Her Health Was Failing. Then She Found Macrobiotics.

At 19, Marisa was told her colon might need to be removed to heal her ulcerative colitis. At 29, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. But today, she’s thriving—and sharing how she used food, intuition, and determination to heal.

 

In this powerful episode of The Exam Room, Chuck Carroll sits down with Marisa to unpack her two-decade-long health journey. From life-threatening flare-ups and hospital stays to a macrobiotic diet, emotional resilience, and the importance of advocating for your body, Marisa’s story is a beacon of hope for anyone navigating chronic illness.

 

In this episode, you'll learn:

 

- How Marisa used macrobiotics to heal

- Why Marisa said “no” to surgery—and what happened next

- How trauma, stress, and intuition played a role in recovery

- The life-changing mindset shift she wants everyone to hear

 

Don’t miss this one—especially if you or someone you love is struggling with ulcerative colitis, thyroid issues, or chronic inflammation

 

Key Takeaways

 

What is a macrobiotic diet?

Marisa describes a macrobiotic diet as eating "a perfect plate" -- one that is plant-based and balanced in foods containing carbohydrates and starches, and healthy fats, for example.

 

What’s the connection between stress and chronic illness?

Marisa’s flares often followed emotional events. Her journey highlights how stress and trauma can manifest physically, and why emotional healing is vital.

 

Who is Marisa Marinelli?

Marisa is a health and wellness advocate who healed from ulcerative colitis and thyroid cancer. She says a macrobiotic diet, self-education, and emotional resilience played a significant role in her recovery.

 

— — SHOW LINKS — —

Marisa Marinelli

Instagram: instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macromarinelli

— — —

Holistic Holiday at Sea Cruise

https://holisticholidayatsea.com

— — —

Gout Cereal Study

https://bit.ly/cerealgoutstudy

— — EVENTS — —

International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine

Where: Washington, DC

When: August 14-16, 2025

Tix & Speakers: https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

— — —

Wellness Weekend

Where: Canaan Valley Resort - Davis, WV

When: Sept. 26-27, 2025

Tix & Speakers: https://www.brendaworkmanspeaks.com/wellness-weekend

— —EXAM ROOM NEWSLETTER — —

Sign up: https://www.pcrm.org/examroomvip

— — THIS IS US — —

The Exam Room Podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexamroompodcast

— — —

Chuck Carroll

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChuckCarrollWLC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChuckCarrollWLC

X: https://www.twitter.com/ChuckCarrollWLC

— — —

Physicians Committee

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicianscommittee

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCRM.org

X: https://www.twitter.com/pcrm

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PCRM

Jobs: https://www.pcrm.org/careers

— — SUBSCRIBE & SHARE — —

5-Star Success: Share Your Story

Apple: https://apple.co/2JXBkpy​​

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2pMLoY3

— — —

Please subscribe and give the show a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or many other podcast providers. Don’t forget to share it with a friend for inspiration!