse participants or clients. I have held various positions in continuing education in higher education, in management in the catering industry, as well as in HR and customer services in the medical and sports industries, focusing on group management and consulting for the realization of international projects. What I observed and retained was the potential of the people I met, as well as the need for constant motivation and positive, constructive leadership.
Professional experience: Nike (European headquarters Netherlands), Angiodynamics (New York and European headquarters Amsterdam), Concentrix (Customer Service Amsterdam), Rouen Business School (NEOMA), CESI/EXIA (Rouen region), Taste Catering New York, Potel et Chabot Catering New York, Peet's Coffee and Tea (San Francisco), the French American International School (San Francisco)
**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**
How to connect with Boots
Email: Boots@theheartchamberpodcast.com
Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton
Boots Knighton
If you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well. You can share directly from this platform or send them to:
Open Heart Surgery with Boots

Host, Boots Knighton, discusses mental and spiritual preparation for heart surgery, highlighting its crucial role in recovery. Knighton stresses the importance of educating oneself about the procedure, setting realistic expectations, and practicing stress management techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. She also emphasizes positive thinking, seeking professional support, and connecting with one's spirituality. Emotional and social preparedness, including clear communication with loved ones and building a support system, are also vital. Finally, Knighton advises planning for comfort by bringing personal items to the hospital. This episode is a comprehensive guide for those facing any surgery, enhancing both mental and spiritual readiness.
**Boots Knighton is not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**
How to connect with BootsEmail: Boots@theheartchamberpodcast.com
Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton
Boots Knighton
If you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well. You can share directly from this platform or send them to:
Open Heart Surgery with Boots

Are you or a loved one facing the daunting reality of open-heart surgery and need help preparing? Boots Knighton dives into an essential pre-surgery checklist to help you prepare not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. This episode offers twelve actionable steps, from consulting your array of doctors to managing nutrition and chronic conditions. Discover how hope, diet, and even a good physical therapist can set the stage for a successful recovery. Feeling overwhelmed? Don't worry; Boots is here to be your heart buddy, guiding you through every step of this life-changing journey. Tune in for helpful advice that could make all the difference. And don't forget to subscribe!
**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**
Dietitian episode with Michelle Routhenstein
Support the show!
How to connect with BootsEmail: Boots@theheartchamberpodcast.com
Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton
Boots Knighton
If you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well. You can share directly from this platform or send them to:
Open Heart Surgery with Boots

Boots presents a comprehensive list of professionals you should consider hiring in episode 55. This is a must-listen for anyone prepping for open-heart surgery. She reveals the secrets to building an all-star team that sets you up for a smooth journey and triumphant recovery. Ever thought about the importance of a heart surgery doula, an ultra-involved mental health therapist, or how your dentist could impact your heart health? Boots breaks it all down, sharing wisdom on why these roles are game-changers. Plus, get a sneak peek into some game-changing lifestyle considerations like naturopathy and dietitian guidance that can speed up your healing. If you're serious about living your best life post-surgery, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Tune in and start assembling your winning team today!
Get the health care team list HERE!
Listen to Boots and Michelle's interview in fueling heart health here.
Listen to Boots's story here.
Support the show! and have you subscribed? and please leave a review. Your support helps me reach more heart patients. :) Thank you!
How to connect with BootsEmail: Boots@theheartchamberpodcast.com
Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton
Boots Knighton
If you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well. You can share directly from this platform or send them to:
Open Heart Surgery with Boots