Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced criticism for his health views, largely stemming from his own personal experiences. In September 1983, as a 29-year-old law school graduate, his heroin addiction reached a critical point when he became ill on a flight to South Dakota. Medics discovered heroin in his luggage when they attended to him at the airport.
Two days later, he entered a rehab center in New Jersey for a five-month stay. Subsequently, he pleaded guilty to possessing a small amount of heroin and received two years of probation, which included rehab and volunteering with the Natural Resources Defense Council. According to the New York Times, he has remained clean since that time.
Kennedy attributes his recovery to 12-step programs, often attending up to nine meetings a week when not on the campaign trail. During his brief presidential bid, he proposed addressing the addiction crisis by increasing Medicaid support for treatment and establishing rural rehab farms, as reported by the LA Times.
(Read about the medical condition that explains RFK Jr.’s voice.)
He became more attentive to the impact of his diet on his health after experiencing neurological symptoms like brain fog and memory loss. A scan revealed a parasite had consumed part of his brain before dying, which he believes resulted from eating contaminated meat in South Asia. Around the same time, he was also diagnosed with mercury poisoning from consuming excessive amounts of predatory fish. The New York Times reported that these incidents prompted Kennedy to reevaluate his lifestyle and diet.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
RFK Jr. pays attention to his diet
Due to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s mercury levels being over 10 times higher than the Environmental Protection Agency’s safety standards, he underwent chelation therapy to remove the excess mercury and reduced his fish consumption. High mercury levels can lead to memory and attention issues, increased heart attack risks, and high cholesterol. Larger fish like shark, swordfish, and king mackerel typically have higher mercury contents as they consume smaller fish that also contain mercury. Lower-mercury options include scallops, oysters, and salmon.
As part of his Make America Healthy Again agenda, RFK Jr. aims to raise awareness about the health risks of ultra-processed foods. In an interview with Dr. Mark Hyman, he shared that he used to drink nine Cokes a day but hasn’t consumed soda in nearly a decade, opting instead for unsweetened iced tea. He strongly advocates for minimally processed foods and is particularly supportive of raw milk. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a division of HHS that RFK Jr. oversees, warns that raw milk can contain bacteria that may cause illness (learn more about RFK Jr.’s diet).
RFK Jr. lives an active lifestyle
At age 71, RFK Jr. attributes his longevity to a mix of fitness and supplements. You might have seen his viral post in 2023 where he performs push-ups shirtless and in blue jeans. He is also seen doing numerous pull-up reps while bodyweight influencer Ike Catcher performs a handstand above him on the same bar.
In a podcast interview with Lex Fridman, he stated that he begins each morning with a 12-step meeting followed by a hike. Upon returning home, he practices meditation before heading to the gym for a rigorous 35-minute weight workout. After over 50 years of exercising, he finds that shorter sessions make working out more sustainable.
To enhance his longevity, RFK Jr. also takes numerous vitamins. He told Fridman, “I couldn’t even list them here because I couldn’t even remember them all.” Part of his anti-aging regimen includes testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Testosterone levels naturally decline in men as they age, leading to reduced sexual function, increased body fat, and decreased motivation. While TRT can address low testosterone levels, the Mayo Clinic states that research is still inconclusive regarding its effectiveness in healthy men.
