Heart disease remains one of the world’s leading causes of death, yet it can be reversed with the right lifestyle choices. According to the groundbreaking work of Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, a whole food, plant-based diet is scientifically proven to prevent and reverse heart disease. In this episode of the NHA Health Science Podcast, hosted by Dr. Frank Sabatino, Paul Chatlin shares his powerful story of how switching to a plant-based diet not only saved his life but inspired him to create the Plant-Based Nutrition Support Group (PBNSG), a community dedicated to helping others reclaim their health.

The Turning Point: From Heart Disease to Plant-Based Healing

Paul’s journey to plant-based nutrition was prompted by a series of severe heart issues in his family. After losing two uncles to heart disease and witnessing his father undergo quadruple bypass surgery, Paul found himself on a similar path. Despite being under medical supervision and following a typical “heart-healthy” diet, Paul’s cholesterol levels remained dangerously high, and he experienced worsening angina, which led him to face the possibility of a heart transplant.

The turning point came when Paul was introduced to Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, a pioneer in plant-based heart health. Dr. Esselstyn offered Paul an alternative to surgery: adopting a whole food, plant-based diet. Within weeks of following this approach, Paul saw a dramatic reduction in his symptoms, including weight loss, reduced angina, and improved cholesterol levels.

Founding the Plant-Based Nutrition Support Group (PBNSG)

Paul’s life-altering experience motivated him to help others facing similar health crises. In 2014, he founded the Plant-Based Nutrition Support Group (PBNSG), a nonprofit organization that provides education, resources, and community support for individuals looking to improve their health through plant-based nutrition.

Starting with just 20 people in his home, PBNSG has grown into a nationwide movement. The organization offers monthly meetings, cooking classes, and expert presentations from leading figures in the plant-based movement, including Dr. Joel Kahn and Dr. Michael Greger. Today, PBNSG continues to expand, providing resources not just for heart disease patients but for those with diabetes, cancer, and other chronic conditions.

Expanding the Mission: The Sage Circle Alliance

In addition to his work with PBNSG, Paul co-founded the Sage Circle Alliance, a collective aimed at supporting plant-based advocates, businesses, and nonprofits. The Sage Circle Alliance provides resources for individuals and organizations committed to promoting health, sustainability, and compassion through plant-based living.

The alliance fosters collaboration across the plant-based movement, offering members access to speakers, marketing professionals, IT support, and fundraising expertise. By uniting plant-based professionals and creating a platform for shared resources, the Sage Circle Alliance helps amplify the message of plant-based health and sustainability.

The Importance of Community Support in Lifestyle Change

One of the key themes Paul emphasizes is the importance of community in maintaining a plant-based lifestyle. As he shares in the podcast, navigating a new way of eating can be overwhelming, but having a support network makes the journey much more manageable. Through PBNSG’s culinary classes, support groups, and live events, members are empowered to make sustainable changes and find camaraderie in their plant-based journey.

For Paul, the connection between food and health is undeniable: “It’s amazing how if you eat the right foods, you can live a long, healthy life,” he shares. By offering both educational resources and community support, PBNSG and the Sage Circle Alliance are vital tools for individuals seeking to improve their health through plant-based living.

Closing Thoughts: The Power of Plant-Based Nutrition

Paul Chatlin’s story is a powerful reminder that plant-based nutrition isn’t just a diet; it’s a lifeline. For those facing chronic illness or seeking better health, the evidence is clear: A whole food, plant-based diet can make all the difference. Paul’s work with PBNSG and the Sage Circle Alliance continues to inspire others to take control of their health and find healing through the power of plants.

Join the Plant-Based Nutrition Support Group
To learn more about the PBNSG, visit www.pbnsg.org and discover how plant-based living can transform your life.

Connect with the Sage Circle Alliance
For professionals looking to expand their plant-based business or advocacy efforts, visit www.sagecirclealliance.org and join a thriving community of plant-based entrepreneurs and advocates.

Episode Highlights 

[00:00] Introduction

[02:00] Open heart surgery diverted… Paul’s reality changes in an instant. 

[08:00] The offer to make a lifestyle change, changes everything. 

[11:45] You don’t have to love vegetables to know they are good for you.

[16:30] The roots of PBNSG. 

[24:30] Perfectly Plant Based Cookbook is created. 

[26:30] Sage Circle Alliance finds roots in more of what Paul is doing. 

[35:00] Businesses benefit from Sage Circle Alliance.

[41:00] The homefront is incredibly important. 

[45:45] Plant based doesn’t guarantee you won’t have health issues, but it minimizes risk.

About Paul Chatlin 

Paul Chatlin, founder of PBNSG (Plant Based Nutrition Support Group), and co-founder of SCA (Sage Circle Alliance) is passionate about promoting Whole Food Plant Based (WFPB) nutrition as the first line of defense against chronic health issues. With a background deeply rooted in family experiences with heart disease, Paul’s journey from patient to advocate has been transformative.

Growing up, Paul witnessed the toll of heart issues on his family, losing two uncles to bypass surgery and seeing his father undergo quadruple bypass surgery. His own health scare came in his fifties when he was diagnosed with angina, mirroring his father’s experience. Determined to avoid the same fate, Paul embraced a lifestyle change after being offered an alternative by his doctor at the Cleveland Clinic, whose mentor was Caldwell Esselstyn.

Embracing a WFPB diet, Paul experienced remarkable improvements in his health, avoiding bypass surgery and feeling better than ever. Motivated by his own journey, he founded the Plant Based Nutrition Support Group (PBNSG) to help others facing similar health challenges.

PBNSG stands as the only national support group dedicated to WFPB living, offering resources, support, and education to people of all ages. Paul’s mission is clear: to empower individuals to prioritize food choices over pills and procedures for better health outcomes.

With PBNSG, Paul provides a platform for sharing his story and hearing others’, emphasizing the profound impact of nutrition on health. His vision is simple: to spread awareness about the benefits of WFPB living, giving people the knowledge and choice to improve their well-being.

Driven by his promise to help others understand the power of nutrition, Paul invites conversations and connections, encouraging individuals to explore the health benefits of WFPB living. 

For more information, visit www.pbnsg.org and https://www.sagecirclealliance.org/ 

About Dr. Frank Sabatino

As a recognized authority on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, Dr. Frank Sabatino has cared for and inspired thousands of people for over 40 years. Dr. Sabatino has a PhD in cell biology and neuroendocrinology and has done extensive landmark research on calorie restriction, stress, and aging. He currently is on staff at the TrueNorth Health Foundation in Santa Rosa, CA, and serves as the Director of Health Education at the NHA.

Dr. Sabatino’s passion and life’s work include raising awareness about the benefits of whole-food, plant-exclusive nutrition (without added salt, oil, or sugar), health rejuvenation and stress management.

Dr. Sabatino is the author of Weightless: Compassionate Weight Loss for Life, a groundbreaking guide to sustainable weight loss through a compassionate, plant-based lifestyle. Drawing on extensive clinical and personal experience, Dr. Sabatino offers practical strategies to overcome food addiction and avoid fad diets, risky drugs, and surgeries. The book provides meal plans, recipes, and lifestyle tips, emphasizing whole, plant-based foods and addressing the role of stress, sleep, and environmental toxins in weight management. “Weightless” empowers readers to achieve their weight goals healthily and sustainably, benefiting both people and the planet.

About NHA

The National Health Association (NHA), founded in 1948, is a nonprofit organization that promotes the benefits of a plant-based diet. The Association provides educational materials, educational events, and services to thousands of people around the world.

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthful living. The NHA recognizes the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

The NHA also provides travel experiences around the globe through the NHA Plant-Based Travel and cruise division.

More information: https://www.healthscience.org/

Scholarships

A unique benefit of the NHA Conference is the selection of two medical students who receive a full scholarship to the conference.

Contact Wanda Huberman for more information on how to apply for the scholarship.  whuberman@healthscience.org

NHA membership

For a very nominal investment, you can enjoy incredible benefits of the NHA membership.

Members of the NHA enjoy a subscription to the award-winning quarterly health journal, Health Science, access to the “Members Only” section of the NHA Website (which contains all 43 years of back issues of the magazine),  the ability to download for free many classic out of print eBooks on the history of the Natural Hygiene Movement, including Fasting Can Save Your Life and The Greatest Health Discovery, discounts on books, and early notice of the NHA events.

Only $35 a year for basic membership within the United States.  https://www.healthscience.org/join-renew/