Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

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!

What if the reason you're tired, inflamed, or not recovering the way you used to has nothing to do with aging, and everything to do with your NAD system being under attack? In this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Dr. Charles Brenner, the scientist who discovered nicotinamide riboside (NR) and one of the leading experts on NAD metabolism. We unpack why NAD is so critical for energy, repair, and resilience, and why simply “taking NAD” isn’t the solution most people think it is. We also break down the key lifestyle factors quietly draining your NAD levels, the real difference between NMN, NR, niacin, and IV NAD, and why NR may be the safest and most effective way to support your body’s natural repair systems. Dr. Brenner also shares the science behind NAD’s role in inflammation, immunity, and recovery, and why placebo-controlled research is the missing piece in so many longevity conversations. Dr. Charles Brenner is the Alfred E. Mann Family Foundation Chair in Diabetes and Cancer Metabolism at City of Hope and a leading authority on NAD metabolism. His work bridges fundamental science with real-world application. We Also Discuss: Why NAD Is the Missing Link in Energy, Repair, and Longevity The Truth About NAD Decline—and What’s Really Draining Your Levels NR vs. NMN: The NAD Debate That Actually Matters Is Oral NR Better Than IV NAD? Here’s What the Research Says How NAD Impacts Inflammation, Immunity, and Recovery The Gaps in NAD Science and Why They Matter 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. Charles Brenner: Website: brennerlab.netInstagram: @charlesmbrenner

Most people know mindset matters, but almost no one knows how to actually train it for better health, performance, and longevity. In today's episode of Extend, I'm joined by David Nurse, NBA mindset coach and best-selling author. We dive deep into why mindset is the real missing piece in most health optimization plans, and how flow states, identity shifts, and daily systems can radically change your outcomes.    We also break down why your mindset is the ignition switch for success, how to tap into flow states more consistently (and why it matters), the truth about goals vs. systems, and why goals alone fail, how identity shapes your health, your results, and your future, and actionable tools you can start using today to rewire your brain for growth.   David Nurse is a top NBA mindset coach, best-selling author, and motivational speaker specializing in high-performance habits. David is the author of Pivot & Go, Breakthrough, Do It, and the upcoming book The Flow Code. Tune in! We Also Discuss: • How the Health Optimization Summit Changes Your Mindset Game • Why Flow States Are the Missing Link to Peak Performance • Focus vs. Flow: Why Most People Get It Wrong • Simple Tools to Build Unshakable Confidence and Reset Fast • The 4-Step Formula to Trigger Flow on Command • Why Chasing Goals Alone Kills Your Momentum • The Morning Routine that Rewires Your Brain for Success • Encouragement, Habits, and the Real Secret to Sustainable Growth Thank You for 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:@darshanshahmd   Learn more about David Nurse Instagram: @davidnursenbaTwitter: @DavidNurseNBA YouTube: David Nurse

What if the hidden toxins in your everyday life are secretly sabotaging your health, hormones, and longevity? Most people underestimate how deeply their health is impacted by toxins—and conventional medicine isn’t addressing the root of the issue. In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by Dr. Aly Cohen, renowned integrative rheumatologist, environmental health expert, and author of the upcoming book, Detoxify. We uncover the shocking truth about the tens of thousands of unregulated chemicals lurking in your home, food, water, and even your skincare products—and reveal why detox isn’t about trendy cleanses, but smarter daily choices. We dive into why microplastics have infiltrated every part of your body (including your brain), how seemingly innocent products are disrupting your hormones, metabolism, and immune system, and what practical steps you can immediately take to dramatically reduce your toxic exposure. Dr. Cohen shares eye-opening facts on why your tap water is more polluted than you think, why household dust is toxic waste in disguise, and how simple nutritional strategies can powerfully protect you from environmental harm. We Also Discuss: Detox Myths That Even Most Doctors Believe The Shocking Truth About How Toxins Sabotage Your Immune System Easy Daily Habits to Dramatically Reduce Your Toxic Load Why Reverse Osmosis Is a Non-Negotiable for Your Health Practical Tips to Navigate a Toxin-Free Lifestyle (Without Stress) Hidden Sources of Microplastics You Use Every Single Day Detox Done Right: Supporting Your Liver & Kidneys Naturally The "Four A’s" Method to Protect Your Health from Hidden Chemicals   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. Aly Cohen: Website: www.alycohenmd.com  Instagram: @TheSmartHuman