With the Shelter in Place order active in most states, people are having more time to catch up on their favorite TV shows, books, and podcasts. If you are looking for something educational, informative, and maybe controversial, these documentaries are for you.
The Game Changers (2018)
IMDb: 7.9/10
1 hour and 25 minutes
This documentary follows James Wilks, who is a former UFC fighter, on his quest to uncover the truth about protein, plant-based diet and strength training. The primary focus of this documentary is elite athletes making it popular among the Cross Fit community.
While this documentary has overall positive reviews, there is some skepticism on the quality of scientific evidence and potential misinformation shared.
Heal (2017)
IMDb: 6.9/10
1 hour and 46 minutes
Scientists and spiritual leaders join together to discuss how thoughts, believes, and emotions influence human health and our ability to heal. Pulling in Physicians and those suffering with chronic diseases this documentary explores the deep connection between our mental and physical health. This documentary stresses the notion that we have more control over our health and life than we once believed.
This documentary is based on the book of the same name, Heal.
The Mind, Explained (2019)
IMDb: 8.1/10
Five part mini-series with each episode about 20 minutes. This documentary takes a deep dive at how the brain works covering a variety of topics including memory, dreams, anxiety, mindfulness, and psychedelics.
Some other Explained episodes that are worth watching are “Why Diets Fail” and “The Next Pandemic”.
The Goop Lab (2020)
IMDb: 2.4/10
Six episodes released in 2020 ranging from 30-37 minutes.
Gwyneth Paltrow developed the goop lab in partnership with Netflix to take a deeper dive at a variety of wellness topics. In each episode, her and her team become test subjects for a variety of modalities such as energy healing, anti-aging techniques, cold therapy, etc. At STAT Wellness, we loved seeing episode 4: The Health Span Plan which covers dietary and lifestyle changes that may impact the way we age. You might find ProLon in this episode and the results were great!
Rotten (2018)
IMDb: 7.1/10
There are currently 2 seasons of Rotten released on Netflix with each episode about an hour long. This documentary series focuses on the problems in the food supply chain. This series highlights farmers, fisherman, scientist, doctors, and more exploring the surprising and often disgusting ways the foods hit the market.
Interesting fact shared in this series: In the U.S., there’s been a nearly 50 percent increase in food allergies among children over the last two decades. Want to test your food sensitivities or allergies? Book a lab draw appointment here.
Period. End of Sentence. (2018)
IMDb: 7.4/10
A short 25 minute documentary that has won a number of awards.
This documentary was filmed in rural India where there is still a negative stigma surrounding menstruation. This film follows a group of women who learn to independently make low-cost and biodegradable sanitary pads. These women were able to sell to other women while maintaining affordable prices. Go female empowerment!
The Truth about Alcohol (2016)
IMDb: 6.4/10
58 minutes
An Emergency Room doctor, Javid Abdelmoneim, explores the science of drinking including both the benefits and risks. Prior to this documentary he reports being a moderate drinker. To get a better idea of the impact of alcohol he decides to double the recommended limit and share the results. Need a reason to reduce alcohol during this quarantine, check this out!
Unrest (2017)
IMDb: 7.7/10
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
1 hour and 38 minutes
This documentary follows Jennifer Brea’s story to find answers for her health concerns. She was about to get married when she developed a fever and was left bedridden. Doctors told her it was “all in her head” so she wanted to capture her journey to find answers and fight for a cure.
The Magic Pill (2017)
IMDb: 7.1/10
1 hour and 29 minutes
Doctors, scientists, farmers and chefs explore and discuss the controversial ketogenic diet and its potential role to eradicate chronic disease. This documentary was filmed in Australia and the US following five individuals who struggle with their health. Does a high fat, low carb diet lead to improvements in health outcomes?
These documentaries should by no means be used to diagnosis or treat yourself, but they do make you think. If you want to take a deeper dive in your health or gather more data before making lifestyle changes, we are here for you. You can book an appointment with one of our Healthcare Providers here.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on these documentaries! Comment below.
