The Dr. Jules Plant-Based Podcast

Dr. Jules Cormier (MD)

Hey, I’m Dr. Jules! I’m a medical doctor, teacher, nutritionist, naturopath, plant-based dad and 3X world championships qualified athlete. On this podcast we’ll discuss the latest in evidence-based and plant-based nutrition, including common nutrition myths, FAQs and tips on how to transition towards a healthier dietary pattern and lifestyle that creates little friction with your busy life!

  1. Breaking Free from Chronic Inflammation

    4D AGO

    Breaking Free from Chronic Inflammation

    Dr. Jules Cormier was living a medical nightmare. Despite being a practicing physician, he was battling severe angioedema that sent him to the emergency room with life-threatening swelling after simple activities like playing basketball or experiencing temperature changes. Medications barely managed his symptoms, and he lived in constant fear of the next potentially fatal reaction. Everything changed when his infant daughter began experiencing similar inflammatory conditions – blood in her diapers, eczema, and asthma severe enough to require emergency care. This wake-up call led Dr. Cormier to question everything he thought he knew about nutrition and inflammation. Could the conventional medical training that barely touched on diet be missing something crucial? Taking a leap of faith, his family began eliminating dairy and beef, gradually transitioning to a completely plant-based diet. The results were transformative – his chronic hives disappeared, his asthma improved, and his daughter's symptoms resolved. What began as a desperate attempt to help his child blossomed into a complete health transformation that freed him from medications and sparked a mission to help others understand the profound connection between food and inflammation. In this enlightening conversation with Shauna Barker, Dr. Cormier breaks down the science of inflammation with refreshing clarity. He explains the critical difference between necessary acute inflammation (your body's natural healing response) and the dangerous chronic systemic inflammation that underlies most modern diseases. More importantly, he reveals how our dietary choices directly impact these inflammatory processes through three key mechanisms: dysbiosis (gut microbiome imbalance), oxidative stress, and lipotoxicity. What makes Dr. Cormier's approach so powerful is his focus on sustainable change rather than perfectionism. He advocates for small, incremental adjustments that add more fiber-rich plant foods without creating friction in people's lives. This behavioral science-based strategy acknowledges human nature's preference for immediate rewards over long-term benefits, making lasting change possible even in our hyperprocessed food environment. Ready to reduce inflammation and reclaim your health? This episode offers practical wisdom from someone who's been through the medical gauntlet and emerged healthier on the other side. Listen now to discover how simple dietary shifts might accomplish what m Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle. You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shop Don't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQ Check out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/ Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accounts https://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjules https://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/ Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify! Thanks so much! Peace, love, plants! Dr. Jules

    1h 2m
  2. Bloodwork Basics: When Testing Makes Sense

    12/21/2025

    Bloodwork Basics: When Testing Makes Sense

    "Should you get routine blood work?" seems like a straightforward question, but the answer lies in understanding how our bodies process nutrients and when testing actually provides meaningful information.  Nutrient deficiencies can be surprisingly sneaky, calcium deficiencies might take decades to show up in blood tests while silently damaging bone health, and even B12 deficiencies can remain hidden for 6-12 months before symptoms emerge. For those following or transitioning to plant-based diets, there's particular interest in monitoring nutritional status, but ordering "everything" on a blood panel isn't always the right approach.  When we test without specific reasons, we often find incidental fluctuations that trigger unnecessary follow-up procedures, creating anxiety and straining healthcare resources.  A better strategy is targeted testing based on your specific risk factors, symptoms, and dietary patterns. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those taking medications like metformin or regular antacids, people with relevant family histories, and anyone on restrictive diets might benefit from more comprehensive screening. Before reaching for the needle, consider tracking your nutrition through tools like the Canadian Food Guide, Dr. Greger's Daily Dozen Checklist, or apps like Cronometer to identify potential gaps.  When testing makes sense, a complete blood count and metabolic profile provide foundational information, while specific nutrient tests can be added based on individual needs.  Remember that for plant-based eaters, B12 supplementation remains essential regardless of blood test results, some deficiencies simply take too long to appear in testing.  The ultimate goal isn't just finding problems after they develop but preventing them through varied, nutrient-dense foods and lifestyle habits that support overall health.  Visit plantbaseddrjules.com for more resources on optimizing your nutrition through thoughtful, evidence-based approaches. Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle. You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shop Don't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQ Check out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/ Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accounts https://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjules https://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/ Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify! Thanks so much! Peace, love, plants! Dr. Jules

    18 min
  3. Outsmarting Osteoporosis: How to Build and Maintain Strong Bones at Any Age

    12/14/2025

    Outsmarting Osteoporosis: How to Build and Maintain Strong Bones at Any Age

    What if a silent thief was stealing your bone strength right now, and you had no idea until it was too late? Osteoporosis affects millions worldwide, yet most people remain completely unaware until a seemingly minor fall results in a life-altering fracture. Think of your bones like a bank account. During your teens and twenties, you make deposits, building peak bone mass by your early thirties. After that, the withdrawals begin. Whether you end up with strong, resilient bones or fragile ones depends on how much you deposited early on and how quickly you're making withdrawals now. Contrary to popular belief, osteoporosis isn't just a women's health issue. While post-menopausal women face accelerated bone loss due to declining estrogen, men develop it too—often without realizing they're at risk until that first fracture occurs. I've diagnosed osteoporosis in men in their sixties who thought they were "too strong" to have bone problems, only to see them suffer life-changing fractures from minor falls. Nutrition plays a vital role in bone health, but it's not just about milk and calcium. Adults need about 1,000-1,200mg of calcium daily, which can come from various sources including fortified plant milks, tofu, beans, nuts, seeds, and dark leafy greens. Vitamin D, protein, and other minerals all contribute to maintaining bone strength. However, if I could prescribe just one "medication" for osteoporosis, it would be resistance training. Weight-bearing exercise creates mechanical stress that stimulates bone formation more effectively than any supplement. Ready to outsmart this silent bone thief? Start by understanding your personal risk factors, optimizing your nutrition, implementing a progressive resistance training program, and talking to your doctor about appropriate screening. Small changes today can dramatically alter your bone health trajectory and protect your independence for decades to come. Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle. You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shop Don't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQ Check out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/ Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accounts https://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjules https://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/ Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify! Thanks so much! Peace, love, plants! Dr. Jules

    26 min
  4. The Nutrition Myths That Need to Die in 2025

    12/07/2025

    The Nutrition Myths That Need to Die in 2025

    Feeling confused about nutrition advice in 2025? You're not alone. Despite our advances in science and technology, most nutrition information remains stuck in the past, leaving people confused and frustrated. In this myth-busting episode, Dr. Jules takes on the most persistent nutrition falsehoods circulating on social media and in everyday conversations. From the pervasive "carbs make you fat" slogan to the obsession with excessive protein intake, we examine why these oversimplified rules are actually preventing people from eating well and feeling their best. Using the latest scientific evidence, Dr. Jules explains why whole food carbs aren't the enemy, why most people need less protein than they think, and why fiber might be the most underrated nutrient for longevity and disease prevention. You'll learn the truth about healthy fats, why some bloating can actually be a good sign, and why the phrase "if you can't pronounce it, don't eat it" reveals more about scientific literacy than food safety. What makes this episode especially valuable is the practical approach to building a healthy diet pattern. Rather than focusing on eliminating foods or demonizing nutrients, Dr. Jules emphasizes building your diet on whole, minimally processed plant foods while using some processed foods strategically. The focus shifts from individual nutrients to your overall dietary pattern, which is ultimately what determines your health outcomes. Whether you're looking to improve your eating habits, lose weight sustainably, or reduce disease risk, this episode provides the evidence-based clarity needed to cut through the noise of nutrition misinformation. Ready to upgrade your nutrition knowledge beyond the clickbait and contradictory advice online? Listen now and discover why the most important predictor of health isn't found in a single food, but in the patterns you build over time. Want more science-backed nutrition information? Visit plantbasedctorjules.com for free resources and connect on social media for daily tips. Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle. You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shop Don't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQ Check out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/ Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accounts https://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjules https://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/ Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify! Thanks so much! Peace, love, plants! Dr. Jules

    21 min
  5. Magnesium: Running On Empty

    11/30/2025

    Magnesium: Running On Empty

    Magnesium might be the most underrated nutrient in your body's health arsenal. This powerful mineral acts as the essential backstage crew for over 300 enzyme systems, silently orchestrating everything from stress response and sleep quality to immune function and heart health. Yet astonishingly, about 40% of Canadians are walking around with chronic magnesium deficiency without even knowing it. Why does this matter? When your magnesium tank runs low, the effects ripple throughout your entire body. Muscle cramps, brain fog, poor concentration, disrupted sleep, migraines, and elevated blood pressure are just the beginning. The challenge is that standard blood tests often miss magnesium deficiency because most of your body's stores are in bones, muscles, and inside cells – not circulating in your bloodstream where tests measure. The modern lifestyle creates the perfect storm for magnesium depletion. Poor diet choices, chronic stress, and even certain medications can drain your reserves faster than they're replenished. This creates a vicious cycle where low magnesium leads to poor sleep and higher stress, which further depletes magnesium levels, making symptoms progressively worse. But there's good news! Boosting your magnesium intake doesn't require expensive supplements or complicated regimens. Nature provides abundant sources in foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, and dark leafy greens. These whole foods deliver magnesium alongside fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients that work synergistically to support optimal health. If dietary changes aren't enough due to high physical demands, chronic stress, or medical conditions, supplementation may help – but choose wisely. Opt for better-absorbed forms like magnesium glycinate, citrate, or malate rather than poorly absorbed forms like oxide. And always remember that more isn't better; the goal is adequacy, not excess. Ready to give your body the magnesium respect it deserves? Listen now to discover practical strategies for assessing your magnesium status, incorporating magnesium-rich foods into your diet, and determining if supplementation makes sense for your unique situation. Your sleep, stress levels, and overall well-being might depend on it! Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle. You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shop Don't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQ Check out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/ Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accounts https://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjules https://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/ Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify! Thanks so much! Peace, love, plants! Dr. Jules

    14 min
  6. You Can't Outrun Your Fork: Exercise Myths Debunked

    11/23/2025

    You Can't Outrun Your Fork: Exercise Myths Debunked

    Forget everything you think you know about exercise and weight loss. The truth might surprise you—and it's backed by science. Ever found yourself grinding away on the treadmill while the scale refuses to budge? You're not alone. Exercise is often touted as the answer to weight loss, but the research tells a different story. A 400-calorie muffin takes two minutes to eat but 45 minutes of jogging to burn off. Our bodies are even programmed to compensate after workouts by increasing hunger and decreasing movement throughout the day. But don't cancel your gym membership just yet. Exercise shines as a powerful tool for maintaining weight loss and transforming health in ways the scale can't measure. Regular movement preserves muscle mass during weight loss, keeping your metabolism humming. It improves insulin sensitivity, regulates mood, reduces stress, and enhances sleep quality—all factors that indirectly support weight management by controlling stress eating and balancing hunger hormones. The sweet spot combines both cardio for heart health and strength training for muscle preservation. The World Health Organization recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly plus strength training twice weekly, though weight management may benefit from 250-300 minutes. The most sustainable approach? Find activities you genuinely enjoy, start small, and focus on consistency over intensity. Remember that non-exercise movement throughout the day (NEAT) often burns more calories than formal workouts, and beware of fitness trackers that overestimate calorie burn by 20-50%. Looking to transform your relationship with exercise? Stop viewing it as punishment for eating and start seeing it as a privilege—a way to build a stronger, more energetic body that will carry you through life. Pair smart nutrition with consistent movement, and you've created the most powerful strategy for long-term health and weight management. Want to learn more about plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine? Visit plantbaseddoctorjules.com for free resources to support your journey. Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle. You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shop Don't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQ Check out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/ Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accounts https://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjules https://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/ Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify! Thanks so much! Peace, love, plants! Dr. Jules

    20 min
  7. The Healthcare Crisis: Root Causes and Lifestyle Solutions

    11/16/2025

    The Healthcare Crisis: Root Causes and Lifestyle Solutions

    The healthcare system is cracking under pressure, and it's not just about staffing shortages or budget cuts. Drawing from 19 years of medical practice, I peel back the layers of our current healthcare crisis to reveal what's really breaking the system: an epidemic of preventable lifestyle diseases. Remember when eating an apple instead of a processed granola bar wasn't considered "going on a diet"? Our modern world has engineered unhealthy choices to be the easiest ones, creating a perfect storm that's overwhelming medical resources. The pandemic didn't create this problem—it merely accelerated a breakdown that was already underway, pushing healthcare workers to early retirement and stretching remaining resources beyond their limits. Most patients I see daily suffer from conditions directly linked to lifestyle factors: heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and more. These chronic diseases consume the majority of healthcare spending, yet we continue treating symptoms while ignoring root causes. It's not about blaming patients—we've all been nudged toward processed foods, sedentary behaviors, increased screen time, and diminished face-to-face social connections. The solution isn't simply hiring more doctors or building more hospitals. It's about reimagining prevention through lifestyle medicine: focusing on nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and meaningful connections. Every time you choose whole foods over processed ones, take a walk instead of scrolling social media, or prioritize genuine human interaction, you're not just improving your personal health—you're helping preserve our healthcare system for those who truly need it. Ready to make a difference? Start with one small change today. Your health and our healthcare system both depend on it. Visit plantbaseddrjules.com for free resources to support your journey toward better health and a more sustainable healthcare future. Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle. You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shop Don't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQ Check out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/ Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accounts https://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjules https://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/ Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify! Thanks so much! Peace, love, plants! Dr. Jules

    16 min
  8. Your Vitamins Might Be Hurting You More Than Helping

    11/09/2025

    Your Vitamins Might Be Hurting You More Than Helping

    The wellness world has convinced many of us that when it comes to vitamins and supplements, more equals better. This dangerous misconception has real consequences, as I've witnessed firsthand with patients like Samantha, whose well-intentioned supplement routine led to permanent nerve damage. Through Samantha's story, we explore how her daily stack of supplements—a multivitamin, B-complex, energy powder, and relaxation gummies—unknowingly delivered 140mg of vitamin B6 daily, far exceeding the upper tolerable limit. After eight months, she developed pyridoxine-induced sensory neuropathy, with symptoms of tingling, burning sensations, numbness, and coordination loss that she initially attributed to perimenopause. This toxicology principle—"the dose makes the poison"—applies universally. Vitamin A, essential for vision and immunity, can cause liver damage and birth defects in excess. Iron supplementation without testing can be particularly dangerous for those with hemochromatosis, affecting 1 in 200 people of European descent. Even vitamin D, selenium, and other B vitamins follow this pattern—beneficial at appropriate doses but potentially harmful when overconsumed. Why do whole foods differ from supplements? When nutrients come from food, they arrive with fiber, water, and compounds that help your body regulate absorption. Your body controls how much beta-carotene from carrots converts to vitamin A, but high-dose supplements bypass these natural safeguards. The supplement industry capitalizes on our vulnerability with marketing terms like "megadose" and "pharmaceutical grade," while long wait times for medical care drive many to self-diagnose based on symptoms rather than testing. The solution isn't avoiding supplements entirely but approaching them wisely: consult healthcare providers before supplementing, get appropriate testing, understand daily allowances and upper limits, check for supplement duplication, choose reputable brands with third-party testing, and prioritize nutrient-rich whole foods first. Your health isn't about adding more—it's about finding that optimal balance where nutrients support rather than harm your body. Have you checked your supplement stack lately? Share this episode with someone whose medicine cabinet might be putting them at risk. Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle. You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shop Don't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQ Check out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/ Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accounts https://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjules https://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/ Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify! Thanks so much! Peace, love, plants! Dr. Jules

    15 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Hey, I’m Dr. Jules! I’m a medical doctor, teacher, nutritionist, naturopath, plant-based dad and 3X world championships qualified athlete. On this podcast we’ll discuss the latest in evidence-based and plant-based nutrition, including common nutrition myths, FAQs and tips on how to transition towards a healthier dietary pattern and lifestyle that creates little friction with your busy life!

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