Dr. Bret Scher, MD

Dr. Bret Scher is a board certified cardiologist and lipidologist practicing in San Diego and licensed to practice in seven states. He’s our full-time Medical Director, writes medical blogs, reviews guides and news stories for medical accuracy and hosts The Diet Doctor Podcast.

Dr. Scher’s main focus is on preventing and reversing heart disease naturally rather than putting patients on medication and performing surgery. When he started his own preventative wellness center he was introduced to the whole low-carb world. Being a bit skeptical at first, he was soon convinced by the benefits of a low-carb diet.

In Dr. Scher’s many patients suffering from heart disease, he found that there was a big overlap with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. It was all very interrelated. When he started treating his patients who suffered from heart disease with a low-carb diet, he could quickly see signs of improvements or even full reversal in all of these diseases.

Dr. Scher has also obtained specialized certifications in functional medicine, nutrition, personal training, and behavior modification.

He is also the author of the book Your best health ever!¹, and he has a blog and website at lowcarbcardiologist.com.

The Diet Doctor Podcast

Dr. Scher's personal story, by Anne Mullens, Feb 2019

Contact

Dr. Scher is on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

If you want to contact Dr. Scher you can also send an email to bret@dietdoctor.com. Please note that Dr. Scher can’t give personal medical advice about diet or health via email.

Interview

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Articles

Food addiction solutions from Dr. Vera Tarman
Does fasting reduce your ability to eat enough protein?
White House tackles nutrition and health
From feeling defeated to loving life again
Give thanks with keto Thanksgiving dishes
New study: Keto reduces, not raises, cardiovascular risk
‘We wish we’d known about keto 30 years ago’
Tweaking her low carb diet with more protein and higher satiety
From near immobility to a 100-pound weight loss
How Janet succeeded with more protein and higher satiety
Read more about the studies that support higher-satiety eating
70 pounds lost and improved thyroid health
Higher-satiety eating explained
Keto vs. Mediterranean diet: which is better for blood sugar control?
Can a ketogenic diet help lipedema?
Delicious food, no migraines, and steady weight loss
Does eating more protein stimulate you to eat more — or less — food?
Still doing great on a low carb keto diet
Better sleep and mental health from more daily protein and carbs at night
High protein keto success, on and off the rugby field
Do you have emotional intelligence? Why you (and Will Smith) may need it
For Mark, 50 pounds and digestive distress 'vanished'
Decades of suffering relieved by keto
From almost collapsing to thriving
Straight from the doctor's mouth: Focus on “the big rocks”
Dr. Hampton: Are pollutants in your food and surroundings?
Brendan wants to help others like him
After losing 120 pounds, Erica has tons of energy and no fatty liver
Tshakapesh took charge of his health
Corina put her Crohn’s into remission, lost weight, and transformed her life
"It’s never too late to improve your health"
“Keto is the only diet I’ve ever been excited to do”
After losing 230 pounds Amy is “living proof it’s possible”
Dr. Hampton: Good bugs and how they help us
“This lifestyle is easy to do!”
“I’m doing better than ever!”
"It really IS possible to reverse metabolic syndrome"
From defeated and depressed to healthy and happy
Still healthy and happy with a new passion — thanks to keto and fasting
Have a happy, healthy holiday
Dr. Hampton: Helping our bodies fight disease-causing bugs
"I feel the best I’ve felt for 25 years"
Are Lucky Charms and Cheerios healthier than beef and eggs?
Can athletes be fit but unhealthy?
Is fitness more important than weight loss?
Heartburn and asthma disappeared, and so did 143 pounds
Can a low-carb diet improve heart health?
Is elevated insulin why we get fat?
Does the timing of exercise matter?
Sign up today to start your weight loss journey
Dr. Hampton: Are your relationships helping your health?
With 280 pounds lost, Jane feels “better than ever”
Eating higher protein “worked like gangbusters”
127 pounds lost — plus a better relationship to food
Gestational diabetes rates climbing — Can low carb help?
Dr. Hampton: Honoring those who help our journey
All members have access to a helpful Welcome Handbook
Dr. Hampton: Thoughts drive success
'Going strict keto with IF really helped me'
'Diet Doctor saved my life'
How Terri lost 200 pounds and reversed her type 2 diabetes
Have you listened to our protein podcasts?
Dr. Hampton: Trauma impacts health, wellness – and obesity
'I use my keto experience to help my Arabic community'
'I don't regard keto as a diet; it's a healthier way of life'
'This way of eating is for life for me'
Try higher fat keto to prevent migraines and cluster headaches
'Feeling 20 years younger'
High-protein diets are an option, but not the only option
'I don't consider keto a diet, it's a way of life!'
Carbs, insulin, and obesity: Is the carbohydrate-insulin model dead or alive?
Diet Doctor team tries higher protein
Nick enjoys more stable blood sugar levels on LCHF
Dr. Bret Scher and Kristie Sullivan talk higher protein
Cheri lost 70 pounds and has 'a life again!'
'Keto has improved my health in so many ways that I've lost track'
High-carb diets increase brain reward signals, possibly starting a process for addiction
'Yes, we gave up some food, but what we gained is so much more!'
Red meat is not associated with heart disease, cancer, or early death
Study shows high-protein diets are better for fat loss
'I found a perfect diet I can live by for the rest of my life'
High insulin precedes obesity, a new study suggests
'My mood has changed dramatically since going keto'
Keto diet raises LDL cholesterol— does this apply to you?
'My family believes it is a miracle'
Weak science puts meat in the hot seat — once again
A keto diet successfully treats prediabetes in over 50% of patients
'I'm a new person and am loving life'
'After starting keto, I was suddenly full of energy'
'I never thought I would get to where I am today, but here I am!'
Metabolic health is a better predictor of heart disease risk than LDL
Keto diet improved PCOS and NAFLD better than medical therapy
Does keto only work for six months?
Take our new intermittent fasting course
US magazine once again misinforms readers about effective diets
Dr. David Ludwig on the history of carbohydrate reduction
Top 10 inspirational success stories of 2020
Top 10 low-carb and keto news posts of 2020
Just released: Gary Taubes’ new book The Case for Keto
New e-book: low-carb Christmas recipes
'I lost 60 pounds and normalized my blood-sugar levels in just 100 days'
Our most exciting feature yet! Introducing personalized meal plans
A ketogenic diet may help with Alzheimer’s disease
New organization promotes low carb for metabolic health
New study claims red meat leads to heart disease
Do low-carb eaters burn more calories?
Sacred Cow review: a bold, transparent look at the case for better meat
Should you take supplements on a low-carb diet?
'I've lost 100 pounds and no longer have type 2 diabetes'
Men lose more weight on a low-carb diet than women — but why?
Meta-analysis finds keto diets are beneficial for type 2 diabetes
Low carb improves ultra-runner's performance and health
Dr. Palavecino brings low-carb to rural Delaware
Tracy finally lost 100 pounds on keto after numerous failed diets
Study shows low carb reverses diabetes and saves money
A flawed analysis finds low-carb benefits disappear after six months
Observational study suggests low-carb diets are associated with higher coronary calcium scores
Family loses 300 pounds together in one year on low carb
'I’m now completely liberated around food'
Low-carb improves pancreatic function and type 2 diabetes
How many calories should I eat on a keto diet?
'Low carb and sport are a perfect match'
Ophthalmologist recommends low carb for improved vision and health
Low-carb diets reduce uric acid which may signify less insulin resistance
'All biomarkers indicate I'm in the best health of my life'
'I feel like I am finally living my best life'
'Keto has given me my life back'
How underlying beliefs can impact scientific interpretations
'I feel alive — and the slim, energetic person has finally been released'
New study shows fasting may be as effective as cutting calories
Now’s the time to get healthy, urges ICU physician
A lower-carb diet improves glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes
Start your at-home workout routine
Intermittent fasting helps with weight loss
Did eating keto contribute to Mishti Mukherjee’s death?
'Starting keto is the best decision I ever made for my health'
Recipe challenge, product advice, and loving support from members
UK team completes a 100-mile, five-day run with no food
Adam 'struggled to keep weight off' until he tried keto
New study states intermittent fasting doesn’t work — but is that true?
How to quit keto without gaining back weight?
Kenyan doctor reverses his type 2 diabetes with low carb, then pays it forward
Dr. Glen House promotes low-carb diets for those with spinal cord injuries
Scientific review of keto diets falls short when it comes to accuracy
'Low carb is what works best for me'
Red meat improves glucose and insulin markers with no adverse effects on inflammation
Greg managed to reverse his coronary calcium score by 40% with keto
More weight loss and fewer diabetes meds for patients who chose a very low-carb diet, study shows
'I just want to say the keto diet is amazing!'
'Low carb is easy because you eat good, wholesome, and tasty food!'
Dr. Roshani Sanghani: tackling India's diabetes epidemic
A lifestyle program to reverse type 2 diabetes now
More evidence shows low carb benefits blood sugar control for those with type 2 diabetes
'I am blessed to have discovered the keto lifestyle'
Dr. Tony Hampton brings low-carb eating to Chicago's South Side
Keto helps burn fat for fuel — but can hurt athlete race times
Petition calls for the return of Dr. David Unwin’s sugar infographics
Ali says he and his family 'all feel so much better' since going keto
The Irish Times touts the benefits of low carb for diabetes
Low-carb diet better than low-fat diet for older adults
New study: Heart attack prevention in young and middle-aged people
"Why did my cholesterol increase on a keto diet?"
'It was – and still is – very easy'
TMAO is back in the news, but it still means little for our health
Johanna’s PCOS improved with keto, and she has ‘no plans to stop’
Resolving hypertriglyceridemia via low carb and fasting
Is more fasting always better?
Reverse type 2 diabetes with fasting and keto, without losing weight
New book: well-raised meat is good for you, animals, and the planet
BMJ editorial: Endorse low carb for COVID-19 prevention
Scientific assessment of contraindications to a keto diet
New study: Lower-calorie keto diet works for overweight women
Do fruits, veggies, and grains prevent diabetes?
Can a keto diet help treat eczema?
The metabolic impact of keto for those with and without type 2 diabetes
‘Keto is a way I can eat because I love the food!’
Saturated fat vs. sugar: What is the cause of fatty liver?
'Without Diet Doctor, I couldn't have done this'
'It's been life-changing for me — to say the least'
'I feel like a new person!'
A changing landscape for low-carb diets
Virta Health publishes new data on low-carb diet for type 2 diabetes
'Low carb is the ONLY thing that helped'
'The beauty of this lifestyle is the effortless maintenance'
Can a keto diet and fasting cause skin irritation?
More than 500+ healthcare providers now on our map
25% of Americans are snacking more since the pandemic hit
Late dinner is worse for your health
Low-carb diet (plus whey protein) improves health markers, study shows
Research shows higher-protein diets increase lean muscle mass
'I am the absolute happiest I have ever been. Ever.'
"I lost 100 pounds on low carb from 2009 to early 2010"
“The Diet Doctor lifestyle has been a revelation to me!”
Adele, 56: 20 years low carb, 60 pounds lighter, rarely needs to 'slow down'
Carbs and insulin DO matter for weight gain
"I'm feeling much better at 50 than 40!"
'Keto is the key to finally keeping the weight off for good!'
Why insulin resistance is important when determining whether a person is healthy
New study finds ketones reduce gut-produced inflammatory cells
UK Health Minister reveals success with low-carb eating

Medically reviewed evidence-based guides

25 high-protein breakfast ideas
How to get started on a high-protein diet
14-day high-protein meal plan
Top 10 tasty ways to eat more protein and less fat
Heavy hips and legs – could you have lipedema?
The best high-protein vegetables for weight loss
The best high-protein dairy for weight loss
The best high-protein nuts
The best plant-based high-protein foods
The best high-protein meat, seafood & eggs
Top 20 questions about high-protein diets
Debunking keto myths about fat
Mediterranean diet 101: a complete guide and meal plan
9 potential health benefits of turmeric and curcumin
The best high-protein foods for weight loss
21 high-protein snacks, ranked
The Atkins diet: a complete guide and helpful hints
Dirty, lazy keto: Is it for you?
Our top 8 weight loss meal plans & meal prep tips
Long-term weight loss success
The top 10 weight loss programs, according to science
Is the paleo diet right for you?
How to lose weight fast: 5 easy evidence-based steps
Diverticulitis and the low-carb diet
Eggs: 10 health benefits and nutrition facts
Broccoli 101: nutrition facts and tasty tips
Top 7 nutrition facts and health benefits of avocado
Is a keto diet helpful for migraines and cluster headaches?
What you need to know about nitrates and nitrites
15 high-fiber foods that are low in carbs
Top 10 high-protein foods
Apple cider vinegar: pros and cons
Are low-carb and keto diets healthy for bones?
Keto and low-carb dairy: the best and the worst
Blood pressure drugs: the 8 major classes of medications
How to gain weight on low carb or keto
7 things to know about gluten on a keto or low-carb diet
Blood tests for patients on low carb
Weight gain and menopause: 8 tips to win the battle of the middle-age bulge
Fatty liver disease and keto: 5 things to know
Carbohydrates on a keto or low-carb diet
Trying to conceive? Try the better baby diet of beef, butter & bacon
What is a keto diet, and other common questions
How much food is 20 or 50 grams of carbs?
Low-carb drinks – the best and the worst
Diet Doctor’s policy on eating meat
Starting low carb or keto with diabetes medications
Ketogenic diet food list
How low carb is low carb?
How low carb is keto?
Low-carb foods
Eating low carb or keto when breastfeeding
Can low carb help lung disease?
Time-restricted eating – a detailed intermittent fasting guide
FAQ about low-carbohydrate diets and mental health
Type 2 diabetes
IBS and the keto diet
How to reverse your type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes – What happened and how we can fix it
Ketogenic diet for mental health: Come for the weight loss, stay for the mental health benefits?
How to potentially reverse PCOS with low carb
Sinking our teeth into the carnivore diet: what’s known, what’s not
How sugar may damage the brain
The ketogenic diet for Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment: can it help?
Is low carb and keto safe during pregnancy?
Can low carb or keto help with gestational diabetes in pregnancy?
Low carb and mental health: Getting started and managing medications
Can a keto diet treat brain cancer?
Setting realistic expectations
How to follow a healthy vegetarian keto diet
Harnessing hunger with a low-carb lifestyle
Troubleshooting a weight-loss stall with our tips and guides
How to lower LDL cholesterol on a low-carb diet
Guide for low-carb dietitians
7 things you need to know about alcohol and the keto diet
Low-carb sweeteners, the best and the worst
Top 10 tips to lose weight on low carb or keto for women 40+
Keto drinks – the best and the worst
Low carb and mental health: The food-mood connection
Can keto or low-carb diets improve acne?
The complete guide to ketosis
How to normalize your blood pressure
Low carb & keto for clinicians
Do you need electrolyte supplementation on a keto diet?
Do you need to eat fruits and vegetables?
Should you count calories on a low-carb or keto diet?
Protein on a low-carb or keto diet
Is a low-carb or keto diet right for you?
Low-carb and keto side effects & how to cure them
Gout and low carb
Keto diet foods — top three mistakes at the grocery store
Low-carb fats and sauces – the best and the worst
Guide to red meat – is it healthy?
Keto fats, sauces and oils – the good, the bad and the ugly
A comprehensive guide to salt
Healthy fats on a keto or low-carb diet
How to eat low carb as a vegan
Weight, health and happiness: striking the right balance
What you need to know about low blood pressure
Low-carb snacks – the best and the worst
Low-carb alcohol – the best and the worst drinks
How much protein should you eat?
High blood pressure – what you need to know
Six ways to kick nasty leg cramps to the curb
Low-carb nuts
The diabetes diet: the best foods to control diabetes
“Healthy” whole grains: What the evidence really shows
How to lose weight with a low-carb diet
Why low carb can help you lose weight
What you need to know about a low-carb diet and your kidneys
What is normal blood pressure?
How to lose weight
Cholesterol and low-carb diets
A user guide to saturated fat
Keto sweeteners – the best and the worst
Get started keto challenge 2019
Starting a low-carb or keto diet with high blood pressure
The science of low carb and keto
Top 17 low-carb & keto controversies
Low-carb vegetables
Keto nuts
Keto snacks
Keto alcohol
Keto fruits
Does the brain need carbs?
Keto vegetables
Vegetable oils: What we know and what we don’t
Ketogenic diet foods – what to eat
14-day ketogenic diet plan and menu
A low-carb diet for beginners
A keto diet for beginners

Potential conflicts of interest

Updated August 8, 2019.

Dr. Scher has a full-time contract agreement with DietDoctor.com to serve as Medical Director, run the Diet Doctor Podcast, write medical blogs, and review guides and news stories for medical accuracy. Like every coworker, he also gets the option to become a co-owner in the Diet Doctor company.

He receives book royalties from Your Best Health Ever: A Cardiologist’s Surprisingly Simple Guide to What Really Works.

Dr. Scher is the owner of Boundless Health, Inc, a virtual online health coach consulting service aimed at improving people’s lives through lifestyle interventions.

Dr. Scher eats a low-carb diet.

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