The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee

You're eating a vegan diet. You're exercising. If you're doing everything "right" but your cholesterol is still high, don't miss this episode of The Exam Room. Dr. Kim Williams breaks down why your diet might be increasing your risk for heart disease, even if you're not eating any cholesterol.  Dr. Williams shares how other countries have lowered rates of heart disease with public policy changes that promote a plant-forward diet, and introducing the traffic light system for nutrition labels. Plus -- he explains why a high-fiber diet is so crucial to lowering cholesterol.  If you feel like you’ve raised your health IQ please leave a 5-star rating and nice review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.  Discover how to lower your cholesterol with these tips: https://www.pcrm.org/good-nutrition/nutrition-information/lowering-cholesterol-with-a-plant-based-diet 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.  

Do you eat like a centenarian? Dan Buettner, Blue Zones researcher and longevity expert, shares the powerful foods that keep the longest-living people healthy well into their golden years.   Blue Zones, which include communities like Okinawa, Sardinia, and Loma Linda in California, are home to more centenarians than anywhere else. Dan has been studying their lifestyles and diets for decades, and the results are clear: what we eat, how we cook, and the traditions we keep around food can make a dramatic difference in how long and how well we live.    In this episode of The Exam Room podcast, Dan joins Chuck Carroll to shares the best foods to eat for a long, healthy life, as well as his favorite recipes from his new book The Blue Zones Kitchen One Pot Meals: 100 Recipes to Live to 100.   This episode of The Exam Room is powered by Dr. Brooke Bussard.   — — SHOW LINKS — — 100 Recipes to Live to 100 Cookbook https://amzn.to/4n1w7xf — — — Dan Buettner https://www.bluezones.com https://www.instagram.com/danbuettner — — — Dr. Brooke Bussard https://drbrookebussard.com   — —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 — — — Physicians Committee 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!

Sleep, nutrition, and fasting are more connected than most people realize. Dr. Csilla Veress from TrueNorth Health shares how plant-based foods rich in magnesium and melatonin can improve sleep quality, why fiber and the microbiome play a central role in rest, and how intermittent fasting resets the circadian rhythm.   She explains the surprising ways inflammation disrupts deep sleep, the impact of high-fat diets on sleep architecture, and why late-night eating is so hard to break. From tart cherries and kiwis to the science of serotonin and melatonin, Dr. Veress offers practical food choices that support better nights.   This episode of The Exam Room is powered by Dr. Brooke Bussard.   — — SHOW LINKS — — Dr. Csilla Veress https://www.drcsillaveress.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/csillaveressndlac — — — Dr. Brooke Bussard https://drbrookebussard.com   — — EVENTS — — 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 — — — Physicians Committee 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!

This is the stuff they never taught you in science class. Diabetes expert Cyrus Khambatta dives into the science of cellular energy, and how it impacts everything from inflammation and energy levels, to insulin resistance and chronic disease. He unpacks what mitochondria really are, why they matter, and how you can build more of them using food alone.   Plus -- Cyrus shares the even most powerful foods for fighting inflammation and improving cellular health (according to science)   If you’ve ever wondered how antioxidant-rich foods actually work, and where inflammation comes from, this is the science class you wish you had in school.   In this episode of The Exam Room, you’ll learn: - What inflammation is and how it happens - What free radicals are, where they come from and how to neutralize them - The surprising connection between insulin resistance and mitochondrial health - The 7 most powerful foods for reducing inflammation and improving cellular health This episode of The Exam Room is powered by Dr. Brooke Bussard.   — — SHOW LINKS — — Cyrus Khambatta Evolution Health: https://evolution-health.co — — — Dr. Brooke Bussard https://drbrookebussard.com   — — EVENTS — — 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 — — — Physicians Committee 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!  

Chronic inflammation is on the rise, and behind an alarming number of health issues -- everything from depression to allergies to Crohn's disease. And the path to healing starts in your gut. Those are the findings of Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a gastroenterologist and author, after helping countless patients reverse disease and other health problem by healing their microbiome.   On this live episode of The Exam Room, Dr. B joins Chuck Carroll alongside Dr. Gemma Newman, the "Plant Powered Doctor", to discuss how a plant-forward diet can heal your gut, reduce inflammation and ... change your life. You'll hear an evidence-based, holistic approach to conquering inflammation and reclaiming your vitality and health.   Curious about the gut-immune connection? Want to know how you can reduce inflammation and reclaim your vitality? Check out Dr. Will Bulseiwicz's new book, Plant Powered Plus.   This episode of The Exam Room is powered by Dr. Brooke Bussard.   — — SHOW LINKS — — Dr. Will Bulsiewicz Plant-Powered Plus: https://amzn.to/4mf80ew Courses: https://theguthealthmd.com — — — Dr. Gemma Newman Website: https://gemmanewman.com — — — Dr. Brooke Bussard https://drbrookebussard.com   — — EVENTS — — 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 — — — Physicians Committee 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!  

Three leading voices in lifestyle medicine, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Dr. Meagan Grega, and Dr. Stephan Esser, take the stage with Chuck Carroll at the National Health Association Conference in Cleveland. Together, they dive deep into the science of nutrition, longevity, food addiction, athletic performance, and community health.   In this episode of The Exam Room, you'll learn: - The key differences between a whole foods plant-based diet and a Nutritarian Diet - Why top athletes are opting for a Nutritarian Diet - What studies say about the impact of diet on longevity (and why it's never too late to eat healthy) - How to kick food addiction for good   This episode of The Exam Room is powered by Dr. Brooke Bussard.   — — SHOW LINKS — — Dr. Brooke Bussard https://drbrookebussard.com — — — Dr. Joel Fuhrman https://www.drfuhrman.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/joelfuhrmanmd — — — Dr. Meagan Grega https://www.kellyn.org https://www.truehealthinitiative.org — — — Dr. Stephan Esser https://esserhealth.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/esserhealth — — — French Fries Diabetes Study https://bit.ly/FriesDiabetesStudy   — — 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 — — — Physicians Committee Jobs: https://www.pcrm.org/careers   — — SUBSCRIBE & SHARE — — 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!

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!

Are processed foods unhealthy? A new study suggests we're divided on how to answer that question.   Dr. Neal Barnard of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is one of the authors of that study.   He joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room to dive into the results -- and why it matters that Americans are so conflicted about which class of foods are healthy, and which will make you sick.   Dr. Barnard will review the most purchased processed foods and identify which are the most and least healthy.   He will also go over the results of a PCRM survey showing Americans' opinions on processed foods. Many are unaware that the majority of food that they're eating is ultra processed. But not all processed foods are created equally.   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 — — Processed Foods Survey https://bit.ly/procfoodsurvey — — — Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund https://gregoryreiterfund.org — — 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!  

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!

We know that kombucha is better for you than soda, right? But just how differently do these two beverages affect the gut? When you choose a ginger kombucha over, say, a cherry cola, the impact of that decision may be greater than you think. Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, gastroenterologist and best-selling author of Fiber Fueled, takes us inside the digestive tract to help us understand the big impact of these seemingly small choices.   Plus -- an update on Chuck Carroll's health journey. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic have a new theory about what may be causing Chuck's debilitating symptoms.   In this episode of The Exam Room you'll learn:   - How kombucha benefits the gut - The impact of soda vs kombucha on the body - How acid in soda and kombucha can put microplastics in your body - What to know about alcohol in kombucha - How added sugar impacts the microbiome and the immune system   — — SHOW LINKS — — Will Bulsiewicz Courses: https://theplantfedgut.com 38Tera: https://38tera.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theguthealthmd — — — GreenFare 21-Day Kickstart with Chuck Starts July 12 in Herndon, VA. Register: https://greenfare.com/product/july-12th-saturday-21-day-kickstart-with-chuck — — — Chef AJ’s Plant Powered Party in Las Vegas https://theplantpoweredparty.com — — EVENTS — — International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine Where: Washington, DC When: August 14-16, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.pcrm.org/icnm — — BECOME AN EXAM ROOM VIP — — 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!

How do you stick to healthy eating when there’s a fast food restaurant on every corner and healthy options are hard to come by. Brenda Workman knows the struggle — and she’s found a way through it. After decades of yo-yo dieting, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, she made a mindset shift that changed everything. Now she’s 60 pounds lighter, off her medications, and thriving on a plant-based diet… in one of the unhealthiest states in the U.S. Brenda shares the five practical habits that helped her stay the course, even when surrounded by junk food and temptations.   You’ll learn: - Brenda’s five go-to strategies for eating healthy in an unhealthy world - Why focusing on health — not weight loss — is the key to real change - How to fight cravings and ditch junk food for good - Practical tips for starting, and sticking with, a plant-based lifestyle   — — SHOW LINKS — — Support PCRM https://www.pcrm.org/match All donations doubled through July 10 up to $500,000 — — — Brenda Workman Wellness Weekend: https://www.brendaworkmanspeaks.com/wellness-weekend YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brendaworkmancooksplants — — — Dr. Brooke Bussard https://drbrookebussard.com — — EVENTS — — International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine Where: Washington, DC When: August 14-16, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.pcrm.org/icnm — — BECOME AN EXAM ROOM VIP — — 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!

New research reveals that what you eat during the day directly impacts how well you sleep at night — and it’s not what you think.   Dr. Neal Barnard breaks down a new study showing that fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates can significantly improve sleep quality, while high-protein diets, red meat, and even that “harmless” evening glass of wine may leave you feeling exhausted.   In this episode of The Exam Room with Chuck Carroll, you’ll learn:   - The best foods for a good night's sleep - The top foods for natural melatonin production - What NOT to eat before bed (including some surprising ones) - Dr. Barnard’s 5 research-backed rules for better sleep - Whether sugar is really the enemy of a good night’s sleep   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 — — Support PCRM https://www.pcrm.org/match All donations doubled through July 10 up to $500,000 — — — Fruit & Veg Sleep Study https://bit.ly/FruitVegSleep — — — Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund https://gregoryreiterfund.org — — EVENTS — — International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine Where: Washington, DC When: August 14-16, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.pcrm.org/icnm — — BECOME AN EXAM ROOM VIP — — 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!