‘Save Your Heart, Lose Weight and Help Save the Planet’ by Dr. Charles Byrne, was motivated by a personal health struggle, inspiring the doctor to wholeheartedly adopt the principles and guidance within the book and turn his life around.
Dr. Charles Byrne, a well-known Irish psychiatrist, has unveiled a game-changing book, ‘Save Your Heart, Lose Weight and Help Save the Planet’, offering a comprehensive guide to healthier living while addressing the urgent environmental concerns we face today.
In this enlightening publication, the author and medical professional intertwines his expertise with a personal journey, starting with a significant health scare that led him to reassess his lifestyle choices. The book, coming at a time when the Department of Health (DoH) reveals alarming statistics about obesity in Northern Ireland, presents a unique approach to heart health, weight management, and environmental sustainability.
This year, DoH revealed almost two-thirds (65%) of adults in Northern Ireland are overweight or obese. Among children and young people that figure is just over one in four. It said there are currently 108,000 people living with diabetes in Northern Ireland according to a report, and approximately 90% of people with diabetes will have Type 2 diabetes, which can, in many cases, be managed through healthy diet and lifestyle changes.
It makes Dr. Byrne’s book increasingly essential in a society witnessing a rising prevalence of Type 2 diabetes.
Born and raised in London, Dr. Byrne’s medical journey took him across continents, with stints in Canada, later settling in Northern Ireland. His diverse experiences shaped his perspective, emphasising a holistic approach to health.
‘Save Your Heart, Lose Weight, and Help Save the Planet’ is not just another health manual he says; it’s a story of resilience, self-discovery, and a call to action — a captivating story that delves into the fragility of the human heart, unravelling the intricacies of cardiovascular health and its profound connection to lifestyle choices.
Motivated by personal health challenges, Dr. Byrne initiated thorough research on diets, exercise, and heart health in 2018 when, during a tennis game, he suffered extreme breathlessness, which concluded with a diagnosis of cardiac ischemia. Urged by a cardiologist to take action, he pivoted his lifestyle to address weight and cholesterol issues and after a severe reaction to statins, which were prescribed to tackle the condition, he comprehensively researched diets and lifestyles which help heart health and weight loss.
Transitioning from full-time healthcare to part-time roles enabled Dr. Byrne to lay the foundation for his transformative book. He now hopes it will guide others towards better heart health and environmental consciousness, encapsulating lessons learned from his own wellness journey.
The book hones-in on the benefits of plant-based diets, particularly vegetarianism and veganism, and also reduced-meat diets, that he discovered not only significantly reduce the risk of heart disease but also contribute to combating climate change by addressing the environmental impact of animal agriculture.
The book also introduces readers to the groundbreaking work of doctors Dean Ornish and Caldwell Esselstyn, whose patients have included President Bill Clinton. Their plant-based programmes have been scientifically demonstrated to reverse existing heart disease.
The book delves into the intersection of vegetarianism with historical roots, climate change, and the detrimental effects of animal agriculture on the planet and how reducing meat consumption also benefits the planet.
Readers will find a wealth of information in the four dietary options, including reduced-meat, low-fat dairy and vegan options, outlined by Dr. Byrne, each tailored to different preferences and cardiac needs. It also includes practical advice on exercise, and recipes for healthy meals, and addresses the psychological aspects of heart health and weight loss.
Dr. Byrne said: “What is good for your heart and health is also good for the planet. My book is not an alternative to conventional medical treatment but complementary to it.
‘Save Your Heart, Lose Weight and Help Save the Planet’ is a groundbreaking contribution to the fields of cardiology, weight loss nutrition, and environmental science. It is informed by my own experience and extensive research, and I believe it is a must-read for those seeking a holistic approach to well-being and living a lifestyle that not just benefits our own bodies, but the world around us by reducing climate change and helping to protect our endangered wildlife.”
Unveiling a groundbreaking approach to holistic well-being, ‘Save Your Heart, Lose Weight and Help Save the Planet’ is now accessible on Amazon.
To celebrate the launch, Dr. Byrne will be making a special appearance at the Body Talk Live conference and exhibition which will take place at the Crowne Plaza Belfast on Friday April 19th, 2024. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the author, engage in insightful discussions, and acquire personally signed copies of this masterpiece. Don’t miss this chance to embark on a journey towards a healthier, happier you while contributing to the well-being of our planet.
