Ultra-Processed Foods: Are You Eating More Than You Think?
Ultra-processed foods are ever-present in the American diet: they make up about 60% of what adults eat and nearly 70% of what children eat. These foods (and beverages!) are delicious and affordable by design, and they’re everywhere — gas stations, grocery stores, big-box retailers. And while they’re easy on the palate and pocketbook, they’re linked to more than 30 health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In this episode, we explore the entire spectrum of food processing, so you're able to spot ultra-processed foods and make better choices when you can. Expert: Amanda Beaver, Senior Registered Dietitian Interviewer: Zach Moore Notable topics covered: The processing continuum between whole foods and ultra-processed foods What research says about eating a diet heavy in ultra-processed foods How your body responds to ultra-processed foods vs. minimally processed foods The reasons ultra-processed foods have come to dominate the American diet How to shift your diet away from ultra-processed foods Minimally processed meal options that are as fast as the drive-thru How to spot ultra-processed food wherever you shop If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
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38:39
Weight Loss: What to Do When You Hit a Plateau
Losing weight is hard work, and hitting a plateau can feel frustrating, gut-wrenching and demotivating. You’re doing everything right — eating well, exercising, staying committed — but, suddenly, the scale won’t budge. Is it time to switch things up? Or should you just be patient? In this episode, we break down what’s really happening when weight loss stalls and provide tips for pushing past it. Expert: Dr. Garth Davis, Weight Loss Physician Interviewer: Zach Moore Notable topics covered: Why weight loss plateaus happen (hint: it’s not about willpower) How your metabolism, hormones and genetics play a role The impact of age and medical conditions on weight loss Why crash diets hurt more than help The surprising truth about calorie tracking When to tweak your approach vs. when to stay the course This underconsumed macronutrient might be the simplest weight-loss hack If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
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42:31
Better Sleep: Finding the Right Position for You
Is your preferred sleep position hazardous to your health? You may not realize it, but how you sleep — on your back, your side, your stomach — not only can determine whether you get a good night’s rest, it can make you more likely to snore, exacerbate back pain and acid reflux disease or cause heart issues. So is there a best sleeping position? What are the benefits and downsides of each one? And just how detrimental can the wrong position be? In this episode, we explore a little talked about aspect of sleep’s health impact: the position most people settle into without thinking about it. Expert: Dr. Mas Takashima, Sleep Medicine Specialist Interviewer: Todd Ackerman Notable topics covered: All the aspects of health your sleep position can affect The study that showed how sleeping on your back facilitates snoring Is sleeping on your stomach definitely the least healthy position? Aligning the spine: side sleeping with a pillow between the knees How do you know if your position is affecting you if you sleep alone Restless sleepers: the effect of moving from position to position Can you train yourself to sleep in a different position? Advice on what to do with your hands in different sleeping positions If you’re sleeping well, do you need to change your position? If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
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39:35
Cardiologists: What They Do & When to See One
Nearly half of all people in the U.S. have some type of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association, including coronary heart disease (CAD), heart failure, stroke, and high blood pressure. Heart disease has also been the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. for over 100 years. So it’s safe to say that at some point, many of us will require care from a cardiologist. In this episode, we break down when you may want to consider seeing a cardiologist and what you can expect so you can make the most out of your care. Expert: Dr. Joe Aoun, Cardiologist Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber Notable topics covered: What is a cardiologist, and what do they do? The common and not-so-common conditions that cardiologists treat Which cardiologist subspecialists support those specific conditions? Do you need to work with a primary care provider in order to see a cardiologist, or can you make an appointment with a cardiologist directly? The classic symptoms that signal someone should see a cardiologist The symptoms that can be managed during an office visit with a cardiologist, and those that indicate an emergency The risk factors that should make someone consider seeing a cardiologist even if they’re not showing symptoms What you can expect at your first appointment with a cardiologist The tests and questions you may be asked during your first appointment What you can do to make the most out of the cardiologist-patient relationship If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
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29:53
Back Pain: When to Rest & When to See a Doctor
Whether it’s stabbing, burning, aching or throbbing, back pain is one of mankind’s great curses. Afflicting 90% of people at some point in their lives, it’s one of the top medical problems for which people see doctors and the leading cause of job-related disability. So what should you know when the inevitable occurs? When can you self-treat back pain and when should you see a doctor? Is surgery the answer for chronic back pain? In this week’s episode, we examine how to respond when something goes amiss with the spine, a complex system that provides both the stability to keep us standing upright and the flexibility to facilitate movement.Expert: Dr. Paul Holman, Neurosurgeon Interviewer: Todd Ackerman Notable topics covered: The age at which the spinal system starts to degenerate Why some people just live with back pain The No. 1 myth about back pain Ways to prevent back issues from developing The latest innovations in the understanding and care of back pain Lessons from NASA spaceflight about keeping core muscles strong The risk factors and causes of chronic back pain Are supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin helpful? The benefits of meditation for back pain The Tiger Woods Syndrome: back surgery can’t fix tomorrow’s problem today If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
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.
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