Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

What if your bloating, fatigue, or fertility struggles aren’t separate issues, but signs of a deeper imbalance no one’s connected yet? In this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Dr. Robin Berzin, founder of Parsley Health, and we dig into how functional medicine uncovers the why behind your symptoms and why conventional care keeps missing it. We talk about the most overlooked root causes of chronic illness, the truth about blood sugar and hormones, and why fertility issues are often metabolic in disguise. You’ll also learn how functional medicine works in real life, how to find the right provider, and why Dr. Berzin created her “brains, bones, and booty” framework for aging well—especially for women. Dr. Robin Berzin is a Columbia-trained MD, pioneer in reimagining primary care and author of State Change. She’s helped thousands of patients get off the prescription treadmill and finally feel like themselves again. We Also Discuss: The wake-up call that changed everything Why most functional medicine was failing How functional care actually works The blood sugar-hormone connection no one talks about Brains, bones, and booty: the new longevity framework for women The real reason your mental health symptoms won’t go away What no one tells women between pregnancy and menopause The hidden crisis in kids’ health—and what to do about it 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/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. Robin Berzin:   Instagram: @robinberzinmd Instagram:@parsleyhealth Website: https://robinberzinmd.com 

What if the root cause of burnout, inflammation, and hormone dysfunction isn’t just physical—but energetic? In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Pedram Shojai—Taoist monk, doctor of Oriental medicine, and author of The Urban Monk—to explore how ancient wisdom meets modern health. We unpack why true healing requires addressing your qi (life force), how emotional stagnation leads to physical disease, and why regulating your energy is just as important as optimizing your bloodwork. From the microbiome to meditation, Dr. Pedram shares how restoring energetic flow can radically shift your metabolism, mood, and even your fertility. And we go deep on what most functional medicine still misses about the connection between spiritual vitality and long-term health. Dr. Pedram Shojai is a former Taoist monk, acclaimed filmmaker, and best-selling author who’s helped millions reconnect with their body, breath, and purpose. His work bridges ancient healing systems with today’s most pressing health challenges. We Also Discuss: How blocked energy leads to chronic illness The missing layer in functional medicine The ancient view of fertility and hormones Why energy management is the new stress management The true purpose of breathwork and meditation How to reclaim your life force in a modern world Why we can’t separate emotional and physical healing The nervous system patterns that keep you sick   Thank You To 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 Dr. Pedram Shojai   Instagram: @drpedramshojaiWebsite: www.theurbanmonk.com   

What if your exhaustion, brain fog, or cravings aren’t a motivation problem—but a sleep problem no one’s diagnosed yet? In this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Dr. Michael Breuss, a sleep specialist, and we dig into why so many high performers are chronically under-recovered, why sleep disorders go undetected for years, and how wearables are both helping and hurting. We talk about why 8 hours might be the wrong goal, how your chronotype should determine your schedule, why snoring isn’t harmless, and the link between GLP-1s and sleep apnea. You’ll also learn how mouth tape works, the surprising truth about blue light, and why most hydration habits fail. Dr. Michael Breus is a clinical psychologist, board-certified sleep specialist, and the author of five books on sleep. He’s worked with Olympic athletes, celebrities, and CEOs—and in this conversation, he’s bringing you the same level of clarity and insight.   We Also Discuss: Why Sleep Disorders Go Undiagnosed for Years The Truth About Sleep Trackers and Deep Sleep Scores Is Your Bedroom Air Ruining Your Sleep? Mouth Tape: Helpful or Harmful? GLP-1s for Sleep Apnea? Here’s What the Science Says Your Sleep Needs Change With Your Period Morning Breathwork That Replaces Coffee Sip vs Gulp: Are You Drinking Water Wrong? 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. Michael Breus    Instagram: @thesleepdoctorWebsite: https://sleepdoctor.com  

Most people focus on physical health. But after years of practicing medicine, I’ve seen this truth again and again: you can’t heal your body if your mind and nervous system are stuck in survival mode. In this episode of Extend, I sat down with Kelly Gores, creator of HEAL and founder of WellSet, to explore how trauma, stress, and emotional blocks drive chronic disease—and what it really takes to heal. We dive into the science behind the placebo effect, how intuition works, why regulating your nervous system is foundational for longevity, and the simple daily practices that can completely shift your biology. Kelly Gores is the writer, director, and producer of HEAL Documentary, and  the founder of WellSet, a platform bringing holistic healing practices to a wider audience.  We Also Discuss: Why healing can’t happen in fight-or-flight  How modern life keeps your body stuck in survival mode  The real reason most people block their own healing  Why intuition is a biological survival tool, not “woo”  How your subconscious mind controls 95% of your health Why 70% of healing has nothing to do with food or fitness  The key mindset shift that triggers deep physical healing  Thank You To Our Sponsors:   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  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   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 Kelly Gores:   Instagram: @kellygores Instagram (HEAL Documentary): @healdocumentary Website: https://www.healdocumentary.com HEAL Book: Here  

What if aging isn’t just inevitable—but programmable? In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Kara Fitzgerald, pioneering epigenetic researcher and author of Younger You, to explore how your daily choices—food, movement, sleep, stress—can literally rewire your genes to slow down aging. We unpack her groundbreaking study showing biological age reversal in just 8 weeks without drugs, injections, or extreme protocols. You’ll learn how DNA methylation impacts everything from inflammation to longevity, which “epinutrients” flip your genes in the right direction, and why your salad might be more powerful than your supplement stack. Dr. Kara Fitzgerald is a functional medicine physician. Her clinical trial was the first to show biological age reversal through diet and lifestyle alone. She’s also the author of Younger You. Let’s get into it. We Also Discuss: How she helped reverse biological age in 8 weeks The one test that reveals how fast you’re actually aging Can food really reprogram your genes? (Spoiler: yes) Why folate, B12, and mushrooms might be more powerful than your multivitamin The “epinutrients” your aging cells are starving for Why your salad might be more effective than supplements Is the carnivore diet speeding up your biological age? What Yamanaka factors, vitamin D, and plasma exchange mean for your future 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.Kara Fitzgerald:    Website: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/  Instagram: @drkarafitzgerald  Book: Younger You

Most people are treating stress with the wrong tools, and it’s silently sabotaging their longevity. In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Jen Batchelor, Ayurvedic health optimizer and co-founder of Kin Euphorics, to talk about what your nervous system actually needs to feel calm, connected, and well. We dive into what adaptogens are really doing in your body, why saffron might be one of the most powerful neuroprotective tools available, and how homeostasis—not hustle—is the key to better energy and long-term health. We also explore the hidden costs of loneliness, the biology behind joy, and why redefining pleasure might be the most underrated health hack of all. Jen Batchelor is the co-founder of Kin Euphorics, a non-alcoholic beverage company blending adaptogens, nootropics, and ritual to support mood, connection, and recovery We Also Discuss: Adaptogens aren’t supplements—they’re system whisperers Saffron for your brain? Yep, it’s a thing The 30-second nervous system reset you’re not doing She went from desert moonshine to alcohol-free empire Longevity hack? Real connection > green juice  Use code EXTEND20 to get 20% off at kineuphorics.com. Thank You to Our Sponsors:   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!  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   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 Jen Batchelor: Website:https://www.kineuphorics.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kineuphorics/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenofkin 

What if your real age isn’t on your driver’s license—but buried in your biology? In this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Chris Mirabile, founder of NOVOS and one of the few people actually slowing down his pace of aging. We break down why the average person is aging faster than they realize, and how mainstream medicine is decades behind when it comes to prevention. We get into the 12 hallmarks of aging, why free radicals aren’t your enemy, how biological clocks really work, and the lifestyle and supplement strategies that are scientifically shown to make you younger from the inside out. Chris Mirabile is the founder and CEO of NOVOS, a longevity biotech company backed by leading researchers and data. After surviving a brain tumor at age 16, he became obsessed with the science of living better, longer. Let’s dive in. We Also Discuss: Why Healthspan Matters More Than Lifespan 12 Cellular Reasons You’re Aging Faster Than You Should Mitochondria, Free Radicals, and the Truth About Energy Decline Can We Reprogram Aging? The Science Behind Epigenetics The Real Pathways to Longevity (That Most Doctors Ignore) How Your Daily Habits Are Speeding Up—or Slowing Down—Aging What Your Biological Age Says About Your Future Health From Supplements to Stem Cells: What Actually Works to Slow Aging   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/ Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Chris Mirabile   Website: https://slowmyage.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slowmyage   

In this conversation with Steve Martocci, co-founder and CEO of SuppCo, the truth about the $50 billion supplement industry comes to light. Martocci shares alarming insights on why most supplements are ineffective, the misleading nature of "clinically dosed" labels, and the lack of FDA protection for consumers. He highlights the loopholes brands exploit and the widespread misconceptions about supplement efficacy. With a push for transparency and data-driven choices, he introduces innovative tools to help consumers navigate the often chaotic supplement landscape.

What if the reason you can’t focus, feel chronically overwhelmed, or keep slipping into the same unhealthy habits… isn’t a discipline problem, it's your brain’s biology working against you? In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by Dr. Austin Perlmutter, board-certified internal medicine physician and neuroscientist, to explore how inflammation hijacks your brain’s decision-making and what you can do to take back control. We dig into why modern life wires your brain for reactivity over intention, the shocking impact of neuroinflammation on mood and behavior, and how daily habits are either fueling the fire or calming the system. You’ll learn practical tools to reduce brain-body inflammation, support cognitive clarity, and make better choices even under stress. Dr. Austin Perlmutter, MD is a board-certified internal medicine physician, neuroscientist, and New York Times bestselling author. Let's dive in!   We Also Discuss: Why Brain Health Isn’t Just in Your Head The Overlooked Link Between Metabolism and Mental Clarity What Chronic Inflammation Is Really Doing to Your Brain How Long-Term Stress Rewires Your Biology Rethinking Depression: It’s Not Just in the Mind Can You Rewire Your Brain? The Science of Neuroplasticity Are Psychedelics the Future of Mental Health? The Brain-Sleep Connection You Can’t Afford to Ignore 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. Austin Perlmutter:   Website: https://www.austinperlmutter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/draustinperlmutter/ Lichen air: Get 10% off at https://lichen-air.myshopify.com/?rfsn=8715882.7adc91 using code DRSHAH10   Sources: Effects of different physical activities on brain-derived neurotrophic factor   Dr. Austin's research on Tartary Buckwheat: www.bigboldhealth.com  

Discover the hidden dangers of LP(a), a biomarker that could put you at higher risk for heart attacks and strokes—often overlooked in standard testing. Learn why even those with healthy lifestyles can have elevated LP(a) levels. This discussion dives into the inflammatory nature of LP(a) compared to LDL, the need for specific lab tests, and why lifestyle changes won't lower it. Get insights on emerging RNA therapies that could reduce LP(a) and actionable steps for managing high levels. It's time to take cardiovascular health seriously!