The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee

Why does healthy food taste bland? And how do you fix it? Celebrity chef and Food Network Chopped champion Ed Harris joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room to reveal how to make plant-based meals explode with flavor. From layering spices to using fresh herbs like parsley, Chef Ed shares the exact techniques he uses in professional kitchens to transform simple ingredients into unforgettable dishes.

Is animal testing outdated? In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Dr. Neal Barnard breaks down what's happening at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and why it could mark a turning point in medical research. From shocking primate experiments to the rise of human-based science like organs-on-a-chip, we explore why more than 90% of drugs that succeed in animals fail in humans—and what that means for your health, your wallet, and the future of medicine.

What if one simple food swap could help give you more energy, stabilize your blood sugar, improve cholesterol, and even support weight loss? In this episode of The Exam Room, Dr. Hana Kahleova breaks down "The Millet Effect" as she sits down with Chuck Carroll. She details how this ancient grain can deliver powerful health benefits in the modern world.

eartburn affects millions—but what if we've been thinking about it all wrong? In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast with Chuck Carroll, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz reveals the surprising truth about acid reflux, GERD, and what's really causing that burning sensation.

Chronic disease can be reversed and the science to prove it is stronger than ever.   In this powerful conversation, Dr. Michael Klaper draws on decades of clinical experience and extensive research to explain how nutrition can not only prevent disease, but in many cases help reverse it.   From heart disease and type 2 diabetes to obesity and inflammation, the root cause often traces back to what's on our plate — and that means the solution can start there too.   In this episode, Dr. Klaper joins Chuck Carroll to discuss:   - Why chronic disease is largely driven by lifestyle, not genetics - How whole plant foods help the body repair and heal itself - The biggest gap in modern medical education - What doctors should be telling patients — but often aren't - Simple, practical steps to start improving your health today   Plus, stick around to the end as Dr. Klaper shares some personal insights — including his favorite foods (hint: two green powerhouses you probably already know

Could your gut hold the key to preventing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease? Researchers believe the first signs of these diseases could be digestive issues that occur years before neurologic symptoms appear.  In this live Q&A, gastroenterologist and researcher Dr. Trisha Pasricha joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to break down the powerful connection between the gut microbiome and brain health — and what it could mean for your future. From constipation as an early signal to the power of diet in shaping gut health, this episode uncovers the science behind the gut-brain axis.

Why aren't doctors taught nutrition? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Kim Scheuer joins Chuck Carroll to share how her own health transformation led her to question everything she learned in traditional medicine — and ultimately embrace lifestyle medicine. From ultra-processed foods in hospitals to real-world patient transformations, this episode of The Exam Room Podcast explores the gap between modern medicine and true health.

What if you could see heart disease coming… and stop it before it starts? That's exactly what happened to Lauren Bernick. She was heading down a path that millions of people are on right now — a path toward heart disease. But instead of accepting it as inevitable, she made a change. And it changed everything. In this powerful conversation with Chuck Carroll, Lauren shares how she transformed her health, what finally clicked for her, and how plant-based eating helped her take control before it was too late. Now, as the host of the Age Like A Badass Mother podcast and creator of Well Elephant, she's helping others do the same — simplify plant-based eating and build a lifestyle that actually sticks.

What if the secret to better health wasn't eating less… but eating MORE of the right foods? That's exactly what we're diving into today with the dynamic duo behind The Doc & Chef — Dr. Jim Loomis and Caryn Dugan. They're teaming up with the Physicians Committee to launch an exciting new program: The Power Foods Diet — a simple, science-backed approach to weight loss, disease prevention, and long-term health that focuses on adding nutrient-dense, plant-based foods to your plate.

Onion health benefits may be more powerful than you think. In this episode of The Exam Room, Dr. Hana Kahleova joins Chuck Carroll to break down the science behind onion health benefits and explains how this humble vegetable may protect your heart, improve blood sugar, reduce liver fat, and even support longevity. Here's what the science says about onion health benefits:

Fiber may be the single most powerful nutrient for improving gut health — yet most people aren't getting nearly enough of it. Enter Fibermaxxing. On this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Chuck Carroll sits down with gastroenterologist and bestselling author Dr. Will Bulsiewicz to break down the science of how fiber transforms the gut microbiome and why it may be one of the most powerful tools we have for preventing chronic disease. But this conversation goes far beyond the basics. Dr. B explains how fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria, why microbial diversity matters for long-term health, and how the metabolites produced by your microbiome influence inflammation, metabolism, immunity, and even brain function. You'll also learn why short-chain fatty acids like butyrate are so important for colon health, how the gut barrier protects the body from disease, and what happens when the microbiome is starved of fiber. Most importantly, Dr. B explains exactly how to start fibermaxxing safely and effectively — including how to increase fiber intake without uncomfortable bloating and which foods are best for rebuilding a healthy microbiome. Whether you're trying to improve digestion, reduce disease risk, or optimize your microbiome, this episode will give you the science-backed strategies to start today. In this episode you'll learn: • What fibermaxxing is and why it's gaining attention • How fiber feeds the gut microbiome • Why microbial diversity is critical for health • The role of short-chain fatty acids like butyrate • How fiber strengthens the gut barrier • Why fiber intake is linked to lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes • How to increase fiber safely without digestive discomfort • The best foods for rebuilding your microbiome Dr. Bulsiewicz also shares practical strategies for improving digestion and explains why your gut microbiome may be one of the most important predictors of long-term health. If you're ready to take your gut health to the next level, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Constipation isn't just an adult problem — millions of kids struggle with it too. On this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Chuck Carroll is joined by Dr. Iris Wang, a gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic and the author of the children's book Boo Can't Poo. Dr. Wang explains why constipation happens in children, how diet and lifestyle affect digestion, and what parents can do to help their kids develop healthy gut habits early in life.

Does bacon cause cancer? The evidence is overwhelming. A new national survey conducted for the Physicians Committee reveals that nearly half of Americans are unaware that processed meat increases colorectal cancer risk. But the real story isn't just awareness — it's prevention. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast Chuck Carroll is joined by registered dietitian Anna Herby to explain: ✅ How eliminating processed meat can lower colorectal cancer risk ✅ Why fiber is one of the most powerful cancer-fighting nutrients ✅ The safest and healthiest alternatives to bacon, sausage, burgers, and deli meat ✅ What a "colon-protective plate" looks like ✅ How plant-based proteins support gut microbiome health ✅ Practical grocery store swaps you can make immediately Processed meats like bacon, hot dogs, and sausage are classified as Group 1 carcinogens. But replacing them with beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, whole grains, and vegetables can significantly improve colon health and reduce inflammation. Colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults — but it's also one of the most preventable cancers. Watch now to learn how small can make a big difference.

Are you pooping the right way? According to gastroenterologist Dr. Trisha Pasricha, 40% of Americans say their bowel habits disrupt their daily lives — and most of us are doing it wrong. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Chuck Carroll sits down with Dr. Pasricha to discuss constipation, fiber intake, red meat and colorectal cancer risk, detox myths, hemorrhoids, gut-brain science, and how to achieve what she calls "poophoria."

Heart disease is the leading cause of death — but it's also one of the most preventable conditions.  In this episode of The Exam Room, Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll to reveal the best foods for reversing heart disease, lowering cholesterol, and protecting your arteries naturally. Dr. Barnard breaks down the science behind oats, beans, walnuts, leafy greens, flaxseed, berries, and more — and explain how these foods help remove LDL cholesterol, improve endothelial function, and reduce inflammation. Can plaque really shrink? How fast can cholesterol levels drop? What should you eat if you've already had a heart attack? If you're serious about improving your cardiovascular health, this evidence-based conversation offers practical steps you can start today.

Garlic may be one of the most powerful foods in your kitchen due to its vast health benefits. In this episode, Dr. Hana Kahleova joins Chuck Carroll to explain the science behind garlic's impact on cholesterol, blood pressure, immune function, antioxidant production, and even gene signaling. Backed by randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses, she reveals how just one clove per day may help improve cardiovascular health and reduce infection risk.

Millions of Americans are turning to GLP-1 weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. But here's the question few are asking: What happens when you stop? Research shows that many people regain a significant portion of the weight within a year of discontinuing GLP-1 medications. In some studies, participants regained as much as two-thirds of the weight they lost. On this episode of The Exam Room, Chuck Carroll sits down with world-renowned obesity researcher James Hill, PhD to unpack the real story behind long-term weight management after GLP-1 medications. Dr. Hill is a pioneering scientist and former president of The Obesity Society and The American Society for Nutrition. Along with Dr. Holly Wyatt, he co-authored the new book Losing the Weight Loss Meds: A 10-Week Playbook for Stopping GLP-1 Medications Without Regaining the Weight. In this conversation, you'll learn: • Are GLP-1 medications meant to be long-term? • What happens inside the body when you stop taking them • Why so many people regain weight after discontinuing • The 10-week transition strategy for maintaining weight loss • The three types of weight regain—and how to avoid each • How to quiet food noise and cravings naturally • Daily habits that can replace the work of GLP-1 medications Chuck also shares his personal perspective on long-term weight loss success, including: • What he's learned after weight loss surgery • The lifestyle shifts that made his results sustainable • And what he wishes he knew before surgery that he knows now If you're considering GLP-1 medications, currently using them, or thinking about stopping, this episode could change how you approach weight maintenance forever.

For the first time publicly, the cause of death of renowned plant-based cardiologist Dr. Baxter Montgomery is revealed. In this powerful and respectful conversation, Jackie Williams shares that Dr. Montgomery battled two rare blood disorders: multiple myeloma and AL amyloidosis. What are these diseases? Could diet have caused them? Can lifestyle medicine reverse everything?

Your gut has a clock — and most people are completely out of sync. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Chuck Carroll sits down with gastroenterologist and three-time bestselling author Will Bulsiewicz to explain how circadian rhythm controls gut health, inflammation, energy, and even your bowel movements. You'll learn why mornings matter more than sleep alone, how cortisol actually helps your gut when it's timed correctly, and how light, movement, and meal timing send powerful signals to your microbiome.  Dr. B breaks down groundbreaking research showing that circadian disruption can flatten microbial diversity, weaken the gut barrier, and drive inflammation even without changes in diet. If you wake up tired, bloated, anxious, constipated, or wired-but-exhausted, this episode explains why — and what to do about it.

Can what you eat really change your skin?   Dr. Jessica Krant, board-certified dermatologist and lifestyle medicine physician in New York City, joins Chuck Carroll at the International Conference on Nutrition and Medicine to explain the powerful connection between diet, inflammation, and skin health.   From acne and rosacea to wrinkles and premature aging, Dr. Krant breaks down how dairy, sugar, ultra-processed foods, and stress impact the skin — and how whole plant foods can help reverse damage and support collagen naturally.   You'll learn about the gut-brain-skin axis, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), collagen supplements, beauty sleep, and why stress might be triggering your breakouts.   Learn more about Dr. Krant and schedule an appointment at her practice at: https://artofdermatology.com.  

One cup of blueberries a day could help your brain, heart, mood, and waistline.  On this episode of The Exam Room, host Chuck Carroll is joined by Dr. Neal Barnard and Dr. Leslie Wada to explore the science behind blueberries — from weight management and heart health to memory, mood, and inflammation. Backed by human clinical studies, this conversation explains why blueberries stand out among fruits, how much you really need to eat, and why anthocyanins may be one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory compounds in the modern diet. IN THIS EPISODE: - Why about 1 cup of blueberries a day shows real benefits - How blueberries support brain and heart health - What anthocyanins do in the body - Why frozen blueberries count too

Grocery shopping shouldn't feel like a nutrition exam, but for many people it does. In this episode of The Exam Room, Chuck Carroll is joined by Sam Citro Alexander, founder and CEO of FoodHealth Score, a powerful new tool that cuts through misleading food labels and tells you — instantly — how healthy a food really is. Using a simple 1–100 scoring system, FoodHealth Score analyzes ingredient lists and nutrition panels so shoppers can make smarter, healthier choices without needing a nutrition degree. In This Episode: - Why "heart healthy" and "high protein" labels can be deceptive - How the FoodHealth Score is calculated - Which foods score shockingly low — and why - How plant-based eaters can shop with confidence - Why added sugars hide under many names - How better shopping tools could pressure companies to improve food quality

Are all ultra-processed foods bad for your health? New science says no — and the details may surprise you. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, host Chuck Carroll is joined by Dr. Hana Kahleova, director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, to break down a comprehensive review of more than 300 studies examining ultra-processed foods, diabetes, heart disease, and mortality. The findings challenge common assumptions and reveal that not all processed foods impact health the same way. In this episode, you'll learn: - Which ultra-processed foods are most strongly linked to diabetes and heart disease - Why meat and processed meat are the primary drivers of harm - How some breads, cereals, and plant-based processed foods may actually be protective - The role fiber plays in processed foods and metabolic health - Why current dietary guidelines may be oversimplifying processed foods

You don't need another diet. You need a system that lasts. In this powerful episode of The Exam Room Podcast, host Chuck Carroll sits down with body recomposition expert and Forever Fit author Maxime Sigouin to reveal how you can build muscle, burn fat, and stay strong for life — at any age. Whether you're 40, 60, or even 80+, your body is still capable of transformation. In this episode you'll learn: • Why most diets fail long-term • The difference between fat loss and body recomposition • How to reverse diet and avoid rebound weight gain • Why strength training is essential as we age • The mindset that drives lifelong success • How daily movement burns more calories than gym workouts

What if eating the right vegetables could make exercise feel easier while simultaneously lowering your blood pressure? In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, host Chuck Carroll is joined by metabolic health expert Cyrus Khambatta of Evolution Health to break down the science behind nitrate-rich vegetables and how they dramatically improve blood flow, oxygen delivery, endurance, and recovery. You'll learn how nitrates convert into nitric oxide, why foods like beets, arugula, spinach, and celery outperform supplements, and how simple dietary changes can enhance athletic performance — even if you're not an athlete. We also clear up confusion about nitrates in processed meats, explain why mouthwash can block benefits, and reveal the ideal timing and amounts for maximum results. In this episode, you'll discover: • How nitrates lower blood pressure naturally • Why nitric oxide improves endurance & oxygen efficiency • The best nitrate-rich vegetables to eat daily • How nitrates support mitochondria & cellular energy • When and how much to eat for exercise performance • Why nitrates from vegetables ≠ nitrates from deli meats

Chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression are devastating Native American communities—but a powerful movement rooted in tradition, plant-based nutrition, and food sovereignty is changing lives. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, host Chuck Carroll sits down with former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, former First Lady Phefelia Nez, and Food for Life instructor Chelsea Kleinmeyer, RN to explore how Indigenous wisdom and modern lifestyle medicine are coming together to restore health.

Chronic diseases are rising fast in Africa — and the same lifestyle factors driving illness in the U.S. are now impacting communities around the world. In this powerful episode of The Exam Room, host Chuck Carroll speaks with Dr. Samba Nyirenda, a lifestyle medicine physician in Botswana and the country's only certified Food for Life Instructor. Together, they explore how urbanization, processed foods, and the loss of traditional diets are fueling diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and hypertension — and how plant-based nutrition is offering real hope.

Inflammation is at the center of many of today's most common chronic diseases — but what if the real starting point isn't where most people think?   In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, host Chuck Carroll is joined by gastroenterologist and best-selling author Dr. Will Bulsiewicz for a wide-ranging and deeply human conversation about gut health, chronic inflammation, and the hidden role that stress, loneliness, and modern lifestyle play in making us sick.   Drawing from his new book Plant-Powered Plus, Dr. Bulsiewicz explains why the gut is a central command center for the immune system and the brain, and how dysfunction in the microbiome can drive everything from digestive distress to depression, anxiety, and long-term disease. He also opens up about his own personal health journey — including burnout, weight gain, and metabolic illness — and how healing his gut transformed both his life and his medical practice.   This episode goes beyond food to explore the science of the brain-gut-immune connection, the impact of chronic stress and isolation on inflammation, and why true healing requires more than just changing what's on your plate. If you've ever felt successful on the outside but unwell on the inside, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and hope.  

The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans will shape how the U.S. eats for the next five years — but are they based on science or industry influence? In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, host Chuck Carroll is joined by Dr. Neal Barnard, Dr. Hana Kahleova, and registered dietitian Anna Herby to break down the good, the bad, and the troubling truths behind the newly released guidelines. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why eight of nine panelists had major industry conflicts - How meat and dairy ended up at the top of the new food pyramid - Why protein recommendations were nearly doubled - The hidden risks of saturated fat, red meat, and dairy - Why whole grains and legumes were minimized - What this means for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer risk - Why a legal petition has been filed to challenge the guidelines

Are you struggling to lose weight and wondering if your metabolism is holding you back? In this episode of The Exam Room, host Chuck Carroll sits down with Dr. Neal Barnard to separate metabolism myths from science — and reveal how food choices can dramatically change how many calories your body burns every day. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why "slow metabolism" is often misunderstood — and how it really works - How high-fat diets can slow calorie burn at the cellular level - Why restrictive dieting backfires and leads to weight regain - How a low-fat, plant-based diet boosts the thermic effect of food - The role fiber plays in fullness, gut health, and weight loss - Why age does not prevent metabolic recovery - How to increase calorie burn without counting calories or starving If you're ready to stop fighting your body and start working with it, this episode offers a science-backed, sustainable approach to weight loss.

Why do so many people quit their New Year's health goals—sometimes in just weeks? In this milestone 700th episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Chuck Carroll is joined by Dr. Neal Barnard to explain why lasting health has nothing to do with willpower—and everything to do with motivation. This conversation goes far beyond weight loss. You'll learn how a low-fat, plant-based diet can: • Improve digestion and hormone balance • Reduce joint pain, migraines, and inflammation • Save hundreds of dollars each year • Protect animals and the environment • Improve long-term health and athletic performance Dr. Barnard also shares unforgettable real-world stories from his research and personal life that reveal why understanding why you eat is the key to staying healthy for life.

What if the most-watched health topics of 2025 could help you live healthier, longer, and with more control over your body? This Best of The Exam Room Podcast 2025 compilation brings together the three pisodes that viewers couldn't stop watching — because they tackled problems that affect nearly everyone: ✔️ High cholesterol ✔️ Low fiber intake ✔️ Exposure to microplastics This episode features highlights from separate interviews with Chuck Carroll and Dr. Michael Greger, Dr. Danielle Belardo, and Dr. Hana Kahleova — the conversations that delivered the most practical, science-backed value to viewers in 2025.

Are ultra-processed foods the hidden reason weight loss feels impossible? Chuck Carroll is joined by Dr. Jim Loomis, medical director at Barnard Medical Center, to break down the science behind ultra-processed foods and their powerful impact on weight gain, metabolism, hunger, and fat storage. From packaged snacks and fast food to so-called "healthy" convenience items, ultra-processed foods now make up a majority of the modern diet. Dr. Loomis explains how these foods affect appetite hormones, blood sugar, calorie intake, and the body's ability to lose weight — and why simply "eating less" often doesn't work when ultra-processed foods dominate the plate. You'll learn: - What qualifies as an ultra-processed food - Why these foods drive overeating and cravings - How ultra-processed foods interfere with fat loss - The role of fiber, nutrients, and food quality in weight control - What to eat instead to support sustainable weight loss Whether you're trying to lose weight, improve metabolic health, or understand why progress has stalled, this episode delivers practical, evidence-based answers. ❤️ Work with The Doc & Chef Use code CHUCK for free month! https://plantbasedcenter.com/membership

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound are changing medicine — but at what cost? In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, host Chuck Carroll sits down with Ben Urich, PharmD, PhD, to break down the real-world data behind the GLP-1 explosion. You'll learn: - How many people are actually using GLP-1 drugs - Why most users stop — and why that's starting to change - The true cost of GLP-1 medications to employers and health plans - Common and serious side effects to be aware of - Why GLP-1s are now being studied for Alzheimer's disease and addiction - What the future holds as more than 30 new drugs enter the pipeline This is a must-watch conversation for anyone considering GLP-1 medications, currently using Ozempic or Wegovy, or wondering where modern weight-loss medicine is headed next.

Is cheese really addictive? According to Dr. Neal Barnard, the answer is a resounding YES. The brain reacts nearly identically to cheese as it does narcotics and alcohol. While it sounds shocking, these claims are backed by science. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Chuck Carroll sits down with the author of The Cheese Trap to uncover how opioid-like compounds concentrated in cheese—activate powerful pleasure pathways, why U.S. cheese consumption has exploded to nearly 40 pounds per person per year, and how the dairy industry keeps us hooked. You'll discover: • The opiate chemistry of cheese • How cheese contributes to obesity and diabetes • The link between dairy hormones and breast cancer • Why kids are showing early artery damage • Which cheeses contain the highest casomorphin levels • The surprising role of sodium and saturated fat • How quitting cheese can dramatically improve health If you've ever said, "I could go vegan except for cheese," this is an episode you cannot miss. This episode is sponsored by The Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund. Visit their website: https://gregoryreiterfund.org

Discover the truth about omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in this eye-opening interview with Dr. Kaixiong (Calvin) Ye, one of the world's leading genetic epidemiologists studying nutrition and chronic disease. Dr. Ye joins Chuck Carroll to explain new findings on: - Whether omega-6 is really inflammatory - How omega-3 and omega-6 impact cancer and mortality - Why the omega-6:omega-3 ratio is misleading - The controversy around omega-3 and prostate cancer - How genetics influence omega-3 metabolism - What precision nutrition will look like in the future You'll learn what the latest science says about who benefits most from omega-3, what blood biomarkers really mean, and why two people eating the same food may get very different health outcomes.

Can a streaming network help change the future of food, media, and the planet? Emmy-winning journalist and UnchainedTV founder Jane Velez-Mitchell sits down with Chuck Carroll to reveal why plant-based storytelling is exploding right now — and why mainstream media still resists the movement. Discover how UnchainedTV grew to more than 20 million views, what FAST channels mean for the future of television, and why the meat industry launched an all-out messaging war against veganism. Jane also shares behind-the-scenes insight into new documentaries, adorable rescued pigs, celeb cooking shows, and the forgotten 1890s vegetarian movement. If you love food, media, history, or social change… this episode will absolutely light you up. Topics Covered: ✔ Why streaming is replacing cable and traditional TV ✔ The rise of FAST channels (free ad-supported TV) ✔ Inside the meat industry's anti-vegan messaging campaigns ✔ Why plant-based stories struggle to reach mainstream newsrooms ✔ The shocking climate impact of animal agriculture ✔ Behind the scenes of "Pig Little Lies" and "At Home with the Jenners" ✔ The surprising vegetarian movement of the 1890s ✔ How UnchainedTV helps people make compassionate, healthy transitions

Can your cholesterol drop more than 150 points in just 15 days without medication?   Dr. Ted Barnett joins Chuck Carroll at the International Conference on Nutrition and Medicine to reveal the stunning results he's seeing with patients who adopt a whole food plant-based diet.   Inside Lifestyle Medicine Grand Rounds, Dr. Barnett has witnessed cholesterol levels fall by 150–200 points in two weeks, average drops of 64 points, and dramatic improvements in blood sugar, inflammation, and energy — often outperforming the results of statins.   This episode dives deep into why lifestyle changes can be more powerful than prescriptions, what's holding back the medical system from using these tools, and how simple foods like arugula, broccoli, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and black-eyed peas can transform your health quickly.   What You'll Learn:  - How patients are lowering cholesterol 150+ points naturally - Why whole food plant-based diets outperform many medications - The 15-Day Jumpstart program and its life-changing results - Why the medical system overlooks lifestyle solutions - The top foods Dr. Barnett "prescribes" to every patient - How doctors collaborate in Lifestyle Medicine Grand Rounds - How you can experience similar results at home   Please support PCRM and The Exam Room Podcast on Giving Tuesday. Your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar to fuel the content you love, like this podcast, while keeping all of PCRM's lifesaving work moving full steam ahead. Please donate today: https://pcrm.org/examroommatch  

New research shows that simply choosing plant-based foods can slash your environmental footprint — and dramatically improve your health at the same time. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Chuck Carroll is joined by Dr. Hana Kahleova to uncover how different diets compare when it comes to land use, water use, greenhouse gases, and planetary health. The results are stunning:

Graphic Title: 1 in 5 UTIs? Graphic Note: Need Neal and Chuck on here with some raw chicken and turkey. Show Title: 95% Reduce Medications: Dr. Brad Moore on the Power Reversing Diseases Show Description: Discover how lifestyle medicine can reverse chronic disease in this powerful conversation between Chuck Carroll and Dr. Brad Moore, Director of the Lifestyle Medicine Program at George Washington Medical Faculty Associates. Dr. Moore explains why the root cause of conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and heart disease is often lifestyle—not genetics. He shares how simple changes in food, movement, sleep, and stress can dramatically improve health, reduce medications, and transform long-term outcomes. You'll learn what separates patients who succeed with lifestyle change from those who struggle, why focusing only on weight can backfire, and how sleep and stress alter hunger, cravings, and metabolism. Dr. Moore also breaks down the science behind insulin resistance, saturated fat, and rapid improvements seen when patients adopt a whole-food, plant-forward diet. This special bonus episode was recorded live at GreenFare Organic Cafe in Reston, VA. The menu is entirely free of salt, oil, and sugar and 100 percent organic. What You'll Learn: – How lifestyle medicine reverses chronic disease – Why genetics matter less than most people think – The truth about insulin resistance and saturated fat – Why focusing on weight alone slows progress – How sleep and stress affect appetite and metabolism – The difference between "cannonball" and "baby-step" approaches – Why 95% of lifestyle medicine patients reduce medications – How the military is incorporating lifestyle medicine – How to work with Dr. Brad Moore at GW

Can the chicken on your plate be causing urinary tract infections? New research says yes — and the findings may shock you.   In this must-watch episode of The Exam Room Podcast, host Chuck Carroll is joined by Dr. Neal Barnard to break down a landmark study revealing that poultry—especially chicken—is responsible for approximately 1 in 5 UTIs in the United States.   Dr. Barnard explains:   - How E. coli from poultry contaminates meat - Why cooking isn't enough to eliminate risk - How cross-contamination happens in home kitchens - Why infection rates spike in certain communities - What a plant-based diet does to dramatically reduce UTI risk - Foods like cranberries and blueberries that help prevent infections naturally   They also dive into Thanksgiving food myths, the realities of poultry production, antibiotic resistance, and how simple dietary changes can protect your health.   If you've ever struggled with UTIs—or you simply want to understand how diet affects your risk—this episode is essential viewing.   Read the full study: https://bit.ly/UTISourceStudy  

The science of aging gracefully is discussed as Dr. Roxie Becker joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast. Discover the everyday habits that could be aging your skin — and the easy lifestyle changes that help keep you glowing from the inside out. Dr. Becker shares what really causes wrinkles, the truth about alcohol and red wine, and why carrots, sweet potatoes, and sleep may be better anti-aging tools than expensive creams. Learn how nutrition, exercise, sleep, and sun protection work together for youthful skin — and why the healthiest glow comes from a plant-based, whole-food lifestyle. You Will Learn: - Foods that fight wrinkles and boost collagen - How sleep and stress affect skin health - The truth about alcohol and aging - How to exercise for younger-looking skin

Your gut holds the key to better health — and Dr. Will Bulsiewicz is back to help you unlock it! In this Exam Room Podcast mailbag episode, Chuck Carroll and Dr. B answer your biggest questions about gut health, fiber, inflammation, and the microbiome. Learn why diversity is strength — both in your diet and your gut — and how simple shifts like cooling your potatoes or walking after meals can feed your microbes for life-changing benefits. Topics include: - Fiber Maxing: the TikTok trend explained - Why resistant starch boosts your microbiome - Artificial sweeteners vs. sugar — what's worse? - How exercise supports gut health - The gut-brain connection and stress - Sneak peek into Plant Powered Plus (available Jan. 13)

How can a health coach change your life—and your sleep? In this inspiring episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Chuck Carroll sits down with Dr. Brooke Bussard to explore the power of lifestyle medicine and personalized health coaching. Discover why sleep, nutrition, movement, and support are the four essential pillars to building a healthier you. Learn practical sleep tips that actually work, how small changes in diet can lead to big transformations, and how Dr. Bussard's new Menopause Makeover Online program is helping women across the globe reclaim their health. ✅ Why health coaching works ✅ Sleep hacks for deeper rest ✅ The truth about dairy and bone health ✅ Top pantry staples for plant-based living ✅ How to build momentum when motivation fades

Discover how your diet affects memory, focus, and long-term brain health in this powerful conversation with Dr. Neal Barnard and host Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast.   Learn which foods fuel your brain — and which ones damage it. Dr. Barnard reveals the surprising truth about dairy, red meat, coconut oil, and fish oil, and shares which plant-based foods can lower your risk for Alzheimer's, dementia, and depression.   ✅ What You'll Learn: • How saturated fat and heme iron accelerate cognitive decline • The best plant-based omega-3 sources for brain performance • Why "eating the rainbow" boosts memory and mood • New research showing a vegan diet may reverse dementia • Three easy habits for seniors to sharpen memory starting today  

In this powerful episode, Dr. Akil Taher, a heart-attack survivor turned marathon runner, reveals the life-saving truth about lipoprotein(a) which is a genetically inherited form of cholesterol that most people don't even know they have. Despite living a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Taher discovered his LP(a) levels were dangerously high, placing him at extreme risk for heart disease and stroke.   He joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to explain:   - What LP(a) is and why standard cholesterol tests don't detect it - How 1 in 5 people have elevated LP(a) and most never know it - Why South Asians, Black Americans, and Middle Eastern populations face increased genetic risk - The role of a whole-food, plant-based diet in lowering LP(a) levels by up to 16 %—and which foods can cut levels by 40 % - The immense cholesterol lowering benefit of amla or Indian gooseberries - New LP(a)-targeting drugs in clinical trials that could reduce levels by up to 98 % - How lifestyle habits—from nutrition and sleep to stress management—help strengthen arteries and protect your heart  

For years, we've been told that vegan and vegetarian diets "require careful planning" to be healthy — while omnivorous diets get a free pass. But is that really true? In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, host Chuck Carroll sits down with Dr. Matt Nagra to discuss his new peer-reviewed study published in the International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention: "Asymmetrical Dietary Guidance: Reassessing the 'Careful Planning' Caveat in Vegetarian and Vegan Diets." You'll also hear why some vegans experience a slightly higher fracture risk, what's really behind that finding, and how simple nutrition strategies can easily close the gap. In this conversation, you'll learn: What new research reveals about vegan, vegetarian, and omnivorous diets How omnivorous diets often miss critical nutrients for long-term health The role of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and calcium in plant-based nutrition Why all diets require thoughtful planning to meet nutrient needs The real reason vegans may have a higher fracture risk — and how to prevent it How language in nutrition guidelines may unintentionally stigmatize plant-based diets Listen and learn how balanced nutrition guidance can improve health outcomes for everyone — and why reframing the conversation around "careful planning" could change the future of public health. Read the study

Are supplements helping you — or wasting your money? In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Dr. Gemma Newman joins Chuck Carroll to break down the science, myths, and marketing behind the multibillion-dollar supplement industry. Discover which supplements are truly worth taking, which can be harmful in excess, and how to build better health through a whole-food, plant-based diet. Whether you're taking vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3, or a daily multivitamin, Dr. Newman explains how to personalize your nutrition safely and effectively. In This Episode: - The truth about supplements and what's actually backed by science - Why multivitamins don't extend lifespan — and can sometimes harm your health - How to get vitamin B12 safely - The risks of "natural" supplements - The difference between fish oil vs. algae-based omega-3s - Dr. Newman's SMART method: Science, Mechanism, Aim, Risk vs. Benefit, Tracking - How to spot fake supplement ads and AI deepfakes online Known as The Plant Power Doctor, Dr. Newman is a respected physician and lifestyle medicine expert helping patients reverse chronic disease through evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle change.

Your thyroid could be the hidden key to your energy, mood, and metabolism. What you eat may be making or breaking it.   In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Chuck Carroll sits down with Dr. Neal Barnard to uncover the powerful connection between thyroid health and diet.   Discover how eating certain foods and reducing stress can help restore hormone balance, boost metabolism, and reduce inflammation. Dr. Barnard also reveals how dairy, iodine, selenium, and soy all play surprising roles in thyroid function — and what you can do starting today to protect and restore this vital gland.  

Former CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to reveal The Formula for Better Health: How to Save Millions of Lives, Including Your Own. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Frieden breaks down what's keeping America sick — from poor diets to toxic environments — and how we can turn the tide with simple, proven steps that save lives.   He shares his three-part framework — “See, Believe, Create” — a practical guide for improving personal and public health. Discover what science says about potassium deficiency, the dangers of ultra-processed foods, and how nutrition, environment, and policy can come together to create a healthier world for everyone.   Dr. Frieden also discusses:   - Why the potassium-to-sodium ratio is one of the strongest predictors of heart health - The impact of microplastics, PFAS, and air pollution (PM2.5) on chronic disease - How food industry tactics mirror Big Tobacco's playbook - The truth about processed meats, sugar-sweetened drinks, and trans fats - What governments can learn from Chile's bold food labeling laws - Why plant-based, high-fiber diets are key to longevity and disease prevention - The risks of animal agriculture and wet markets in future pandemics  

What happens when a systems engineer is told she has cancer—but refuses to accept that medication and surgery are her only options?   In this inspiring episode of The Exam Room Podcast, host Chuck Carroll sits down with Dr. Ruby Lathon, who healed her thyroid cancer naturally through the power of food. Discover how she turned her research skills into a mission to help others use plants to prevent and reverse disease.   Ruby shares the exact steps she took to restore her health—including how she eliminated dairy, sugar, and processed foods, and the mindset shift that helped her truly heal. Today, she's thriving as a wellness coach, author, and founder of Ruby Reds Vegan, teaching people that food truly is medicine.   What You'll Learn - How Dr. Ruby Lathon reversed thyroid cancer with plant-based nutrition - The foods that help regulate thyroid function and fight inflammation - Ways to make whole-food, plant-based meals delicious and satisfying