The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee

New research shows that simply choosing plant-based foods can slash your environmental footprint — and dramatically improve your health at the same time. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Chuck Carroll is joined by Dr. Hana Kahleova to uncover how different diets compare when it comes to land use, water use, greenhouse gases, and planetary health. The results are stunning: 🌱 Vegan diets use up to 8× less land 💧 Up to 85× less water 🔥 Up to 28× lower warming potential 💰 Cheaper and healthier overall 🏋️ Participants in clinical trials lost 14+ pounds while cutting their carbon footprint in half 🌎 Review the study: https://bit.ly/PlantBasedCarbonFootprint If you feel like you raised your health IQ by a point or two, please consider leaving a five-star rating and nice review wherever you're listening.

Can the chicken on your plate be causing urinary tract infections? New research says yes — and the findings may shock you.   In this must-watch episode of The Exam Room Podcast, host Chuck Carroll is joined by Dr. Neal Barnard to break down a landmark study revealing that poultry—especially chicken—is responsible for approximately 1 in 5 UTIs in the United States.   Dr. Barnard explains:   - How E. coli from poultry contaminates meat - Why cooking isn't enough to eliminate risk - How cross-contamination happens in home kitchens - Why infection rates spike in certain communities - What a plant-based diet does to dramatically reduce UTI risk - Foods like cranberries and blueberries that help prevent infections naturally   They also dive into Thanksgiving food myths, the realities of poultry production, antibiotic resistance, and how simple dietary changes can protect your health.   If you've ever struggled with UTIs—or you simply want to understand how diet affects your risk—this episode is essential viewing.   Read the full study: https://bit.ly/UTISourceStudy   🥗 Free Vegan Thanksgiving e-cookbook: https://bit.ly/VeganThanksgivingBook   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.   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.

The science of aging gracefully is discussed as Dr. Roxie Becker joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast. Discover the everyday habits that could be aging your skin — and the easy lifestyle changes that help keep you glowing from the inside out. Dr. Becker shares what really causes wrinkles, the truth about alcohol and red wine, and why carrots, sweet potatoes, and sleep may be better anti-aging tools than expensive creams. Learn how nutrition, exercise, sleep, and sun protection work together for youthful skin — and why the healthiest glow comes from a plant-based, whole-food lifestyle. You Will Learn: - Foods that fight wrinkles and boost collagen - How sleep and stress affect skin health - The truth about alcohol and aging - How to exercise for younger-looking skin 📸 Dr. Becker on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroxiebecker 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.  

Your gut holds the key to better health — and Dr. Will Bulsiewicz is back to help you unlock it! In this Exam Room Podcast mailbag episode, Chuck Carroll and Dr. B answer your biggest questions about gut health, fiber, inflammation, and the microbiome. Learn why diversity is strength — both in your diet and your gut — and how simple shifts like cooling your potatoes or walking after meals can feed your microbes for life-changing benefits. Topics include: - Fiber Maxing: the TikTok trend explained - Why resistant starch boosts your microbiome - Artificial sweeteners vs. sugar — what's worse? - How exercise supports gut health - The gut-brain connection and stress - Sneak peek into Plant Powered Plus (available Jan. 13) 📘 Pre-order Dr. B's new book: https://amzn.to/42vFhKz 🔗 Dr. B's Gut Health Collective and courses: https://theguthealthmd.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.   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.

How can a health coach change your life—and your sleep? In this inspiring episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Chuck Carroll sits down with Dr. Brooke Bussard to explore the power of lifestyle medicine and personalized health coaching. Discover why sleep, nutrition, movement, and support are the four essential pillars to building a healthier you. Learn practical sleep tips that actually work, how small changes in diet can lead to big transformations, and how Dr. Bussard's new Menopause Makeover Online program is helping women across the globe reclaim their health. ✅ Why health coaching works ✅ Sleep hacks for deeper rest ✅ The truth about dairy and bone health ✅ Top pantry staples for plant-based living ✅ How to build momentum when motivation fades 📚 Learn more: https://DrBrookeBussard.com 📚 Menopause Makeover: https://menopausemakeover.online  Mention that you heard about the program on The Exam Room and save 10% 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.

Discover how your diet affects memory, focus, and long-term brain health in this powerful conversation with Dr. Neal Barnard and host Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast.   Learn which foods fuel your brain — and which ones damage it. Dr. Barnard reveals the surprising truth about dairy, red meat, coconut oil, and fish oil, and shares which plant-based foods can lower your risk for Alzheimer's, dementia, and depression.   ✅ What You'll Learn: • How saturated fat and heme iron accelerate cognitive decline • The best plant-based omega-3 sources for brain performance • Why "eating the rainbow" boosts memory and mood • New research showing a vegan diet may reverse dementia • Three easy habits for seniors to sharpen memory starting today   🌱 Start your journey to better health today! Work with the expert doctors and dietitians at the Barnard Medical Center: https://www.BarnardMedical.org   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.   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.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Akil Taher, a heart-attack survivor turned marathon runner, reveals the life-saving truth about lipoprotein(a) which is a genetically inherited form of cholesterol that most people don't even know they have. Despite living a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Taher discovered his LP(a) levels were dangerously high, placing him at extreme risk for heart disease and stroke.   He joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to explain:   - What LP(a) is and why standard cholesterol tests don't detect it - How 1 in 5 people have elevated LP(a) and most never know it - Why South Asians, Black Americans, and Middle Eastern populations face increased genetic risk - The role of a whole-food, plant-based diet in lowering LP(a) levels by up to 16 %—and which foods can cut levels by 40 % - The immense cholesterol lowering benefit of amla or Indian gooseberries - New LP(a)-targeting drugs in clinical trials that could reduce levels by up to 98 % - How lifestyle habits—from nutrition and sleep to stress management—help strengthen arteries and protect your heart   📘 Learn more about Dr. Taher's inspiring journey in his book Open Heart: https://amzn.to/491ujAJ 💻 Visit his website: https://www.akiltaher.com   🌱 Start your journey to better health today! Work with the expert doctors and dietitians at the Barnard Medical Center: https://www.BarnardMedical.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.

For years, we've been told that vegan and vegetarian diets "require careful planning" to be healthy — while omnivorous diets get a free pass. But is that really true?   In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, host Chuck Carroll sits down with Dr. Matt Nagra to discuss his new peer-reviewed study published in the International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention: "Asymmetrical Dietary Guidance: Reassessing the 'Careful Planning' Caveat in Vegetarian and Vegan Diets."   You'll also hear why some vegans experience a slightly higher fracture risk, what's really behind that finding, and how simple nutrition strategies can easily close the gap.   In this conversation, you'll learn: What new research reveals about vegan, vegetarian, and omnivorous diets How omnivorous diets often miss critical nutrients for long-term health The role of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and calcium in plant-based nutrition Why all diets require thoughtful planning to meet nutrient needs The real reason vegans may have a higher fracture risk — and how to prevent it How language in nutrition guidelines may unintentionally stigmatize plant-based diets   Listen and learn how balanced nutrition guidance can improve health outcomes for everyone — and why reframing the conversation around "careful planning" could change the future of public health.   Read the study 👉 https://ijdrp.org/index.php/ijdrp/article/view/615 Visit Dr. Matt Nagra's website 👉 https://drmattnagra.com   🌱 Start your journey to better health today! Work with the expert doctors and dietitians at the Barnard Medical Center: https://www.BarnardMedical.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.

Are supplements helping you — or wasting your money?   In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Dr. Gemma Newman joins Chuck Carroll to break down the science, myths, and marketing behind the multibillion-dollar supplement industry.   Discover which supplements are truly worth taking, which can be harmful in excess, and how to build better health through a whole-food, plant-based diet.   Whether you're taking vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3, or a daily multivitamin, Dr. Newman explains how to personalize your nutrition safely and effectively.   In This Episode:   - The truth about supplements and what's actually backed by science - Why multivitamins don't extend lifespan — and can sometimes harm your health - How to get vitamin B12 safely - The risks of "natural" supplements - The difference between fish oil vs. algae-based omega-3s - Dr. Newman's SMART method: Science, Mechanism, Aim, Risk vs. Benefit, Tracking - How to spot fake supplement ads and AI deepfakes online   Known as The Plant Power Doctor, Dr. Newman is a respected physician and lifestyle medicine expert helping patients reverse chronic disease through evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle change.   🌱 Start your journey to better health today! Work with the expert doctors and dietitians at the Barnard Medical Center: https://www.BarnardMedical.org   👩🏼‍⚕️ Visit Dr. Newman's website: https://gemmanewman.com   💻 Apply to become a Building Healthy Communities intern or see current career openings at PCRM: https://www.pcrm.org/about-us/careers   If you feel like you've raised your health IQ, please leave a 5-star rating and nice review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Your thyroid could be the hidden key to your energy, mood, and metabolism. What you eat may be making or breaking it.   In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Chuck Carroll sits down with Dr. Neal Barnard to uncover the powerful connection between thyroid health and diet.   Discover how eating certain foods and reducing stress can help restore hormone balance, boost metabolism, and reduce inflammation. Dr. Barnard also reveals how dairy, iodine, selenium, and soy all play surprising roles in thyroid function — and what you can do starting today to protect and restore this vital gland.   🍎 In This Episode You'll Learn:   - How dairy proteins can trigger autoimmune thyroid disorders - Why people eating a plant-based diet have the lowest rates of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism - The best foods for your thyroid — including seaweed, Brazil nuts, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables - The truth about soy and cruciferous vegetables like kale and broccoli - How stress, sleep, and crash diets affect thyroid hormones - The role of environmental toxins and processed foods in hormone disruption   🌱 Start your journey to better thyroid health today! Work with the expert doctors and dietitians at the Barnard Medical Center: https://www.BarnardMedical.org   📕Order your copy of Dr. Barnard's book Your Body In Balance which covers thyroid dysfunction: https://amzn.to/3JcPrcI   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.

Former CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to reveal The Formula for Better Health: How to Save Millions of Lives, Including Your Own. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Frieden breaks down what's keeping America sick — from poor diets to toxic environments — and how we can turn the tide with simple, proven steps that save lives.   He shares his three-part framework — "See, Believe, Create" — a practical guide for improving personal and public health. Discover what science says about potassium deficiency, the dangers of ultra-processed foods, and how nutrition, environment, and policy can come together to create a healthier world for everyone.   Dr. Frieden also discusses:   - Why the potassium-to-sodium ratio is one of the strongest predictors of heart health - The impact of microplastics, PFAS, and air pollution (PM2.5) on chronic disease - How food industry tactics mirror Big Tobacco's playbook - The truth about processed meats, sugar-sweetened drinks, and trans fats - What governments can learn from Chile's bold food labeling laws - Why plant-based, high-fiber diets are key to longevity and disease prevention - The risks of animal agriculture and wet markets in future pandemics   📘 Get Dr. Frieden's book: https://amzn.to/4nf1xzU   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 happens when a systems engineer is told she has cancer—but refuses to accept that medication and surgery are her only options?   In this inspiring episode of The Exam Room Podcast, host Chuck Carroll sits down with Dr. Ruby Lathon, who healed her thyroid cancer naturally through the power of food. Discover how she turned her research skills into a mission to help others use plants to prevent and reverse disease.   Ruby shares the exact steps she took to restore her health—including how she eliminated dairy, sugar, and processed foods, and the mindset shift that helped her truly heal. Today, she's thriving as a wellness coach, author, and founder of Ruby Reds Vegan, teaching people that food truly is medicine.   What You'll Learn - How Dr. Ruby Lathon reversed thyroid cancer with plant-based nutrition - The foods that help regulate thyroid function and fight inflammation - Ways to make whole-food, plant-based meals delicious and satisfying   📕 Order Dr. Ruby's cookbook, Stop Playin' Go Vegan: https://bit.ly/DrRubyCookbook   🥦 Check out Ruby Reds Vegan meal delivery service: https://www.rubyredsvegan.com   This episode is powered by Menopause Makeover that unites the science of strength and the power of transformation—so you can reclaim your body, your life, and your confidence. Check the program out online at https://menopausemakeover.online   If you feel like you've raised your health IQ, please leave a 5-star rating and nice review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Are low-carb diets good or bad for your gut health?  In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Chuck Carroll is joined by gastroenterologist and gut health expert Dr. Will Bulsiewicz to explore how cutting carbs affects your microbiome, digestion, and long-term wellness.   Discover what happens to your gut bacteria when fiber is reduced, whether low-carb eating disrupts short-chain fatty acid production, and how these changes could impact your risk for chronic diseases. Dr. Bulsiewicz also shares practical tips for protecting your microbiome while eating fewer carbs, and compares low-carb diets to Mediterranean and plant-based eating patterns.   What You'll Learn in This Episode:   - How low-carb diets influence the diversity of gut bacteria - The impact of reduced carbs on digestion and fiber intake - Why short-chain fatty acids like butyrate matter for colon health - Links between low-carb diets, inflammation, and chronic disease - Ways to support your microbiome even while cutting carbs - How plant-based and Mediterranean diets compare for gut health     🔗 Dr. B's Gut Health Collective and courses: https://theguthealthmd.com/collective 📘 Pre-order Dr. B's new book: https://amzn.to/42vFhKz 👟 Exercise snacks article: https://nbcnews.to/3IZ9Lhv   If you feel like you've raised your health IQ, please leave a 5-star rating and nice review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Can you really lower cholesterol with food? Dr. Michael Greger joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to reveal the simple, science-backed foods and spices that can drive LDL cholesterol down—without drugs or side effects. Discover how everyday choices can protect your heart and add years to your life.   What You'll Learn in This Episode:   - Why the Standard American Diet is now the #1 cause of death in the U.S. - The truth about statins: small benefit, real risks. - How plant-based eating can reverse heart disease. - Foods that raise cholesterol: meat, dairy, eggs, coconut & palm oils. - The top foods and spices proven to lower LDL include black soybeans, apples, and garlic powder. - Why olive oil raises cholesterol on a vegan diet. - Green tea and mushrooms: health boosters, but not major LDL-reducers. - Practical tips: even one small daily change makes a big difference.   👉 Share your questions for Dr. Greger in the comments!   Dr. Greger's Book: Lower LDL Cholesterol Naturally with Food Amazon Kindle: https://amzn.to/4h14QcA   Dr. Greger's Cholesterol seminar is on Oct. 10 at 2pm ET. Register by Oct. 8: https://bit.ly/DrGregerCholesterolEvent   If you feel like you've raised your health IQ, please leave a 5-star rating and nice review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Breast cancer prevention is possible, and the latest science is showing exactly how. On this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, host Chuck Carroll sits down with leading breast cancer surgeon Dr. Kristi Funk to reveal six steps every woman can take to prevent breast cancer and dramatically reduce breast cancer risk. From the role of a plant-based diet in breast cancer prevention to lifestyle habits that strengthen breast health, these strategies come directly from new research and could make a lifesaving difference.   The conversation also tackles one of the most debated questions in women's health: Should women over 75 still get mammograms? A groundbreaking new study suggests the benefits are greater than many once believed. Dr. Funk shares her expert perspective on mammograms after 75 and what this means for women and their doctors.   In this episode you'll discover:   - The six scientifically proven lifestyle habits that reduce breast cancer risk   - The role of diet, exercise, and alcohol in prevention   - How sleep and stress management affect breast cancer risk   - Why mammograms after age 75 may be more beneficial than expected   - What women of all ages can do today to improve long-term breast health   Have a question for Dr. Kristi Funk? Drop it in the comments below!   Become a member of Dr. Funk's breast cancer support community: https://pinklotus.com   PCRM's Let's Beat Breast Cancer store: https://pcrm.org/shop   Breast cancer lifestyle medicine study: https://bit.ly/LMBCStudy   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 if food could help you fight cancer? New research suggests that diet can play a role in improving outcomes for cancer patients, even slowing the progression of the disease. And Dr. Urvi Shah is leading the charge.   Dr. Shah was training to be an oncologist when she was diagnosed with cancer herself. This diagnosis sent her down a rabbit hole of cancer diet research, and today she's contributed to six dietary trials examining whether and how nutrition can play a role in improving outcomes for cancer patients.   In this episode of The Exam Room Dr. Shah and Chuck Carroll discuss:   - How diet could improve outcomes for cancer patients - The best foods for cancer patients - The role your gut health plays in recovery - How to join a cancer diet trial   Dr. Shah's research can be found here: https://bit.ly/DrUrviShahResearch   Information on cancer clinical trials can be found here: https://bit.ly/ClinicalTrialsDrShah   If you feel like you've raised your health IQ, please leave a 5-star rating and nice review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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.