Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

What if the symptoms you’ve been chalking up to aging, low energy, brain fog, stubborn belly fat, and lack of motivation, were actually signs of a deeper hormonal imbalance?  The truth is, testosterone levels in men have been plummeting for decades, and it’s not just about aging. Environmental toxins, chronic stress, poor sleep, and nutrient deficiencies are creating a perfect storm for hormonal disruption, affecting not only performance but long-term health and longevity. In today’s episode, I sat down with Dr. Tracy Gapin, a board-certified urologist and expert in men’s health optimization, to break down the science of testosterone, hormone balance, and high-performance living. We dive into why traditional medicine is failing men, how environmental toxins are silently crushing testosterone levels across generations, and the critical role of biomarker testing in personalizing health strategies. Dr. Tracy Gapin is a board-certified urologist with 23 years of clinical experience in men's health, functional medicine, and longevity. As the founder of the Gapin Institute and author of Male 2.0, he specializes in precision health, leveraging genetics, epigenetics, and advanced diagnostics to optimize performance and extend healthspan. We Also Discuss:   00:00 - Introduction to Men's Health and Hormones 02:15 - Significance of Testosterone in Men's Health 05:30 - Limitations of Traditional Healthcare in Addressing Men's Health Issues 08:45 - Understanding Underlying Reasons for Health Concerns 12:00 - Comprehensive Biomarker Testing for Health Optimization 15:20 - Impact of Lifestyle Factors (Nutrition, Stress) on Hormone Levels 18:35 - Effects of Environmental Toxins on Testosterone Levels and Overall Health 22:10 - Distinction Between Total Testosterone and Free Testosterone 25:45 - Relevance of Testosterone for Both Men and Women 29:00 - Various Methods of Testosterone Therapy (Injectable, Topical, Pellets) 32:30 - Management and Necessity of Regular Testing in Hormone Therapy 35:50 - Personalized Approaches to Hormone Therapy 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. Tracy Gapin:  Website: https://drtracygapin.com/ https://gapininstitute.com/start-here-gapin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtracygapin/   Thank You To 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! 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

Have you ever wondered why gut health is at the root of everything, from metabolism and cravings to immunity and even mental clarity? Why do some people struggle with weight gain, energy crashes, and digestive issues despite eating well? And could the rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic be a sign that we’ve been ignoring a natural solution all along? In today’s episode of Extend, I’m joined by Colleen Cutcliffe, a microbiome scientist and co-founder of Pendulum, a company leading the way in gut health research. She’s here to break down why your microbiome isn’t just about digestion, it plays a critical role in weight regulation, blood sugar balance, and even hormone production. We’ll explore how your gut bacteria influence GLP-1, the hormone behind popular weight loss drugs, and why restoring your microbiome may be the key to naturally optimizing metabolism, reducing cravings, and improving long-term health. If you’ve ever dealt with stubborn weight, gut issues, or unexplained fatigue, this episode will give you science-backed strategies to rebuild your gut health, support natural GLP-1 production, and take control of your metabolism, without relying on injections. Colleen Cutcliffe, PhD, is a biochemist and microbiome researcher with over 20 years of experience in biotechnology and life sciences. She is the CEO and co-founder of Pendulum, a company pioneering next-generation probiotics to optimize metabolic and gut health. We Also Discuss: (00:00) What Is the Microbiome & Why It Matters (14:40) How Your Skin & Oral Microbiome Affect Overall Health (33:48) The Gut-GLP-1 Connection: How Your Microbiome Regulates Metabolism (44:24) How Menopause Transforms Your Gut Microbiome (51:05) The Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Microbiome Produces Neurotransmitters (58:02) How an Unhealthy Microbiome Leads to Disease (01:03:51) How to Improve Your Gut Health With Diet & Testing (01:14:32) The Future of Microbiome Science: Supplements & Targeted Probiotics   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 Colleen Cutcliffe:   Website: https://pendulumlife.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendulumlifeco/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcolleencutcliffe/   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/

In this installment, Ella Davar, a registered dietitian and gut health expert, reveals the truths behind personalized nutrition and the pitfalls of modern diets. She emphasizes the critical role gut health plays in overall wellness and how ultra-processed foods can harm our bodies. Ella shares her transition from Wall Street to advocating for a nourishing relationship with food, promoting joy and sustainability in eating. Listeners learn about the power of glucose monitoring and the importance of individual dietary needs to enhance their health.

Sleep isn't just about rest, it's a critical pillar of metabolic health, cognitive function, and longevity. In this solo episode of Extend, I dive deep into the science of sleep routines and circadian rhythms. I share how proper sleep habits are foundational to the new healthcare paradigm focused on vitality rather than disease management. I explain that your sleep routine actually begins the moment you wake up and continues throughout your day, not just before bedtime. I also cover relaxation techniques like four-by-four box breathing and supplements that may help sleep quality, though I typically avoid recommending melatonin except for jet lag. Additionally, I address the common issue of nighttime urination disruptions and offer strategies for returning to sleep if you wake up in the middle of the night, including breathwork and non-sleep deep rest protocols. By implementing these evidence-based techniques consistently, you can transform your sleep quality and overall health. If you're struggling with falling asleep, waking up groggy, or insufficient deep sleep, this episode provides a concrete, step-by-step strategy to build a powerful sleep routine that optimizes your health, longevity, and daily performance. I Discuss: 03:40 The genetic factors that determine your natural sleep-wake tendencies 05:54 Morning routine strategies to optimize your circadian rhythm 07:37 Evening wind-down practices 09:09 Lifestyle factors affecting sleep quality 11:34 Supplements for sleep and managing common sleep disruptions 13:14 Breathwork and journaling   Studies Cited: https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/40/2/zsw048/2662182 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33054339/ Links: https://sleepdoctor.com/sleep-quizzes/chronotype-quiz   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Chris Palmer, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and author of *Brain Energy*, connects metabolic health to mental illness. He highlights the alarming rise in mental health disorders and critiques traditional treatment methods. Dr. Palmer explains how poor nutrition and metabolic dysfunction can exacerbate issues like schizophrenia and depression. He advocates for a holistic approach, emphasizing dietary changes and lifestyle modifications as vital to mental wellness, and offers actionable insights for healing the brain.

Salim Najjar, an HRV expert and biohacker, shares his journey of optimizing health through heart rate variability. He emphasizes that stress is a signal to be managed rather than eliminated. Najjar discusses how HRV can predict recovery needs before you even feel fatigued. He provides actionable strategies for improving sleep and resilience through personalized nutrition and movement. Additionally, he redefines stress from a negative force to a catalyst for growth, highlighting the link between emotional processing and overall well-being.

Struggling with sleep? Discover how your bedroom setup may be sabotaging your rest! Learn essential tips like blocking out light, decluttering, and cooling your room for optimal sleep. Explore the benefits of sleep tracking and the importance of a supportive mattress. Plus, find out how to minimize distractions and snoring for a peaceful night. Transform your sleep environment into a sanctuary with simple, science-backed strategies that can rejuvenate your mornings and enhance your overall health!

Vishen Lakhiani, bestselling author and founder of Mindvalley, dives deep into the powerful connection between mind and body. He reveals how transforming your mindset can lead to lasting wellness and even reverse biological age. The conversation highlights the roles of meditation, breathwork, and visualization in enhancing health. Lakhiani discusses the evolution of personal development, intuitive practices, and the groundbreaking nature of hyper-personalized wellness using AI, encouraging listeners to rethink their approach to health.

Julie Gibson Clark, a leading longevity researcher and biohacker, shares her insights on optimizing healthspan through simple, sustainable habits. She critiques traditional medicine's reactive approach, advocating for proactive strategies focused on nutrition and lifestyle. The conversation explores the biochemical effects of food on metabolism and the importance of biological age tracking using DNA methylation. Julie’s journey to the top of the global longevity leaderboard proves that consistent, informed choices empower anyone to take control of their aging process.

Discover how sleep is crucial for metabolic health, cognitive function, and longevity. Learn about the hidden dangers of poor sleep and common signs of disorders like sleep apnea. Delve into the significance of tracking sleep metrics for recovery and overall well-being. Hear personal success stories of data-driven optimization and explore modern tools for sleep monitoring. Unlock secrets to upgrading sleep quality and enhancing performance, revealing why understanding your sleep patterns is vital for long-term health.