Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

In a captivating discussion, Dr. Matt Walker, a renowned neuroscientist and sleep expert from UC Berkeley, unpacks the astonishing effects of sleep deprivation on our brains and bodies. He emphasizes that chronic sleep loss rewires our minds and disrupts hormones, pushing us toward serious health risks. Dr. Walker reveals the QQRT framework for optimal sleep and shares how lifestyle choices, caffeine, and even alcohol can harm our rest. With practical tips for improving sleep quality, he inspires listeners to reclaim their health through better sleep hygiene.

What’s the point of living longer if you’re stiff, in pain, or struggling to stay independent? Mobility isn’t just about stretching, it’s about keeping your joints fluid, your muscles strong, and your balance sharp so you can move with ease at any age. In today’s episode of Extend, I’m breaking down why mobility is the most overlooked pillar of longevity and how you can start improving yours right now. We’ll cover why mobility declines with age (and how to stop it), the five simple at-home tests that reveal how well your body moves, and how sitting too much is silently wrecking your joints and metabolism. I’ll also explain why exercise snacks, quick bursts of movement, can make a huge difference, and why traditional workouts aren’t enough if you want to stay agile for life. Plus, I’ll share my personal mobility routine, including the one-minute test I do every morning and the simple habit—yes, even brushing your teeth—that can help prevent falls, injuries, and stiffness as you age. Your mobility is 100% trainable, and it’s never too late to start. Tune in now and learn how to future-proof your movement for decades to come! I also discuss: (00:21) - Why Mobility Is the Missing Piece in Longevity (05:44) - 5 Simple Tests to Measure Your Mobility (10:36) - How Sitting Too Much Wrecks Your Joints & Balance (16:16) - The Key to Maintaining Mobility for Life Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

How often do you reach for a sugary snack, telling yourself it’s just a small indulgence? Or justify skipping your morning walk because you’re "too busy"? Here’s the truth: your daily habits are either fueling your longevity or quietly sabotaging it. In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. David Perlmutter, a neurologist and five-time New York Times bestselling author known for his groundbreaking work on brain health, inflammation, and metabolic resilience. We dig deep into the connection between blood sugar, brain aging, and chronic disease—and how small, intentional lifestyle changes can make a massive difference in your long-term vitality. You’ll learn how excess glucose can erode your cognitive function and why uric acid—a molecule most of us ignore—may be the key to unlocking better metabolic health. We also share practical tips to curb cravings, improve your sleep, and enhance your focus by rebalancing your diet and mindset. Dr. David Perlmutter is a board-certified neurologist, researcher, and advocate for lifestyle interventions that promote cognitive health and resilience. He is the author of bestselling books like Grain Brain and Drop Acid, and he continues to inspire millions with his work on the gut-brain connection.   We Also Discuss: (00:00) Connecting Through Conversation and Brain Health Foundations (04:40) Evolutionary Biology’s Role in Brain Health (14:21) Neurology Meets Functional Medicine (25:52) Metabolic Health and Its Impact on Brain Wellness (41:28) The Gut-Brain Connection Explained (56:09) Understanding Brain Disease Through Metabolic Health (01:03:34) Exercise as a Pillar for Brain Health (01:23:23) Nutrition, Lifestyle, and the Future of Brain Care 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. David Perlmutter:   Website: https://drperlmutter.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter

Title: Dr. Mindy Pelz: The Metabolic Reset Every Woman Needs Your hormones deserve better care—and you do too. So many women feel stuck when it comes to their health—frustrated by unexplained weight gain, unpredictable mood swings, and low energy that no diet or workout seems to fix. The truth is, our healthcare system was built around research that overlooked the female body’s complexity. But the great news? There’s a way to support your body that works with your biology, not against it. In today’s episode of Extend, I’m diving into how you can break free from metabolic imbalances and reclaim your energy with the right strategies for fasting, nutrition, and movement. You’ll learn why women experience hormonal chaos during perimenopause and menopause—and how understanding your body’s natural rhythm can make all the difference. I’ll also uncover the truth about hidden disruptors in your food and environment, like obesogens and toxins, and how they affect your ability to lose weight and stay healthy. Plus, I’ll share game-changing insights on building strength, improving bone health, and balancing your hormones through strategic lifestyle changes. Joining me is Dr. Mindy Pelz, a pioneer in women’s health and the bestselling author of Eat Like a Girl. Dr. Mindy’s groundbreaking work has empowered thousands of women to embrace fasting, rethink their nutrition, and overcome hormonal imbalances. As the host of The Resetter Podcast, she’s built a global community dedicated to helping women live vibrant, resilient lives. This conversation will open your eyes to what’s possible when you tune into your body’s innate intelligence—you won’t want to miss it! We Also Discuss: (00:00) Women's Health Disparities in Medicine (14:06) Medical Paradigm Shift Towards Individualized Care (21:28) Exploring Fasting and Metabolic Health (33:00) The Truth About Obesogens and Toxins (45:00) The Power of Strength Training and Movement (01:12:00) Reclaiming Balance: Key Lifestyle Shifts for Hormonal Health   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. Mindy Pelz   Website: https://drmindypelz.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mindypelz

Discover the transformative power of strength training for your health and longevity. Learn how building and preserving muscle can significantly impact your metabolism and cognitive function. Delve into the fascinating role of muscles as an endocrine organ and their effects on aging. Get practical tips on optimizing workouts, including the importance of training to failure and recovery strategies like proper sleep and protein intake. It’s never too late to start reaping the life-extending benefits of strength training!

Feeling stuck with your health? Maybe you're doing all the right things—or at least you think you are—but you're still not seeing the results you want. It’s frustrating, right? But here’s the thing: modern life is working against you. Chronic stress, hidden toxins in your environment, and mixed messages about what actually works—it’s no wonder so many of us feel lost when it comes to wellness. In today’s episode of Extend with Dr. Shah, I’m sitting down with Mona Sharma—nutritionist, wellness expert, and someone who truly gets what it takes to turn things around. We’re diving into the real reasons you might not be feeling your best, from the role of your gut health to how stress affects your body more than you realize. We also share simple, actionable ways to detox your life—without feeling overwhelmed—and how to build daily habits that stick, so you can finally feel like the best version of yourself. Mona Sharma is a leading voice in the wellness space, blending her background in integrative nutrition with her expertise in mindfulness and Ayurveda. Mona’s worked with top athletes, A-list celebrities, and people just like you to rebuild their health from the inside out. If you’re ready to break free from the cycle of exhaustion, stress, and frustration, you’re going to love this conversation. Let's jump in!    We Also Discuss: (00:00) Podcast Launch Strategy and Personal Journey (08:43) Exploring Health, Vibrational Shifts (17:19) Navigating Wellness (28:02) Optimizing Digestion and Reducing Toxins (39:52) Detoxifying Your Environment for Health (52:35) Embracing Emotional Health and Wellness (55:53) Creating Daily Rituals for Optimal Health (01:29:24) Foundations of Everyday Health 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 Mona Sharma: Website: www.monasharma.com Instagram: @monasharma  

Discover the secret behind sustainable fitness progress and why many goals fail. Learn about key fitness assessments, including DEXA scans, to understand your body better. Explore the importance of setting small, realistic goals and tracking progress regularly. Find out why grip strength is a vital health indicator and how it relates to longevity. Get actionable strategies to overcome plateaus and stay motivated on your fitness journey. Transform your approach to health with a personalized blueprint for success.

Louisa Nicola, a neurophysiologist and founder of NeuroAthletics, specializes in brain optimization and cognitive performance. She explains the crucial connection between exercise and brain health, revealing how aerobic and resistance training can enhance cognitive function. Louisa emphasizes the importance of quality sleep as a brain 'cleaning system' and discusses the dangers of inflammation and ultra-processed foods. With her background as an elite triathlete, she shares practical habits and protocols to prevent cognitive decline and promote mental resilience.

Wondering if the gym can offset hours of desk time? The podcast dives into the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle and its link to chronic diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Discover how movement throughout the day is crucial for your health. Learn about 'exercise snacks' that can easily fit into your routine and find out why a post-meal walk is a game-changer. With practical tips for breaking the sedentary cycle, it's time to boost your daily activity and enhance your overall well-being!

Dr. Jay Shah, a seasoned cardiologist and Chief Medical Officer at Aktiia, dives deep into the hidden dangers of hypertension, often called the 'silent killer.' He highlights how half the population is unaware of their condition, leading to grave health consequences. Jay shares insights on innovative continuous blood pressure monitoring technology, the link between stress and hypertension, and the impact of lifestyle changes. He emphasizes the importance of proactive management and the potential of new diagnostic tools to transform heart health.