The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee

Join Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a gut health expert and author, alongside Dr. Gemma Newman, a holistic practitioner known for her plant-based focus. They dive into the critical link between gut health and inflammation, highlighting how a diverse plant-forward diet can transform your well-being. Personal anecdotes enrich the conversation, along with insights on the role of fibers and polyphenols in reducing inflammation. They also tackle dietary guidelines, discuss the gut-immune connection, and share their excitement for an upcoming book launch.

Dr. Meagan Grega, board-certified in lifestyle medicine, joins Dr. Joel Fuhrman, a leading advocate of the Nutritarian diet, and Dr. Stephan Esser, who specializes in maximizing athletic recovery through nutrition. They discuss the transformative effects of whole food plant-based diets, share insights on overcoming food addiction, and highlight the nutritional needs of top athletes. The trio also emphasizes that it's never too late to adopt healthier eating habits for longevity and well-being.

Fiber might just be the best defense against heart disease -- and you're probably not getting enough (even if you're plant-based). Cardiologist Dr. Danielle Belardo says she eats 90 grams of fiber per day. That's more than three times the recommended minimum amount for women. And she says eating more fiber can not only protect your heart, it can reverse heart disease -- even in people who have had a heart attack or stroke!   Dr. Belardo joins Chuck Carroll to break down what most people (and even some doctors) get wrong about heart health. She shares how much fiber you actually need, why some people feel bloated when they add beans or greens, and how to increase fiber intake without the discomfort.   Dr. Belardo also shares why she encourages her patients to use MyFitnessPal to easily track fiber and nutrient intake.   On this episode of The Exam Room, you'll learn: - How much fiber you actually need in a day - The best sources of fiber (that actually taste amazing!) - How to use MyFitnessPal to get more fiber in your diet - How to increase your fiber intake without the gas and bloating - What fad diets get wrong about cholesterol and heart health - What studies show about fiber's impact on heart disease   — — SHOW LINKS — — MyFitnessPal https://www.myfitnesspal.com — — — Danielle Belardo Website: https://www.precisionpreventivecardiology.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/daniellebelardomd   — — EVENTS — — International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine Where: Washington, DC When: August 14-16, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.pcrm.org/icnm Use code NUTRITION50 to save $50 — — — Fit Vegan Workshop Where: Vancouver, BC, Canada When: Sept. 20-21, 2025 Tix: https://fitvegancoaching.com/vancouver-2025 Use code CHUCK to save $112 — — — 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!

Saturated fat -- not eggs -- is the key culprit behind high LDL cholesterol, which can lead to cardiovascular disease And in fact, a diet low in saturated fat and high in dietary cholesterol, such as that found in eggs, can lower blood cholesterol levels. This -- according to a new study from researchers at the University of South Australia.   But what are we to make of this study, which received funding from an offshoot of the American Egg Board, an organization focused on marketing and promoting eggs?   Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll on this episode of The Exam Room to tell us what he makes of these findings, and to answer your questions about saturated fats, dietary cholesterol and eggs.   In this episode of The Exam Room, you'll learn:   - Whether eggs raise cholesterol for everyone - Whether eggs egg whites and free-range eggs are healthier options - Dr. Barnard's favorite egg substitutes - Whether eggs or meat and dairy have a greater impact on cholesterol - How many eggs are safe to eat per week - How saturated fat influences cholesterol absorption - How quickly eggs can raise cholesterol - Genetic factors that influence cholesterol   This episode is sponsored by The Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund, which supports organizations like the Physicians Committee that carry on Greg’s passion and love for animals through rescue efforts, veganism, and wildlife conservation.   — — SHOW LINKS — — Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund https://gregoryreiterfund.org — — — Shelfy Refrigerator Purifier https://vitesy.com/shelfy — — — Egg Cholesterol Study https://bit.ly/eggstudy2025 — — EVENTS — — International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine Where: Washington, DC When: August 14-16, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.pcrm.org/icnm Use code NUTRITION50 to save $50 — — — Fit Vegan Workshop Where: Vancouver, BC, Canada When: Sept. 20-21, 2025 Tix: https://fitvegancoaching.com/vancouver-2025 Use code CHUCK to save $112 — — — Wellness Weekend Where: Canaan Valley Resort - Davis, WV When: Sept. 26-27, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.brendaworkmanspeaks.com/wellness-weekend   — —EXAM ROOM — — Newsletter: https://www.pcrm.org/examroomvip Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexamroompodcast — — — Dr. Neal Barnard Books: https://amzn.to/3HhVlrF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnealbarnard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NealBarnardMD X: https://x.com/DrNealBarnard — — — 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!

We're talking F-words on the show today! That's right: Fiber! From gut health to glucose control, fiber is the unsung hero of your diet.   Registered Nurse and mom Kylie Buckner joins us to explain why she’s a fiber fanatic — and how she’s teaching her 3-year-old (a self-declared vegan) to love fiber, too. This plant-based advocate joins us to drop some F-bombs (family-friendly ones) and share everything you need to get started on adding more fiber to your diet.   She joined Chuck Carroll at the National Health Association conference in Cleveland.   In this episode of The Exam Room, you'll learn:   - How much fiber you actually need in a day (hint: it’s more than you think) - How to talk to kids about gut health and good food - How fiber slows sugar absorption and protects blood sugar - Kylie’s go-to high-fiber foods that taste great - How much protein you really need - The best fiber-rich plant-based protein sources   Check out Kylie's new podcast Green Glow Lifestyle on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.   — — SHOW LINKS — — Kylie Buckner Evolution Health: https://evolution-health.co — — — Green Glow Lifestyle Podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/green-glow-lifestyle/id1794166113 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xtYoO9Qs3dfFNWLizZkgW — — EVENTS — — International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine Where: Washington, DC When: August 14-16, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.pcrm.org/icnm Use code NUTRITION50 to save $50 — — — Fit Vegan Workshop Where: Vancouver, BC, Canada When: Sept. 20-21, 2025 Tix: https://fitvegancoaching.com/vancouver-2025 Use code CHUCK to save $112 — — — Wellness Weekend Where: Canaan Valley Resort - Davis, WV When: Sept. 26-27, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.brendaworkmanspeaks.com/wellness-weekend — — — National Health Association Conference Where: Cleveland, OH When: June 25-28, 2026 Tix: https://bit.ly/NHA2026 — —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!

Katherine Lawrence shares her experience of how certain foods helped her son feel calm, focused, and in control. Katherine joins Chuck Carroll to share her insights and tips about the benefits of good nutrition that every parent aiming to nourish their child should know about food to support their neurotype: what to avoid, what to prioritize, and how to ensure sensory sensitive eaters meet their nutritional needs. In this episode of The Exam Room, you'll learn:  - Optimal foods for brain health and development - The smoothie routine that changed everything for Katherine's neurodivergent child  - Practical tips for helping sensory sensitive eaters get the nutrition they need  - The most powerful gift Katherine gave her neurodivergent child  — — SHOW LINKS — — Katherine Lawrence Neurodivergent Nutrition Masterclass: https://bit.ly/NeurodivNutrition Use code EXAMROOM to save 30%   Ted X Talk: https://youtu.be/tsTnl-2KkNg?si=tvy0ydfsl6oTS-Wk   — — EVENTS — — International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine Where: Washington, DC When: August 14-16, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.pcrm.org/icnm Use code NUTRITION50 to save $50 — — — 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!

Dr. Neal Barnard, founder of The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, tackles the controversial topic of processed foods. He discusses recent survey findings that reveal Americans' confusion about the health implications of these foods. Barnard identifies the most popular processed items and evaluates which are actually healthy. He emphasizes the significant health risks associated with ultra-processed options and encourages a shift towards plant-based foods. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of nutrition and public perceptions!

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!

Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a gastroenterologist and best-selling author known for his expertise in gut health, discusses the significant differences between soda and kombucha. He explains how kombucha can positively impact gut health while soda may lead to issues like autoimmune disorders. The conversation highlights the effects of added sugar and microplastics in beverages. The importance of informed dietary choices is emphasized, along with the benefits of fermentation. Additionally, a health update on Chuck Carroll sheds light on his journey and new medical insights.

Brenda Workman, a plant-based eating advocate from West Virginia, transformed her life by losing 60 pounds and ditching medications through diet changes. She shares five powerful habits to thrive in a junk food world, focusing on health rather than weight loss. Brenda discusses fighting cravings, practical tips for adopting a plant-based lifestyle, and the importance of community support. Her inspiring journey highlights the transition from yo-yo dieting to sustainable eating, proving that mindful choices can lead to genuine health transformations.