The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee

The biggest and healthiest changes in your community can begin with one person. Lyn Grady is a Food For Life instructor with the Physicians Committee who is helping people understand food as medicine, one class at a time. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Lyn joins Chuck Carroll to talk about why so many people are confused by food labels, why "healthy" marketing can be so misleading, and how Food For Life classes help people build confidence in the kitchen. She shares stories from her classes, including the moment someone worried about the sugar in fruit after eating coffee cake, and an athlete who thought he was drinking a healthy aloe juice until Lyn showed him the label said zero percent juice. This conversation is about more than food. It is about community, education, generational health, and becoming the person who helps others take their first step toward a healthier life. Applications are now open for the Fall 2026 Food For Life instructor training. 🧠 In this episode: Why Food For Life is not a diet How "healthy" labels can mislead shoppers Why fruit is not the same as cake How cooking classes build community Why Food For Life instructors can create generational health What the instructor training is like How to apply to become an instructor Exam Roomies of the Week Gary Hunt Susan Johnson Mark Reis-Henrie This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle. 🍽️ Food For Life Instructor Applications 👉 https://bit.ly/food-for-life-instructor 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 🌱 Lyn Grady 👉 https://www.lyngrady.com 🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm - 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.

Could eating late at night be hurting your gut health? Are prebiotic and probiotic sodas actually good for your microbiome? And what do GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy mean for digestion, constipation, and gut bacteria? Dr. Will Bulsiewicz joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to answer the most Googled gut health questions from listeners. 🧠 On this episode: - Why late-night eating and chronic stress may be a double hit to your gut - How your microbiome follows a circadian rhythm - Whether "healthy" sodas are really worth the hype - The best fermented foods for gut health - Why cabbage is having a nutrition moment - What constipation may reveal about Parkinson's disease risk - Whether microbiome stool tests can really tell you what to eat - What we know so far about GLP-1 medications and the microbiome - How to support gut health while losing weight Dr. B also shares his thoughts on cravings, nighttime routines, tart cherry juice, fiber supplements, and why diet and lifestyle still come first. Exam Roomies of the Week Linda Verchimak Luanne Siwiec Marlene Erven 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Will Bulsiewicz 👉 https://theguthealthmd.com 📺 Dr. B's YouTube Channel 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@theguthealthmd 📗 Dr. B's Books 👉 https://amzn.to/4e1CiQd 🎉 International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and 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.

Dr. Hana Kahleova reveals the surprising science behind mint. From digestion and blood flow to coughing, inflammation, exercise performance, and antioxidants, mint may be doing far more for your health than you realize. In this episode, you'll learn how compounds in mint may support the body in multiple ways. Dr. Kahleova joins Chuck Carroll to explain how mint has been used for centuries, what modern research shows, and why simple options like mint tea, fresh mint leaves, and topical menthol can offer unique and powerful benefits. 🧠 You'll learn: Why Dr. Kahleova ranks mint as a "12 out of 10" healthy food How menthol may increase local blood flow Why mint may help calm coughing and support the airways How peppermint oil may help digestion, bloating, spasms, and IBS symptoms Whether mint may improve exercise performance and breathing Why mint is surprisingly rich in antioxidants The best ways to use mint: fresh, tea, inhaled, or topical Exam Roomies of the Week Arin Weitzman Ana Jag 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 🩺 Dr. Brooke Bussard 👉 https://drbrookebussard.com 🎉 International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving and improving human and animal 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 nearly one million members and supporters worldwide.

Binge eating and emotional eating are not simply about willpower. According to Dr. Vanita Rahman, they are often driven by stress, shame, biology, habits, food environment, and the way the brain learns to use food as a coping mechanism. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Dr. Rahman joins Chuck Carroll to explain what is really happening when someone feels out of control around food — and how to begin breaking the cycle. Chuck also shares his own experience with food addiction, emotional eating, and eating in secret before losing 280 pounds and transforming his health. 🧠 You'll learn: - The difference between binge eating, bulimia, emotional eating, and stress eating - Why shame keeps the binge eating cycle alive - Why nighttime can be the biggest danger zone - Why binge eating can happen even with healthy vegan foods - Why "willpower" may be the wrong word entirely - How a whole food, plant-based diet may help reduce cravings and support recovery - Why group support can be so powerful for long-term success - What to do after a binge to avoid falling into a spiral Dr. Rahman is leading a 12-week Binge and Emotional Eating Program through the Physicians Committee beginning June 10. The program focuses on mindfulness, identifying triggers, nourishing foods, reducing vulnerability, and building tools for long-term success. Also mentioned in this episode: The Rochester Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota is hiring a Lifestyle Medicine physician or provider. Learn more at https://www.RochesterClinic.com or call 507-218-3095. Exam Roomies of the Week - Sharon Smith - Mary DeCoster 💪 Binge & Emotional Eating Program 👉 https://bit.ly/overcoming-binge-eating 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 🏥 Barnard Medical Center 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/barnard-medical-center 🎉 International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving and improving human and animal 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 nearly one million members and supporters worldwide.

Are ultra-processed foods really as unhealthy as we've been told? New research suggests the answer may be more complicated than the headlines make it seem. Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to break down findings showing that much of the health risk linked to ultra-processed foods may be driven by two specific categories: processed meat and sugar-sweetened beverages. That means foods like bacon, sausage, ham, bologna, pepperoni, hot dogs, and soda may be doing much of the heavy lifting when it comes to increased disease risk. But what about breakfast cereal? Plant-based burgers? Vegan snacks? Olive oil? Cheese? Steak? And what about studies linking ultra-processed foods to cognitive decline and dementia risk? Dr. Barnard helps separate nutrition fact from fiction and explains what really matters when you're reading a food label. 🧠 In this episode, Dr. Barnard explains: The two foods most strongly linked to processed food health risks Why processed meat may be more concerning than other ultra-processed foods Whether plant-based processed foods are healthier Why sugar in soda is different from sugar in foods with fiber How cheese can be higher in sodium than potato chips Why steak and chicken don't get a free pass What new research says about ultra-processed foods and cognition How to choose healthier foods without overcomplicating nutrition Exam Roomies of the Week Dana Kennett from Saint Johns, FL Lori Baum from Sandusky, OH 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 🙏 Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund 👉 https://gregoryreiterfund.org 🎉 International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm 📗 Dr. Neal Barnard Books 👉 https://amzn.to/4u6zQxm This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving and improving human and animal 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 nearly one million members and supporters worldwide.

Inflammation is tied to some of the biggest health problems in the world — heart disease, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune conditions, gut disorders, brain health issues, fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, mood changes, and more. And one of the best ways to understand what is driving that inflammation may begin in your gut. Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, bestselling author of Fiber Fueled and Plant Powered Plus, joins Chuck Carroll to reveal how the gut microbiome can shape inflammation throughout the body — and what you can do to start reducing inflammation naturally. Dr. B also shares practical steps for people with sensitive stomachs, bloating, IBS, or food intolerances who want to improve gut health without making symptoms worse. This is your gut-first guide to understanding inflammation, identifying what may be driving your symptoms, and taking the first steps toward better health. 🧠 You'll learn: What inflammation actually is Why chronic inflammation is so dangerous How gut bacteria influence the immune system The best foods to start eating today Exercises that can reduce inflammation How sleep, stress, and weight also affect inflammation The biggest food drivers of inflammation Why ultra-processed foods may raise inflammatory markers How fiber helps produce anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids Why eating 30 plants per week can support a healthier microbiome Dr. B also shares details about his free live workshop, Discover the Inflammation Phenotype Driving Your Symptoms, happening Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET. The 90-minute webinar will explore how inflammation may express itself differently from person to person, why symptoms such as bloating, autoimmune flares, brain fog, joint pain, hormonal issues, fatigue, and mood changes can show up together, and what may connect them beneath the surface. Exam Roomies of the Week Doreen Kupau from Hawaii and Anita Kregielska from Edinburgh, UK. You can become an Exam Roomie of the Week by supporting PCRM. 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Bulsiewicz's Free Inflammation Workshop 👉 https://bit.ly/DrBFreeWorkshop 📺 Dr. B's YouTube Channel 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@theguthealthmd 🎉 Las Vegas Plant Powered Party 👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty - 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. This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Every day there's a new headline about health. Coffee is good. Coffee is bad. Fat is the problem. No, sugar is. Eat this. Avoid that. So what does the science actually say? Cardiologist Dr. Andrew Freeman breaks down the biggest health and nutrition studies of the past year and explains what they really mean for your life. 🧠 You'll learn: - The difference between healthspan vs lifespan - Why chronic disease rates aren't improving - The shocking rise in childhood obesity worldwide - How sugar-sweetened beverages impact heart health - The truth about ultra-processed foods - The benefits of flavonoids and antioxidant-rich diets - What new research says about coffee and tea - How fruits, vegetables, and legumes impact longevity Despite thousands of studies and an increased focus on health, millions are still getting sicker. Why? Dr. Freeman connects the dots and shows how to actually use science to live longer, healthier, and better. 🎉 Las Vegas Plant Powered Party 👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty 🙏 Dr. Brooke Bussard (our wonderful sponsor) 👉 https://drbrookebussard.com 🎉 International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom - 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.

Fatty liver disease is one of the most common health conditions in the world — affecting 1 in 3 people globally — and most don't even know they have it. 🧠 In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll to break down: - What causes fatty liver disease - How to reverse fatty liver disease - Foods that help fatty liver - How quickly fatty liver can be reversed - Foods that cause fatty liver - Why it's strongly linked to diabetes - The exact foods that help remove fat from the liver Plus — the surprising truth about sugar, coffee, and even "healthy fats." Key stat: Up to 70% of people with type 2 diabetes may have fatty liver disease. 🎉 International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm 🌱 Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund 👉 https://gregoryreiterfund.org 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom - 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.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, but wit doesn't have to be. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, cardiologist Dr. Columbus Batiste joins Chuck Carroll to share how lifestyle and nutrition can not only prevent heart disease but, in many cases, reverse it. 🧠 You'll learn: - Whether food or genetics play a bigger role in causing heart disease - The role diet plays in lowering cholesterol - The nutrition plan that improves heart health - The connection between stress, sleep, and your heart If you're serious about protecting your heart or healing it this is a must watch conversation. 🎉 Las Vegas Plant Powered Party 👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty 🔗 Dr. Columbus Batiste Website 👉 https://drbatiste.com 🙏 Dr. Brooke Bussard (our wonderful sponsor) 👉 https://drbrookebussard.com 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom - 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.

Is animal testing outdated? In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Dr. Neal Barnard breaks down what's happening at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and why it could mark a turning point in medical research. From shocking primate experiments to the rise of human-based science like organs-on-a-chip, we explore why more than 90% of drugs that succeed in animals fail in humans—and what that means for your health, your wallet, and the future of medicine. 🧠 You'll learn: - Why animal testing often fails - The ethics of primate research - OHSU controversy explained - Human-based alternatives eliminating animal research - The future of medical research ❤️ Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 🙏 Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund 👉 https://gregoryreiterfund.org - 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.

eartburn affects millions—but what if we've been thinking about it all wrong? In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast with Chuck Carroll, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz reveals the surprising truth about acid reflux, GERD, and what's really causing that burning sensation. 🧠 You'll learn: - Natural strategies to reduce or eliminate heartburn - Why heartburn isn't always about too much acid - The role digestion speed plays in reflux - How fiber can help prevent symptoms - Why your gut microbiome is key 📊 Did you know? Nearly 20% of Americans experience GERD, and over 60 million deal with heartburn regularly. ❤️‍🔥 Dr. B's Heartburn Course 👉 https://bit.ly/DrBHeartburn 📕 Plant Powered Plus 👉 https://amzn.to/4sleBX8 🩺 Dr. B's Gut Health Community 👉 https://theguthealthmd.com/collective 🪷 Lotus Health Foundation Symposium 👉 https://bit.ly/LotusTix2026 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom - 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.

Could your gut hold the key to preventing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease? Researchers believe the first signs of these diseases could be digestive issues that occur years before neurologic symptoms appear. In this live Q&A, gastroenterologist and researcher Dr. Trisha Pasricha joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to break down the powerful connection between the gut microbiome and brain health — and what it could mean for your future. From constipation as an early signal to the power of diet in shaping gut health, this episode uncovers the science behind the gut-brain axis. 🧠 You will learn: - The gut-brain axis explained - Early warning signs hidden in digestion - The role of constipation in disease risk - How diet shapes your microbiome - Practical tips to improve gut health - The power of the vagus nerve Plus, we answer live audience questions on Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, digestion, fiber, and microbiome health. 💩 You've Been Pooping All Wrong 👉 https://amzn.to/4sdkIN5 🔬 Dr. Pasricha's Research on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's 👉 https://www.trishapasricha.com/laboratory 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom - 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 you could see heart disease coming… and stop it before it starts? That's exactly what happened to Lauren Bernick. She was heading down a path that millions of people are on right now — a path toward heart disease. But instead of accepting it as inevitable, she made a change. And it changed everything. In this powerful conversation with Chuck Carroll, Lauren shares how she transformed her health, what finally clicked for her, and how plant-based eating helped her take control before it was too late. Now, as the host of the Age Like A Badass Mother podcast and creator of Well Elephant, she's helping others do the same — simplify plant-based eating and build a lifestyle that actually sticks. 🧠 You will learn: - How to reverse heart disease - The warning signs she couldn't ignore - How small changes led to big results - Why perfection isn't required for transformation - How to make plant-based eating simple and sustainable - The mindset shift that made everything click If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to turn your health around… this episode will give you hope — and a plan. ❤️ Heart Disease Resources 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/health-topics/heart-disease 🥦 Well Elephant 👉 https://wellelephant.com 🎧 Age Like A Badass Mother Podcast 👉 https://www.agelikeabadassmother.com 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom - 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.