The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee

Physicians Committee

Dive into the science of your diet! Learn how a humble blueberry can fight cancer or what the longest living people in the world are eating. Every episode is packed with facts that will raise your health IQ and boost your nutrition knowledge. "The Weight Loss Champion" Chuck Carroll is joined by Dr. Neal Barnard, a leading voice in nutrition science and founder of The Physicians Committee, and other elite doctors and dietitians. Unlock the secrets to living longer and healthier life and how to fight diseases with every meal.

  1. 1d ago

    Meat Causes Erectile Dysfunction: How and Why | Dr. Neal Barnard

    Is meat really masculine or could it be causing erectile dysfunction? Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll to examine the connection between meat, blood flow, heart health, testosterone, muscle, fertility, prostate health, and ED. Dr. Barnard explains why erectile dysfunction may sometimes appear before more obvious signs of cardiovascular disease. He also discusses whether meat actually improves testosterone or muscle growth, how a high-fat meal may affect athletic performance, and why strong muscles on the outside do not always mean healthy arteries on the inside. You'll also learn: How quickly circulation may begin to improve after changing your diet Why plant foods can provide the protein needed to build muscle The possible connection between dairy, fertility, and prostate health What a practical day of eating for men's health could look like Why tomatoes, beans, whole grains, and other plant foods deserve a place on the menu Plus, Chuck and Dr. Barnard preview the International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine, happening August 13–15 in Washington, D.C.   🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm Use code EXAMROOM100 to save $100 on tickets   Exam Roomies of the Week Teri Lynn Yunus, NP Kathy D'Ambrosio Joanne Pinner, MSN Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee. 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom   This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.   - 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.

    Meat Causes Erectile Dysfunction: How and Why | Dr. Neal Barnard
  2. 3d ago

    Lower Cholesterol With Food: The Portfolio Diet Explained | Dr. David Jenkins

    Can you lower LDL cholesterol by changing the foods you eat?   Dr. David Jenkins, the pioneering nutrition researcher behind the Portfolio Diet, joins Chuck Carroll to explain how a carefully selected combination of foods may help bring cholesterol under control.   Dr. Jenkins reveals why oats and barley may be particularly effective for lowering cholesterol, how their sticky soluble fiber interacts with bile acids, and why simply telling someone to "eat more fiber" may not be specific enough.   You'll also learn: The difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol Whether dietary cholesterol is necessary for good health How the Portfolio Diet was developed Why soy may lower LDL while replacing less healthy proteins The difference between fats from plants and animals Why nuts can be beneficial despite being high in fat and calories What extra-virgin olive oil may offer beyond unsaturated fat How plant-based eating can benefit human and planetary health Why partial dietary changes can still be meaningful How diet may be used alongside cholesterol-lowering medication   Dr. Jenkins is a professor of medicine and nutritional sciences at the University of Toronto and one of the world's leading researchers on diet, cholesterol, diabetes, plant protein, and soluble fiber.   Hear more from Dr. Jenkins at the International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine, Aug. 13–15, 2026, in Washington, D.C.   🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm Use code EXAMROOM100 to save $100 on tickets   Exam Roomies of the Week Michelle Walker Steven Alongi Todd Lindley   Support The Exam Room Podcast and Physicians Committee and hear your name mentioned on the show!   This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.   - 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.

    Lower Cholesterol With Food: The Portfolio Diet Explained | Dr. David Jenkins
  3. Aug 6

    Can't Poop? Do This to Help Constipation | Dr. Will Bulsiewicz

    Gastroenterologist Dr. Will Bulsiewicz returns with a complete guide to constipation, including the symptoms many people overlook even when they are having a bowel movement every day. Dr. B joins Chuck Carroll to explain the different patterns of constipation, including slow transit, pelvic-floor or outlet dysfunction, IBS with constipation, and the surprisingly common problem of a digestive system that has simply fallen out of rhythm. They also discuss the morning habits that may help train your body when to go, foods associated with constipation relief, magnesium and fiber supplements, questions surrounding long-term laxative use, and why a full colon can contribute to bloating, nausea, early fullness, and loss of appetite. Chuck shares his own experience after years of severe constipation and reveals the routine that has helped him become more regular while improving his bloating and appetite. 🧠 You'll learn: Why your bowel movements should generally follow a pattern How a morning routine may help train your body when to go The connection between constipation, bloating, nausea, and appetite Foods associated with constipation relief, including kiwi, prunes, and chia seeds The forms of magnesium Dr. B discusses for constipation Concerns surrounding long-term laxative use Why several days without a bowel movement followed by diarrhea may still be constipation How travel can throw your digestive system completely out of rhythm Plus, Dr. B explains why going several days without a bowel movement followed by diarrhea may still be a constipation problem. Exam Roomies of the Week Javier Santiago Dr. Mickey Witte Kimberly Cadieux  Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee. 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom   🩺 38 Tera DMN and RCE 👉 https://www.38tera.com   🩺 Dr. Will Bulsiewicz Courses 👉 https://www.theguthealthmd.com   🎉 Plant-Powered Party Las Vegas 👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty   🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm   This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.   - 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.

    Can't Poop? Do This to Help Constipation | Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
  4. Aug 4

    When Healthy Eating Becomes Unhealthy | Dr. Matthew Lederman

    Can trying to eat perfectly actually make you less healthy? Dr. Matthew Lederman joins Chuck Carroll to explore the hidden connection between food perfectionism, fear, chronic stress, gut health, sleep, and the nervous system. A nutritious diet remains an essential foundation for good health. But what happens when healthy choices are driven by anxiety? When a small amount of oil, salt, or sugar feels dangerous? Or when every unexplained symptom sends you searching for another food intolerance, supplement, or dietary rule? Dr. Lederman explains why two people can eat the same healthy meal while experiencing completely different physiological responses. One may be eating from joy and self-care. The other may be eating from fear—and that fear can keep the body locked in a state of heightened vigilance. Chuck also shares candid stories from his own health journey, including the years when strict food rules created additional stress and the relief he experienced after allowing himself greater flexibility. 🧠 You'll learn: When discipline may actually be fear in disguise How stress and perceived danger can affect the gut Why a "perfect" diet cannot address every health problem The relationship between nervous-system regulation and sleep How to build healthy habits that feel sustainable and enjoyable Why health should make your life feel bigger—not smaller Dr. Matthew Lederman is a board-certified internal medicine physician, medical strategist, and Certified Trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication.   Exam Roomies of the Week Kay Gustin Kathleen Herman Ruth Allstadt Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee. 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom   🩺 Connection Docs 👉 https://www.connectiondocs.com   🎉 Plant-Powered Party Las Vegas 👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty   🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm   This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.   - 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.

    When Healthy Eating Becomes Unhealthy | Dr. Matthew Lederman
  5. Jul 30

    Real Meat vs. Fake Meat: Which Is Healthier? | Dr. Neal Barnard

    Are Impossible Burgers and fake meats worse for you than a steak or hamburger? Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to examine one of today's biggest nutrition debates. A veggie burger and a beef burger may both be classified as processed, but does that make them nutritionally equal? What about plant milk versus dairy milk, packaged cereal versus bacon and eggs, or a protein bar versus a cheeseburger? Dr. Barnard explains what "ultra-processed" actually means, why certain foods can encourage overeating, and whether the widely used NOVA classification system paints with too broad a brush. He also explores why saturated fat, cholesterol, fiber, calorie density, and a food's source may matter just as much as—or more than—the number of ingredients on its label. 🧠 You'll learn: Whether all ultra-processed foods are equally unhealthy How a veggie burger compares with a beef burger Whether plant-based meat and dairy alternatives are healthy Why ultra-processed foods may interfere with fullness Which additives and ingredients deserve a closer look The packaged plant-based foods Dr. Barnard considers reasonable choices What to look for first on a nutrition label How to make healthier choices when time and money are limited   The conversation also previews the International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine, happening Aug. 13–15, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Dr. Barnard will be joined by more than 30 leading experts for presentations on ultra-processed foods, GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diabetes, heart disease, the gut microbiome, pain, cancer prevention, kidney health, the new Dietary Guidelines, and much more. Exam Roomies of the Week Atchareeya Archatawan William Klein Sali Ortiz Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee. 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom   🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm   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. 🌱 Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund 👉 https://gregoryreiterfund.org   This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - 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.

    Real Meat vs. Fake Meat: Which Is Healthier? | Dr. Neal Barnard
  6. Jul 28

    Food Addiction Is Real: How to Break Cravings | Susan Peirce Thompson, PhD

    Junk food was harder for Susan Peirce Thompson to quit than crack cocaine.   The founder and CEO of Bright Line Eating joins Chuck Carroll for a deeply personal conversation about food addiction, compulsive eating, cravings, and long-term weight loss.   Susan shares her remarkable journey from crystal meth and crack addiction to becoming a PhD and internationally recognized expert in the psychology of eating. She explains why food addiction can be uniquely difficult to overcome when triggers are everywhere and eating remains necessary for survival.   Chuck also revisits his own addiction-driven 10,000-calorie days, including a daily Taco Bell meal containing more than 4,000 calories.   Together, they explore the foods that may be most addictive, dopamine downregulation, ultra-processed foods, the return of cravings years into recovery, and the personal guardrails that can help someone finally break free.   Susan also shares lessons from her book Maintain and explains why lasting weight loss is not simply about completing a diet. It requires a fundamental shift in identity and becoming devoted to the habits that support your health.   Susan also explains why a person's recovery plan must be individualized and why occasionally experiencing a craving does not mean that years of progress have been lost.   Chuck and Susan will be speaking at the Plant Powered Party in Las Vegas with Chef AJ, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz and many others. Tickets are available now for the Labor Day weekend bash.   Exam Roomies of the Week Peggy Fuchs Monna Throop Kathleen Adamson   Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee.   🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom   📕 Maintain Book 👉 https://amzn.to/4wjv4Oa   ❓Food Addiction Quiz 👉 https://www.foodaddictionquiz.com   🍽️ Bright Line Eating 👉 https://www.brightlineeating.com   🎉 Plant-Powered Party Las Vegas 👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty   This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.   - 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.

    Food Addiction Is Real: How to Break Cravings | Susan Peirce Thompson, PhD
  7. Jul 22

    Why Modern Medicine Isn't Making Us Healthy | Drs. Joel Fuhrman & Columbus Batiste

    Why do chronic diseases remain so common when we have more medicine and medical technology than ever before? Chuck Carroll is joined by two leading physicians for a powerful live conversation about what truly creates health. Dr. Columbus Batiste is a board-certified interventional cardiologist and passionate advocate for protecting the heart through lifestyle. Dr. Joel Fuhrman is a board-certified family physician, nutritional researcher, and seven-time New York Times bestselling author. Learn about Dr. Batiste and Dr. Fuhrman. Recorded at the National Health Association Conference, this conversation explores: Why medicine alone may not be enough to create lasting health How food and daily habits influence chronic disease The effects of stress on the heart and body Why people sabotage their health despite knowing what to do How movement, sleep, gratitude, and community support longevity What doctors can do to better connect with and motivate patients How to turn health information into sustainable change Exam Roomies of the Week Chuck's mom, Ann Carroll Daria Dreher Sheral Lee Schowe Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee. 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom   🍽️ Food For Life Instructor Applications 👉 https://bit.ly/food-for-life-instructor   🩺 Dr. Joel Fuhrman 👉 https://www.drfuhrman.com   🩺 Dr. Columbus Batiste 👉 https://drbatiste.com   🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm   This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.   - 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.

    Why Modern Medicine Isn't Making Us Healthy | Drs. Joel Fuhrman & Columbus Batiste
  8. Jul 16

    Raw Milk and Cow Hearts: Dr. Neal Barnard on Soccer Star's Dangerous Diet

    Erling Haaland eats six meals and roughly 6,000 calories every day to fuel his extraordinary performance on the soccer field. But should anyone else be eating like him?   Haaland's highly publicized routine includes raw milk, beef liver, cow heart, steak, eggs, fish, pasta, vegetables, and honey. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Dr. Neal Barnard joins "The Weight Loss Champion" Chuck Carroll to examine whether the foods powering one of the world's greatest athletes could create serious health risks for the average person.   Dr. Barnard explores the immediate food-safety concerns surrounding raw milk and the potential problems associated with regularly consuming organ meats. Could highly concentrated amounts of dietary cholesterol, heme iron, vitamin A, and copper become too much of a good thing?   🧠 You will also learn: Why an elite athlete may require thousands more calories than the average person Whether eating six meals a day provides a metabolic advantage The difference between short-term athletic performance and long-term health Why looking lean and powerful does not necessarily reveal what is happening inside the body Healthier ways to fuel exercise, recovery, strength, and endurance   This is not about criticizing Haaland's talent or discipline. It is about understanding why a diet created for an extraordinary athlete should not automatically become a nutrition plan for everyone else.   Exam Roomies of the Week Roy Wessbecher LuAnne Siwiec Isabel Fernandes, PhD   Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee.   🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom   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.   🌱 Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund 👉 https://gregoryreiterfund.org   🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm EXAMROOM100 to save $100 on tickets!   This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.   - 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.

    Raw Milk and Cow Hearts: Dr. Neal Barnard on Soccer Star's Dangerous Diet
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Dive into the science of your diet! Learn how a humble blueberry can fight cancer or what the longest living people in the world are eating. Every episode is packed with facts that will raise your health IQ and boost your nutrition knowledge. "The Weight Loss Champion" Chuck Carroll is joined by Dr. Neal Barnard, a leading voice in nutrition science and founder of The Physicians Committee, and other elite doctors and dietitians. Unlock the secrets to living longer and healthier life and how to fight diseases with every meal.

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