The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee

Fiber may be the single most powerful nutrient for improving gut health — yet most people aren't getting nearly enough of it.
Enter Fibermaxxing.
On this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Chuck Carroll sits down with gastroenterologist and bestselling author Dr. Will Bulsiewicz to break down the science of how fiber transforms the gut microbiome and why it may be one of the most powerful tools we have for preventing chronic disease.
But this conversation goes far beyond the basics.
Dr. B explains how fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria, why microbial diversity matters for long-term health, and how the metabolites produced by your microbiome influence inflammation, metabolism, immunity, and even brain function.
You'll also learn why short-chain fatty acids like butyrate are so important for colon health, how the gut barrier protects the body from disease, and what happens when the microbiome is starved of fiber.
Most importantly, Dr. B explains exactly how to start fibermaxxing safely and effectively — including how to increase fiber intake without uncomfortable bloating and which foods are best for rebuilding a healthy microbiome.
Whether you're trying to improve digestion, reduce disease risk, or optimize your microbiome, this episode will give you the science-backed strategies to start today.
In this episode you'll learn:
• What fibermaxxing is and why it's gaining attention
• How fiber feeds the gut microbiome
• Why microbial diversity is critical for health
• The role of short-chain fatty acids like butyrate
• How fiber strengthens the gut barrier
• Why fiber intake is linked to lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes
• How to increase fiber safely without digestive discomfort
• The best foods for rebuilding your microbiome
Dr. Bulsiewicz also shares practical strategies for improving digestion and explains why your gut microbiome may be one of the most important predictors of long-term health.
If you're ready to take your gut health to the next level, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.
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- 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.

Constipation isn't just an adult problem — millions of kids struggle with it too.
On this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Chuck Carroll is joined by Dr. Iris Wang, a gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic and the author of the children's book Boo Can't Poo.
Dr. Wang explains why constipation happens in children, how diet and lifestyle affect digestion, and what parents can do to help their kids develop healthy gut habits early in life.
🧠 You'll learn:
• How common constipation is in kids
• How fiber supports a healthy gut microbiome
• Why hydration is essential for digestion
• The surprising role of the pelvic floor in bowel movements
• Practical tips to help picky eaters get more fiber
• How parents can talk about poop without embarrassment
Dr. Wang also shares why breaking the "poo taboo" is so important for long-term health.
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- 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.

Does bacon cause cancer? The evidence is overwhelming.
A new national survey conducted for the Physicians Committee reveals that nearly half of Americans are unaware that processed meat increases colorectal cancer risk. But the real story isn't just awareness — it's prevention.
In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast Chuck Carroll is joined by registered dietitian Anna Herby to explain:
✅ How eliminating processed meat can lower colorectal cancer risk
✅ Why fiber is one of the most powerful cancer-fighting nutrients
✅ The safest and healthiest alternatives to bacon, sausage, burgers, and deli meat
✅ What a "colon-protective plate" looks like
✅ How plant-based proteins support gut microbiome health
✅ Practical grocery store swaps you can make immediately
Processed meats like bacon, hot dogs, and sausage are classified as Group 1 carcinogens. But replacing them with beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, whole grains, and vegetables can significantly improve colon health and reduce inflammation.
Colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults — but it's also one of the most preventable cancers.
Watch now to learn how small can make a big difference.
🧄 Cancer Survey
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- 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 you pooping the right way?
According to gastroenterologist Dr. Trisha Pasricha, 40% of Americans say their bowel habits disrupt their daily lives — and most of us are doing it wrong.
In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Chuck Carroll sits down with Dr. Pasricha to discuss constipation, fiber intake, red meat and colorectal cancer risk, detox myths, hemorrhoids, gut-brain science, and how to achieve what she calls "poophoria."
🧠 You'll learn:
• Best ways to sit on the toilet
• How much fiber you actually need
• Why toilet posture matters
• The truth about red meat and colon cancer
• Whether coffee really helps you poop
• Why scrolling on your phone may increase hemorrhoid risk
• How stress affects your gut
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🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM
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- 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 is the leading cause of death — but it's also one of the most preventable conditions. 
In this episode of The Exam Room, Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll to reveal the best foods for reversing heart disease, lowering cholesterol, and protecting your arteries naturally.
Dr. Barnard breaks down the science behind oats, beans, walnuts, leafy greens, flaxseed, berries, and more — and explain how these foods help remove LDL cholesterol, improve endothelial function, and reduce inflammation.
Can plaque really shrink? How fast can cholesterol levels drop? What should you eat if you've already had a heart attack?
If you're serious about improving your cardiovascular health, this evidence-based conversation offers practical steps you can start today.
🧠 Topics Covered:
- How plaque forms in arteries
- Foods that lower LDL cholesterol quickly
- Nitric oxide and circulation
- Inflammation and heart disease
- How soluble fiber clears cholesterol
- Why beans may be better than meat for your heart
- The truth about cooking oil
- Do nuts help or hurt?
- Why berries are heart-protective
According to the CDC, nearly 80% of heart disease cases may be preventable with diet and lifestyle changes.
That means what you eat matters — a lot.
If you're trying to lower cholesterol naturally, reduce plaque buildup, or protect your arteries, this episode is packed with evidence-based guidance.
🛳️ Dr. Barnard's Bon Voyage Bash: Houston!
👉 https://www.pcrm.org/events/bon-voyage-bash-houston
🍎 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.