On Health with Houston Methodist

Houston Methodist
  • 4.9 (22)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

On Health with Houston Methodist is for the health conscious, curious and even skeptics out there. Each week, our hosts are joined by a Houston Methodist expert to explore an everyday wellness trend or significant health topic. For more than 100 years, Houston Methodist has provided the best — and safest — clinical care, advanced technology and patient experience. We are proud to be a top hospital in Texas and the nation. For more health advice and tips from Houston Methodist experts, check out our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

  1. 5d ago

    Boredom: The Surprising Benefit of Having Nothing to Do

    It’s easy to assume that boredom is something to avoid, but that instinct may work against us. When the mind isn't chasing the next bit of input, it has room to wander, reflect and make connections it would otherwise miss. So what happens when we stop treating any spare moment as an invitation to check a screen? In this episode, we explore boredom, why short stretches can support mental health and how small shifts in daily habits can open up space for creativity, better memory, mindfulness and real connection. Expert: Dr. Ana Williams, health behavior clinician with Houston Methodist Notable topics covered:  How boredom affects memory, creativity and emotional regulation What research reveals about boredom's relationship to mental health What “rawdogging boredom” gets right and wrong The difference between short-term boredom and chronic boredom Is a digital detox necessary or practical? Why social media can feel like connection without providing the real thing How a simple text or phone call can beat sending another meme The role mindfulness and grounding practices can play in spare moments Questions to ask yourself before instinctively reaching for your phone If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

    Boredom: The Surprising Benefit of Having Nothing to Do

  2. Aug 11

    Third Places: Why Finding One Might Be Good for Your Health

    It's easy to feel like a leisurely morning in a coffee shop, getting lost in the stacks at the library or a walk in the park are luxuries rather than self-care. But the spaces beyond home and work — what sociologists call third places — do real work for our social health, the pillar that's easiest to let slide when we’re busy. And many of us do skip these spaces: half of Americans say they seldom or haven’t visited a park in the past year, and 63% say the same about libraries, according to the 2024 American Social Capital Survey. If these spaces are available, why aren’t we going? In this episode, we explore third places: why they matter for your mental and physical health, and how you can find one that’s meaningful for you with little or no pressure. Expert: Dr. Namrata Vasquez, psychologist at Houston Methodist Notable topics covered: Definitions of first, second and third places The four traits of a true third placeWhy Americans engage less in third placesDo online communities count as third places?Why work-life balance is crucial for well-beingSelf-care and hobbies: how they relate to third placesHow arts and sporting events keep us connectedUsing self-exploration and trial-and-error to find meaningful third placesIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

    Third Places: Why Finding One Might Be Good for Your Health

  3. Aug 4

    Wellness Trends: How to Spot Bad Advice on Social Media

    Social media is overflowing with wellness advice that promises a better, healthier you. But how do you know what's backed by science and what's simply trending online? From influencer culture to AI-powered searches, we discuss how to separate credible information from unproven hype to make more informed decisions about your health. Expert: Dr. Joshua Septimus, primary care physician Notable topics covered: Why health and wellness advice spreads so easily on social mediaThe risks of buying health products on the grey marketHow personal success stories from influencers can be misleadingTips for finding reputable medical voices onlinePhysicians are on the front lines of combatting misinformationPractical ways to fact-check health claims before acting on themThe role AI tools can play in researching health questions — and their limitationsWhy your physician remains one of the most valuable health resourcesIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

    Wellness Trends: How to Spot Bad Advice on Social Media

  4. Jul 28

    Charcuterie: How to Build a Healthier Board

    Charcuterie comes from the French phrase “chair cuit,” meaning “cooked meat.” Cured meat was more about survival than celebration for our ancestors; in the Instagram age, charcuterie boards aesthetically grace our feeds and party tables, or even make for an impromptu weeknight “girl dinner.” These boards are popular because they’re low effort, look impressive and are highly customizable (and delicious). But it raises the question: Is a dish built around cured meat and cheese only for special occasions, or can it be part of our regular dinner rotation? In this episode, we explore what makes charcuterie both celebratory and nutritious, and how small swaps can turn a spread into a balanced snack or meal, all without losing the joy. Expert: Kristen Wright, registered dietitian Notable topics covered: What makes a board balanced vs. celebratoryThe ingredients that can easily take  you over the recommended daily intake for sodiumThe  protein swaps to make a board a nutritious everyday snack or mealHow to make healthier ranch and other satisfying dipsEating the rainbow: why color and variety matter for fruits and vegetablesCarbs, sweeteners and condiments: Can they be part of a healthy spread?Beverage pairings and why portion size is often the real issueThe "adult Lunchables" trick for a board you can throw together in 10 minutes If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

    Charcuterie: How to Build a Healthier Board

  5. Jul 21

    Gut Health: When Stress Show Up in Your Stomach

    Ever wonder why stress can trigger butterflies in your stomach, nausea or an urgent trip to the bathroom? In this episode, we explore the fascinating connection between the brain and the gut — discussing why your digestive system is often called your "second brain," the science behind stress-related digestive symptoms and what to do if stress frequently shows up in your gut. Expert: Dr. Eamonn Quigley, gastroenterologist Notable topics covered: Why the gut is often referred to as the body's "second brain”The role of the fight-or-flight response in digestive symptomsHow anxiety, diet and the gut microbiome can influence digestionAcute stress and chronic stress affect the gut differentlyWhy anxiety and digestive conditions like IBS often overlapDiet strategies to help reduce stress-related digestive symptomsWhat to know before spending money on probioticsWhen digestive symptoms could indicate something more than stressIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

    Gut Health: When Stress Show Up in Your Stomach

  6. Jul 14

    Water Weight: Is It Bloating? Weight Gain? Something Else?

    When the numbers on the scale suddenly jump, it's easy to blame "water weight." But how can you tell whether you're retaining fluid, gaining body fat or dealing with something else entirely? In this episode, we cover what water weight is, the lifestyle habits that contribute to fluid retention and how to spot the difference between normal fluctuations and warning signs of excess fluid buildup. Expert: Dr. Laura Choi, weight loss surgeon Notable topics covered: Yes, it's real — and why the term can be misleadingWhy your weight naturally fluctuates throughout the dayThe best way to weigh yourself for tracking long-term trendsHow bloating, puffiness and swelling differ from true weight gainCommon causes of water retention, including hormones, inactivity and dietThe surprising connection between dehydration and water retentionMedical conditions that can cause excess fluid buildupWhy rapid weight loss on low-carb diets is often just water weightThe role protein plays in maintaining healthy fluid balancePractical habits that support healthy fluid balanceIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

    Water Weight: Is It Bloating? Weight Gain? Something Else?

  7. Apr 21

    Digestive Health: Food Has Evolved — Our Gut Hasn’t

    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 of the human diet How modern diets affect gut bacteria, inflammation and nutrient absorption Why ingredient lists matter, and how to tell when a food is ultra-processed Why fiber matters but “fibermaxxing” isn’t always the answer How pairing macronutrients helps the body digest food more smoothly The surprising importance of when you eat — not just what Cultural eating patterns and what the Mediterranean diet gets right Do vitamins and supplements really help your metabolism? Small, realistic changes that support digestion without overthinking food If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

    Digestive Health: Food Has Evolved — Our Gut Hasn’t

  8. Apr 14

    Workout Nutrition: What Works & What Doesn’t

    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 fasted can hurt your performanceSimple, realistic preworkout snack ideas (even for chaotic schedules)How fueling needs differ for cardio, strength training and HIIT workoutsWhat actually matters when it comes to preworkout and postworkout supplementsThe “protein-sparing effect”: Why carb intake matters after a workoutHow consistently underfueling can impact hormones, immunity and overall healthSigns you might not be fueling enough — during workouts and beyond If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

    Workout Nutrition: What Works & What Doesn’t
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About

On Health with Houston Methodist is for the health conscious, curious and even skeptics out there. Each week, our hosts are joined by a Houston Methodist expert to explore an everyday wellness trend or significant health topic. For more than 100 years, Houston Methodist has provided the best — and safest — clinical care, advanced technology and patient experience. We are proud to be a top hospital in Texas and the nation. For more health advice and tips from Houston Methodist experts, check out our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Information

  • Creator
    Houston Methodist
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    109
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 On Health with Houston Methodist
  • Show Website
    On Health with Houston Methodist

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