Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

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.

Dr. Nayan Patel, a pioneering pharmacist and researcher known for discovering the first stable form of glutathione, dives into the crucial role of this master antioxidant. He explains how our bodies face overwhelming toxin loads and outlines the three key ways glutathione supports health. Dr. Patel discusses why traditional IV therapies fail and reveals a breakthrough stable form of glutathione that can reverse brain fog in just minutes. His insights challenge us to rethink our health approaches, emphasizing the importance of detoxification and immune function.

Dr. Scott Sherr, a board-certified internist, explores the fascinating world of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and its potential to transform cellular health. He explains how increased oxygen levels can shift gene expression and support mitochondrial repair, crucial for combating brain fog and low energy. Scott emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment, discussing who should proceed with HBOT and why metabolic testing is vital. Tune in to discover how this innovative therapy can enhance recovery and longevity.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Bill Rawls, a board-certified physician and author of The Cellular Wellness Solution, dives deep into the hidden world of chronic infections and cellular health. He reveals how fatigue and brain fog may signal deeper cellular issues. Dr. Rawls explains why chronic illness often persists and shares five essential needs for cellular healing. He contrasts the effectiveness of herbs over antibiotics, emphasizing natural solutions for immune support. His personal journey from chronic Lyme to wellness drives home the importance of understanding our body’s silent symptoms.

Your doctor says your health problems are genetic, so you're destined for the same fate. But what if that's completely wrong? In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by Professor Tim Spector, one of the world's leading microbiome researchers, to reveal the truth: your gut bacteria have more control over your health than your genes do. We explore Tim's 30-year twin study that turned modern medicine upside down, the devastating effects of antibiotics on your internal ecosystem, and why ultra-processed foods are as dangerous as cigarettes. We also dive into why 95% of Americans are dangerously fiber-deficient, and how fermented foods can reduce inflammation like natural steroids.   Professor Tim Spector is a genetic epidemiologist at King's College London, co-founder of Zoe, and author of multiple bestselling books on the microbiome. His research on 16,000 twins has revolutionized our understanding of how gut health trumps genetics in determining health outcomes.   We Also Discuss: (02:18) 30 Years of Twin Research: The Study That Changed Everything  (08:35) The Antibiotic Crisis: Why Your Childhood Meds Are Still Hurting You  (11:31) C. Diff and the First Clue About Good vs. Bad Bacteria  (22:40) Why Your Gut Microbiome Matters More Than Your Genetics  (30:30) The Hidden Connection Between Gut Health and Autoimmune Disease  (35:39) Ultra-Processed Foods: The Modern Cigarette Industry  (43:51) Why 95% of Americans Are Fiber-Deficient (And Obsessed with Protein)  (58:58) The 30 Plants Challenge: Diversity Over Restriction  (01:05:22) Sourdough Secrets: Real vs. Fake (Most Is Fake)  (01:13:46) Inside the Zoe Kit: Personalized Nutrition Based on Your Biology  (01:19:53) GLP-1 Drugs: The Perfect Window for Gut Health Reset  (01:27:36) Prebiotics vs. Probiotics vs. Postbiotics: What Actually Works  (01:41:29) The Food for Life Cookbook: 100 Recipes for Your Microbiome Thank You for 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/IM8: 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 Professor Tim Spector: Instagram: @tim.spector Website: https://zoe.com/en-us  Pre-Order Ferment  

What if the real reason you’re gaining weight, feeling wired, or struggling to nourish your family isn’t about willpower—but the culture you live in? On this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Shawn Stevenson—nutritionist, bestselling author, and host of The Model Health Show—to explore how our food environment, not personal discipline, is fueling the chronic disease crisis. If you’re raising kids, trying to eat better, or just feel overwhelmed by ultra-processed foods, this conversation cuts through the noise. We unpack the science behind shared meals, how family dinner regulates your stress hormones, why many “healthy” foods aren’t, and what it takes to create a home culture that supports real health. Shawn Stevenson is a bestselling author, nutritionist, and the creator of The Model Health Show, which has ranked as the #1 health podcast in the U.S. He’s the author of Eat Smarter and The Eat Smarter Family Cookbook, blending nutrition science with practical strategies for home-cooked meals that heal.   We Also Discuss: This Isn’t About Food. It’s About Culture. One Meal That Lowers Disease Risk? Why You’re Craving What You Crave How Ultra-Processed Foods Hijack Your Brain Seed Oils, Satiety & the $1 Lie “Healthy” Labels Are Lying to You Calories Aren’t the Problem. This Is. The Longevity Hack No One Talks About: Dinner Together Thank You for 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 Stevenson:   Website: themodelhealthshow.com Instagram: @shawnmodel

Dr. Grant Elliott, a physical therapist and founder of RehabFix, is on a mission to demystify back pain. He discusses how common diagnoses like sciatica can mislead patients and why MRIs might exacerbate pain. With insights into the brain-body connection, he advocates for movement as the best medicine. Elliott shares daily habits and mindset shifts that can significantly aid recovery while cautioning against the overuse of pain medications. He even touches on the surprising fact that many disc herniations heal spontaneously, empowering listeners with knowledge for a pain-free life.