Most doctors are quick to prescribe medications to fix a problem; however, many ailments can be treated in a more natural way ─ with a better diet — says one of America's most famed cardiologists. 

That is the message from Chauncey Crandall, M.D., the New York Times bestselling author and director of preventive medicine at the Palm Beach Cardiovascular Clinic in Florida. 

Dr. Crandall's "The Simple Heart Cure: The 90-Day Program to Stop and Reverse Heart Disease" was a runaway bestseller. The Yale-trained heart surgeon is also editor of the popular "Dr. Crandall's Heart Health Report" newsletter. 

Urgent: Dr. Crandall reveals the 4 signs your heart is quietly failing! See More Here

"Medicines are good when they're really needed, but often we can correct the situation ourselves with a better diet, better weight, exercise, sleep, and low stress," Crandall told Newsmax's "Newsline."

Crandall recommends the Mediterranean diet for a healthy heart.

The diet emphasizes plant-based foods ─ lots of fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, and nuts ─ and healthy fats, from extra virgin olive oil and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

The diet limits or cuts red meat, choosing poultry, fish, or legumes instead. It also calls for little to no sweets, sugary drinks, or butter.

Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine determined that switching to a Mediterranean diet could help prevent about 30% of heart attacks, strokes and early death from heart disease.  

In addition, a 2023 study of more than 60,000 men and women found that those who best adhered to a Mediterranean diet experienced a 23% lower risk for dementia – even if they were at high risk for dementia — than those who did not closely follow the diet.

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men and women in the U.S.

Crandall said his 30 years of practice have shown him that heart disease can now be prevented.

"For most people, the good news is if you are overweight, we have drugs that can help you lose weight," he said.

"But diet is always the key, along with exercise and lifestyle changes."

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