KentuckyOne Health promoting whole-food, plant-based diet, named No. 1 for heart health by U.S. news panel of experts

KentuckyOne Health is promoting the Ornish Diet, a whole-food, plant-based diet that is naturally low in both fat and refined carbohydrates. The hospital chain says it is the only health-care provider in the state to offer the diet, starting in Louisville in July 2015 and in Lexington in October.

The diet was named the No. 1 Best Heart-Healthy Diet for the sixth year in a row by U.S. News & World Report. The magazine ranked it fourth Best Diabetes Diet, 11th Best Diet for Healthy Eating and 11th best overall diet. Nutrition and health experts determined the U.S. News rankings after reviewing information on 38 diet plans.

The first group of KentuckyOne patients using the diet averaged a loss of 7.5 pounds; three patients lowered their blood-pressure medication; and one patient who had diabetes came off his insulin and another is discussing coming off cholesterol medication after 25 years, according to a KentuckyOne news release.

The diet is part of the Ornish Reversal Program, which also includes exercise, meditation and cardiac rehabilitation strategies that include group support, the release said.

In Kentucky, the Ornish Reversal Program is reimbursed for qualified and eligible members of Medicare and Anthem and Aetna insurance plans, and there is a discount for self-paying patients, says the release.