The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee

You're eating healthier, but the bloating won't quit. By afternoon, your stomach feels tight, your clothes feel uncomfortable, and you're wondering which food to give up next. Before you cut out another healthy food, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz wants you to consider something surprising: You can poop every day and still be constipated. The gastroenterologist joins Chuck Carroll to explain five approaches to reducing bloating and why simply eating more fiber isn't always the answer. DR. B'S FIVE TIPS FOR REDUCING BLOATING Address constipation. Going every day doesn't necessarily mean you're emptying your bowels fully. Reduce swallowed air. Look at habits such as drinking carbonated beverages, sipping through straws, chewing gum, and gulping drinks. Increase fiber gradually. "Low and slow—that's the tempo." Start with what you tolerate and build at your own pace. Consider a trial without dairy and artificial sweeteners. Dr. B explains how lactose and certain sweeteners, including sugar alcohols, can contribute to gas and bloating. Slow down when you eat. Take time to chew, avoid rushing through meals, and try putting your fork down between bites. BONUS: Take a "fart walk"! Dr. B explains how moving your body can help move gas through your digestive system. You'll also hear the difference between feeling bloated and having a visibly distended abdomen, plus when ongoing symptoms deserve a conversation with your doctor. Dr. B discusses BDR, the supplement he developed through his company, 38TERA, and explains its peppermint oil, probiotic, and capsule design. There are plenty of laughs along the way—but the message is serious: You deserve to feel comfortable, and persistent bloating shouldn't be something you simply accept. 🙏 Become and Exam Room VIP and get early access to the interview with Dr. Michael Greger before anyone else! 👉 https://pcrm.org/examroomvip 🩺 Dr. Will Bulsiewicz 👉 https://www.theguthealthmd.com 🩺 38Tera 👉 https://www.38tera.com 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 action

When breast cancer touches your life, everyday choices can take on a new urgency. What should you eat? Does exercise matter? And what should you make of products wrapped in pink for breast cancer awareness? Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll to explore the science behind pink and red plant foods as part of the Physicians Committee's Let's Beat Breast Cancer campaign. The conversation goes inside strawberries, watermelon, tomatoes, and beets to explain why similar colors can come from very different compounds—and why an overall eating pattern matters more than chasing one superfood. You'll hear: How gut bacteria break down the colorful compounds in berries. Why tomato sauce can provide more absorbable lycopene than a raw tomato. What breast cancer survivor research found about fruit and vegetable intake combined with physical activity. How the pigments in plant foods differ from the pink color in meat. Why breast cancer fundraising tied to alcohol deserves scrutiny. Whether cooking and freezing change the benefits of these foods. How Dr. Barnard went from avoiding berries to eating them every morning. The research discussion includes both a randomized dietary trial and an observational analysis of diet plus activity. 🙏 Become and Exam Room VIP and get early access to the interview with Dr. Michael Greger before anyone else! 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 💪 Let's Beat Breast Cancer 👉 https://letsbeatbreastcancer.org ▶️ Venus Williams and Dr. Funk Ad 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH4djQ0OATg This episode of The Exam Room Podcast is sponsored by the Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund. Our sincere thanks to Alysoun Mahoney and everyone at the fund for their generous support of the Physicians Committee and The Exam Room Podcast. 🙂 Gregory Reiter 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.

Is yogurt really good for your gut? What about dairy kefir—and are plant-based yogurts a better choice? Gastroenterologist Dr. Alan Desmond joins Chuck Carroll to examine the human research behind some of the biggest claims in the yogurt aisle. They discuss why live cultures do not automatically mean lasting health benefits, where fermented dairy can help people with lactose intolerance, what to look for in a plant-based yogurt, and why your overall eating pattern matters more than one product. Dr. Desmond also talks about his new book, What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You About Food, and the chapter that has drawn more pushback than any other. In this episode: Yogurt and the microbiome Dairy versus plant-based yogurt Kefir studies Lactose intolerance Fiber and gut health 🙏 Become and Exam Room VIP and get early access to the interview with Dr. Michael Greger before anyone else! 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/examroomvip 📕 Dr. Alan Desmond Book 👉 https://link.amazon/B028fE68A 📱 Website 👉 https://www.alandesmond.com 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.

Nearly one-third of American adults may have some form of iron deficiency. Does that mean we should be eating more meat—or could that advice create an entirely different set of health problems? Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll to examine a Washington Post article recommending meat, poultry, and seafood as sources of highly absorbable heme iron. They also explore the counterargument from Dr. Jim Loomis of Barnard Medical Center, who says beans and greens are the healthier choice. You'll learn how to meet your iron needs while eating a plant-based diet, including the best foods, the importance of vitamin C, and common mistakes that can interfere with absorption. Dr. Barnard also examines the complete nutritional package that comes with each source of iron. How do beans compare with beef when calories, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, fiber, and protein are considered? And what could the choice mean for LDL cholesterol, blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, blood pressure, weight, and other metabolic markers? Plus, discover the potential concerns surrounding heme iron, including its associations with colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease, oxidative stress, and type 2 diabetes. Topics discussed include: Heme iron vs. non-heme iron The best plant-based sources of iron Beans, lentils, tofu, seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens How vitamin C improves iron absorption Ferritin, hemoglobin, and transferrin saturation When an iron supplement may be necessary The potential risks of taking iron without medical supervision Calories, saturated fat, cholesterol, and fiber in iron-rich foods Heme iron and the risks of cancer and heart disease 🥩 Iron in Meat Linked to Heart Disease 👉 https://bit.ly/meat-iron-risk This episode of The Exam Room Podcast is sponsored by the Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund. Our sincere thanks to Alysoun Mahoney and everyone at the fund for their generous support of the Physicians Committee and The Exam Room Podcast. 🙂 Gregery Reiter Fund 👉 https://gregoryreiterfund.org 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 action

Why do some healthy habits become part of your life while others disappear after a few days or weeks? Dr. Gemma Newman joins Chuck Carroll to explore the psychology behind lasting lifestyle change — and why willpower alone may not be enough. They discuss research suggesting that sustainable change is often connected to identity, purpose, personal values, and finding a deeper "why." Dr. Newman also shares her BLEND IT framework for helping patients, friends, and family make healthier choices without lecturing, judging, or telling them what to do. Plus, discover how whole-food plant-based diets may support weight management without constant calorie counting, why high-fiber lower-calorie-density foods can help with hunger, the role of volume eating, and how healthy eating can become something you genuinely enjoy. You'll also hear a deeply personal discussion about compassion, self-worth, motivation, and why major life transitions can sometimes become powerful opportunities for change. Dr. Newman is also the author of Get Well, Stay Well. 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 🙏 Dr. Gemma Newman 👉 https://gemmanewman.com 📗 Get Well, Stay Well 👉 https://amzn.to/4r9xHAu This episode is fueled by Dr. Brooke Bussard 👉 https://drbrookebussard.com 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 action

Can an athlete become stronger, recover faster, and clean and jerk more than 440 pounds without eating meat? Three-time Olympian Kendrick Farris says the answer is yes. Kendrick represented the United States at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympic Games and was featured in the hit documentary The Game Changers. He ate a standard American diet during his first two Olympic appearances. By his third, he was completely plant-based—and he says the difference was extraordinary. Kendrick tells Chuck Carroll that he did not lose explosiveness after changing his diet. He believes he gained more, recovered faster, completed more work, and became stronger. He also opens up about growing up in poverty in Shreveport, Louisiana, where there were days when his family did not have enough food. When he asked his mother what they were eating, her answer was sometimes, "Fast and pray." That experience helped build the faith and discipline that would eventually carry him to the Olympic stage. In this episode: How much protein an Olympic weightlifter eats How his performance changed after going plant-based His experience competing nine times in one year Why recovery became his greatest advantage Why he replaced whey with plant-based protein The bloating he experienced before changing protein sources How to order plant-based food at any restaurant What The Game Changers did for plant-based athletes Why he believes strength is physical, mental, and spiritual The Physicians Committee's Plant-Powered Performance sports nutrition course begins Sept. 14 and features live instruction, expert Q&A, recordings, athlete-focused recipes, and practical strategies for improving energy, endurance, strength, and recovery. 🎉 PCRM Sports Nutrition Course 👉 https://bit.ly/PlantBasedAthletePCRM 🏋🏿‍♂️ Kendrick Farris 👉 https://blessthegymforever.com 🙏 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 action

Why does healthy eating feel so hard—even when we know exactly what to do? Dr. Doug Lisle joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room to explain the psychology behind The Pleasure Trap and why today's food environment may be even more difficult to navigate than it was two decades ago. Dr. Lisle is the co-author of The Pleasure Trap and a longtime voice in evolutionary psychology. In this conversation, he shares his perspective on why highly processed foods can be so alluring, why shame and willpower are not enough, and how people can build a more sustainable whole-food plant-based way of eating. In this episode: Why the modern food environment can feel impossible to escape The psychology of pleasure, pain avoidance, and habit Why healthy diets can fail when they feel too restrictive Dr. Lisle's "vegan Bushman" approach to calorie density and satisfaction What he thinks about GLP-1 weight-loss medications How to judge dietary progress without obsessing over daily scale changes A preview of his upcoming book, Sherlock Holmes and the Secret of Life Dr. Lisle will also be joining Chuck at the Plant Powered Party in Las Vegas, September 4–6. Chef AJ, Dr. Michael Greger, Dr. Brooke Goldner, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Dr. Columbus Batiste, and many more will be there, too. Can't make it to Vegas? Watch all three days live from anywhere with replay access for a full year. This is Chef AJ's last event for a long while, so don't miss it. Exam Roomies of the Week Evan Haas Lucy EverHope 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 🎉 Plant-Powered Party Las Vegas 👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty 📕 The Pleasure Trap 👉 https://amzn.to/4xX1hes 📗 Sherlock Holmes and the Secret of Life 👉 https://bit.ly/SherlockLisleBook 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 action

Dr. Dawn Mussallem survived stage 4 cancer, received a heart transplant, and became the first person in history to complete a full marathon just one year later. Her remarkable story doesn't end there. After experiencing unimaginable loss, Dawn found new love in the produce aisle—thanks to a purple sweet potato. And after 25 years at Mayo Clinic, she is beginning another major chapter as chief medical officer at Fountain Life. Dawn joins Chuck Carroll to share her extraordinary journey and the health lessons she has learned along the way. They discuss: The difference between longevity and health span The foods associated with healthier aging Why fiber may be one of the most overlooked health tools Protein needs for active adults and people taking GLP-1 medications The surprising reason Dawn developed prediabetes How sleep can affect blood sugar Personalized nutrition and the gut microbiome Her historic marathon after receiving a heart transplant Finding new love in the produce aisle Her major career move after 25 years at Mayo Clinic Chuck and Dawn will both appear at the Plant Powered Party, September 4–6 in Las Vegas. Explore the complete speaker lineup, schedule, tickets, and current virtual-access information at the link below. 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 🎉 Plant-Powered Party Las Vegas 👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty 🎉 Dr. Dawn Mussallem 👉 https://dr-dawn.co This episode is powered by Dr. Brooke Bussard — a lifestyle medicine health coach who believes in the power of plants to maximize wellness. 👉 https://drbrookebussard.com 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 action

What happens when you know exactly what you should do for your health but you still don't do it? Motivation may not be the answer. Best-selling author and performance expert Alan Stein Jr. joins Dr. Hana Kahleova and Chuck Carroll to reveal the "next play" mindset that can help you bounce back from bad decisions, stop self-sabotage, and become more consistent with your health. Before becoming a keynote speaker, Alan spent 20 years in basketball performance and had the opportunity to observe some of the greatest athletes in the world, including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. What separates elite performers isn't perfection. They miss shots. They have bad days. They make mistakes. The difference is what they do next. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, you'll learn how to stop one unhealthy meal from becoming an unhealthy week, why emotions should inform your decisions rather than control them, how to build discipline when motivation disappears, and why your environment may matter more than willpower. Chuck also opens up about weighing 420 pounds and eating as many as 10,000 calories of fast food a day — and why he is learning to have compassion for the person he used to be instead of continuing to punish himself for the past. Plus, Alan shares the daily routines that help him protect his mindset and explains why small wins eventually become enormous changes. Your last play is over. What will you do next? Exam Roomies of the Week Yvonne Brinson Ilaria Ottino Ken Swartz 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 📘 Next Play by Alan Stein Jr. 👉 https://amzn.to/4quiIkk 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 action

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.

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.

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.

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.