Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

Dr. Alok Trivedi, a leading expert in performance psychology and founder of the Rewire system, dives deep into how unresolved traumas shape our health and habits. He reveals that mindset work alone often fails without emotional integration. Listeners learn about the neuroscience behind reprogramming the brain to escape negative cycles and the impact of trauma on the nervous system. Dr. Trivedi shares strategies for emotional healing and the importance of aligning mental and physical health for personal growth, providing real-world tools for transformation.

Dr. Greg Kelly, a licensed naturopathic physician and expert in nootropics and human optimization, joins the conversation to discuss the science behind supplements. He reveals the truth about popular products, cutting through the hype that often surrounds them. Listeners will learn how nootropics can boost cognitive performance and resilience, while gut health plays a crucial role in overall well-being. The episode provides practical insights into selecting effective supplements for better focus, digestion, and long-term health.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Navaz Habib, a functional medicine practitioner and author of 'Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve,' unveils the vital role of the vagus nerve in health management and inflammation control. He shares practical strategies like breathwork and innovative biohacking tools to enhance vagal tone. The discussion highlights the importance of heart rate variability (HRV) for tracking nervous system health and dives into the connection between gut health and the vagus nerve, empowering listeners to take charge of their well-being.

Heart disease is more preventable than most realize, yet it's still the leading cause of death. This discussion dives into essential tests and metrics to protect your heart health. Discover the four critical areas to evaluate: ischemia, blood pressure, electrical function, and cardiac capacity. Learn about underutilized tests like the coronary calcium score and Holter monitors that can signal heart issues long before symptoms arise. If you're over 40 or have risk factors, this is crucial knowledge to safeguard your cardiovascular health.

Andrew Lacy, founder of Prenuvo and a seasoned entrepreneur, dives into the transformative power of whole-body MRI technology for early disease detection. He reveals how this innovative approach can catch major health issues before they escalate, emphasizing that up to 70% of serious conditions are preventable with early detection. Lacy discusses the importance of understanding our bodies' signals, advances in cancer screening, and the necessity of shifting healthcare focus from treatment to proactive prevention, all while advocating for better patient education and accessibility.

Rajeev Kapur, an AI expert and author of "AI Made Simple," dives into the transformative powers of AI in healthcare. He discusses how AI enhances diagnostics and treatment plans while addressing fears about AI replacing doctors. Rajeev explains the importance of AI education for healthcare professionals and highlights personalized coaching through AI. He also explores innovative solutions for health issues and the potential for AI to revolutionize patient care and wellness. Get ready for insights that bring AI from concept to practical application!

Bone health is often overlooked until a fracture happens—but by then, the damage has already been done. What most people don’t realize is that bones are not just structural; they play a critical role in metabolism, hormone regulation, and long-term vitality. In fact, emerging research shows that osteoporosis and bone loss start much earlier than expected, even in people in their 30s and 40s. So how can you build and maintain strong bones that support your health for a lifetime? In this episode, we uncover the hidden endocrine role of bones, how they influence everything from testosterone to brain function, and why strength training is essential—not just for muscle, but for bone density and metabolic health. We also explore the early warning signs of osteoporosis (including in young adults), the overlooked lifestyle factors that accelerate bone loss, and the latest breakthroughs in hormone therapy for skeletal strength. To guide us through the science, I’m joined by Dr. Vonda Wright, an orthopedic surgeon, author, and longevity expert specializing in musculoskeletal health. With decades of experience treating elite athletes, weekend warriors, and aging populations, Dr. Wright is redefining how we think about movement, mobility, and skeletal longevity. If you want to future-proof your bones, prevent fractures, and stay strong well into old age, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. We Also Discuss: (00:00) Doctors Discuss Health, Longevity, and Teaching (09:28) Revolutionizing Healthcare and Education (16:25) The Astonishing Role of Bones (31:06) Functional Movement and Mobility Training (44:05) Optimizing Bone Health Through the Lifespan (58:15) Optimizing Health Through Science and Hormones (01:12:11) Measuring Senescent Cells and Longevity (01:26:30) Anticipation for Upcoming Book Launch   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: NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/ Vitaboom: 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. Vonda Wright Website: https://www.drvondawright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvondawright Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrVondaWright

Join Jeff Krasno, co-founder of Commune and author of "Good Stress," as he tackles the loneliness epidemic in today’s disconnection-filled world. He reveals startling insights, comparing social isolation's dangers to smoking 15 cigarettes daily. Jeff shares his journey from wellness entrepreneur to burnout victim, shedding light on the necessity of community for health and longevity. He offers practical strategies for enhancing 'social fitness,' emphasizing that even small interactions can transform lives—highlighting the essential role of connection in our well-being.

We often hear about the latest treatments for chronic disease, but what if you could prevent these conditions before they even begin? The truth is, most of the top 10 causes of death are entirely preventable, yet our healthcare system focuses on treating disease rather than stopping it in its tracks. In today’s episode of Extend, I’m breaking down the science of preventative medicine, and how you can take control of your health before disease takes control of you. Most chronic diseases don’t happen overnight; they develop over years of silent damage. But by understanding early warning signs and risk factors, you can intervene before these conditions ever take hold. We’ll explore how cardiovascular disease is the common denominator behind multiple causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. You’ll learn why metabolic dysfunction plays a hidden role in everything from diabetes to Alzheimer’s. Plus, we’ll discuss why early cancer detection is the #1 factor in survival rates, and how improving your immune health can make all the difference. And beyond chronic disease, I’ll dive into something most doctors never talk about… accidental injuries. Falls, car accidents, and drug overdoses are responsible for thousands of preventable deaths each year, but small lifestyle adjustments can dramatically reduce your risk. If you’re serious about living longer and better, this episode is a must-listen. Prevention is the key to longevity, let’s dive in! I also discuss: Preventative Medicine The 10 Leading Causes of Death and Why They’re Preventable The Role of Cardiovascular Health in Chronic Disease Early Cancer Detection: The Key to Survival Preventing Accidents & Chronic Diseases   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Fasting has been praised as a powerful tool for weight loss, metabolic health, and longevity, but is it always beneficial? The truth is, fasting can either optimize your biology or work against you, depending on how, when, and for how long you do it. Research now suggests that skipping breakfast, a common intermittent fasting practice, is linked to higher cardiovascular risk and increased mortality. At the same time, strategic fasting has been shown to trigger cellular regeneration, reduce inflammation, and even reverse certain disease markers. So, how do you get it right? In this episode, we break down the biggest mistakes people make with fasting, the science of fasting-induced repair mechanisms, and the critical role of refeeding in longevity. We also dive into the controversy around high-protein diets, how different macronutrients impact aging, and why a personalized approach to nutrition is essential for long-term health. To guide us through the latest research, I’m joined by Dr. Valter Longo, a globally recognized expert on longevity and nutrition. As a professor at USC and director of the Longevity Institute, his groundbreaking work on fasting and aging has reshaped how we understand diet and disease prevention. His research led to the development of the Fasting-Mimicking Diet, a clinically tested approach designed to harness the benefits of fasting while maintaining proper nourishment. Let’s get into it. We Also Discuss: 01:41 - 03:33 – The Biggest Mistakes People Make with Fasting 07:32 - 08:44 – Personalizing Your Diet for Longevity 18:26 - 20:30 – How Processed Foods & Starches Impact Your Metabolism 25:51 - 26:36 – The Hidden Dangers of Excess Protein 31:54 - 33:47 – The Right Way to Think About Fats 40:22 - 41:49 – How Fasting Triggers Self-Repair Mechanisms 46:39 - 48:32 – Fasting vs. GLP-1 Drugs—What’s Better for Metabolic Health? 47:33 - 01:38 – Can Fasting Reverse Biological Age?   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: NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/ Vitaboom: 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. Valter Longo   Website: https://valterlongo.com/welcome/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prof_valterlongo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@profvalterlongo/