On Health with Houston Methodist

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 performance
• Simple, realistic preworkout snack ideas (even for chaotic schedules)
• How fueling needs differ for cardio, strength training and HIIT workouts
• What actually matters when it comes to preworkout and postworkout supplements
• The “protein-sparing effect”: Why carb intake matters after a workout
• How consistently underfueling can impact hormones, immunity and overall health
• Signs 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. 

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 health and social benefits of playing sports as an adult
• The underappreciated physical benefits of exercise, from heart health to balance
• How to safely return to sports if it’s been a while since you last played
• Choosing the right sport based on your age and fitness level
• Why sports like pickleball and ultimate frisbee are so popular
• Injury prevention tips for adult athletes
• Stretching, warmups and cooldowns explained
• Hydration and nutrition tips for game days
• How accountability and community keep people moving long-term

If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog. 

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 feel lonely every day. Building a strong, meaningful social network (IRL, not online) can be as significant for our health as quitting smoking or losing weight. But what counts as meaningful connection — and can small talk, texting and casual interactions really make a difference? This episode explores how social connection shapes our mental and physical well-being, why loneliness and isolation aren’t the same thing, and how to build healthier, more authentic connections in everyday life.

Expert: Dr. Olivia Tomasco, primary care doctor

Notable topics covered:

• What loneliness is and how it differs from isolation 
• Why loneliness can affect both mental and physical health 
• Who is most at risk for social disconnection? 
• When technology helps connection — and when it may make loneliness worse 
• Why both quality relationships and everyday small talk matter 
• What a healthy, supportive connection actually looks like 
• Whether texting, memes and other digital check-ins really count 
• How to make new connections in more authentic, low-pressure ways 
• When loneliness may be a sign it’s time to seek professional help 

If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog. 

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 simple daily habits, it’s time to demystify this commonly overlooked, but critically important, part of the body. 

Expert: Dr. Danielle Antosh, urogynecologist 

Notable topics covered: 

• Spoiler: The pelvic floor isn’t actually a flat “floor” 
• Why pelvic floor issues aren’t limited to pregnancy, childbirth or aging 
• Everyday activities that rely on the pelvic floor — often without you realizing it 
• How to know if your pelvic floor is healthy and strong 
• The difference between a weak pelvic floor and a tight one 
• Symptoms that may signal a pelvic floor problem, including pain and urine leakage 
• How menopause and aging can impact pelvic floor muscles 
• Practical guidance on Kegels: how to do them correctly — and common mistakes 
• The role of Pilates, yoga and other exercises in pelvic floor strength and flexibility 
• When pelvic floor physical therapy or other treatments may be needed 
• Why early awareness and prevention can make a long‑term difference

If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog. 

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 

Notable topics covered:

• What multi-cancer detection blood tests are and why they’re getting attention
• Why aren’t these tests FDA approved?
• Key findings from the PATHFINDER study, including false-positive rates
• The high out-of-pocket cost and lack of insurance coverage
• Shield: FDA-approved blood testing for colon cancer
• What to know about “silent” cancers, like pancreatic and ovarian cancer
• Practical ways to reduce cancer risk, including proven screenings and lifestyle habits

If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog. 

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 worth measuring cortisol at all. Plus, why the basics (sleep, managing stress and healthy routines) tend to matter more than any alleged cortisol quick-fix — including “cortisol cocktails.”

Expert: Dr. Nadir Mulla, primary care physician

Notable topics: 

• Why cortisol is the body’s energy mobilization hormone 
• The cortisol curve: how the body naturally controls cortisol levels 
• How rare are cortisol disorders? 
• The simple morning habit that could optimize your cortisol curve 
• Uncovering what's more likely to be behind "cortisol face" and "cortisol belly" 
• What heart rate variability can tell you about your stress levels  
• Why managing stress, your sleep schedule and diet are more important than any cortisol quick-fix tips  
• "Cortisol cocktails" may work — just not for the reason you might think 
• Learn when to see your doctor about fatigue and any symptoms 

If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog. 

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 they can and can’t tell us about our health.

Expert: Dr. Eleonora Avenatti, cardiologist and obesity specialist  

Notable topics covered:

• Why we’re drawn to hyper-personalized health data 
• The differences between wearables and medical-grade devices  
• How reliable are wearables at detecting hypertension, AFib and other heart conditions? 
• Which metrics produced by your wearable you can trust  
• Can AI help us make sense of our health data? Is it safe? 
• How your doctor may feel about using wearable technology 
• Tips for using this tech responsibly 
• What’s next for how we use wearables to manage our health 

If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog. 

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 topics covered:

• How much protein the average adult actually needs (and how to calculate it) 
• The difference between adequate vs. optimal protein intake
• Who truly benefits from higher-protein diets 
• What happens when you eat too much protein — from mild symptoms to more serious risks 
• Signs you may not be getting enough protein 
• Protein bars, chips, shakes and water: Helpful tools or marketing hype? 
• Affordable and often-overlooked sources of high-quality protein 
• Plant-based vs. animal protein: What really matters 
• How protein needs change across life stages 
• Practical tips for improving protein intake without overdoing it

If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog. 

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 to cope. In this episode, we explore why anxiety is on the rise and practical strategies to help you feel more in control. 

Expert: Dr. Olivia Tomasco, Primary Care Physician 

Notable topics covered: 

• How to tell the difference between stress and anxiety 
• When stress can be beneficial — and when it becomes harmful 
• Fight, flight … freeze? What happens when you retreat inward 
• Digital overload and social media: The new anxiety triggers 
• Are some people naturally more anxious? 
• Coping tricks everyone should know, including the truth about the sleepy girl mocktail 
• Self-care, therapy, medications: Options for managing anxiety disorders 
• The role of your primary care provider in supporting mental health 
• OCD and anxiety: How they’re connected 
• How to know when it’s time to ask for help — and where to start 
• Common myths about stress and anxiety that need to go away 

If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog. 

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 staying consistent — without overcomplicating things. 

Expert: Dr. Jonathan Zalamea, Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician 

Notable topics covered: 

• Physical activity vs. exercise: What’s the difference? 
• Walking the dog, cleaning the house, yardwork — do they count? 
• How heart rate plays into exercise intensity and why that matters 
• It’s not all cardio — the value of strength training 
• Exercise isn’t the only wellness factor that impacts your fitness 
• Tips for staying motivated for exercise 
• New to the gym? What to try first 
• Fitness tracking: The good, the bad, the fixation 
• Tips for recovering between workouts 
• What to do if pain or injury sets you back 

If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.