Drs. John McDougall and Michael Klaper, Brenda Davis RD, Rich Roll, John and Ocean Robbins, and Rev. Heng Sure. Here are some of the compelling topics they addressed:
Autism & Relationship-Based Approaches
A pediatrician asked about promising treatments for autism, specifically regarding eye contact improvements. The panel discussed relationship-based approaches like the Son-Rise Program as alternatives to behavioral modification, emphasizing how these principles could benefit all relationships.
B12 Supplementation
The experts discussed vitamin B12 recommendations, with consensus around supplementing with either 100 or 1000 mcg doses. Dr. McDougall emphasized that brand choice wasn’t critical, but proper dosing was key due to absorption rates.
Cancer & Diet
Dr. McDougall shared his groundbreaking 1982 study on dietary treatment of breast cancer. While noting that hardcore randomized controlled trial data is limited (largely due to funding priorities favoring drug research), he emphasized the logic of removing dietary factors that may have contributed to the cancer’s development.
Fruit Consumption
There was an interesting discussion about optimal fruit intake. Dr. McDougall recommended limiting to about three fresh fruits daily for the general population, while Brenda Davis shared that she personally consumes 5-6 servings daily. They cautioned against excessive fruit juice consumption and rapid smoothie consumption, suggesting taking time to properly chew and digest smoothies.
Raw Food Diets
The panel had a thought-provoking exchange about raw food diets. Dr. McDougall strongly advocated for cooked foods, stating that human civilization developed because of cooking. Brenda Davis suggested a more moderate approach, recommending 60-75% raw combined
with some cooked foods for better nutrient absorption.
Annual Physical Exams
In a surprising take, Dr. McDougall strongly advised against routine annual physical exams, citing recommendations from medical authorities that they can lead to over-testing and unnecessary treatments. He emphasized that the body will signal when medical attention is needed.
The discussion highlighted how many of these topics remain relevant today, while also showing how our understanding has evolved over the past decade. It’s fascinating to look back at these conversations that helped shape the plant-based movement.
Content:
0:00 Question about autism treatment & eye contact
1:45 B12 supplementation – which brand to buy?
3:12 Diet’s role in cancer treatment – Dr. McDougall shares his groundbreaking 1982 study
5:30 Question about marathon training for Rich Roll
8:50 GMO crops and vaccination discussion
12:59 How much fruit should we eat? Candida concerns
17:30 Using money to advance the vegan movement – Ocean Robbins on food accessibility
19:15 Supplement recommendations & what to test for at check-ups
23:00 Dr. McDougall’s strong stance against vitamin D supplementation supplementation
26:14 The annual physical exam debate
32:12 Life at the City of 10,000 Buddhas – Rev. Heng Sure
35:07 Advice for young vegans
38:12 Question about warfarin and leafy greens
40:32 Alkaline water – “Sounds like a good business to me”
42:00 Post-cancer treatment resources
47:01 Rheumatoid arthritis treatment success rates
48:49 Arsenic in rice discussion
52:31 Closing remarks and thank yous