On Health with Houston Methodist

Modern food looks nothing like it did a generation ago, let alone thousands of years ago. What does this mean for your body? In this episode, we explore how our diets have changed dramatically over time, the types of food our digestive systems are hardwired to handle, and what that mismatch means for metabolism, gut health and more. 

Expert: Dr. Archana Sadhu, endocrinologist 

Notable topics covered: 

• The evolution ...

Should you eat before a workout? What about after? And do you really need electrolyte drinks, protein shakes or preworkout supplements to see results? In this episode, we break down why you shouldn’t enter a workout fasted, the biggest misconceptions around fueling for exercise and what actually helps you perform better and recover faster.

Expert: Amanda Beaver, registered dietitian

Notable topics covered:

• Why working out fa...

Recreational team sports aren’t just for kids. In fact, 50% of young adults say they either play in a rec sports league or are interested in joining one. If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, we break down why it’s never too late to play, how to get started and tips for avoiding injuries as you get back into the game.

Expert: Dr. Vijay Jotwani, sports medicine physician

Notable topics covered:

• Mental he...

Monitoring our macros, steps or sleep (maybe with a wearable?) might come to mind if one wants to optimize their well-being. But there’s another factor often gets overlooked in hacking our health: social connection. And, as a society, we’re currently lacking it. One in three Americans report feeling lonely every week, according to an American Psychiatric Association poll — and 30% of Americans age 18-34 say they f...

You’ve likely heard of the pelvic floor, but what do you really know about it? For instance, are you aware that having a weak pelvic floor isn’t the only issue? An overly tight one can cause problems, too. In this episode, we break down what the pelvic floor actually is, why it matters at every stage of life and how it affects more than just childbirth or aging. From bladder control and exercise to pain, prevention and ...

Cancer screenings are an important part of staying healthy. Still, they might feel inconvenient — and sometimes even uncomfortable. So what about tests that claim to detect dozens of cancers from just a single blood draw? In this episode, we dive into the rise of multi-cancer detection blood tests, breaking down how they work and what the science says — for now.

Expert: Dr. Brittany Barthelemy, primary care doctor 

N...

Cortisol has made headlines in the past couple of years. If your feed has you questioning whether cortisol is behind everything from “moon face” to belly fat, this episode is here to help. We break down what cortisol actually does, what a normal daily cortisol curve looks like and why true cortisol disorders are rare. We also dig into what’s more likely behind carrying more weight around the midsection and whether...

It's estimated that almost half of Americans now use wearable technology to monitor their health. Whether using a smartwatch, ring or fitness tracker, we have access to a steady stream of data that tech companies say can tell us about everything from our sleep to our metabolic and heart health. But is that sleep score or biological age your wearable suggests real? In this episode, we examine wearables, the data they offer and what ...

With protein being added to everything from chips to water these days, you may be questioning whether you’re getting enough of it. In this episode, we break down how much protein your body really needs, who may benefit from more, when “extra protein” is just clever marketing and practical ways to improve your diet with often-overlooked and affordable sources.

Expert: Knubian Gatlin, Registered Dietitian

Notable topi...

Stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same — and understanding the difference matters. While stress actually can be helpful in short bursts, anxiety can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health. With 42 million Americans living with anxiety — and nearly half of Gen Z reporting the feeling — it’s time to unpack what’s normal, what’s not and how ...

Wondering whether your exercise routine is hitting the mark? You’re not alone. Most of us leave P.E. class behind without ever really learning how to work out as adults. In this episode, we break down what counts as exercise, how much you need and why intensity matters. From everyday activities to structured workouts, learn what truly moves the needle for your health and fitness. Plus, practical tips for tracking progress and...

Move over, protein: Fiber is the newest macronutrient darling of the food world. Content creators promoting optimal digestion suggest we maximize fiber intake — “fibermaxxing” — by eating fiber-rich foods with every meal and snack as well as using fiber supplements as needed. The fibermaxxing crowd claims the approach can help with everything from gut health to improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels and...

What if there were tests that could determine which foods to add or subtract from your diet for optimal health? That’s just one of many overarching claims of the various gut microbiome tests now available and gaining popularity online. But can an over-the-counter test really tell you how healthy (or unhealthy) your gut microbiome is? A gastroenterologist breaks down what you should know about these expensive consumer health t...

Burnout has become one of the hallmarks of modern life. Nearly half of workers worldwide report the feeling, a percentage that’s been rising steadily since the pandemic blurred the line between work and free time. But what exactly is burnout? How can you tell when stress becomes something more serious? And why does it seem to be spreading across so many professions and age groups? In this week’s episode, we explore the ...

Seed oils are a hotly debated topic on social media. Some content creators claim that the cooking oils are toxic and cause a host of chronic conditions, from obesity to diabetes. Nutritional research tells a more nuanced story about these often-villainized, refined plant-based vegetable oils, including canola, corn, sunflower and grapeseed. Do we need to rid our pantries of these oils, or just use caution while cooking? In this epi...

Few health topics get more oversimplified than weight gain and weight loss. Poor diet and lack of exercise take the brunt of the blame — and while these can of course contribute to weight gain or sabotage weight loss, the reality is far more complex. In this episode, we unpack the assortment of factors that influence weight — from metabolism and genetics to mood and sleep. We also challenge conventional wisdom around we...

Wireless headphones and earbuds have become a part of everyday life: commuting, gym workouts, video calls, even sleep aids. But while they’ve made listening more personal and portable, that convenience comes with a risk. Audiologists are reporting a rise in noise-induced hearing loss linked to unsafe listening practices, particularly among younger people. So how much sound can your ears really handle? Is noise-induced hearing...

“Eat in moderation.” It’s a phrase that’s often tossed around but rarely defined — leaving each of us to interpret this vague guideline on our own. In this episode, we dig into the meaning behind the mantra. From portion sizing and balancing macronutrients to figuring out how many “cheat meals” per week is too many, we explore how moderation should play out in real life. 

Expert: Kriste...

Head throbbing? Back aching? Arthritis flaring up? People in such plights ― and countless others ― almost universally respond the same way: pop a painkiller. Indeed, recent surveys show 1 in 3 Americans take over-the-counter pain medication daily and as many as 8 in 10 report reaching for it routinely. But how much do people really know about these seeming wonder drugs found in practically every home or office first-aid kid? In thi...