The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee

There is no reason to fear potatoes ... even if you have diabetes or want to lose weight. Dr. Hana Kahleova breaks down the latest research on this humble tuber, busting myths and making the case for including more potatoes in your diet.   In this episode of The Exam Room podcast Dr. Kahleova joins Chuck Carroll to teach:   - Why potatoes get such a bad reputation - What the science says about potatoes and diabetes - How potatoes compare to basmati rice - Why potatoes rank #1 on the satiety index - Why potatoes may actually help with diabetes and weight loss   Check out the latest research here: https://bit.ly/PotatoStudy25   PCRM’s Best In The World cookbooks can be purchased here: https://bit.ly/PCRMCookbooks   If you feel like you’ve raised your health IQ, please leave a 5-star rating and nice review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.   About Us The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.

What if the secret to aging well isn’t just what you eat, but how you take care of your body and soul? Victoria Moran grew up as a "fat kid" and struggled with obesity and overeating. But when she started to take care of her spiritual well-being through yoga, self-care and Ayurvedic nutrition, she transformed her life. Today, she lives a balanced life at a healthy weight.   She shares her secrets to healthy living and aging in this episode of The Exam Room with Chuck Carroll. Together they explore how ancient yogic wisdom and Ayurveda can guide us toward healthier, more vibrant lives.   Victoria shares practical tips to elevate body, mind, and spirit. And — learn why self-care isn’t indulgence, it's an essential tool for transforming your health at any age.   Check out Victoria's book, Age Like A Yogi: https://amzn.to/4gAvSHe   Chuck also talks about being a guest on the Green Glow Lifestyle Podcast with Kyle Buckner. You can check that out here: https://bit.ly/GreenGlowPod   Check out the Wellness Weekend in Davis, WV: https://bit.ly/WellnessWV2025   PCRM's Best In The World cookbooks are now on-sale: https://bit.ly/PCRMCookbooks   If you feel like you’ve raised your health IQ, please leave a 5-star rating and nice review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Physical and mental decline isn't inevitable. Even into your elder years, you have the power to improve your health, and age well.   In this empowering episode, Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll to share science-backed strategies for eating well after 65. He explains why it’s never too late to adopt a healthier lifestyle, what nutrients matter most for seniors, and how a plant-based diet can protect against common age-related conditions.   In this episode of the Exam Room, you'll learn: - The key supplements seniors need to stay healthy - Symptoms of nutrient deficiency to watch out for - Why changing your diet, even into your 80s, can extend your life - What foods protect memory and cognition - Why avoiding meat matters for seniors   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. Visit their website: https://gregoryreiterfund.org   If you feel like you’ve raised your health IQ, please leave a 5-star rating and nice review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And consider supporting PCRM: https://www.pcrm.org/donate  

How long have you been plant-based? Chances are, not as long as Mark Huberman. The director of the National Health Association has spent his entire 74 years as a vegan. And his health has never been better.   He joins Chuck Carroll on the Exam Room to talk about growing up vegan in the 1950s, his parents' role in the plant-based movement, and how he continues their work today by leading by example.   If you're looking for a history lesson in the plant-based movement, or just curious how Mark could eat plant based in the 1950s, this is the episode for you!   For more information on the NHA visit https://www.healthscience.org   This episode of The Exam Room is powered by Dr. Brooke Bussard and Brooke’s Balanced Blueprint. Connect with her and discover her nutrition services: https://drbrookebussard.com   If you feel like you’ve raised your health IQ, please leave a 5-star rating and nice review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Tired. Bloated. Stuck in the cycle of “I’ll start next week.” Quitting junk food sounds simple, but in practice it’s one of the hardest habits to break.   Dr. Neal Barnard from the Physicians Committee joins Chuck Carroll, the Weight Loss Champion, to share practical strategies for eating clean and breaking free from the foods that drain your energy.   They unpack why too many calories can still leave you exhausted, what a balanced “clean” diet really looks like, and how to overcome the mental roadblocks that keep you reaching for junk food.   If you're ready to stop eating like trash, this episode is for you!   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. Visit their website: https://gregoryreiterfund.org   If you feel like you’ve raised your health IQ, please leave a 5-star rating and nice review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

What does it take to break free from food addiction and binge eating? Tania Lyon knows firsthand. For decades, she struggled with morbid obesity, disordered eating, and the cycle of restriction and relapse. At her heaviest (likely more than 300 pounds), she feared for her health, and even simple tasks like tying her shoes were difficult.   But today, Tania has lost 150 pounds and found balance. Not through perfection, but through a deep understanding of her own hunger drive and a strategy of eating when hungry.   In this episode of The Exam Room, Tania shares:   - The foods that once triggered binges and how she avoids them now - What finally worked for her - The role of plant-based eating in her long-term transformation - Why “eating when hungry” is more complex than it sounds   You can learn more about Tania on her website: https://www.transformshadows.com   If you feel like you’ve raised your health IQ, please leave a 5-star rating and nice review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Christopher Gardner, a leading nutrition scientist, unpacks the complexities surrounding ultra-processed foods (UPFs). He explains that not all UPFs are equally harmful and shares insights into why healthier options often come with a higher price tag. Focused on empowering smarter choices, he reviews the top additives to avoid and provides tips for reading labels effectively. With intriguing case studies, he navigates the culinary landscape, even touching on the gourmet hot dog craze and its health implications.

Dr. Kim Williams, a leading cardiologist, shares valuable insights on managing cholesterol even for those on a vegan diet. He explains how saturated fats and ultra-processed foods can impact heart health, despite not containing cholesterol. Williams emphasizes the importance of a high-fiber, whole food, plant-based diet for supporting gut health. He also discusses how public health policies in other countries have successfully reduced heart disease rates. Plus, he offers practical tips for clearer food labeling and healthier eating choices.

Dan Buettner, a Blue Zones researcher and longevity expert, reveals the dietary secrets of centenarians from areas like Okinawa and Sardinia. He highlights the power of whole plant-based foods and shared recipes that promote health and community eating. Discover the importance of traditional ingredients like beans and the joy of preparing meals that nourish both body and soul. Buettner also emphasizes the harmful effects of the standard American diet and the benefits of mindful eating for a longer, healthier life.

Dr. Csilla Veress, a nutrition and lifestyle expert at TrueNorth Health Center, dives into the surprising connections between diet and sleep. She reveals how plant-based foods rich in magnesium and melatonin, like tart cherries and kiwis, can enhance sleep quality. Dr. Veress explains how fiber and the microbiome influence rest and discusses the effects of high-fat diets and late-night eating on sleep architecture. She also highlights the role of intermittent fasting in resetting our circadian rhythms, offering strategies for better sleep through dietary choices.