In this episode of Docs in a Pod, hosts Ron Aaron and Dr. Tamika Perry sit down with Dr. Benjamin Mendez, a board-certified family medicine physician, to take a deep dive into one of the most fascinating and vital parts of the human body—the gut microbiome.

Dr. Mendez breaks down what the gut microbiome actually is, why it matters, and how it impacts everything from digestion to immunity to mental health. Learn how lifestyle, diet, and even stress affect the balance of bacteria in your gut—and what you can do to keep it thriving.

Docs in a Pod focuses on health issues affecting adults. Clinicians and other health partners discuss stories, topics and tips to help you live healthier. Docs in a Pod airs on Saturdays in the following cities: 

7:00 to 7:30 am CT: 

San Antonio (930 AM The Answer) 

DFW (660 AM, 92.9 FM [Dallas], 95.5 FM [Arlington], 99.9 FM [Fort Worth]) 

6:30 to 7:00 pm CT: 

Houston (1070 AM/103.3 FM The Answer) 

7:00 to 7:30 pm CT: 

Austin (KLBJ 590 AM/99.7 FM) 

Docs in a Pod also airs on Sundays in the following cities: 

1:00-1:30 pm ET: 

Tampa (860 AM/93.7FM)