Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

Dr. Rocio Salas Whalen, a board-certified endocrinologist and obesity-medicine expert, discusses the transformative power of GLP-1 therapies in weight management. She highlights why traditional advice like 'eat less, exercise more' has fallen short, examining obesity's complex drivers, including genetics and environment. With a focus on preventing muscle loss, she emphasizes the importance of protein intake and strength training alongside GLP-1s. The conversation also explores GLP-1's effects on inflammation, brain health, and sustainable weight loss.

Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, a pioneering preventive cardiologist and founder of the ADESSO model, reveals critical insights into women's heart health. She discusses how traditional cholesterol tests often overlook women's unique symptoms of heart disease and advocates for new markers like ApoB. Steinbaum emphasizes that microvascular dysfunction is a major risk factor, often missed in standard practices. She shares effective strategies like zone two exercise and the importance of tailored prevention approaches, so women can take charge of their heart health.

Most people think about the gut as a digestive system, yet emerging research shows it functions more like a command center shaping immunity, metabolism, mood, and even coronary artery calcification. The surprising twist is that your gut may be influencing your brain more than your brain influences your gut. In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Steven Gundry, cardiac surgeon and world leading expert on the microbiome, to uncover how gut bacteria communicate with your mitochondria and brain, why leaky gut silently drives inflammation throughout the entire body, and how keystone species like Akkermansia help rebuild the gut barrier. We break down the role of vitamin D in activating gut stem cells, the impact of glyphosate on serotonin producing bacteria, and why pasteurized or even dead bacteria can modulate the ecosystem just as powerfully as live strains. We also explore how gut derived signals from short chain fatty acids, gasotransmitters, and microbial messenger RNA shape mood, cognition, vascular health, and long term aging trajectories. Dr. Steven Gundry is a renowned heart surgeon, bestselling author, and pioneering researcher in microbiome science whose work has transformed our understanding of gut driven inflammation, autoimmune disease, and the gut brain axis. What's Discussed: (04:10) Why the gut acts as the body's first brain (07:45) How good and bad microbes compete for control of your cravings and mood (12:30) Why Akkermansia and other keystone species determine gut wall integrity (16:55) How dead and pasteurized bacteria still shape the microbiome (21:20) The link between leaky gut, coronary calcification, and systemic inflammation (27:40) How vitamin D activates gut stem cells to repair the intestinal barrier (32:15) How microbial gasotransmitters, short chain fatty acids, and mRNA communicate with the brain (38:50) Why glyphosate disrupts serotonin producing bacteria and impacts mental health Thank You for Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH. Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/ Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd Learn more about Dr.Steven Gundry: Website : gundrymd.com Instagram: drstevengundry Threads: Dr. Steven Gundry X: Steven Gundry MD Linkedin: Steven Gundry

Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, a veterinary epidemiologist and co-founder of Fatty15, reveals fascinating insights on pentadecanoic acid (C15), discovered through research on Navy dolphins. She explains how C15 supports cellular health and longevity, contrasting it with traditional fats. The conversation covers dolphin diet shifts, healthy aging predictors, and C15's role in reducing inflammation and metabolic decline. Venn-Watson also discusses translational research connecting dolphin findings to human health, emphasizing dietary sources and the development of therapeutic supplements.

Most of us think inflammation is something we can fix with supplements, lab tests, or the latest diet trend. But what if the real solution comes from ancient wisdom that modern science is finally catching up to? In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Shivani Gupta, Ayurvedic practitioner, author, and founder of Fusionary Formulas, to explore how Ayurveda bridges timeless principles with modern longevity science. We break down how your dosha or "elemental design" shapes digestion, energy, and stress, and why aligning your daily rhythm with your biology can lower inflammation and optimize performance. We also explore the science behind Ayurvedic rituals that calm inflammation from the inside out, from cooking with healing spices like turmeric and ginger to grounding, tongue scraping, and creating simple routines that support recovery and resilience. Dr. Shivani Gupta is an Ayurvedic expert and founder of Fusionary Formulas, a modern supplement line combining ancient herbal medicine with clinical research. Her upcoming book, The Inflammation Code, reveals how to decode inflammation through food, lifestyle, and ritual to live longer and stronger. What's Discussed: (06:15) The hidden link between chronic inflammation and modern lifestyle (10:40) How Ayurveda defines balance through the three doshas (14:20) Understanding your "elemental design" and what it means for digestion, stress, and sleep (18:45) Why syncing your habits with circadian rhythm lowers inflammation (23:10) The science behind turmeric, ginger, and other Ayurvedic anti-inflammatories (28:00) Rituals that regulate your nervous system and calm "mental inflammation" (33:25) How to integrate grounding, tongue scraping, and oil pulling into your daily routine (38:00) Ayurvedic detox principles for modern longevity (43:10) Common myths about Ayurveda and how to apply it practically (47:30) Dr. Gupta's top daily habits for inflammation-free living Thank You for Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH. Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/ Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd Learn more about Dr. Shivani Gupta : Website : https://shivanigupta.com/ Instagram: dr.shivanigupta Linkedin: Dr. Shivani Gupta

Most of us grew up thinking anything sold at the grocery store was safe to eat. But behind every "heart healthy," "high protein," or "low fat" label lies a different truth one built on ultra-processed ingredients, chemical additives, and marketing tricks. In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Julia Putzeys, founder of the Trash Panda App, to uncover what's really in our food and how to make smarter choices that protect our long-term health. We break down what defines an ultra-processed food, why seed oils, food dyes, and artificial sweeteners disrupt metabolism and gut health, and how ingredient literacy can literally change your biology. We also explore how small, consistent choices like swapping one product at a time can help you shift from calorie counting to nutrient density and teach your kids the same. Julia Putzeys is a software developer turned nutritionist and creator of Trash Panda, the viral app helping millions of people decode food labels, identify hidden additives, and choose real, whole ingredients. What's Discussed: (09:00) How Ultra-Processed Foods Impact Longevity and Chronic Disease (12:30) The Psychology and Science Behind Food Addiction (20:00) Why "Low-Fat" and "Sugar-Free" Often Mean More Toxic (29:50) The Real Problem With Seed Oils and Food Dyes (18:00) How to Retrain Your Taste Buds and Microbiome (32:00) Practical Swaps for Clean, Nutrient-Dense Eating Thank You for Our Sponsors: Timeline: 20% off your order. Go to timeline.com/drshah. That's timeline.com/drshah. Function Health: Learn more and join using functionhealth.com/drshah. The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. Visit www.functionhealth.com/drshah or use gift code DRSHAH100 at sign-up to own your health. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd Learn more about Julia Putzeys : Linkedin: Julia Putzeys X: @JuliaPutzeys You Tube: Julia Putzeys TikTok: @tp_julia Download the Trash Panda App on iOS or Android: https://trashpanda.app.link/3FycqbNk0Xb Trash Panda on Instagram: @trashpanda_app

Dr. Karan Rajan, a GI surgeon and gut health expert with a following of over five million on social media, delves into the intricacies of the gut microbiome. He explains how gut health is fundamental to digestion, immunity, and even skin health. Topics include the significance of fiber diversity, the dangers of low-fiber diets, and the impact of fermented foods. Dr. Rajan also discusses microbiome testing, the influence of circadian rhythms, and practical strategies to rebuild gut health after antibiotics. Tune in for actionable insights on optimizing your microbiome!

In this engaging discussion, Josh Clemente, founder of Levels and a former SpaceX life support engineer, dives into the transformative power of continuous health monitoring. He shares how personal experiences led to the adoption of continuous glucose monitors, empowering individuals to take ownership of their health data. Josh explores the comparison of biomedical observability to engineering telemetry, the potential of multi-molecule monitoring, and the shift towards preventive healthcare. Learn how AI and real-time data can optimize personal biology and prevent chronic diseases.

Dr. Amir Vookshoor, a board-certified neurosurgeon and founder of NeuroVella Brain Spa, shares insights on optimizing brain health through a blend of modern neuroscience and holistic practices. He discusses how stress and trauma can rewire the nervous system and the benefits of neurofeedback and advanced techniques like plasmapheresis. Vookshoor emphasizes the importance of breathwork and sleep in brain maintenance, likening it to dental care, while exploring innovative therapies that could slow neurodegeneration. A fascinating journey into cutting-edge brain wellness!

Dr. Josh Axe, a chiropractor and clinical nutritionist, dives into the fascinating intersection of ancient medicine and modern longevity research. He explores how principles from Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine can enhance healthspan and mitigate aging. The discussion touches on the emotional aspects of healing, chronic stress's impact on gene expression, and the vital role of gut health. Josh also emphasizes the importance of everyday habits and natural methods over mere protocols, while sharing insights on peptides, stem cells, and a holistic approach to wellness.