Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

Most of us think inflammation is something we can fix with supplements, lab tests, or the latest diet trend. But what if the real solution comes from ancient wisdom that modern science is finally catching up to? In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Shivani Gupta, Ayurvedic practitioner, author, and founder of Fusionary Formulas, to explore how Ayurveda bridges timeless principles with modern longevity science. We break down how your dosha or "elemental design" shapes digestion, energy, and stress, and why aligning your daily rhythm with your biology can lower inflammation and optimize performance. We also explore the science behind Ayurvedic rituals that calm inflammation from the inside out, from cooking with healing spices like turmeric and ginger to grounding, tongue scraping, and creating simple routines that support recovery and resilience. Dr. Shivani Gupta is an Ayurvedic expert and founder of Fusionary Formulas, a modern supplement line combining ancient herbal medicine with clinical research. Her upcoming book, The Inflammation Code, reveals how to decode inflammation through food, lifestyle, and ritual to live longer and stronger. What's Discussed: (06:15) The hidden link between chronic inflammation and modern lifestyle (10:40) How Ayurveda defines balance through the three doshas (14:20) Understanding your "elemental design" and what it means for digestion, stress, and sleep (18:45) Why syncing your habits with circadian rhythm lowers inflammation (23:10) The science behind turmeric, ginger, and other Ayurvedic anti-inflammatories (28:00) Rituals that regulate your nervous system and calm "mental inflammation" (33:25) How to integrate grounding, tongue scraping, and oil pulling into your daily routine (38:00) Ayurvedic detox principles for modern longevity (43:10) Common myths about Ayurveda and how to apply it practically (47:30) Dr. Gupta's top daily habits for inflammation-free living Thank You for Our Sponsors: IM8: 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. 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:@darshanshahmd Learn more about Dr. Shivani Gupta : Website : https://shivanigupta.com/ Instagram: dr.shivanigupta Linkedin: Dr. Shivani Gupta

Most of us grew up thinking anything sold at the grocery store was safe to eat. But behind every "heart healthy," "high protein," or "low fat" label lies a different truth one built on ultra-processed ingredients, chemical additives, and marketing tricks. In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Julia Putzeys, founder of the Trash Panda App, to uncover what's really in our food and how to make smarter choices that protect our long-term health. We break down what defines an ultra-processed food, why seed oils, food dyes, and artificial sweeteners disrupt metabolism and gut health, and how ingredient literacy can literally change your biology. We also explore how small, consistent choices like swapping one product at a time can help you shift from calorie counting to nutrient density and teach your kids the same. Julia Putzeys is a software developer turned nutritionist and creator of Trash Panda, the viral app helping millions of people decode food labels, identify hidden additives, and choose real, whole ingredients. What's Discussed: (09:00) How Ultra-Processed Foods Impact Longevity and Chronic Disease (12:30) The Psychology and Science Behind Food Addiction (20:00) Why "Low-Fat" and "Sugar-Free" Often Mean More Toxic (29:50) The Real Problem With Seed Oils and Food Dyes (18:00) How to Retrain Your Taste Buds and Microbiome (32:00) Practical Swaps for Clean, Nutrient-Dense Eating Thank You for Our Sponsors: Timeline: 20% off your order. Go to timeline.com/drshah. That's timeline.com/drshah. Function Health: Learn more and join using functionhealth.com/drshah. 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:@darshanshahmd Learn more about Julia Putzeys : Linkedin: Julia Putzeys X: @JuliaPutzeys You Tube: Julia Putzeys TikTok: @tp_julia Download the Trash Panda App on iOS or Android: https://trashpanda.app.link/3FycqbNk0Xb Trash Panda on Instagram: @trashpanda_app

Dr. Karan Rajan, a GI surgeon and gut health expert with a following of over five million on social media, delves into the intricacies of the gut microbiome. He explains how gut health is fundamental to digestion, immunity, and even skin health. Topics include the significance of fiber diversity, the dangers of low-fiber diets, and the impact of fermented foods. Dr. Rajan also discusses microbiome testing, the influence of circadian rhythms, and practical strategies to rebuild gut health after antibiotics. Tune in for actionable insights on optimizing your microbiome!

In this engaging discussion, Josh Clemente, founder of Levels and a former SpaceX life support engineer, dives into the transformative power of continuous health monitoring. He shares how personal experiences led to the adoption of continuous glucose monitors, empowering individuals to take ownership of their health data. Josh explores the comparison of biomedical observability to engineering telemetry, the potential of multi-molecule monitoring, and the shift towards preventive healthcare. Learn how AI and real-time data can optimize personal biology and prevent chronic diseases.

Dr. Amir Vookshoor, a board-certified neurosurgeon and founder of NeuroVella Brain Spa, shares insights on optimizing brain health through a blend of modern neuroscience and holistic practices. He discusses how stress and trauma can rewire the nervous system and the benefits of neurofeedback and advanced techniques like plasmapheresis. Vookshoor emphasizes the importance of breathwork and sleep in brain maintenance, likening it to dental care, while exploring innovative therapies that could slow neurodegeneration. A fascinating journey into cutting-edge brain wellness!

Dr. Josh Axe, a chiropractor and clinical nutritionist, dives into the fascinating intersection of ancient medicine and modern longevity research. He explores how principles from Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine can enhance healthspan and mitigate aging. The discussion touches on the emotional aspects of healing, chronic stress's impact on gene expression, and the vital role of gut health. Josh also emphasizes the importance of everyday habits and natural methods over mere protocols, while sharing insights on peptides, stem cells, and a holistic approach to wellness.

Dr. Gladys McGarey, a pioneering figure in holistic medicine and author, shares her incredible insights from 103 years of life. She emphasizes that true healing comes from love, purpose, and community, introducing her renowned 'Five L's'—love, life, laughter, labor, and listening. With anecdotes from her early life in India and a meeting with Gandhi, she highlights how compassion and energy shape well-being. McGarey encourages viewing setbacks as teachers and believes that nurturing the human spirit is the essence of medicine.

Dr. Vonda Wright, a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon and author of Unbreakable, shares her expertise on active aging and preventive strategies for women. She emphasizes that proactive health measures should start in the 30s and 40s, well before menopause. Vonda discusses how declining estradiol affects bone and brain health, and highlights biomarkers like VO₂ max and grip strength to predict longevity. Her FACE framework outlines essential training pillars for preserving mobility and strength, ensuring women can thrive through midlife.

In this discussion, Dr. Will Cole, a pioneer in functional medicine and author of 'Gut Feelings,' explores the intricate connection between gut health and anxiety. He explains how the gut-brain axis influences our emotional well-being and why traditional treatments often miss the mark. Dr. Cole emphasizes the importance of comprehensive testing for hidden issues like bacterial overgrowth and trauma, while advocating for practical healing tools such as journaling, EMDR, and breathwork to support nervous system health. Tune in for insights on balancing mental and gut wellness!

In this discussion, Siggi Clavien, a liver health specialist and founder of The Liver Clinic, reveals the hidden dangers of liver health. He explains how 70% of liver disease isn't related to alcohol, the risks associated with common medications like Tylenol, and why standard blood tests might overlook early liver damage. Siggi also discusses the rising epidemic of fatty liver disease, the impact of processed foods and environmental toxins, and the importance of liver scans over traditional testing. Tune in for eye-opening insights on how to improve and protect your liver!