15 Netflix Movies & Shows That Will Transform Your Health, Wellness, and Lifestyle
Netflix has become more than just a source of entertainment—it’s also a platform where viewers can learn about health, wellness, and lifestyle. From eye-opening documentaries to powerful dramas, these shows and movies go beyond the screen, offering valuable life lessons supported by research, facts, and numbers. Here are 15 Netflix titles that explore topics like mental health, nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle changes, providing insights that can improve your everyday well-being.
1. “The Game Changers”
Key Learning: Plant-based diets and athletic performance
This 2018 documentary focuses on the benefits of a plant-based diet for athletes and everyday people. Led by elite athletes, doctors, and scientists, it presents compelling evidence that a plant-based lifestyle can enhance physical performance, reduce inflammation, and lower risks of chronic diseases. A study published in The Lancet in 2019 showed that a plant-based diet could prevent up to 11 million premature deaths each year worldwide.
Takeaway: You don’t need to rely on animal protein for strength and endurance—plant-based diets provide ample nutrition.
2. “Heal”
Key Learning: The mind-body connection
“Heal” delves into the relationship between the mind and body, focusing on how our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions can influence our health. The film showcases interviews with leading scientists and spiritual leaders who highlight the power of the placebo effect, meditation, and visualization to help heal chronic illnesses.
Takeaway: Mental wellness is as crucial as physical health. Practices like meditation and positive thinking can be powerful tools for healing.
3. “Down to Earth with Zac Efron”
Key Learning: Sustainable living and wellness
Zac Efron travels the world in search of sustainable and healthy ways to live. Along the way, he explores concepts like clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and holistic health practices. One standout episode takes viewers to Iceland, where geothermal energy powers the country, showing the interconnectedness of lifestyle choices and global well-being.
Takeaway: Sustainable living practices contribute to both
personal health and environmental well-being, encouraging eco-friendly choices that positively impact future generations.
4. “What the Health”
Key Learning: Food, the healthcare system, and disease prevention
This provocative documentary examines the relationship between diet and chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Supported by medical research, the film reveals how big food industries have a significant influence on public health guidelines.
Takeaway: Processed foods and animal products are major contributors to chronic disease. A whole-food, plant-based diet can drastically reduce the risk of major health issues.
5. “Afflicted”
Key Learning: Chronic illness and alternative treatments
“Afflicted” follows the lives of seven people suffering from mysterious chronic illnesses, offering a look into the daily struggles of living with such conditions. The series touches on the skepticism surrounding alternative treatments and the difficulty in diagnosing certain health problems, sparking conversations around the legitimacy of unconventional health approaches.
Takeaway: Chronic illnesses can be misunderstood and stigmatized. The importance of empathy, along with exploring alternative treatments, is highlighted.
6. “The Social Dilemma”
Key Learning: Digital wellness and mental health
This documentary uncovers the alarming impact of social media on mental health, particularly among teenagers and young adults. Data from The American Journal of Public Health shows that the excessive use of social media is linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.
Takeaway: While social media can connect us, it’s essential to monitor its usage to protect mental well-being. Limiting screen time and engaging in offline activities can lead to better mental health.
7. “(Un)Well”
Key Learning: Unregulated wellness trends
This Netflix docuseries explores the booming wellness industry, diving into controversial topics like fasting, essential oils, and breast milk for bodybuilding. While some wellness practices have legitimate health benefits, others are revealed to be dangerous and unregulated. In 2020, the global wellness industry was valued at over $4.5 trillion, with many products lacking scientific validation.
Takeaway: Not every wellness trend is backed by science. It’s crucial to research and consult medical professionals before jumping on any wellness bandwagon.
8. “The Magic Pill”
Key Learning: Ketogenic diets and their impact on health
“The Magic Pill” delves into the ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carb regimen that proponents claim can reverse chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. The documentary follows individuals as they transition to keto and highlights the controversies surrounding the diet’s long-term effects.
Takeaway: While keto can show short-term results, its long-term impact is still debated. Always consult with a healthcare provider before drastically changing your diet.
9. “Explained: The Mind”
Key Learning: Mental health and neuroscience
This five-part series explores the workings of the human mind, focusing on topics like memory, anxiety, mindfulness, and the science behind mental disorders. Episodes are packed with neuroscience-backed facts, revealing how modern life contributes to stress, anxiety, and mental health issues.
Takeaway: Understanding how the mind works is crucial for improving mental wellness. Practices like mindfulness can help combat stress and anxiety, improving overall mental health.
10. “Forks Over Knives”
Key Learning: Whole-food, plant-based diets for disease prevention
This classic health documentary argues that many of the chronic diseases afflicting Americans, such as heart disease and diabetes, can be prevented—and in some cases reversed—by eliminating animal-based and processed foods. The film presents research showing how a plant-based diet can improve health outcomes, supported by studies from institutions like Harvard Medical School.
Takeaway: Adopting a whole-food, plant-based diet can have significant long-term health benefits, potentially reducing the need for medication and surgeries.
11. “The Goop Lab”
Key Learning: Alternative wellness and experimental treatments
Gwyneth Paltrow’s series takes a deep dive into unconventional wellness practices such as psychedelics, cold therapy, and energy healing. While some episodes have faced criticism, the show pushes the conversation around wellness into more experimental, sometimes controversial, areas.
Takeaway: Alternative therapies offer potential benefits but should be approached with caution. Always seek evidence-based treatments for serious health conditions.
12. “Cooked”
Key Learning: The connection between food and culture
“Cooked” explores how the transformation of food—by fire, water, air, and earth—has shaped human culture and well-being. The series, hosted by food journalist Michael Pollan, emphasizes the importance of home-cooked meals and the connection between traditional cooking practices and physical health.
Takeaway: Home-cooked meals using whole foods can significantly enhance your health, as processed foods often contribute to chronic diseases.
13. “The Mind, Explained”
Key Learning: The science behind mental wellness
This engaging series explains how the brain works, particularly focusing on anxiety, memory, and dreams. Viewers learn about the neurological and psychological factors that influence mental health, with insights from leading neuroscientists and psychologists.
Takeaway: Understanding the science behind mental health can empower individuals to take better care of their well-being through mindfulness, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
14. “Rotten”
Key Learning: The impact of the food industry on health and the environment
“Rotten” uncovers the corruption and greed in the global food industry, from honey laundering to avocado cartels. The series highlights how the industrial food system harms both consumers’ health and the environment.
Takeaway: Understanding where your food comes from is vital for both personal health and sustainability. Opt for locally sourced and organic options whenever possible.
15. “Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things”
Key Learning: The benefits of minimalism for mental and physical well-being
This documentary advocates for a minimalist lifestyle, showing how decluttering your space and life can improve mental health and overall happiness. A 2019 study in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that people who prioritize experiences over material possessions report higher levels of well-being.
Takeaway: Living with less can reduce stress and enhance mental clarity, allowing for a more focused and fulfilling life.
Conclusion
These 15 Netflix shows and movies offer far more than entertainment—they provide valuable insights into health, wellness, and lifestyle that can inspire personal growth and change. Whether you’re looking to improve your diet, reduce stress, or adopt a more sustainable lifestyle, these titles provide real-world lessons backed by scientific research and compelling narratives. Embrace the learning from these films and shows to enhance your own well-being and live a more balanced, fulfilling life.
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