Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

Kristin Weitzel, a breathwork expert and cold plunge coach, shares her innovative approach to nervous system optimization. Discover how just three minutes in cold water can boost your confidence and mental resilience more effectively than therapy. Kristin introduces her 'ICE' method (Intentional Cold Exposure) and explains why women shouldn't shy away from cold plunging. She also highlights the benefits of breathwork, tips for overcoming the fears associated with cold exposure, and explores the fascinating interplay between cold plunging and emotional control.

What if the depression, brain fog, and weight gain you're experiencing isn't "just aging" but actually a treatable hormone deficiency? In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Sara Szal, MD, a Harvard-trained gynecologist who has revolutionized how we approach women's health. We dive into why 80% of women experience brain dysfunction during menopause, the shocking failure of conventional medicine's "birth control and antidepressants" approach, and Dr. Sara's "hormone therapy plus" model. Whether you're 35 and starting to notice changes or 65 wondering if you've "missed the boat," this conversation will transform how you think about aging as a woman. Sara Szal, MD is a Harvard-trained gynecologist, New York Times bestselling author of four books including "The Hormone Cure," and a leading authority on hormone optimization. With over 25 years of experience treating 25,000+ patients, she specializes in root cause analysis and personalized protocols for peak performance. We Also Discuss: The 100+ Symptoms of Perimenopause Most Doctors Don't Recognize Why Your Doctor Says Hormone Testing Is "Useless" (And Why They're Wrong) Bioidentical vs. Synthetic Hormones: What You Need to Know The 80% of Women Who Experience Cerebral Hypometabolism During Menopause Why FSH Levels Predict Alzheimer's Risk in Women Testosterone for Women: When It Helps and When It Hurts The "Cheating Nature" Argument Against Hormone Therapy (Debunked) Mitochondrial Health: The Key to Reversing Biological Age Hot vs. Cold Therapy for Mitochondrial Optimization Thank You for Our Sponsors: Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/  NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.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 Sara Szal, MD: Website:https://www.saragottfriedmd.com/  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/saragottfriedmd/

Ben Azadi, a metabolic health expert and New York Times bestselling author, shares his incredible journey from obesity and depression to wellness advocate. He reveals that 93% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy and highlights the overlooked fasting insulin test as a key biomarker. Listeners learn about the devastating financial impact of diabetes in healthcare and discover actionable strategies to shift from sugar-burning to fat-burning. Ben emphasizes the importance of dietary variability and introduces a transformative 30-day program for better metabolic health.

What if I told you that an 18-year-old athlete had a testosterone level of 26 - when it should be near 1,000? In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Layne Kilpatrick, a pharmacist with over 30 years of experience who has been sounding the alarm about environmental toxins for years. We dive into the alarming decline in testosterone levels, how microplastics are literally everywhere, and why young, healthy men are showing up with fertility issues that would have been unthinkable decades ago. We also share actionable solutions to protect ourselves and our families. Layne Kilpatrick is a pharmacist and the driving force behind Hormone Specialist. He specializes in breaking down the science of hormones and everyday toxins, empowering both men and women to understand the root causes of hormone imbalances and take actionable steps to restore their vitality in a world filled with endocrine disruptors. We Also Discuss: Why Testosterone Levels Have Dropped 50% in 50 Years The 18-Year-Old Athlete with a Testosterone Level of 26 Microplastics vs. Nanoplastics: Size Matters for Toxicity The Paint on Glass Bottle Lids That's Contaminating Your Water PFAS: The "Forever Chemicals" Found in 100% of Breast Milk Samples The $200 Desktop Solution That Filters Microplastics HEPA Filtration: Why You Need Carbon Filters Too BPA-Free Doesn't Mean Safe: The Regrettable Substitution Problem Paper Cups and Straws: The Hidden Plastic Linings The Four-Step Action Plan to Protect Your Family Today Resources: Persistent Inert Substances Comparison: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_kDzJzqFQN9m59IxfCtJKgc-n4qAlxgn/edit    Thank You for Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 20% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/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 Layne Kilpatrick: Website: https://www.hormonespecialist.net/  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hormonespecialist/   

Tracey Stroup, a seasoned naturopathic doctor, dives into the world of peptide therapy with over 27 years of health and wellness expertise. She discusses the misuse of GLP-1 medications amid the Ozempic craze, emphasizing safe alternatives with peptides. The conversation covers proper dosing, cycling protocols, and the need for holistic support, revealing why many are peptide deficient. They explore the resurgence of healing peptides like BPC-157 for gut health and the role of growth hormone peptides in maintaining hormone balance as we age, advocating for a personalized approach to therapy.

Cynthia Thurlow, a nurse practitioner specializing in women's health and metabolic medicine, discusses the often-ignored challenges women face during menopause. She reveals critical biomarkers that many doctors overlook and explains how misconceptions from a major study have adversely affected women's health. The conversation delves into why LDL cholesterol may not be the heart health villain we think it is, and the significant role of hormone replacement therapy. Thurlow empowers listeners to take control of their health with lifestyle changes and informed medical choices.

Dr. Nick Norwitz, a Harvard-trained MD/PhD known for radical self-experimentation, reveals why conventional medicine often fails us. He critiques the reliance on population averages, highlighting how only a fraction of top drugs are effective. Exploring the N=1 approach, he encourages listeners to become their own health scientists, advocating for personalized health strategies. The conversation also covers the pitfalls of calorie counting and dives into the complexities of the ketogenic diet, all while promoting a curious and humble approach to individual health journeys.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Joel Kahn, a preventive cardiologist and founder of the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity, challenges traditional views on heart disease. He highlights the inadequacy of the Framingham risk factors and introduces the $100 calcium score as a crucial test. Listeners discover how cooking methods can age arteries, the hidden dangers of advanced glycation end products, and the link between erectile dysfunction and heart health. Dr. Kahn advocates for plant-based nutrition and innovative strategies for comprehensive cardiovascular wellness.

Why can't you open that jar anymore? Why does getting up from a chair feel harder than it used to? In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Amy Shah to explore the strength crisis happening to women in perimenopause.  We dive into the simple tests that reveal where you're losing ground—and why most women are shocked by their results. We also share the exercise formula that actually works for perimenopausal women, honing in on the key fact that it has to be movement you enjoy, because sustainability beats intensity every time. Dr. Amy Shah is a double board-certified physician specializing in allergy/immunology and internal medicine, and author of I'm So Effing Tired. She's a leading voice in women's health, focusing on the intersection of hormones, gut health, and metabolism. We Also Discuss: The Grip Strength Test That Predicts Your Longevity (Most Women Fail) The Sit-to-Stand Test: Your Lower Body Strength Report Card Exercise Snacks: Why 10 Squats Every Hour Beats a 30-Minute Walk The Weighted Vest Mistake That's Wasting Your Time Why Jumping on a Trampoline Builds Stronger Bones Than Running Intermittent Fasting for Women: Why Daily Fasting Backfires Thank You To Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 20% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/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 Dr. Amy Shah: Website:https://amymdwellness.com/  Book: I’m So Effing TiredX: https://x.com/amyshahmd  

Join Dr. Zain Kassam, a leading gastroenterologist and microbiome researcher, as he explores the fascinating world of gut health. He shares how your gut bacteria influence your mood, weight, and overall longevity, making them far from mere bystanders. Dive into the gut-brain connection, the surprisingly complex nature of probiotics, and the revolutionary potential of microbiome science. Kassam also discusses the impact of diet, fiber, and innovative therapies for conditions like IBS, highlighting the importance of personalized approaches to gut health.