Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

In this episode of Extend, we’re digging into one of the most dangerous—and most overlooked—drivers of heart disease: LP(a). You could have a clean lifestyle, normal labs, and still be at high risk for a heart attack or stroke. Why? Because LP(a) isn’t included in standard cholesterol tests—and 1 in 5 people have elevated levels without knowing it. I break down what LP(a) actually is, why it’s more inflammatory and damaging than LDL, and how it contributes to plaque, heart attacks, strokes, and valve disease. You’ll learn why lifestyle changes don’t lower it, what to do if your levels are high, and how cutting-edge RNA therapies could offer hope. I also share exactly which labs and scans to request so you’re not flying blind. ➡️ If you care about preventing cardiovascular disease, this is essential listening. It’s time to add LP(a) to the conversation. I Also Discuss:   The stealth cholesterol marker no one’s testing for Think your cholesterol panel is fine? Here’s what it’s missing LP(a): the hidden culprit behind “healthy” heart attacks This could be why young people are having strokes The one stat that should have everyone talking Got high LP(a)? Here’s your action plan The game-changing drugs that silence LP(a) at the source   Thank You for Our Sponsors: Deliverance: Give your liver the care it deserves! Deliverance is a powerful plant-based formula designed to support and restore liver health. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at loveyourliver.com    Timeline: Upgrade your energy from within! MitoPure by Timeline helps power up your cells, supporting muscle strength, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Stay active, sharp, and strong at any age! Claim 10% off your first order now at timeline.com/DrShah   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/  

What if the reason you're tired, inflamed, or not recovering the way you used to has nothing to do with aging, and everything to do with your NAD system being under attack? In this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Dr. Charles Brenner, the scientist who discovered nicotinamide riboside (NR) and one of the leading experts on NAD metabolism. We unpack why NAD is so critical for energy, repair, and resilience, and why simply “taking NAD” isn’t the solution most people think it is. We also break down the key lifestyle factors quietly draining your NAD levels, the real difference between NMN, NR, niacin, and IV NAD, and why NR may be the safest and most effective way to support your body’s natural repair systems. Dr. Brenner also shares the science behind NAD’s role in inflammation, immunity, and recovery, and why placebo-controlled research is the missing piece in so many longevity conversations. Dr. Charles Brenner is the Alfred E. Mann Family Foundation Chair in Diabetes and Cancer Metabolism at City of Hope and a leading authority on NAD metabolism. His work bridges fundamental science with real-world application. We Also Discuss: Why NAD Is the Missing Link in Energy, Repair, and Longevity The Truth About NAD Decline—and What’s Really Draining Your Levels NR vs. NMN: The NAD Debate That Actually Matters Is Oral NR Better Than IV NAD? Here’s What the Research Says How NAD Impacts Inflammation, Immunity, and Recovery The Gaps in NAD Science and Why They Matter Thank You to Our Sponsors:   TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/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: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Dr. Charles Brenner: Website: brennerlab.netInstagram: @charlesmbrenner

Most people know mindset matters, but almost no one knows how to actually train it for better health, performance, and longevity. In today's episode of Extend, I'm joined by David Nurse, NBA mindset coach and best-selling author. We dive deep into why mindset is the real missing piece in most health optimization plans, and how flow states, identity shifts, and daily systems can radically change your outcomes.    We also break down why your mindset is the ignition switch for success, how to tap into flow states more consistently (and why it matters), the truth about goals vs. systems, and why goals alone fail, how identity shapes your health, your results, and your future, and actionable tools you can start using today to rewire your brain for growth.   David Nurse is a top NBA mindset coach, best-selling author, and motivational speaker specializing in high-performance habits. David is the author of Pivot & Go, Breakthrough, Do It, and the upcoming book The Flow Code. Tune in! We Also Discuss: • How the Health Optimization Summit Changes Your Mindset Game • Why Flow States Are the Missing Link to Peak Performance • Focus vs. Flow: Why Most People Get It Wrong • Simple Tools to Build Unshakable Confidence and Reset Fast • The 4-Step Formula to Trigger Flow on Command • Why Chasing Goals Alone Kills Your Momentum • The Morning Routine that Rewires Your Brain for Success • Encouragement, Habits, and the Real Secret to Sustainable Growth Thank You for Our Sponsors:   Deliverance: Give your liver the care it deserves! Deliverance is a powerful plant-based formula designed to support and restore liver health. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at loveyourliver.com  Timeline: Upgrade your energy from within! MitoPure by Timeline helps power up your cells, supporting muscle strength, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Stay active, sharp, and strong at any age!   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd   Learn more about David Nurse Instagram: @davidnursenbaTwitter: @DavidNurseNBA YouTube: David Nurse

What if the hidden toxins in your everyday life are secretly sabotaging your health, hormones, and longevity? Most people underestimate how deeply their health is impacted by toxins—and conventional medicine isn’t addressing the root of the issue. In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by Dr. Aly Cohen, renowned integrative rheumatologist, environmental health expert, and author of the upcoming book, Detoxify. We uncover the shocking truth about the tens of thousands of unregulated chemicals lurking in your home, food, water, and even your skincare products—and reveal why detox isn’t about trendy cleanses, but smarter daily choices. We dive into why microplastics have infiltrated every part of your body (including your brain), how seemingly innocent products are disrupting your hormones, metabolism, and immune system, and what practical steps you can immediately take to dramatically reduce your toxic exposure. Dr. Cohen shares eye-opening facts on why your tap water is more polluted than you think, why household dust is toxic waste in disguise, and how simple nutritional strategies can powerfully protect you from environmental harm. We Also Discuss: Detox Myths That Even Most Doctors Believe The Shocking Truth About How Toxins Sabotage Your Immune System Easy Daily Habits to Dramatically Reduce Your Toxic Load Why Reverse Osmosis Is a Non-Negotiable for Your Health Practical Tips to Navigate a Toxin-Free Lifestyle (Without Stress) Hidden Sources of Microplastics You Use Every Single Day Detox Done Right: Supporting Your Liver & Kidneys Naturally The "Four A’s" Method to Protect Your Health from Hidden Chemicals   Thank You to Our Sponsors:   TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/ IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/ NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/ 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: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Dr. Aly Cohen: Website: www.alycohenmd.com  Instagram: @TheSmartHuman

Rethink everything you thought you knew about cholesterol! Discover why focusing solely on LDL and total cholesterol could be misleading. Learn about ApoB, the crucial metric for assessing heart health, and how it better predicts cardiovascular risk. Explore the formation of arterial plaque and the importance of inflammation and metabolic health. Uncover natural methods to lower ApoB and when medications might be necessary. Step into a modern approach to heart health and longevity!

What if the secret to better energy, fat loss, and gut health wasn’t more discipline… but a smarter strategy? Most people are hacking the wrong system—and it’s backfiring. In this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Joel Greene, creator of the VEEP Nutrition System and one of the most innovative minds in metabolic health. We break down the science behind fat loss, blood sugar regulation, gut health, and why conventional diet advice is failing most people. We dive into how your microbiome controls more than just digestion, why fasting isn’t one-size-fits-all, and what your body really needs to burn fat and build lasting energy. Joel also shares cutting-edge insights on short-chain fatty acids, protein misconceptions, and how your environment is silently shaping your metabolic function. If you want to understand how your body actually works—and how to fuel it for longevity and performance—this conversation is a game-changer.   We Also Discuss: How the Wellness Industry Got It All Wrong The Hidden Link Between Poor Sleep and Your Diet From Sick to Superhuman: Joel’s Radical Health Turnaround The Forgotten Foods That Heal Your Gut Why Most Gut Protocols Fail (And What to Do Instead) Think You’re Eating Healthy? Think Again. The Missing Piece in Every Metabolic Plan It’s Not Just What You Eat—It’s When and How   Thank You to Our Sponsors: TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/ IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/ NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/ 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: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Joel Greene:   Website: https://www.veepnutrition.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realjoelgreene/?hl=en

What if our food system wasn’t designed for our health, but for shelf life, convenience, and corporate profit? In today’s episode of Extend, I’m joined by Ricky Silver, CEO of Daily Harvest, who brings a rare inside-the-industry view of how our food system really works, and how we can change it. We explore how government subsidies, processed foods, and industrial farming practices have led to the chronic disease crisis we’re facing today. We dig into why frozen organic produce is a nutritional powerhouse, what regenerative agriculture actually means, and how everyday consumers like you and me can help shift the food industry toward something more nourishing, for people and the planet. Whether you're someone who shops organic or you're just beginning to question what’s really in your food, this episode will empower you to make smarter choices and push for systemic change. Ricky Silver is the CEO of Daily Harvest, a company focused on making organic, plant-based meals accessible and convenient. He brings a unique perspective on the intersection of science, food, and health. Let’s get into it. We Also Discuss: Why “Organic” Isn’t Just a Label—It’s a System Shift How Your Grocery Cart Can Change the Food Industry The Real Reason Our Food Is Making Us Sick From Profit to Purpose: Rethinking the Food System’s North Star What Farmers Really Want—and Why We Should Listen The Untold Truth About Gluten, Glyphosate, and Gut Health Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Ricky Silver: Website: https://www.dailyharvest.com Instagram: @dailyharvestInstagram: @rickyjsilver

What if the reason your supplements aren’t working has nothing to do with your body—and everything to do with what’s in the bottle? In this episode of Extend, I’m joined by biochemist and ingredient formulator Shawn Wells, a leading voice in evidence-based supplementation and mitochondrial health. Together, we uncover why so many products fail to deliver results, how to build a smarter, personalized stack, and what most people get completely wrong about vitamins, probiotics, and biohacking. We get into the dangers of proprietary blends, why over 80% of supplements on Amazon may be underdosed or inactive, and what blood tests and wearables really reveal about your health. Shawn also shares his foundational stack—from GLP-1 agonists to mitochondrial protectors—and explains why dosing and timing matter more than you think. If you’re relying on guesswork when it comes to supplements, this episode will change your approach for good.   We Also Discuss: The Supplement Lies You’ve Been Told Why Bio-Individuality Changes Everything How to Spot a Scam Supplement The Foundational Stack You Actually Need Muscle, Brain & Bone: The Smart Stack Upgrade Your Brain: Next-Gen Nootropics The New Science of Sleep Support Immunity, Mitochondria & Microbiome Hacks   Thank You to Our Sponsors: TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/ IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/ NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/ 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: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Shawn Wells   Website: www.shawnwells.com Instagram: @shawnwells YouTube: Shawn Wells  

What if menopause didn’t have to be a challenge, but an opportunity?    In this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Zora Benhamou, host of the Hack My Age podcast, to challenge the common narrative around menopause. Zora shares a refreshing perspective that empowers women to see this stage of life as a chance for reinvention, growth, and better health. We discuss the science behind hormone therapy, the importance of muscle-building and stress management, and how women can navigate menopause without feeling defeated. Together, we dive deep into practical, science-backed insights on how women can not only reduce symptoms but optimize their health for the long run. Zora Benhamou is a gerontologist and health and longevity expert, dedicated to helping women navigate aging confidently. As the host of Hack My Age, she educates listeners on biohacking, menopause, and anti-aging strategies.   We Also Discuss: Podcast Interview on Women's Health Global Attitudes Towards Menopause Optimizing Menopausal Health Through Biohacking Mastering Parasympathetic Balance and Hormone Replacement Post-Surgery Supplement Hacks for Recovery Surgery Gratitude and Recovery Hacks Thank you for our Sponsors: Deliverance: Give your liver the care it deserves! Deliverance is a powerful plant-based formula designed to support and restore liver health. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at loveyourliver.com Timeline: Upgrade your energy from within! MitoPure by Timeline helps power up your cells, supporting muscle strength, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Stay active, sharp, and strong at any age! Claim 10% off your first order now at timeline.com/DrShah   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/  Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Zora Benhamou:   Website: Hack My Age​ Instagram: @hackmyage​ Facebook: Hack My Age​ YouTube: Hack My Age TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@hackmyage Membership Group: https://hackmyage.com/biohacking-menopause-membership/  Menopause Quiz: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/661e9e6786298f2031ac25ba  ​  

Brain fog, forgetfulness, and lack of focus are becoming the norm, but they don’t have to be. In this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Jim Kwik, a world-renowned brain coach and author of the bestselling book Limitless, to uncover how to unlock your brain’s full potential. We dive into the science of neuroplasticity, daily habits that sabotage your memory, and how to reclaim focus in a world of constant distraction. Jim shares actionable tools to improve learning, strengthen cognitive performance, and boost mental energy, without relying on caffeine or willpower. We also explore the impact of gut health, sleep, HRV, and nootropics on brain function, and how to build a sharper, more resilient mind at any age. Jim Kwik is a world-renowned brain coach, best-selling author of Limitless, and expert in memory, focus, and accelerated learning.   Thank You to Our Sponsors: TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/ IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/ NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/ 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: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Jim Kwik: Instagram: @jimkwik​ Facebook: @jimkwikofficial​Log in or sign up to view Twitter: @jimkwik​ YouTube: Jim Kwik