6 Ways a Vegan Diet Can Improve Your Health | Dr. Neal Barnard on The Exam Room Podcast 

Been plant based since I was 26. I am now 56. I have more energy than people half my age and I do not look like most 56 year olds. My blood work is always perfect, has been for years. I am extremely active and have absolutely no problem with my weight, never have. If you do it correctly, being plant based can bring you excellent health.

I just turned 60. Did myself a birthday gift and started whole food plant base lifestyle. I wish I started earlier

I started transitioning to a plant based diet 2 months ago and everything changed! My high blood pressure disappeared! I had stress incontinence after my last baby a year ago, it disappeared! My hemorrhoids disappeared! One time inflamed xiphoid process normalized. I was blown away meanwhile I started this diet cos I wanted to lose weight but soon as I saw shits disappearing I decided to ask my doctor for my blood work! My cholesterol & liver enzymes went down drastically! Sadly, my doctor was a little shady when I first told her I was transitioning and I needed my blood work! Well, I didn’t mind her attitude and did my blood work, and she emailed me telling me my cholesterol and liver enzymes have improved compared to the last time they were taken when I had my last baby! No explanations, just your labs have improved! So, I emailed back and said please explain what the liver enzymes mean, then she emailed me the bombshell. She sent a comparison of my my liver enzymes and the difference was so huge. My ALT went from 36 to 18 & AST 26 to 17. I was like “Bye Doctor, I’m not coming back to your office no more” To think that she wasn’t excited for me initially and when the results came back great she tried to make it seem like nothing, I definitely don’t want her services anymore! Also, I wasn’t 100% vegan, I still ate my knorr bouillon , honey and others yet I had great labs, I decided to go All In today! I’m having spinach,onion, potatoes, almonds & my homemade salad dressing for NewYear dinner while watching my favorite cute 🥰 doctor Barnard!

I am in my early seventies and I ran across your videos and started watching them. I decided to give veganism a try 6 weeks ago. I have lost 10 pounds, got off of one of my diabetes meds because my blood sugar dropped from an average of 128 to an average of 91, and I am trying to get my doctor to let me get off of my blood pressure medication because my b/p has been normal for the last 4 weeks. Thanks for helping me out, Guys!

When he mentions how a vegan diet strengthens the immune system... I'm a healthcare worker and tested positive twice for covid within the last year with zero symptoms. I've been plant-based for 4 years. Some have said, "Well, it's because you're just getting tested regularly", but I feel it's the foods.

I went vegan “cold turkey” and never looked back! It’s amazing what plant based nutrition can do for body and mind!

I am plant based vegan since 20 years now. In my 40th year I stopped alcohol and started weight lifting approximately 15-20 tons before lunch. 5 times a week. I was always slim, now I am mascular, too with a body fat percentage of max. 8%. Never felt healthier.

I've been plant based for 6 years, I'm 53 and feel great! I run marathons AND eating this way cured my most bothersome menopause symptoms.

I have just started plant based diet and I am already feeling better

1) Lose weight and keep it off (no need to count calories) 2) More energy 3) Better sex life (erectile dysfunction goes away) 4) Stronger immune system (reduces chances of getting covid-19) 5) Lower rate of disease (no cholesterol in plant foods & higher in fibre) 6) Longer life

I have to admit I went vegetarian about 2 months ago. My diet is 95% vegetables and fruits. The plumbing in my system has vastly improved. I was quite impressed with myself. And I'm 67.

I love Dr. Barnard. He has such a kind and warm-hearted appearance and is able to explain correlations clearly and with a sparkle of humor. 😁 Great man! ❤🍀

I have been meat and dairy free for 4 years and am still learning. I can't believe how delicious some of the plant based meals are that I've been able to make. My frustration is at restaurants, plant based offerings are extremely limited where I live in rural Pennsylvania, unless you just want salad. However, close to the cities, there are more plant based items on the menus!

Thank you for great information on happy new year, Dr Barnard and Chuck!

I am so happy that I read your book, Dr Barnard. Have gone vegan for 6 months and both my husband and I feel great. My husband’s blood pressure has gone down and our cholesterol down as well. It is so beneficial but not easy for everyone. Friends all asked how about iron intake and all nutrients from meat? I then tell them go read your book.

You guys have changed so many lives. Thank you for everything you do!

Thank you so much for this video! I’ve been completely WFPB for five months - thanks to PCRM and Dr. Gregor - and cannot believe the improvements in my health. My thyroid is getting better and better (even after a partial thyroidectomy), blood pressure has drastically improved, and my weight is FINALLY going the right direction. Thank you all so much for your diligence: you truly are making a difference!

Many thanks Dr Barnard,and Mr Chuck. A very happy new year to you both

Im currently transitioning to plant base diet, THANK YOU for these videos and all your info

I wanted to ask if there is any problem with the added calcium in soymilk? I noticed mine has a lot, 400mg per 250mL serve, 160mg/100mL. I've been fully plant based for 6 months now and never felt better and my blood tests are unbelievable. I'm glad I dont have to age fat and stiff, I have now control over my health without the annoying hurdles of traditional diets. Your work saves lives guys!

Happy New year Doc and Chuck! Vegan for animals from Croatia, EU sends regards 🌱😊

Want to share my plant-based diet experience. I was sick for 37 years, taking all kind of medication from propanolol, Lipitor, allergy pills and over-the-counter pills.I suffered daily migraine headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, tinnitus, indigestion and yes erectile dysfunction. One day I decided to switch to plant-based diet. Soon afterwards most of my problem went away. My daily propranolol dosage reduced from 180 mg to 40 mg; no more chest pain no more migraine headache tinnitus is at minimum. I feel great and I’m very energetic; and yes I still suffer Erectile great function at the age of 65.

Thank you so much Dr Barnard & Chuck😀.

Thank you Dr. Neil. I have been vegan for around 17 years. I am nearly 45. Your passion and zest for life makes me want to do better in everything I do.

I convince, my husband to eat a plant-based diet. Recently, he got a physical check-up including blood work. His doctor gives him a bill of health, and the nurse compliments him on how clean and clear his blood is. The best side effect is, he started to take up roots, and now I know where he is.

Thanks!! I try to catch each episode live. Today, I did. Thanks for all the info and support. You guys are great!

Thank you for being so relentless on this subject.

Happy new Year Chuck and dr N Barnard I listened to the physician Committee every day looking forward to the show in 2022 Plantbased for 2 Years very healthy but fall very sick after my booster 3 weeks ago, Viral infection

Dr. Barnard is right on and that's exactly what happen to me and wasn't really trying. My concern was Cholesterol levels were high. I first lost 12lbs. and my cholesterol went down. So grateful and won't change my lifestyle.

Thank you again !

Thank you!

Chuck and Dr Barnard are the Best, thank you so much for your program, Dr. Barnard your advise and calmness and willingness to share such important information means so much, I prefer to do on the natural, i have gone plant base this year, it is Horrible what our government has allowed with the Animal Abuse and has been going on for years, the workers are completed unbearable, i wish i could snap an finger to help out, more than what i am doing now. I surely hope this country turns around, has to be a world wide effort, God Bless You and your family God Bless our Nation.

Thank you for this valuable information!! Good health to everyone!

Thank you

I've officially been wfpb for 23 days. I have high blood pressure and I have a drs appointment tomorrow. Can't wait to hear my results!

I think people think "endless boring steamed vegetables" when they hear "vegan." But look at a plate of hamburger and fries - various shades of tan to brown. Boring. Tonight I made an Engine 2 "salad" full of mango, avocado, black beans, red bell peppers, sweet potato and cilantro. Bright, vibrant, lovely to look at. And even lovelier to eat. Vegan dishes are NOT boring or bland.

So important!

Dr. Neal Barnard

I am 67, while I have not been diagnosed with any medical condition so far, thanking God for that, but I am morbidly obese. I’ve been on this transition to plant-based now for seven-weeks still don’t feel energetic. But in seven weeks I lost 7 pounds…Looking forward to the health benefits, energy, and body to go back to its normal size.

Been plant based off and on for five years, but went fully on board with no turning back seven full weeks ago. My dad was diagnosed with advanced stage liver cancer; I just left his funeral. My poor sweet Dad didn't know any better; I do. I don't want my children to go through the seven weeks of hell I have been through.

I started my wfpb diet a week ago and my diabetic symptoms started to disappear. Never gonna go back to my old lifestyle.

Great video! Happy NY!

Thankyou, ihave been a vegan, for 2years now my health is getting better

I’m 56 years old I love watching U2 Dr. Bernard is my mentor and I really like watching chuck. I was diagnosed with minor coronary artery blockage not enough to warrant a stent I’ve been a vegan for over a year and I feel great.I am a Struggling a little with the psychology of my diagnosis even though it was a year ago but your videos give me confidence it seems like every video you guys have I learn something new. THANK YOU & God Bless

I’m just getting my mind set to go plant base for health reasons. I’m just trying to figure out how to get started.

Thank you for motivating to stay on track in plant based diet🌱❤️ I'm trying by limiting any animal based products to minimum, since I have abandoned diary products such as milk, yogurts, butter, cheese first visible signs are on my skin and I have less runny nose and sinuses inflammations which was my health nightmare so many years (since I was 6 yrs). There are more and more substitutes. Generally a long way ahead of me to eliminate hormonal problems, but that's my aim. And I try to replace meat by preparing tasty dishes without meat. The app is also very helpful, I can find there inspirations for quick, tasty, vegan dishes

Love your work. I’ve been plant based for around 10 months now and all I can say is that I wish I knew about plant based diets before. It’s a life changer and I have no plans to ever go back to a meat based diet. It’s much easier than I ever thought.

I love this show!

This makes me want to eat even better. This was so life altering. I made it through my 40s caring about less diets.

Totally off topic but close your eyes and listen to Dr. Barnard… does anyone else here Jeff Goldblum? Lol! Love them both!

Thank you both! Dr Barnard you are so soft spoken and love how you articulate the information we need to know about plant based! Is it ok to have store bought Vegan cheese and mayonnaise once in a while?

Excellent video! Did not know about the free 21 day app! Man that would have been so helpful! Lol going to download anyway and give to my friend, mom, and husband who are thinking of joining the life style with me!

Went vegan three years ago and implemented time restricted feeding. Dropped 24 points in one year (179 to 155) and have kept it off. Cholesterol below 140 - HDL/LDL ratio very good.

Great discussion. I know it works. I still get cravings though.

This thumbnail is everything lol love it

I am a new vegan from today!

LOVE that thumbnail😆😍

I lost about 100lbs after I started smoking mmj. I didn't make any significant diet changes, not at first. I did gradually cut things out in part or entirely. I started with limiting dairy, processed foods and salt. MMJ really helped make dietary and lifestyle changes. I went entirely plant based this past summer. I want to maintain and continue to improve my health. I have years of damage to reverse.

Your right Plant based diet is very strong

Whole food plant based diet is not "among the healthier" -- it is THE healthiest!

I'm still trying to figure out how to get started

I am male age 82, was diabetic with high BP, stage 3 CKD and had quadruple heart bypass surgery 5 years ago when I weighed 270. I discovered WFPB 4 years ago and am now 205, BP is 110/65 without pills, A1c = 5.4%, TCHOL

It’s my 4th day as a Vegetarian, almost Vegan. I have already lost 3 pounds. I feel lighter on my feet. I’m 46 so I have noticed more blood flow down low. These are the good. The bad is I am feeling a little light headed, low on energy and tired. I also quit drinking sodas at the same time so Day 4 No sodas and no meat. I think maybe I’m low on protein or something else that meat had in it. I am excited though about all the research and how I’m already feeling. Is there anything I can do to feel better now? Thanks guys. I decided kind of on the fly to do this change. I did not plan ahead at all.

I have been eating a whole food only low carb diet since January 13th, 2023 to reduce inflammation to ease the symptoms of Crohn's disease, degenerative disc disease, Chronic kidney disease, Osteoarthritis and non alcoholic fatty liver disease and to improve my blood pressure to get off of hypertension medication. It has been working really good for me, it has reduced my joint pain, improved my insulin resistance and improved my blood pressure so I was able to stop taking the medication and I was able to start exercising daily since February and now I walk my dog 3.3 miles a day and workout 20 minutes a day with 3lbs dumbbells. I have lost 52.5lbs so far, but the only thing it hasn't helped is the nausea and abdominal pain from Crohn's. I saw my gastroenterologist on 05/24 and asked him what diet I should eat and all he did was direct me to the Crohn's and Colitis website that was useless. I did see a couple of videos the last few days that both doctors recommended a whole food Vegan diet, so I decided to give it a try. I had to order all new food and give my boyfriend all of the animal products I had. I am fasting today to try to reset my gut and will start the diet tomorrow but I will be leaving out the pasta, rice and potatoes that most vegans eat to stay low carb.

I used to be on keto for 5 year’s . Now i heard plant based is my healthier for thyroid. I switched over to plant based. I’m still having alitte trouble with my breakfast and lunch.. I love my salmon and eggs. Will it hurt if I eat 2 eggs with my avocado?? I snack on nuts . I believe I still need help. Great vedio you two.

I even stopped drinking alcohol

Can you advise what I can do to stop eating sweets

I’m a little confused over this dietary fat making blood thicker. My understanding is that saturated fat isn’t soluble in blood so the body uses lipoproteins to carry them around the body in the bloodstream as a triglyceride load. This surely means that thicker blood has nothing to do with saturated fat in the diet getting into the bloodstream. The only fats that might directly enter the bloodstream are MCTs which mainly come from plants and indeed the body regards them as carbohydrates. Even then, they flow straight to the liver and are used for energy.

Where is it?

I went plant-based several months ago and want to know if you can talk about antidepressants and the possibility of weight loss on a vegan lifestyle.

Honestly, I'm a vegan, and I plan on staying vegan despite this, but I've had quite the opposite effect over time. When I lost all my weight, I was still eating loads of meat and dairy for 95% of the time. I swapped to vegan and taught myself how to cook and bake for the last 15 pounds to get down to 148 lbs at 5'10. I felt great and normal for a while, but then nowadays, I'm very often fatigued, lethargic and the likes. I think it's more the effects of having restricted food drastically for over a year, but I still never had these issues before I had gone vegan. I eat a very varied diet and don't have any vitamin or mineral issues, or internal bleeding or anything else like that, yet I'm still anemic and have been for quite some time. Although that came before I went vegan.

Hello chuck, could you do a video on Lupus ? I have a friend that I have been trying to get to go plant based but she won’t because her Dr told her no. 😒 That doesn’t make any sense to me. Thanks for all that you do.

Plant based diet changed my life and put IBD in remission. But many people argue that humans evolved by eating meat. Some argue otherwise. Which is true?

YESYESYESYESYES THANK YOU! Vegan 4 years now!!! Sober vegan athlete traveler! Love you all!!!!! Go vegan!

Could postmenopausal dryness actually be clogged arteries in the nether regions? After all there is a lot of tumescence going on in women too when things get really nice.

I've been on Keto and had managed to lose wait, but have gained some back. I do want to be healthier and always wonder about going Vegan - how does this work with being a diabetic. I also have high blood pressure. I'm 67 and want this year to be a getting healthier year for me and my husband. I'm also concerned about so much salads, which I love, but can't have everyday due to diverticulitis. I would love to know more and if this is something for me. Happy New Year!

HNY Chuck and Dr Barnard. Could you help? I am fully vegan for the last year , no processed food and miniscule oil. I have had Long covid for the last 22 months and can't seem to get my energy levels etc back. In fact, the last year has been worse and I have had to cut my work hours by more than a half. I am quite good in the mornings I have read Dr Goldner's protocol on green smoothies and raw vegan foods to hyper nourish the body and wondered if you had any advice as mentally it is affecting me now that it has gone on for so long.

Does cocoa like Hershey non gmo powder still contain flavonoids that can be beneficial? Or do they loose the benefits due to the processing ?

I recently went on a plant based diet and my weight has reduced significantly in 2 months.I need advise on what kind of foods can help with high calcium intake.

I am pre-diabetic. Do you mean I can eat as many carb as I want? And so with fruits? I love apple, mangoes and most fruits. Thanks!

Does Vegan diet help for insomnia ?

👋

I've been vegan for 2.5 years vegetarian for 7 years. But im still fat. Im not a oil user, candy eater, or processed food eater. I feel good, have great blood work, but im 40 lbs overweight. The scale just doesn't budge. I'm happy for all of you, but weight loss has not been my experience.

How do I get the 21 days plan, from Guyana and not a technology person. Don't understand much about internet.

how can i find your video in french ?

Can a plant based diet help with multiple sclerosis?

Hi everyone, I started a wfpb for 10 months now, I started because of my high cholesterol which I tried to keep at boarder base for 7 years by cutting out red meat and all fatty foods.However my last bloodwork showed that it had gone up and doctor said I might need medication, I told her to give 3 months and sure enough when i went back my cholesterol was gone. I lost 32 lbs I am 64 years old and now weight 125 Lbs.. healthy for me. Here is my problem I noticed my hair thinning a LOT and my strong long nails now breaking for first time in 30 years !! my friends all blame my whole food plant base diet !! Please help is this true, I think I eat well, love my veggies, whole grain, fruits !! oatmeal ect. what could i be missing I also take a multi vitamin.

Dislike the conflation of veganism with a plant-based diet. The former is an ethical philosophy that happenstance entails a plant-based diet, whereas someone could choose to be plant-based for any number of personal reasons. Other than that, good discussion.

What’s wrong with lacto-ovo vegetarian???

I have started to go vegan and I haven’t wanted to eat meat over Christmas but the sweets is a bit different can you help with any advice please

Happy New Year from Illinois..I am transitioning to a whole food plant based diet.not sure how to start. Am concerned about vitamins and to know if I am getting all nutrients my body needs..any suggestions? Thanks!

can you talk about canola oil and different oils and what to look out for in vegan products that you should stay away from? Like what vegan products are not healthy for you?

in going vegan

Hopefully it will help with depression anxiety and loneliness but first I need to know what do I do first I mean how do I know what to eat for breakfast

I notice that Chuck called out greasy pizza. Very nice distinction because one can make whole grain crust no oil vegan pizza loaded with veggies that is delicious and causes no dysfunctions!

So why is there no mention of plant toxins and carbohydrate toxicity?

5 years on a plant based diet, people close to me challenging why I am biased and only criticise meat and never talk about many benefits of eating meat on moderation? What is an argument against?

I have no reason why but it seems like I'm far better at moderating my diet as a vegan or mostly plant based eater. Like I can eat just one piece of pie without wanting any more. When I was an omnivore I couldn't do that.

I'd like to know how one can gain weight on a plant-based diet. 😊 It's so common to say how great a wfpb diet is for losing weight, but what about people like me who struggle with the opposite? ❤ I've been vegan for about three years now, have been healthy, but a little underweight my whole life and am looking for a way to gain weight without all the vegan junkfoods. 😅

The vegan movement in my opinion is a positive initiative but lacks a proven alternative. That is why so many Vegan’s lapse. We are inundated with all the negatives of exploiting animals…It is time for the Vegan movement to put energy into the alternative. Show people how to go Vegan sensibly with health in mind. I personally tried and got to a full 3 months, it was not that hard, it is a conscious choice. I felt great for the first 2 months… Your family and friends may not be onboard or even supportive because they do not know better, but you can slowly and gently educate them. But the real issue of making this happen is a well-planned diet (that includes all the necessary nutrients). I have yet to find that. Neal, can you provide us with one?