Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

What if everything you've been told about longevity supplements is based on hype rather than science? Dr. Eric Verdin, CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, joins me on the Extend podcast to separate fact from fiction in the longevity field.  We explore epigenetic reprogramming, why the immune system controls aging, and the reality that no supplements are proven to extend human lifespan. We also discuss how most people could live to 95 in good health using lifestyle interventions we already know work. Dr. Eric Verdin is the CEO and President of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, the world's first independent research institute focused solely on aging. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers and is internationally recognized for his research on immune system aging and epigenetic regulation. We Also Discuss: Why There Are No Proven Anti-Aging Supplements or Drugs for Humans Yet How Yamanaka Factors Can Reverse Aging by Reprogramming Cells Back to Youth The Discovery That Immune System Aging Controls Whole-Body Aging Why Your Blood Contains 600 Different Cell Types (Not the 12 You Learned About) How Lifestyle Factors Could Add 30 Years of Healthy Life for Most People The Problem With "Instagram Medicine" and Unproven NAD Infusions Why Brian Johnson's Self-Experimentation Matters Despite the Controversy The Coming Revolution in Precision Medicine and Digital Twins How Organ-Specific Aging Clocks Predict Your Individual Disease Risk Why the Brain and Immune System Are the Two Most Important Aging Targets Thank You for Our Sponsors: 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    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. Eric Verdin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericverdin.buck/?hl=en  Website: https://www.buckinstitute.org/   

What if the blood tests you're not getting are more important than the ones you are? In this episode of Extend, Dr. Jeremy London joins me to explore the three lifestyle modifications that prevent most cardiac disease.  We dive into how a continuous glucose monitor revealed his own pre-diabetes despite feeling perfectly healthy. We also share the blood tests your doctor isn't ordering, why vaping may be more dangerous than cigarettes, and how functional medicine filled the gap that traditional surgery couldn't address. Dr. Jeremy London is a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon with over 25 years of clinical experience. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his general surgery residency at St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver, Colorado, followed by a vascular and thoracic surgical fellowship at Carolinas Medical Center. Dr. London's mission is to provide accessible health information through his newsletter, podcast, and social platforms.  We Also Discuss: Why Vaping Is More Dangerous Than Cigarettes According to This Heart Surgeon The Three Blood Tests Your Doctor Isn't Ordering   How a Continuous Glucose Monitor Revealed Pre-Diabetes in a "Healthy" Surgeon Why 50% of Americans Have High Blood Pressure and Most Don't Know It The Calcium Score CT Scan That Reveals Hidden Heart Disease Risk Why VO2 Max Is the Most Powerful Predictor of Longevity How Functional Medicine Saved This Surgeon from Career Burnout The Walking Desk Hack That Gets 10,000 Steps During Work Hours Thank You for Our Sponsors: Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/ Timeline: Claim 10% off your first order now at https://www.timeline.com/partners/darshan-shah    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. Jeremy London: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjeremylondon /  Website: https://www.drjeremylondon.com/   

After spending years at a monastery, meditation expert Scott Schwenk discovered the way most people approach meditation is exactly what keeps them from succeeding. The myths around emptying your mind, sitting in painful positions, and chasing mystical experiences sabotage practice before it begins. In this episode of Extend, Scott and I discuss the 4-lens framework that transforms meditation from mystical pursuit to practical life skill. We explore his signature 6-point body softening technique that works in 30 seconds, why he stopped teaching fire breathing after becoming trauma-informed, and how to build a sustainable practice that integrates into real-world challenges. Scott Schwenk is a meditation teacher, breathwork facilitator, and consciousness coach who has spent decades studying both Eastern spiritual traditions and Western psychological approaches. He lived at a monastery, teaches internationally, and helps individuals and businesses integrate contemplative practices into daily life. We Also Discuss: Why "No Thoughts" is Meditation Mythology That Sabotages Your Practice The 6-Point Body Softening Technique That Works in 30 Seconds Why Your Hips Must Be Higher Than Your Knees for Proper Meditation Posture The Secret Taoist Water Meditation Scott Discovered by Accident Nadi Shodhana: The Daily Breathwork Practice That Changes Everything Why Scott Stopped Teaching Fire Breathing After Becoming Trauma-Informed How Mirror Neurons Transfer Meditative States Between People The 4 Lenses Framework: Waking Up, Growing Up, Cleaning Up, Showing Up Why Gurus Fall: Advanced States vs. Psychological Development Open-Eyed Meditation and Why Peak States Can Become Addictive The 3 Questions That Build Meditation Confidence in 30 Days Why You Should Stop While the Practice Still Feels Good   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. Function Health: 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: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Scott Schwenk: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescottschwenk/  Website: https://www.scottschwenk.com/

Most people think thyroid issues are just about taking a pill, but over 90% of hypothyroid cases are actually Hashimoto's—an autoimmune condition attacking your thyroid gland. In this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Dr. Izabella Wentz to dive deep into why standard TSH tests fail for years, how artificial sweeteners trigger thyroid dysfunction, and the gut infections that could be destroying your thyroid. We also discuss the lifestyle interventions that can reverse Hashimoto's, the thyroid antibody tests your doctor isn't running, and why an Epsom salt bath might be more powerful than you think. Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist who has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease after being diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in 2009. She's the author of three books and founder of ThyroidPharmacist.com. We Also Discuss: Why Standard TSH Tests Miss Thyroid Disease for 5-10 Years The Complete Thyroid Panel Every Person Should Demand: TSH, T3, T4, Reverse T3, TPO, TG Antibodies How Artificial Sweeteners Trigger Autoimmune Thyroid Disease The Gluten-Thyroid Connection That Can Reverse Hashimoto's Gut Infections Behind Thyroid Dysfunction: H. Pylori, SIBO, and Blastocystis Hominis Why Thyroid Antibodies Attack Your Brain, Fertility, and Mental Health—Even Without Thyroid Hormone Problems The Selenium + Myo-Inositol Protocol That Reverses Early Hashimoto's Why Iron Deficiency Makes Thyroid Medication Useless Synthroid vs. Armour vs. T3: Which Thyroid Medication Actually Works The Hashimoto's Personality: Stress, Trauma, and Autoimmune Disease Red Light Therapy and Cold Laser for Thyroid Regeneration Why Your Thyroid Symptoms Might Actually Be Low Cortisol Thank You for Our Sponsors: Pendulum: Use code DARSHAN or use the link https://pendulumlife.com/discount/DARSHAN to get 20% off Pendulum membership first orders.   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. Izabella Wentz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/izabellawentzpharmd/  Website: www.thyroidpharmacist.com  

What if the most basic safety research on childhood vaccines has never actually been done? In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Joel "Gator" Warsh, an integrative pediatrician who's asking the questions about vaccine safety that medicine has avoided for decades. We explore why vaccines are studied against other vaccines instead of true placebos, the shocking absence of vaccinated vs. unvaccinated research, and how financial incentives shape medical recommendations. Dr. Warsh also breaks down his approach to informed consent with parents. This isn't anti-vaccine rhetoric—it's a call for better science.  Dr. Joel Warsh is a board-certified pediatrician based in Los Angeles. After completing his residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, he became one of the few pediatricians to openly discuss vaccine safety concerns. He's the author of "Between a Shot and a Hard Place" and founder of Integrative Pediatrics and Medicine Studio City. We Also Discuss: Why Most Vaccines Were Never Studied Against True Placebos The Missing Vaccinated vs. Unvaccinated Research That Could End the Debate How Financial Incentives Drive Vaccine Recommendations The Autism Research That Doesn't Actually Exist MMR vs. Individual Protection: Why All Vaccines Aren't the Same The Hepatitis B at Birth Controversy for Low-Risk Babies Why Whooping Cough "Cocooning" Might Actually Increase Risk The Cleveland Clinic Flu Shot Study That Changed Everything mRNA Technology: What We Know vs. What We Don't After 4 Years Ultra-Processed Foods and the Real Driver of Childhood Illness Screen Time Strategies: Educational vs. Dopamine-Engineered Content The Social Contract Debate: Individual Rights vs. Public Health 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 Dr. Joel Gator Warsh Newsletter: https://raisingamazingplus.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjoelgator/?hl=en  Website: https://raisingamazingplus.com/inner-circle/   

What if the device in your pocket is secretly sabotaging your metabolism, sleep, and longevity? In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Rupy Aujla, a medical doctor turned lifestyle medicine pioneer who reversed his own heart condition through food and lifestyle changes alone. We explore the "cocaine phone vs. kale phone" strategy for digital wellness, why fiber maxing on TikTok is backfiring, and how to get 10 servings of vegetables daily without thinking about it. He also reveals his three-pillar framework for optimal health. Dr. Rupy Aujla is a medical doctor with over 15 years of experience, bestselling cookbook author of "Healthy High Protein," and founder of The Doctor's Kitchen app. After reversing his own atrial fibrillation through lifestyle medicine, he left the NHS to help millions of people worldwide cook their way to better health through evidence-based nutrition and functional medicine principles. We Also Discuss: The "Cocaine Phone vs. Kale Phone" Strategy for Digital Detox Why Fiber Maxing on TikTok Is Making People Sick The Three-Pillar Framework: Protein, Gut Health, and Anti-Inflammatory Eating How Dr. Rupy Reversed Heart Arrhythmia Without Surgery The "Just One More" Philosophy for Adding Vegetables Why 5-a-Day Was Completely Made Up (And What You Actually Need) Core Protein + Plant Partner + Topper: The New Protein Formula Silent Retreats: Resetting Your Dopamine in 3 Days Morning Light and Movement: The Ultimate Energy Hack Why Your Kitchen Is More Powerful Than Your Medicine Cabinet The Virtual Dr. Rupy AI Coach Revolution 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 Dr. Rupy Aujla: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@doctors_kitchen  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctors_kitchen/?hl=en  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-doctors-kitchen-podcast/id1316938642    

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.

Dr. Sara Szal, a Harvard-trained gynecologist and bestselling author, unveils why 80% of women face brain fog during perimenopause. She critiques traditional treatments like birth control and antidepressants, advocating for her 'hormone therapy plus' approach. The conversation touches on overlooked perimenopause symptoms, the importance of proper hormone testing, and the differences between bioidentical and synthetic hormones. Dr. Szal emphasizes the need for personalized care to empower women navigating this transition, ultimately redefining aging and health.

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/