The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee
Physicians Committee
Dive into the science of your diet! Learn how a humble blueberry can fight cancer or what the longest living people in the world are eating. Every episode is packed with facts that will raise your health IQ and boost your nutrition knowledge. "The Weight Loss Champion" Chuck Carroll is joined by Dr. Neal Barnard, a leading voice in nutrition science and founder of The Physicians Committee, and other elite doctors and dietitians. Unlock the secrets to living longer and healthier life and how to fight diseases with every meal.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 26, 2026 • 50min
Pain Fighting Foods: Discover How Not To Hurt | Dr. Michael Greger
Dr. Michael Greger, physician, author, and founder of NutritionFacts.org, explores food-based approaches to pain in a preview of his forthcoming book. He discusses ginger and cinnamon for migraines, turmeric’s broad potential, kale after wisdom-tooth surgery, and flaxseed oil for carpal tunnel symptoms. He also examines sham surgeries, NSAIDs, injury recovery, and combining plant-based strategies with medical care.
10 snips
Oct 22, 2026 • 57min
Five Foods Proven to Boost Your Immune System | Dr. Niki Davis
Dr. Niki Davis, a lifestyle and family medicine physician, spotlights five foods linked to immune health: mushrooms, legumes, greens, berries, and sweet potatoes. She also explores movement, sleep, stress, gut microbiome support, probiotics after antibiotics, dairy, kidney stones, and eating with Hashimoto’s. Plus, hear about mushroom steaks, frozen blueberries, and plant-based wellness retreats.
Oct 19, 2026 • 51min
Gut Health Hype: What Actually Works? | Christopher Gardner, PhD
Christopher Gardner, PhD, is a Stanford nutrition scientist and author of Food Sense. He explores what human research really says about fiber, fermented foods, probiotics, and microbiome marketing. Topics include gradual fiber increases, mouse-versus-human findings, inflammation markers, seed-oil claims, sustainable plant variety, and his homemade kombucha routine.
Oct 15, 2026 • 58min
5 Ways to Reduce Bloating | Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a gastroenterologist and gut-health author, explores why bloating can persist even with a healthy diet. He discusses hidden constipation, swallowed air, gradual fiber increases, dairy and artificial sweeteners, and the benefits of slowing down at mealtimes. He also distinguishes bloating from visible distension, explains when to seek medical advice, and champions the humble “fart walk.”
Oct 13, 2026 • 47min
Kidney Disease: Silent Signals and Best Foods | Dr. Sean Hashmi
Dr. Sean Hashmi, a kidney and obesity medicine specialist, explores the silent signs of kidney disease, including persistent foamy urine and changing lab trends. He discusses how diabetes, blood pressure, weight, medications, and muscle loss intersect with kidney health. The conversation also covers trauma, emotional eating, compassionate obesity care, realistic movement, patient trust, and finding a personal “why.”
11 snips
Oct 8, 2026 • 41min
Health Benefits of Pink Foods: The Science Behind Their Color | Dr. Neal Barnard
Dr. Neal Barnard, physician, researcher, and plant-based nutrition advocate, explores the science behind pink and red foods. He discusses berries, tomatoes, watermelon, and beets; how gut bacteria transform berry pigments; why tomato sauce boosts lycopene absorption; and what cooking and freezing change. The conversation also examines breast cancer research, exercise, meat’s pink color, and the pitfalls of pink-themed alcohol marketing.
Oct 5, 2026 • 50min
Breast Cancer Beyond Genetics: Better Outcomes | Dr. Kristi Funk
Dr. Kristi Funk, a breast cancer surgeon, author, and women’s health advocate, explores why Black women face higher breast cancer mortality despite lower incidence. She discusses food deserts, ultra-processed foods, insulin resistance, inflammation, gut bacteria, and environmental chemicals. The conversation also highlights patient navigators, community support, survivorship challenges, and her prevention work with Venus Williams.
10 snips
Oct 1, 2026 • 45min
Dairy vs. Plant-Based Yogurt: What Matters for Gut Health? | Dr. Alan Desmond
Dr. Alan Desmond, a gastroenterologist and author focused on nutrition and digestive health, examines the yogurt aisle’s biggest gut-health claims. He explores yogurt’s microbiome effects, kefir research, lactose intolerance, and whether live cultures deliver lasting benefits. He also compares dairy and plant-based yogurts and discusses his new book, including its most controversial chapter.
Sep 28, 2026 • 45min
Healthy Ideas For Busy People: Quickies with PlantYou's Carleigh Bodrug
Carleigh Bodrug, plant-based food creator, cookbook author, and founder of PlantYou, shares clever ways to make healthy cooking fit real life. Discover 10-minute curry noodles, dump-and-bake pot pie, pantry staples, budget-friendly meals, batch cooking, flexible oil-free options, and tasty tofu ideas. She also explores plant variety, gut health, protein, and the inspiration behind her Quickies cookbook.
Sep 24, 2026 • 53min
Best Iron Sources for a Plant-Based Diet: What to Eat, What to Avoid | Dr. Neal Barnard
Dr. Neal Barnard, physician, author, researcher, and plant-based nutrition advocate, explores where iron really comes from. He compares heme and non-heme iron, spotlights beans, lentils, tofu, greens, and vitamin C, and discusses testing, supplements, fortified foods, and cast-iron cookware. The conversation also examines potential links between excess iron, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s risk.
