Must-Watch Health Content You Can Stream Now

Streaming services have officially taken over. As such, there’s so much content out there these days! But among all the offerings on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, you may be less aware of the great health and wellness content wedged between reruns of Parks and Rec and The Good Place or new episodes of The Crown. 

Whether you’re looking for a little workout inspo, or want to be inspired by real-life stories, there’s certainly a subject matter that will appeal to you. From food-sourcing ethics to unexplained illnesses, here’s our short list of top content to watch on all your favorite streaming services.

Diagnosis on Netflix. Based on the long-running New York Times Magazine column of the same name, Diagnosis follows the complex, unsolved mystery patients that populate modern medicine. The first season introduces seven cases of severe, unexplained illness; it follows Dr. Lisa Sanders, who attempts to crowdsource information from doctors, researchers, and ordinary people who have experience with an array of rare, bizarre symptoms.

It’s incredible to see how many people offer their genuine desire to help, and it’s just another reminder of how many people suffer from chronic, unexplained illnesses without a diagnosis. (The real column continues biweekly, and has been running since 2002.)

Rotten on Netflix. This documentary series on Netflix deals with the sources of our food. Is it ethical? Who is responsible for growing the food, or making it? Why are food allergies on the rise, especially among kids? Some revelations—from the fact that Chinese prisoners peel some of the country’s most inexpensive garlic, to a massive scheme to sell illegal honey in the U.S.—are downright shocking, but each episode will make you care a little bit more about where your food comes from. Season Two just debuted in early October.

Get Sweaty with Emily Oberg on Hulu. Get Sweaty originally debuted on Complex, but has now found a home on Hulu. The series is comprised of super-short episodes—five, seven or ten minutes a piece—where Oberg takes celebrities through different workout regimens while asking them personal and career questions. The interview format is a good distraction from the intensity of the workouts—which you can either do at home as you watch, or use as inspo the next time you hit the gym. 

Heal on Netflix. There is an intricate link between the power of the mind and the ability to overcome physical ailments, not completely understood within medicine—the exception, though, not the rule. But what if it could be the rule? There’s a huge link between stress and chronic illnesses, one that’s explored in the film.

There’s also evidence that belief can go a long way, in addition to spirituality, social support, and embracing positive emotions while expelling the negative. The film will inspire you to seek mental wellness. In doing so, you might become physically stronger as a result. 

The Brain with David Eagleman on Amazon Prime. Have you ever thought about what makes you, you? The Brain docu-series originally ran on PBS to critical acclaim, but now you can catch the groundbreaking show on Amazon Prime. Each episode explores a common occurrence that we rarely think about—like how our brain makes unconscious decisions or conscious decisions, how our brain relies on outside support, and how our personalities and emotions are cultivated.

After you binge-watch the entire series, you’ll have a better understanding of just how complex human beings are, as well as the biologic processes that create the mind—even though there’s so much left to learn, scientifically. 

Ask Dr. Ruth on Hulu. Dr. Ruth Westheimer, 90, is a pioneer in the sexual health space. She was able to discuss sex in an honest, open, and nonjudgmental way, whether it was the female orgasm, contraception, HIV, or abortion rights. She was always, it seems now, on the forefront of change.

This documentary is a journey through her (sometimes tragic) life, but ultimately a celebration of her triumphant career. She’s been one of the most famous sex educators and therapists in the world, dating back to 1980. She had a successful radio show, several talk shows, and countless bestselling books, teaching everyday people to embrace their sexuality and grow their relationships in the most approachable way possible.