The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee

Can trying to eat perfectly actually make you less healthy? Dr. Matthew Lederman joins Chuck Carroll to explore the hidden connection between food perfectionism, fear, chronic stress, gut health, sleep, and the nervous system. A nutritious diet remains an essential foundation for good health. But what happens when healthy choices are driven by anxiety? When a small amount of oil, salt, or sugar feels dangerous? Or when every unexplained symptom sends you searching for another food intolerance, supplement, or dietary rule? Dr. Lederman explains why two people can eat the same healthy meal while experiencing completely different physiological responses. One may be eating from joy and self-care. The other may be eating from fear—and that fear can keep the body locked in a state of heightened vigilance. Chuck also shares candid stories from his own health journey, including the years when strict food rules created additional stress and the relief he experienced after allowing himself greater flexibility.

Are Impossible Burgers and fake meats worse for you than a steak or hamburger? Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to examine one of today's biggest nutrition debates. A veggie burger and a beef burger may both be classified as processed, but does that make them nutritionally equal? What about plant milk versus dairy milk, packaged cereal versus bacon and eggs, or a protein bar versus a cheeseburger? Dr. Barnard explains what "ultra-processed" actually means, why certain foods can encourage overeating, and whether the widely used NOVA classification system paints with too broad a brush. He also explores why saturated fat, cholesterol, fiber, calorie density, and a food's source may matter just as much as—or more than—the number of ingredients on its label.

Junk food was harder for Susan Peirce Thompson to quit than crack cocaine.   The founder and CEO of Bright Line Eating joins Chuck Carroll for a deeply personal conversation about food addiction, compulsive eating, cravings, and long-term weight loss.   Susan shares her remarkable journey from crystal meth and crack addiction to becoming a PhD and internationally recognized expert in the psychology of eating. She explains why food addiction can be uniquely difficult to overcome when triggers are everywhere and eating remains necessary for survival.   Chuck also revisits his own addiction-driven 10,000-calorie days, including a daily Taco Bell meal containing more than 4,000 calories.   Together, they explore the foods that may be most addictive, dopamine downregulation, ultra-processed foods, the return of cravings years into recovery, and the personal guardrails that can help someone finally break free.   Susan also shares lessons from her book Maintain and explains why lasting weight loss is not simply about completing a diet. It requires a fundamental shift in identity and becoming devoted to the habits that support your health.   Susan also explains why a person's recovery plan must be individualized and why occasionally experiencing a craving does not mean that years of progress have been lost.   Chuck and Susan will be speaking at the Plant Powered Party in Las Vegas with Chef AJ, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz and many others. Tickets are available now for the Labor Day weekend bash.   Exam Roomies of the Week Peggy Fuchs Monna Throop Kathleen Adamson   Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee.  

Why do chronic diseases remain so common when we have more medicine and medical technology than ever before? Chuck Carroll is joined by two leading physicians for a powerful live conversation about what truly creates health. Dr. Columbus Batiste is a board-certified interventional cardiologist and passionate advocate for protecting the heart through lifestyle. Dr. Joel Fuhrman is a board-certified family physician, nutritional researcher, and seven-time New York Times bestselling author. Learn about Dr. Batiste and Dr. Fuhrman. Recorded at the National Health Association Conference, this conversation explores: Why medicine alone may not be enough to create lasting health How food and daily habits influence chronic disease The effects of stress on the heart and body Why people sabotage their health despite knowing what to do How movement, sleep, gratitude, and community support longevity What doctors can do to better connect with and motivate patients How to turn health information into sustainable change Exam Roomies of the Week Chuck's mom, Ann Carroll Daria Dreher Sheral Lee Schowe Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee.

Erling Haaland eats six meals and roughly 6,000 calories every day to fuel his extraordinary performance on the soccer field. But should anyone else be eating like him?   Haaland's highly publicized routine includes raw milk, beef liver, cow heart, steak, eggs, fish, pasta, vegetables, and honey. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Dr. Neal Barnard joins "The Weight Loss Champion" Chuck Carroll to examine whether the foods powering one of the world's greatest athletes could create serious health risks for the average person.   Dr. Barnard explores the immediate food-safety concerns surrounding raw milk and the potential problems associated with regularly consuming organ meats. Could highly concentrated amounts of dietary cholesterol, heme iron, vitamin A, and copper become too much of a good thing?  

Krista Ryan survived the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas. Years later, she faced another life-altering challenge when she was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer.   Four surgeries, chemotherapy, an ileostomy, and a difficult recovery followed.   But Krista kept going.   She joins Chuck Carroll to share the resilience philosophy she calls KFG: Know, Focus, Go. The initials also carry another, considerably more forceful meaning that captures the determination required to move forward when life becomes unimaginably difficult.   Krista explains why true resilience does not mean hiding fear or pretending that everything is fine. She shares how allowing herself to feel anger, grief, and vulnerability ultimately gave her more strength.   You will also hear how a brief conversation with another cancer survivor prompted Krista to seek testing, what it was like to tell her children about the diagnosis, how humor helped her through treatment, and why even the smallest action can be a meaningful act of perseverance.   This episode is for anyone living with illness, recovering from trauma, supporting someone they love, or searching for the courage to write the next chapter of their story.   Exam Roomies of the Week Jennifer Rogers Danica Brooks X-tine Goodreau Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee.  

A leading gastroenterologist reveals that many doctors are never taught about food, nutrition, and the diseases that can been prevented with diet education.   Dr. Alan Desmond joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to discuss his new book, What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You About Food, and the conversations he believes every doctor should be having with patients.   Why do so many doctors avoid talking about nutrition? Are carbs really bad for you? Should healthy people worry about glucose spikes? Do GLP-1 medications fix the root problem? And what does the gut microbiome have to do with heart disease, diabetes, obesity, inflammation, and long-term health?  

The president of the American Medical Association became the patient after being diagnosed with a large brain tumor. Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, immediate past president of the AMA, joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about how his diagnosis changed the way he sees health care, medicine, prevention, access, and the patient experience. Dr. Mukkamala opens up about being diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma, the shock of seeing an eight-centimeter brain tumor on his scan, and what it felt like to suddenly experience the health care system from the other side of the exam room. He also reflects on the extraordinary care he received at Mayo Clinic and the difficult reality that most people do not have access to that same level of care. The conversation also explores the crushing cost of medication, including a new treatment that can cost nearly $900 per day, and why medical bills remain such a devastating burden for so many families. Chuck and Dr. Mukkamala also discuss lifestyle medicine, plant-based nutrition, the future of health care, dietary guidelines, health equity, and why progress can still be powerful even when perfection is not realistic. This interview was recorded at the Lotus Health Foundation Symposium in Rochester, Minnesota, just days before Chuck's major surgery at Mayo Clinic. At the time of the conversation, Dr. Mukkamala was still serving as president of the American Medical Association. Topics discussed include: What happens when a doctor becomes the patient Brain tumor diagnosis and recovery The emotional impact of serious illness Health care access and inequality The high cost of prescription medication Mayo Clinic and world-class care Lifestyle medicine and disease prevention Plant-based nutrition and health The role of doctors in improving public health Why progress over perfection matters Exam Roomies of the Week Carol Kimsey MJ Donahue Tomi Gail Lemmen Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee: PCRM.org/SupportExamRoom

Billy Bob Thornton stopped eating dairy after discovering it was causing health problems. But is that a healthy decision?   Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll to separate fact from fiction.   Could milk and cheese be behind symptoms such as bloating, stomach pain, fatigue, skin issues, congestion, brain fog, or feeling sick after eating?   Dr. Barnard explains the difference between a true dairy allergy, lactose intolerance, and dairy sensitivity. He also discusses what PCRM research shows about dairy, saturated fat, cancer risk, heart health, and the health benefits of choosing dairy alternatives.   Then we look at Thornton's wheat sensitivity. What is a true wheat allergy? How is it different from celiac disease or gluten sensitivity? And when should someone get tested before removing gluten from their diet?   Plus, Billy Bob Thornton also said he eats for his AB-negative blood type. Dr. Barnard explains what the research actually says about blood-type diets, and whether blood type should determine what you eat.  

What if your doctor had time to actually listen to you? Anthony Masiello, Founder and CEO of Lifestyle Telemedicine, joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast for a powerful conversation about what health care can look like when the focus shifts from simply managing symptoms to addressing the root causes of chronic disease. Anthony shares his own incredible story of being denied a 20-year life insurance policy because of his health — only to outlive that policy and become healthier than he was two decades ago. Now he is helping others take control of their health through lifestyle medicine, telemedicine, whole food plant-based nutrition, better sleep, stress management, movement, and real physician support.

Fast food doesn't have to be junk food. Carleigh Bodrug from PlantYou is here to prove that!   The recipe genius, two-time New York Times bestselling author, and social media powerhouse joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to share the fastest ways to make healthy plant-based meals when life is busy, groceries are expensive, and takeout is calling your name.   Carleigh's new cookbook, PlantYou Quickies, features more than 140 fast plant-based recipes for busy people, including five-minute prep ideas, Dump & Bake dinners, and S.O.S. Suppers — Save Our Sanity meals for the nights when you almost order delivery.  

The biggest and healthiest changes in your community can begin with one person.   Lyn Grady is a Food For Life instructor with the Physicians Committee who is helping people understand food as medicine, one class at a time.   In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Lyn joins Chuck Carroll to talk about why so many people are confused by food labels, why "healthy" marketing can be so misleading, and how Food For Life classes help people build confidence in the kitchen.   She shares stories from her classes, including the moment someone worried about the sugar in fruit after eating coffee cake, and an athlete who thought he was drinking a healthy aloe juice until Lyn showed him the label said zero percent juice.   This conversation is about more than food. It is about community, education, generational health, and becoming the person who helps others take their first step toward a healthier life.   Applications are now open for the Fall 2026 Food For Life instructor training.  

Swapping animal protein for plant protein may help women lose weight after menopause. Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to discuss a new study he co-authored that finds replacing animal protein with plant protein may be a powerful strategy for weight loss in postmenopausal women. The study found that total protein intake did not need to change. Instead, the source of protein appeared to matter most. As women reduced animal protein and increased plant protein from foods such as soybeans, beans, and grains, they experienced significant weight loss. Dr. Barnard explains why not all protein is created equal, how plant protein may affect metabolism differently than animal protein, and why this could be especially important for women after menopause.

Could eating late at night be hurting your gut health? Are prebiotic and probiotic sodas actually good for your microbiome? And what do GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy mean for digestion, constipation, and gut bacteria? Dr. Will Bulsiewicz joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to answer the most Googled gut health questions from listeners.

You can build strong bones and muscles as you age without eating meat or dairy foods. Registered dietitian Brenda Davis joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to explain how a well-planned plant-based diet can support strength, bone health, and independence after 50. Can plant protein really support muscle? What nutrients matter most for preventing osteoporosis and sarcopenia? And how much protein do older adults actually need?

Dr. Hana Kahleova reveals the surprising science behind mint. From digestion and blood flow to coughing, inflammation, exercise performance, and antioxidants, mint may be doing far more for your health than you realize. In this episode, you'll learn how compounds in mint may support the body in multiple ways. Dr. Kahleova joins Chuck Carroll to explain how mint has been used for centuries, what modern research shows, and why simple options like mint tea, fresh mint leaves, and topical menthol can offer unique and powerful benefits.

Chris Wark was just 26 years old when he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. What happened next changed his life forever. In this deeply personal conversation, Chris joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to share the story behind Chris Beat Cancer, the decisions he made after surgery, and why he believes food, faith, mindset, purpose, and self-advocacy all became part of his healing journey. You'll hear the emotional story of how Chris went from fear and uncertainty to feeling empowered again and why he says healing happens at home.

Binge eating and emotional eating are not simply about willpower. According to Dr. Vanita Rahman, they are often driven by stress, shame, biology, habits, food environment, and the way the brain learns to use food as a coping mechanism. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Dr. Rahman joins Chuck Carroll to explain what is really happening when someone feels out of control around food — and how to begin breaking the cycle. Chuck also shares his own experience with food addiction, emotional eating, and eating in secret before losing 280 pounds and transforming his health.

Could lupus and Sjögren's symptoms improve in just weeks with the right diet and lifestyle changes? Dr. Brooke Goldner joins Chuck Carroll to share the remarkable stories of patients with autoimmune disease who experienced dramatic recoveries after following her Goodbye Autoimmune Disease protocol. This conversation is especially personal for me. There are people close to me who have struggled for decades with many of the same issues Dr. Goldner and I discuss in this interview. I shared this episode with one of them before releasing it publicly, and they were blown away by what she had to say. Dr. Goldner discusses her 2024 case series involving three women with both lupus and Sjögren's syndrome who reported symptom remission within weeks after following a raw, whole-food, plant-based nutrition protocol. She also shares her own story of being diagnosed with aggressive lupus as a teenager, facing kidney failure and mini strokes, and later living symptom-free for more than 20 years.

Are ultra-processed foods really as unhealthy as we've been told? New research suggests the answer may be more complicated than the headlines make it seem. Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to break down findings showing that much of the health risk linked to ultra-processed foods may be driven by two specific categories: processed meat and sugar-sweetened beverages. That means foods like bacon, sausage, ham, bologna, pepperoni, hot dogs, and soda may be doing much of the heavy lifting when it comes to increased disease risk. But what about breakfast cereal? Plant-based burgers? Vegan snacks? Olive oil? Cheese? Steak? And what about studies linking ultra-processed foods to cognitive decline and dementia risk? Dr. Barnard helps separate nutrition fact from fiction and explains what really matters when you're reading a food label.

Is 2,000 calories a day too much? Dr. Joel Fuhrman joins The Exam Room to challenge one of the most familiar numbers in nutrition and explain why the "standard" 2,000-calorie diet may not be right for everyone — and for many people, it may be more food than the body actually needs. According to Dr. Fuhrman, consistently eating more calories than your body requires may do more than cause weight gain. It may speed up metabolism in ways that contribute to faster aging. The key, he says, is finding your personal caloric window: enough food to meet your needs, but not so much that you are constantly overeating.

Inflammation is tied to some of the biggest health problems in the world — heart disease, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune conditions, gut disorders, brain health issues, fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, mood changes, and more. And one of the best ways to understand what is driving that inflammation may begin in your gut. Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, bestselling author of Fiber Fueled and Plant Powered Plus, joins Chuck Carroll to reveal how the gut microbiome can shape inflammation throughout the body — and what you can do to start reducing inflammation naturally. Dr. B also shares practical steps for people with sensitive stomachs, bloating, IBS, or food intolerances who want to improve gut health without making symptoms worse. This is your gut-first guide to understanding inflammation, identifying what may be driving your symptoms, and taking the first steps toward better health.

A deadly hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship is making headlines around the world. But how worried should you really be? Dr. Roger Seheult joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to explain what is known about the outbreak, how diet and lifestyle may impact the risk of becoming sick, how Andes hantavirus spreads, why this situation is different from COVID-19, and why health officials are taking it seriously while still assessing the risk to the general public as low. Dr. Seheult is the co-founder of MedCram, an Associate Clinical Professor at UC Riverside School of Medicine, an Assistant Clinical Professor at Loma Linda University, and is quadruple board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary diseases, critical care medicine, and sleep medicine.

Every day there's a new headline about health. Coffee is good. Coffee is bad. Fat is the problem. No, sugar is. Eat this. Avoid that. So what does the science actually say? Cardiologist Dr. Andrew Freeman breaks down the biggest health and nutrition studies of the past year and explains what they really mean for your life.

Is the raw vegan diet the ultimate health upgrade or is there more to the story? Lissa and Nate Maris from Raw Food Romance join Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room to break down what really happens when you go all-in on raw foods. They share their journey, the benefits they've experienced, and the challenges most people don't talk about. Plus, we take a look at the science behind raw diets, including studies on weight loss, heart health, and potential risks. Lissa and Nate also open up about their own romance that spawned from their raw food diet.

Fatty liver disease is one of the most common health conditions in the world — affecting 1 in 3 people globally — and most don't even know they have it.  

What if your doctor focused on reversing disease instead of just managing it? Dr. Niki Davis from Lifestyle Telemedicine joins The Exam Room to explain how lifestyle medicine is transforming healthcare — using nutrition, movement, and behavior change to treat the root causes of chronic illness.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, but wit doesn't have to be. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, cardiologist Dr. Columbus Batiste joins Chuck Carroll to share how lifestyle and nutrition can not only prevent heart disease but, in many cases, reverse it.

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