Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

Darshan Shah, MD

Extend with Darshan Shah, MD is a podcast dedicated to cutting-edge science, research, tools, and protocols designed to help you extend your healthspan.

Starting my medical journey at 16 and becoming one of the youngest doctors in the country, studying and training at the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Business School, Singularity University and other prestigious institutions, becoming a board certified surgeon and accumulating over two decades of practice, I have discovered that a mere 20% of health knowledge yields 80% of the results.

That's why this podcast is all about cutting through the noise on how to turn back the aging clock.
I interview world-renowned medical practitioners, doctors, experts, and thought leaders, offering you a step-by-step guide and actionable advice to proactively avoid disease and optimize your health.

Plus, I share weekly solo episodes giving you quick, digestible protocols for successfully extending your healthspan.

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Thursday · 1 hr 6 min
208. Dr. Thais Aliabadi: PCOS & Endometriosis—The Symptoms Women Should Never Ignore
What if the painful periods, irregular cycles, unexplained weight gain, acne, and fertility struggles so many women experience aren't something they should simply learn to live with? Too often, women are told their symptoms are normal, their lab results look fine, or they're just stressed. But conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and endometriosis can go unrecognized for years, leaving women without answers while their symptoms continue to affect their health and quality of life. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Thais Aliabadi, her patients call her Dr. A, an OB-GYN with decades of experience in women's health, for an eye-opening conversation about two of the most commonly misunderstood conditions affecting women's hormones, metabolism, and reproductive health. We break down the signs of PCOS and endometriosis, why these conditions are frequently overlooked, and how earlier recognition and individualized treatment can make a meaningful difference. In this episode, you'll learn: The warning signs of PCOS, including irregular periods, acne, facial hair, and unexplained weight changes Why women can have PCOS even if they're lean or don't have ovarian cysts How insulin resistance, testosterone, and inflammation are connected to PCOS Why severe menstrual cramps and chronic pelvic pain deserve further investigation for endometriosis How PCOS and endometriosis can affect ovulation, fertility, and ovarian health What AMH testing can—and cannot—tell you about ovarian reserve The roles of birth control, metformin, GLP-1 medications, and lifestyle changes in PCOS management How endometriosis is evaluated and the treatment options available, from hormonal therapies to surgery We also explore the connection between hormone health and mental well-being, the challenges women face when seeking a diagnosis, and why listening to patients is one of the most important parts of preventative medicine. Your symptoms deserve to be taken seriously. Whether you're struggling with painful periods, irregular cycles, infertility, or unexplained hormonal changes, this conversation will help you better understand what may be happening in your body—and what questions to bring to your healthcare provider. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast Learn more about Dr. Thais Aliabadi: Website: draliabadi.com Instagram: @drthaisaliabadi Thank You to Our Sponsor! Momentous: Head to livemomentous.com and use my code DRSHAH at checkout for up to 35% off.
Tuesday · 54 min
207. Dr. Jason Wersland: The Science of Recovery—Pain, HRV, Sleep & Your Nervous System
We spend so much time thinking about exercise, nutrition, and performance—but I believe recovery may be one of the most overlooked pieces of longevity. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Jason Wersland, chiropractor and founder of Therabody, whose own experience with debilitating pain after a motorcycle accident ultimately led him to invent the Theragun. But this conversation goes far beyond muscle soreness. Jason and I explore what recovery actually means, why it isn't just for athletes, and how the way we regulate our nervous system can influence pain, tension, sleep, performance, and how we feel every day. Whether you're training intensely, sitting at a desk for eight hours, standing all day at work, or simply dealing with chronic stress, your body still needs opportunities to recover. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why recovery should be part of your daily longevity routine—not just something you do after exercise • How the "pain gate theory" helps explain why different forms of stimulation can temporarily change how we perceive pain • Why sitting all day can contribute to hip, lower-back, neck, and shoulder tension • How percussive therapy can affect pain, muscle tension, range of motion, and blood flow • Why nervous system regulation matters for recovery and performance • How shifting into a parasympathetic state may help you wind down before sleep • Why HRV and heart rate can provide useful feedback about recovery • How small "recovery snacks" throughout the day can help you take better care of your body We also discuss massage, breathwork, movement, compression therapy, biofeedback, sleep, and practical ways to build short recovery "pit stops" into even the busiest schedule. One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation is that recovery is not a luxury reserved for professional athletes. Your body is responding to physical, mental, and emotional stress every day. If we want to perform well—and stay healthy for decades—we have to give it opportunities to recover, too. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast Learn more about Dr. Jason Wersland: Website: therabody.com Instagram: @drjasonwersland Thank You to Our Sponsor: IM8: Try IM8 with a 30 day money back guarantee. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at checkout im8health.com/drshah
October 8 · 53 min
206. Dr. Pamela Smith: The Truth About Hormone Replacement Therapy—HRT, Menopause & Cancer Risk
Hormones influence far more than reproductive health. They affect your sleep, mood, metabolism, muscle, bone health, brain function, stress response, and how you age—yet hormone health is still often reduced to a handful of numbers on a standard blood test. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Pamela Smith, a physician who has spent decades practicing and teaching personalized medicine, to break down what women and men need to understand about hormone replacement therapy, healthy aging, and disease prevention. We explore estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, thyroid hormones, insulin, and one hormone many people have never even heard of: pregnenolone. More importantly, we discuss why hormone optimization should never be one-size-fits-all. Dr. Smith explains why two people of the same age may need completely different approaches, why testing before treatment matters, and how hormones interact with everything from gut health and methylation to toxins, blood sugar, bone health, and cancer risk. In this episode, you'll learn: Why hormone replacement therapy should be personalized to the individual The roles of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, thyroid, and pregnenolone What women should understand about hormones and breast cancer risk Why hormone metabolites and methylation may matter How gut health and environmental toxins can influence hormone health Why fasting insulin can reveal metabolic dysfunction before diabetes develops How stress and cortisol affect blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and bone health Why genetic and advanced testing are changing personalized and preventative medicine We also discuss PCOS, menopause, micronutrients, glutathione, environmental toxins, therapeutic plasma exchange, genetic cancer screening, exercise, and the emerging tools that may help us identify disease risk earlier. The biggest takeaway from this conversation is simple: optimal health isn't about giving everyone the same protocol. It's about understanding your individual biology, measuring what matters, and intervening before dysfunction becomes disease. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast Learn more about Dr. Pamela Smith: Website: centerforprecisionmedicine.com Thank You to Our Sponsors! Next Health: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization - from IV therapy and peptides to hormone balancing and TPE. Explore more at next-health.com Timeline: Timeline, powered by Mitopure, just dropped in price! Check it out using the link shop.timeline.com/DRDARSHANSHAH for 20% off when you subscribe!
October 6 · 1 hr 3 min
205. Rajeev Kapur: How AI Is Transforming Healthcare
What if AI could change the way we understand, manage, and optimize our health? In today's episode, my guest is Rajeev Kapur, a leading AI advisor, educator, speaker, and author who helps non technical leaders understand how to turn artificial intelligence into practical, actionable results. We dive into AI in healthcare, personalized health, health optimization, and the ideas behind our co authored book, Your New Health OS. We explore how artificial intelligence could help move healthcare beyond simply treating disease and toward a more proactive approach focused on understanding the individual, connecting health information, and optimizing long term health. In this episode, we learn: • How AI could transform the future of healthcare • The difference between disease care and true health optimization • How AI can empower patients to better understand their own health data • How artificial intelligence can connect insights across different medical specialties • How AI could improve communication between doctors and patients • Why learning how to effectively interact and prompt AI matters • How AI may influence chronic disease management, drug discovery, and biological research • What AI could mean for personalized healthcare and medicine • How artificial intelligence could change the way we think about longevity • What the concept of longevity escape velocity could mean for the future of human health Rajeev brings a practical perspective to one of the biggest technological shifts happening in healthcare today. Together, we explore an important idea: AI isn't simply another tool for healthcare professionals. It could fundamentally change how we understand health, make decisions, and take responsibility for our own health journeys. Listen to this episode for a fascinating conversation about AI in healthcare, personalized medicine, health optimization, and longevity, and discover how your own "Health OS" could change the way you approach your health in the years ahead. Pre-Order Dr. Shah and Rajeev Kapurs book, Your New Health OS, today at amazon.com/Your-New-Health-OS-Healthier Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @extend_podcast and @darshanshahmd Learn more about Rajeev Kapur: Website: https://rajeev.ai/ Book: AI Made Simple Instagram: therajeevkapur Thank You To Our Sponsor! Next Health: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at next-health.com Momentous: Head to livemomentous.com and use my code DRSHAH at checkout for up to 35% Off!
October 1 · 55 min
204. Dr. Cassie Smith: Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Hormones, Fix Your Health
What if your gut health is the missing piece behing your hormones, energy, metabolism, and how you feel every day? Today, I sit down with Dr. Cassie Smith, a double board-certiied endocrinologist and internal medicine physician who has taken a deeper look at the connection between gut health, hormones, thryoid function, metabolism, and overall health. We talk about why "normal" lab results don't always mean optimal health, how gut health can influence hormone metabolism, the role of stress and inflammation and why understanding your individual biology matters when it comes to feeling your best. In this episode, we learn: The connection between gut health and hormones Why gut health matters for thyroid and metabolic health The differnce between "normal" and optimal hormone levels How stress can affect the gut, hormones, and inflammation What women should know about hormones during perimenopause and menopause The role of fiber, nutrition, and daily habits in gut health How stool testing and the GI Map can provide insight into the microbiome Simple strategies for supporting gut and hormone health Dr. Cassie is also the author of Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Hormones, a resource designed to help people better understand the relationship between their gut, hormones and health. Listen to this episode for an eye-opening conversation about the gut-hormone connection, women's health, and why looking beyond a single lab result may change the way you think about your health. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @extend_podcast and @darshanshahmd Learn more about Dr. Cassie Smith: Website: modern-endocrine.com Instagram: @modernendocrine_ Thank You to Our Sponsor! IM8: Try IM8 with a 30-day money back guarantee. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at im8health.com/drshah
September 29 · 1 hr 10 min
203. Sat Randhawa: Can You Train Your Brain? QEEG & Neurofeedback
What if we stopped guessing about the brain and started measuring it? In today's episode, my guest is Sat Randhawa of One-Hype Wellness, where he and his team are focused on using brain mapping and neurotechnology to better understand how each individual brain functions. We dive into QEEG brain mapping, neurofeedback, neuroplasticity, and brainwave analysis - and explore why there may not be a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to the brain. Sat also shares insights into how technology is being explored across areas including focus, ADHD, stress, cognitive health, athletic performance, and recovery. In this episode, we learn: How QEEG brain mapping works What different brainwaves can tell us Why every brain may require a personalized approach How neurofeedback and neuroplasticity connect How brain mapping is being explored for performance and recovery Why measuring the brain could change how we approach brain health Sat brings a practical, data-driven perspective from his work with One-Hype Wellness, and we focus on one important idea: we don't treat a label, we treat a brain. Listen to this episode for a fascinating conversation about brain mapping, neurofeedback, and the future of personalized brain health-and discover what understaning your unique brain could mean for the way you think, perform, recover and live. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @extend_podcast and @darshanshahmd Learn more about Sat Randhawa: Website: one-hype.com Thank You To Our Sponsors: Timeline: Timeline, powered by Mitopure, just dropped in price. Check it out using the link shop.timeline.com/DRDARSHANSHAH for up to 20% off when you subscirbe! IM8: Try IM8 with a 30-day money back guarantee. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at check out im8health.com/drshah
September 24 · 52 min
202. Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe: The Fiber-Gut Connection: How to Improve Your Microbiome, Blood Sugar & Cholesterol
Most people know they should eat more fiber. But what we're learning about fiber, gut health, and the microbiome goes far beyond digestion. Your gut contains trillions of microbes that depend on what you eat—and different types of fiber feed different bacteria. Those microbes can influence everything from blood sugar regulation and metabolic health to cholesterol and the way your digestive system functions. That means it's not just about getting more fiber. The diversity of the fiber you eat matters, too. In this episode, I'm joined by Colleen Cutcliffe, PhD, microbiome scientist and co-founder and CEO of Pendulum Therapeutics, to break down what the latest science tells us about fiber and the gut microbiome. Colleen explains the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber, why most people aren't getting enough, and how fiber and prebiotics support beneficial gut bacteria. We also explore how the microbiome changes throughout life, the role of polyphenols, and the emerging connection between specific gut bacteria and metabolic health. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why fiber is one of the most important foods for your gut microbiome • The difference between soluble and insoluble fiber—and why you need both • Why fiber diversity may be just as important as total fiber intake • How the gut microbiome is connected to blood sugar and metabolic health • How certain types of fiber can support healthy LDL cholesterol levels • The difference between fiber, prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols • Practical ways to increase the amount and diversity of fiber in your diet We also discuss why getting enough fiber can be harder than it sounds, how gut health needs can differ between children and adults, and where targeted microbiome products like Pendulum's Gut Fuel may fit alongside a fiber-rich diet. The microbiome is changing the way we think about nutrition. And one of the simplest places to start supporting it may already be sitting on your plate: eat more plants, eat more types of fiber, and feed the microbes you want to thrive. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast Learn more about Colleen Cutcliffe: Website: pendulumlife.com Instagram: @drcolleencutcliffe Thank You To Our Sponsors! Pendulum: You can go to penulumlife.com and use my code EXTEND for your first membership order.
September 22 · 1 hr 23 min
201: Joey Munoz: The Truth About Nutrition, Protein, Weight Loss & Muscle
What if the biggest mistake you're making with your health isn't what you're eating - but the way you're thinking about nutrition in the first place? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Joey Munoz, a PhD in Nutrition Science and an evidence-based nutrition and fitness educator. We have a fascinating conversation about why so many traditional approaches to dieting fail, what actually makes a healthy diet sustainablem, and how we can thing about nutrition in a way that supports long-term health rather than short-term results. Dr. Joey also shares his own experience with body image and dieting, and how that journey ultimately led him to pursue advanced degrees in nutrition science and take a more evidence-based approach to health and fitness. We get into some of the biggest questions I hear all the time: How much protein do we really need? Does meal timing matter? What role do fiber and whole foods play? Should we be worried about carbohydrates, dietary fat, or ultra-processed foods? And what actually helps us build muscle, manage hunger, and improve metabolic health? In this episode, we learn: Why traditional dieting often leads to cycles of restriction and weight regain-and what to do instead How protein, fiber, whole foods, and muscle mass influence body composition and overall health What the research really tells us about carbohydrates, dietart fat, and ultra-processed foods Whether meal timing, resistant starch, and the gut microbiome deserve a place in your nutrition strategy Which nutrition habits and supplements are actually worth paying attention to-and which may be overhyped How to build a sustainable approach to nutrition without obsessing over having the "perfect" diet. There's a lot of nutrition advice out there, but understanding the science can help you separate what actually matters from what's simply trending. Listen in to learn how to stop chasing the perfect diet and start building a healthier, more sustainable approach to nutrition that can serve you for the long term. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast Learn more about Dr. Joey Munoz: Website: strongstandard.com Instagram: @dr.joeymunoz Thank You to Our Sponsor: Momentous: Head to livemomentous.com and use code DRSHAH for up to 35% off your first order!
September 17 · 1 hr 9 min
200. Dr. Will Cole: How to Heal Your Cells—Mitochondria, Peptides & the Science of Aging
What if the fatigue, brain fog, low energy, and other symptoms we associate with getting older actually begin much deeper—at the level of our cells? I've followed Dr. Will Cole's work for years, and his approach to gut health and functional medicine played an important role in my own health journey. Now he's taking that conversation one step further with his new book, Heal Your Cells, exploring what's happening inside our cells as we age—and what we can do to support them. In this conversation, we break down the emerging science of cellular health and longevity, including why different organs may age at different rates, how mitochondrial dysfunction affects energy, and the everyday factors that can accelerate cellular aging. In this episode, you'll learn: Why cellular health may be the next frontier of longevity How your biological and organ age can differ from your chronological age How toxins and nutrient deficiencies can affect cellular function Why mitochondrial health is critical for energy, metabolism, and healthy aging How food, polyphenols, movement, and other lifestyle factors support your cells What peptides are and why they're becoming a major part of the longevity conversation What to know about emerging regenerative therapies like stem cells Why emotional health, stress, relationships, and spirituality also belong in the longevity conversation We also discuss oxidative stress, cellular signaling, food sensitivities, environmental exposures, and the growing number of tools designed to measure and influence how we age. The biggest takeaway is that improving cellular health doesn't require doing everything at once. Start with one change. Support the foundations. Then build from there. Because when we talk about longevity, we're ultimately talking about the health of the trillions of cells that make up who we are. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast Learn more about Dr. Will Cole: Website: drwillcole.com Book - Heal Your Cells - Available now at penguinrandomhouse.com Instagram: @drwillcole Thank You To Our Sponsor! Momentous: Head to livemomentous.com and use my code DRSHAH at checkout for up to 35% Off!
September 15 · 1 hr 10 min
199. Dr. Jeffrey Wiegers: Stem Cells Explained—What They Can Do Now & What's Coming Next
What if medicine could do more than manage disease—and actually help the body repair itself? Regenerative medicine is moving quickly, but the world of stem cells, PRP, exosomes, and cellular therapies can be incredibly confusing. In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Wiggers to separate what we can do today from what may be coming next. We start with the basics: what stem cells actually are, how PRP and orthobiologics work, and the difference between using your own cells versus donor-derived products. Then we go deeper into one of the most fascinating areas of regenerative medicine: MUSE cells, a unique population of stress-enduring stem cells being studied for their ability to respond to injury and support tissue repair. In this episode, you'll learn: • How stem cells, PRP, exosomes, and other regenerative therapies differ • What MUSE cells are and why researchers are so interested in them • How stem cells may respond to signals from injured tissue • Why the age and source of biological material can matter • What Yamanaka factors taught us about cellular reprogramming and rejuvenation • Where regenerative medicine is being studied for joint, cardiovascular, and other applications • The safety concerns and quality-control issues everyone should understand before considering stem cell therapy We also explore why regenerative therapies have faced regulatory hurdles, the difference between exciting laboratory research and treatments available today, and why safety, manufacturing, and proper handling are critical as this field evolves. Stem cells aren't magic—and many potential applications are still being researched. But our growing ability to understand and influence the body's own repair systems could fundamentally change how we approach injury, aging, and disease in the years ahead. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast Learn more about Dr. Jeffrey Wiegers: Website: musecellinnovations.com Instagram: @jeffwiegers Thank You To Our Sponsor! IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at im8health.com/DRSHAH
September 10 · 58 min
198. Dr. Bryce Appelbaum: Your Eyes Are Connected to Everything—Focus, Balance, Brain Health & Aging
What if your eyesight is 20/20—but your vision still isn't working the way it should? Dr. Bryce Appelbaum specializes in functional vision and the connection between the eyes and the brain. In this conversation, he explains why seeing clearly is only one piece of vision—and how the brain's ability to process what we see can influence reading, focus, coordination, balance, motion sickness, athletic performance, and everyday life. We also explore what hours of daily screen time may be doing to our visual system. Our eyes and brains weren't designed to spend all day focused on a screen inches from our faces, and Dr. Appelbaum explains how sustained near work can contribute to eye strain, headaches, fatigue, and visual stress—especially in children. In this episode, you'll learn: • The difference between eyesight and vision—and why 20/20 vision doesn't tell the whole story • How screen time may be affecting the eye-brain connection in both children and adults • Why reading difficulties, poor focus, clumsiness, and motion sickness can sometimes have a visual component • The connection between functional vision problems and symptoms associated with ADHD and dyslexia • How concussions and traumatic brain injuries can disrupt visual function • Why vision, balance, spatial awareness, and healthy aging are closely connected • Three simple vision exercises Dr. Appelbaum recommends for training focus, peripheral awareness, and eye movement We also discuss the 20-20-20 rule, functional vision evaluations, vision therapy and training, reading glasses, neuroplasticity, and practical ways to give your eyes a break in an increasingly screen-dominated world. If you spend hours every day staring at a phone or computer—or have a child growing up surrounded by screens—this conversation may completely change the way you think about protecting and training your vision. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @extend_podcast and @darshanshahmd Learn more about Dr. Bryce Appelbaum: Website: myvisionfirst.com Instagram: @drbryceappelbaum Thank you to our sponsors! Next Health Longevity Summit: Head to next-health.com/summit to get tickets to our first ever Next Health Longevity Summit happening September 12th at the Conrad Hotel Nashville! Timeline: Timeline, powered by Mitopure, just dropped in price. Check it out using the link shop.timeline.com/DRDARSHANSHAH for up to 20% off when you subscribe! IM8: Try IM8 with 30-day moneyback guarantee. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at check out im8health.com/drshah
September 8 · 57 min
197. Ben Greenfield: When Biohacking Goes Too Far—What Actually Matters for Longevity
What happens when optimizing your health starts taking over your life? Ben Greenfield has spent decades at the forefront of biohacking, fitness, human performance, and longevity—testing the technologies, tracking the biomarkers, competing at an elite level, and pushing his body to its limits. But after years of relentless self-optimization, he realized something important: living longer means very little if the pursuit of longevity takes you away from the people and experiences you're trying to live longer for. In this conversation, Ben opens up about the side of biohacking we don't talk about enough. He shares how his obsession with performance and optimization affected his marriage, his relationship with his children, and his own sense of fulfillment—and the moment he realized his priorities had to change. We explore how to find the line between taking care of your health and becoming consumed by it, why relationships and community may be among the most powerful longevity tools we have, and how Ben has radically simplified his approach to fitness while remaining exceptionally strong and healthy. In this episode, you'll learn: When biohacking and self-optimization can go too far Why Ben nearly lost his marriage—and the wake-up call that changed his priorities Why relationships, family, community, and purpose belong in the longevity conversation How to know when you're "healthy enough" instead of endlessly chasing better biomarkers Ben's current approach to strength, mobility, VO2 max, power, mitochondrial health, and cardiovascular fitness How he now stays fit with roughly an hour a day instead of allowing optimization to consume his life We also discuss body composition, wearables, sauna and cold exposure, healthy aging, family legacy, grief, and what losing his father taught Ben about our obsession with trying to outrun aging. The goal of longevity isn't to spend your entire life trying not to die. It's to build a body that allows you to fully participate in the life, relationships, and experiences that make those extra years worth having. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast Learn more about Ben Greenfield: Website: bengreenfieldlife.com Instagram: @bengreenfieldfitness Thank You To Our Sponsors: Next Health Longevity Summit: Join us on September 12th at the Conrad Nashville for the FIRST Next Health Longevity Summit. Head to next-health.com/summit to purchase tickets, for my listeners only, I would love to offer you a discount code! Use code EXTEND25 at checkout and get a Summit Access Pass for $25! See you there! Momentous: Head to livemomentous.com and use my code DRSHAH at checkout for up to %35 off at checkout!
September 3 · 54 min
196: Dr. Jill Carnahan: Is Mold Making You Sick? Hidden Toxins, Symptoms & Detox
What if the fatigue, brain fog, inflammation, or unexplained symptoms you're experiencing aren't starting inside your body—but in the environment around you? Dr. Jill Carnahan knows this story from both sides of the exam room. At just 25, while still in medical school, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Months after aggressive chemotherapy, she was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Her search for answers ultimately transformed the way she practiced medicine and led her deep into the connections between gut health, environmental toxins, mold exposure, and chronic illness. In this conversation, we unpack the hidden environmental exposures that may be affecting your health and Dr. Carnahan's "toxic bucket" theory for understanding why the same exposure can affect two people very differently. We go deep on mold toxicity and mycotoxins: where mold can hide in your home, symptoms that may warrant a closer look, why a single mold test doesn't tell the whole story, and what a more comprehensive evaluation can involve. We also discuss why detoxification needs to be approached carefully—and why doing too much too quickly can sometimes make you feel worse. In this episode, you'll learn: • How Dr. Carnahan's breast cancer and Crohn's diagnoses changed her approach to medicine • The "toxic bucket" theory and why environmental exposures affect everyone differently • Hidden sources of toxins in your home and why indoor air quality matters • Signs of potential mold exposure and how mold can be evaluated • Why one person can become sick from mold while others in the same home feel fine • How reducing exposure and supporting the body's elimination pathways fit into mold recovery We also explore air filtration, water damage, mycotoxins, glutathione, binders, sauna, phosphatidylcholine, and advanced approaches being explored in functional medicine. If you've been dealing with unexplained symptoms—or wondering whether your environment could be playing a role—this episode will help you understand what to look for and where to start. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: www.drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @extend_podcast and @darshanshahmd Learn more about Dr. Jill Carnahan: Website: jillcarnahan.com Youtube: youtube.com/c/jillcarnahanmd Instagram: @drjillcarnahan Thank You to Our Sponsors! Next Health Longevity Summit: Join us at Next Health Nashville Summit next-health.com/summit for a one day event of incredible speakers, activations and a wellness community like no other! Pendulum: You can go to pendulumlife.com and use my code EXTEND for 20% off your first order. IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at im8health.com/DRSHAH
September 1 · 1 hr 20 min
195: Jeff Byers: Inside the Supplement Industry: The 4 Supplements That Actually Matter
Walk into any supplement aisle—or scroll through social media—and you'll find thousands of products promising better energy, performance, brain health, and longevity. But which supplements actually work? And how do you know what's really inside them? My guest is Jeff Byers, a former NFL athlete and the co-founder of Momentous, a performance nutrition company built around rigorous standards for supplement quality, sourcing, testing, and efficacy. His path into health and performance started long before Momentous. As a freshman football player at USC, a devastating hip injury led to two major surgeries and the possibility that he might never play again. That experience forced him to rethink his identity beyond football, eventually earning his MBA before going on to play in the NFL—and later channeling that same resilience into entrepreneurship and human performance. In this conversation, we clear up the confusion around supplements and get practical about what actually matters. We break down four foundational areas—creatine, protein, omega-3s, and fiber—and why consistency, proper dosing, sourcing, and product quality can matter just as much as the supplement itself. We also discuss when supplements like vitamin D, magnesium, iron, and B vitamins should be guided by bloodwork rather than guesswork. In this episode, you'll learn: • The four foundational supplements we believe can have the biggest impact • How to choose a high-quality supplement—and what NSF and USP certifications actually mean • Why creatine goes far beyond building muscle, including its emerging role in brain health and cognition • How much EPA and DHA to look for in an omega-3—and why "fish oil" doesn't necessarily mean you're getting enough • Why fiber is critical for gut, metabolic, and cardiovascular health • How bloodwork can help determine whether you actually need vitamin D, magnesium, iron, B vitamins, or other targeted supplements We also explore why more isn't always better. Taking dozens of supplements you don't need isn't the goal. The goal is to master the fundamentals, identify your individual deficiencies, choose products you can trust, and build a routine you can actually stick with. If you've ever looked at your supplement cabinet and wondered, Do I actually need all of this?—this episode will help you cut through the noise. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast Learn more about Jeff Byers: Website: livemomentous.com Instagram: @live.momentous Thank You to Our Sponsors: Momentous: Head to livemomentous.com to discover more about Creatine, Fiber, Omega-3 and Protein, use DRSHAH at checkout for up to 35% off! Next Health Longevity Summit: Visit next-health.com/summit to get tickets to our first ever Next Health Longevity Summit! You will have the opportunity to hear from Dr. Shah, Dr. Jeremy London, Dr. Vonda Wright, Dr. Louisa Nicola, Dr. Will Cole and more. You will also be able to taste products from Momentous and experience the top brands in longevity!
August 27 · 58 min
194: Dr. Mark Hyman: Why You're Still Sick—Finding the Root Cause With Functional Medicine
What if the reason you're still sick isn't because there's no answer—but because no one has looked deeply enough for the root cause? My guest, Dr. Mark Hyman, is one of the world's leading voices in functional medicine, a bestselling author, physician, and founder of The UltraWellness Center. After navigating serious health challenges himself, he built his career around a different approach to chronic illness: stop simply naming the disease and start asking why it happened in the first place. We break down what functional medicine actually is—and why people struggling with mold illness, Lyme disease, MCAS, autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, brain fog, and unexplained inflammation can spend years moving from specialist to specialist without getting to the underlying problem. We also discuss the new partnership between The UltraWellness Center and Next Health. The UltraWellness Center specializes in deep functional-medicine evaluation for complex chronic conditions, while Next Health provides physician-led longevity care, advanced diagnostics and access to therapies that may be recommended as part of a personalized treatment plan. Together, we are joining forces with a goal to bridge the gap between identifying the root cause and accessing the therapies needed to address it. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why getting a diagnosis is often only the beginning of understanding chronic illness • How functional medicine searches for root causes instead of treating symptoms in isolation • What mold, Lyme disease, MCAS, toxins, gut dysfunction, and inflammation can have in common • How advanced testing can uncover toxins, infections, nutritional deficiencies, microbiome dysfunction, and other factors standard labs may miss • How therapies including hyperbaric oxygen, ozone, phosphatidylcholine protocols, IV therapies, and plasma exchange are being used in complex cases • Why understanding what's happening "under the hood" can help us take a more proactive approach to our health One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation is that a diagnosis shouldn't be the end of the investigation—it should be the beginning. The future of medicine isn't just about treating disease once it appears. It's about better diagnostics, deeper personalization, understanding the interconnected systems of the body, and giving people the tools to address dysfunction at its source. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast Learn more about Dr. Mark Hyman: Website: drhyman.com Clinic: ultrawellnesscenter.com Instagram: @drmarkhyman and @ultrawellnesscenter Thank You to Our Sponsors: Function Health: Learn more and join at functionhealth.com/drshah! Use my code DRSHAH25 at checkout for $25 credit towards your membership!
August 25 · 50 min
193: Dr. Sasha Hamdani: ADHD, Anxiety and How to Regulate your Emotions
What if ADHD isn't just an attention problem—but also a problem of emotional regulation? My guest, Dr. Sasha Hamdani, is a board-certified psychiatrist, ADHD specialist, author, and someone who has lived with ADHD herself. She brings a unique perspective to a part of ADHD that often gets overlooked: emotional sensitivity. We explore why some people feel emotions faster, more deeply, and for longer—and what's actually happening in the brain when a small trigger sends you into an emotional spiral. Dr. Hamdani explains the relationship between the amygdala, frontal lobe, dopamine, executive function, and emotional regulation, and why ADHD can sometimes be confused with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other conditions. But this conversation goes far beyond diagnosis. We get into practical tools for managing emotional overwhelm in real time—from delaying your response to a triggering text to moving your body when your nervous system is activated—and why practicing these skills can actually help rewire the brain over time. In this episode, you'll learn: • The overlooked connection between ADHD and emotional sensitivity • Why ADHD can be mistaken for anxiety, depression, or other conditions • What happens in your brain during an emotional spiral—and how to interrupt it • How to strengthen emotional regulation, executive function, and resilience • Why sleep, movement, screen time, and your physical health affect how your brain functions • How neuroplasticity allows you to build healthier emotional patterns over time We also discuss the impact of short-form content and highly stimulating screens on attention and anxiety, especially in children, and why understanding your own emotional patterns may be one of the most powerful places to start. My biggest takeaway is that the goal isn't to stop being sensitive or eliminate difficult emotions. It's to understand how your brain responds to them so you have more control over what happens next. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: www.drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @extend_podcast and @darshanshahmd Learn more about Dr. Sasha Hamdani: Website: drhamdanimd.com Instagram: @thepsychdoctormd What if sensitivity isn't something to suppress, but something to understand? Dr. Hamdani's new book "Too Sensitive" is available now! Get your copy today at: drhamdanimd.com/toosensitive Thank You to Our Sponsors: Next Health Longevity Summit: Head to next-health.com/summit to secure your spot at the first ever Next Health Longevity Summit on September 12th in Nashville! Speakers include: Dr. Shah, Dr. Jeremy London, Dr. Vonda Wright, Dr. Louisa Nicola, LeAnn Rimes, Dr. Will Cole and more! This one day will give you the opportunity to try the latest in longevity! Momentous: Head to livemomentous.com/drshah and use code DRSHAH at checkout for up to 35% off your first order!
August 20 · 1 hr 9 min
192: Dr. Perlmutter: How to Protect Your Brain From Alzheimer's & Cognitive Decline
What if your risk of Alzheimer's isn't predetermined by your genes—but influenced by the metabolic health of your brain? My guest, Dr. David Perlmutter, is a board-certified neurologist, six-time New York Times bestselling author, and one of the world's leading voices on brain health and neurodegenerative disease. His latest work reveals a fascinating shift in how we understand Alzheimer's and Parkinson's: the role of the brain's own immune cells. At the center of our conversation are microglia—specialized immune cells that can either protect your neurons or contribute to inflammation and neurodegeneration. Dr. Perlmutter explains why their function is closely connected to metabolic health, and how insulin resistance, obesity, poor sleep, gut dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and environmental toxins may influence the way your brain ages. We also challenge the idea that carrying APOE4 means Alzheimer's is inevitable and examine research showing how lifestyle interventions can influence cognitive function—even later in life. In this episode, you'll learn: • How microglia can shift from "brain defenders" to drivers of neuroinflammation • Why metabolic health and insulin resistance are connected to Alzheimer's risk • How the gut microbiome, leaky gut, antibiotics, and inflammation can affect the brain • What emerging research says about GLP-1 drugs for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's • Why current amyloid-targeting Alzheimer's drugs may not address the underlying problem • How sleep, exercise, nutrition, and environmental exposures can influence cognitive aging We also explore emerging approaches to brain health, including 40 Hz light and sound therapy, TREM2, mitochondrial health, and metabolic monitoring. The biggest takeaway for me is that protecting your brain starts long before memory loss appears. Your genetics matter—but so do your metabolism, sleep, exercise, environment, and the choices you make every day. You have more influence over how your brain ages than you may think. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @extend_podcast and @darshanshahmd Learn more about Dr. David Perlmutter: Website: drperlmutter.com Dr. Perlmutter's groundbreaking new book, Brain Defenders, is now available. Discover how to protect your brain and future health - order today at braindefenders.com Thank You to Our Sponsors: Next Health Longevity Summit: Head to next-health.com/summit to secure your spot at the first ever Next Health Longevity Summit in Nashville on September 12th! Timeline: Timeline powered by Mitopure just dropped the price. Check it out using link shop.timeline.com/DRDARSHANSHAH for up to 20% off when you subscribe and save. IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at im8health.com/drshah
August 18 · 1 hr 11 min
191: Kiran Krishnan: How to Rebuild Your Gut Microbiome & Reduce Inflammation
What if the biggest mistake we're making with gut health is treating the microbiome like a list of bacteria instead of a living ecosystem? Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that influence inflammation, metabolism, immune function, hormones, brain health, and longevity. But modern life—from ultra-processed foods and antibiotics to pesticides, chronic stress, and inadequate fiber—may be systematically stripping away the microbial diversity we need to stay healthy. My guest, Kiran Krishnan, is a research microbiologist and microbiome expert who has spent nearly two decades studying these complex microbial ecosystems. He co-founded Microbiome Labs and has helped develop microbiome testing and clinically studied probiotics. Kiran introduced me to the concept of the holobiome: the idea that we aren't simply human cells and human DNA, but walking ecosystems containing millions of microbial genes that perform essential functions throughout the body. We explore what's actually damaging that ecosystem, how poor gut health can contribute to leaky gut, endotoxemia, systemic inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction, and most importantly, what we can do to rebuild it. Kiran breaks down how much fiber we should actually be eating, the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber, why resistant starch and polyphenols matter, what fermented foods really do, and how to think about probiotics and microbiome testing. We also discuss how fasting, sleep, resistance training, outdoor exposure, and even social connection can influence microbial diversity. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why microbial diversity may be one of the most important markers of gut health • How antibiotics, ultra-processed foods, pesticides, and stress can disrupt the gut microbiome • How leaky gut, endotoxemia, chronic inflammation, and metabolic health are connected • How fiber, resistant starch, fermented foods, polyphenols, and probiotics support the gut • Why sleep, fasting, exercise, outdoor exposure, and social connection can help build a more resilient microbiome We also explore the future of gut health, including the limitations of current microbiome testing and how Kiran is using AI and machine learning to develop targeted probiotic combinations around specific biological pathways. My biggest takeaway is that gut health isn't something we fix with one supplement. We are guardians of an incredibly complex ecosystem—and the choices we make every day can either support it or slowly dismantle it. If we want to improve longevity, metabolic health, inflammation, and chronic disease prevention, taking care of our microbiome may be one of the most powerful places to start. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: www.drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @extend_podcast and @darshanshahmd Learn more about Kiran Krishnan: Website: biomelc.com Instagram: @kiranbiome Special offer from Kiran! Join the free Circe community here to get the FREE Leaky Gut Guide and The 5 Pillars to Building a Resilient Gut. Thank You To Our Sponsors: Next Health Longevity Summit: Head to next-health.com/summit to secure your spot at the first ever Next Health Longevity Summit in Nashville on 9/12! Our speakers include Dr. Shah, LeAnn Rimes, Dr. Jeremy London, Dr. Louisa Nicola, Dr. Vonda Wright and many more! This is one day packed with activities like blood tests, recovery modalities, IV's and brands we love that will completely change the way you think about health. Momentous: Head to livemomentous.com and use code DRSHAH for up to 35% off your first order!
August 13 · 58 min
190. Dr. William Harris: 90% of Americans Are Low in This Critical Longevity Nutrient
What if one of the most important markers for your heart, brain, and longevity is something most people have never measured? AND roughly 90% of Americans aren't in the optimal range for? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. William Harris, one of the world's leading experts on Omega-3 fatty acids and the co-inventor of the Omega-3 Index, a test he helped develop more than 20 years ago. Dr. Harris has spent decades researching how omega-3s influence cardiovascular health, inflammation, cognitive health, chronic disease, and longevity. And his message is surprisingly simple: you can't know whether you're getting enough omega-3 just by looking at your diet or supplement routine. You have to measure it. We break down what omega-3s actually do inside your cells, why Dr. Harris believes an Omega-3 Index of 8–12% is the target, and why measuring EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes gives you a more stable picture of your status than plasma testing. We also tackle some of the biggest controversies in nutrition today—including seed oils, omega-6s, saturated fat, LDL cholesterol, fish versus supplements, EPA versus DHA, and whether you really need to worry about the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Dr. Harris also explains why some of the conventional wisdom circulating online simply doesn't match what decades of research actually show. In this episode, you'll learn: Why roughly 90% of Americans may be below the optimal Omega-3 Index What the Omega-3 Index measures and why the target range is 8–12% Why red blood cell testing can provide a better picture of omega-3 status than plasma testing How omega-3s help maintain healthy, flexible cell membranes What EPA and DHA actually do—and why you need both What the research really says about omega-6s and the seed oil controversy Why Dr. Harris doesn't recommend focusing on the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio How chronically elevated LDL contributes to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease Why low omega-3 levels have been associated with earlier mortality, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and other chronic diseases Why eating "fish" doesn't necessarily mean you're getting enough omega-3 The best food sources of EPA and DHA, including salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, and albacore tuna What to look for when choosing an omega-3 supplement Why vegans can still get EPA and DHA through algae-based omega-3s How often Dr. Harris recommends retesting once you're optimizing your Omega-3 Index Listen to this episode if you take omega-3s, eat fish, care about your heart and brain health—or simply want to know whether you're actually getting enough of one of the most important nutrients for healthy aging. Because when it comes to omega-3s, taking a supplement isn't the goal. Getting your biology into the optimal range is. Learn more about Dr. Darshan Shah: Website: www.drshah.com Clinic: https://www.next-health.com Instagram: @extend_podcast and @darshanshahmd Learn more about Dr. William Harris: Website: www.faresinst.org Omega-3 At Home Test Kit: https://omegaquant.com/ Thank You To Our Sponsors: Next Health Longevity Summit: Head to next-health.com/summit to secure your spot at the first ever Next Health Longevity Summit in Nashville on 9/12. Our speakers include Dr. Shah, Dr. Jeremy London, Dr. Louisa Nicola, Dr. Vonda Wright and many more! This will be one day packed with activities like blood tests, recovery modalities, IV's and brands we love that will completely change the way you think about health. Momentous: Head to livemomentous.com and use code DRSHAH for up to 35% off your first order! IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at im8health.com/drshah
August 11 · 35 min
189. Dr. Florence Comite: The 5 Biomarkers That Predict How You'll Age
What if aging isn't something you simply accept - but something you can measure, predict, and even reverse? Most of us are told our lab work is "normal," yet chronic disease often develops silently for years before symptoms appear. Dr. Florence Comite, one of the world's leading pioneers in precision medicine, is explaining why conventional medicine often misses the earliest signs of diesease- and how personalized data can completely change your health trajectory. Drawing from more than three decades of experience at Yale, the National Institutes of Health, and her own precision medicine practice, Dr. Comite shares how treating every patient as an "N-of-1" allows her to identify hidden risks years before they become heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, dementia, or hormonal decline. Together, they explore the biomarkers that matter most, the surprising role of insulin resistance in nearly every chronic illness, and why your genes are far less predictive than the choices you make every day. If you've ever wondered whether it's possible to stay stronger, sharper, and healthier as you age, this conversation offers a practical roadmap backed by decades of research and real-world clinical results. In this episode, you'll learn: Why precision medicine is replacing the outdated one-size-fits-all approach The seven biological patterns of aging-and how to identify your own The biomarkers that reveal disease years before symptoms appear Why fasting insulin may be one of the most important tests your doctor isn't ordering How continuous glucose monitors uncover hidden metabolic dysfunction The truth about testosterone and estrogen optimization for both men and women How to reverse muscle loss and protect your bone density as you age Why standard thyroid testing often misses underlying dysfunction The daily habits that create exponential improvements in long-term health How to build a personalized longevity strategy based on your own biology-not population averages Your biology is unique - your approach to aging should be too. Learn More About Dr. Shah: Website: drshah.com Clinic: next-health.com Instagram: @extend_podcast and @darshanshahmd Learn more about Dr. Florence Comite: Website: florencecomite.com Instagram: @drflorencecomite Book: theinvinciblebook.com Thank You To Our Sponsors: Next Health Longevity Summit: Head to next-health.com/summit to secure your spot at the first ever Next Health Longevity Summit in Nashville on 9/12. Our speakers include Dr. Shah, Dr. Jeremy London, Dr. Louisa Nicola, Dr. Vonda Wright and many more! This will be one day packed with activities like blood tests, recovery modalities, IV's and brands we love that will completely change the way you think about health. Momentous: Head to livemomentous.com and use code DRSHAH for up to 35% off your first order! IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at im8health.com/drshah

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