Fiber May Matter More Than Protein for Muscle and Longevity

Can fiber be even more important than protein for athletic performance, muscle health, and healthy aging?

Dr. Regan A. Stiegmann and Dr. Sharon McDowell-Larsen join "The Exam Room Podcast" to challenge some of the biggest assumptions in fitness and sports nutrition.

Dr. McDowell-Larsen is an exercise physiologist, nine-time Ironman finisher, and age-group world champion who remains an elite competitor at 65. She reveals how changing her diet helped resolve debilitating breathing problems, eliminate her need for three asthma medications, and revive an athletic career she thought was over.

Dr. Stiegmann is a former U.S. Air Force major and flight surgeon who helped advance lifestyle and performance medicine in the military. She explains why nutrition can influence everything from muscle recovery and cognitive performance to military readiness and long-term health.

Together, they explore the emerging gut-muscle connection and explain why America's obsession with protein may be causing athletes to overlook fiber.

In this episode:

• Why protein alone may not prevent age-related muscle loss
• How fiber supports muscle, bone, and metabolic health
• What a 65-year-old Ironman champion eats in a typical day
• The relationship between gut health and muscle function
• Why exercise cannot erase the effects of a poor diet
• The potential risks of extreme endurance exercise
• How a plant-based diet may improve recovery
• Why some professional athletes keep plant-based eating a secret
• How daily choices determine the trajectory of aging

Dr. Stiegmann and Dr. McDowell-Larsen are the co-authors of "Staying in the Game," an evidence-based guide to maintaining physical, mental, and metabolic performance throughout life.

The six-week online 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.

Chuck and professional wrestler Dan Healy, known to wrestling fans as Austin Aries, will be among the featured presenters.

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM

👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

🎉 PCRM Sports Nutrition Course

👉 https://bit.ly/PlantBasedAthletePCRM

📕 Staying In The Game Book

👉 https://amzn.to/3UUx5T4

🚴‍♀️ Sharen McDowell-Larsen Substack

👉 https://sharonmcdowelllarsen.substack.com

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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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