Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

What if the real turning point for women's health isn't menopause itself, but the decade before it?  Long before the symptoms hit, your brain, bones, and heart are already changing, silently. You can train hard, eat clean, and still lose strength, bone density, and cognitive sharpness if you're not addressing the biology underneath it all. In this episode of EXTEND, I'm joined by Dr. Vonda Wright, orthopedic surgeon, researcher, and author of Unbreakable, to talk about how women can take control of midlife long before the "change." We get into what actually happens when estradiol starts to fall, why bone is an active endocrine organ (not just structure), and how to measure what really predicts longevity: VO₂ max, grip strength, sit-to-stand, and bone quality. We also discuss her FACE framework, flexibility, aerobic base, carrying load, and equilibrium, a smarter way to train for longevity that protects your brain, bones, and hormones.  Dr. Vonda Wright is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon, researcher, and author of Unbreakable. She's a leading expert in active aging and musculoskeletal longevity, known for helping midlife women build strength, preserve bone health, and optimize performance through data-driven prevention.  What's Discussed: (00:00) Why Women Need to Rethink Midlife Health (05:54) The Longevity Equation: Strength, Hormones, and Prevention (17:39) The Forgotten Organ Driving Women's Aging: Bone\ (28:44) How to Build Bone Quality (Not Just Density) (34:55) Training Smarter in Midlife: The FACE Protocol for Strength and Power (44:45) How to Find Real Fitness Inspiration Online, and Filter Out the Noise Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd   Learn more about Dr. Vonda Wright:  Website: https://www.drvondawright.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvondawright    

You can eat clean, track your labs, take supplements, and still feel anxious, inflamed, tired, or flat. Why? Because the gut, brain, immune system, and hormones are in constant conversation, and most of us are only treating one side of that story. In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Will Cole to uncover the science behind the gut-brain axis, and why nervous system dysregulation might be the reason your biomarkers won't budge. We unpack how microbiome imbalances, silent inflammation, low vagal tone, and stored trauma show up as anxiety, constipation, brain fog, and burnout… even when you're "doing everything right." We also get practical: testing beyond standard blood work, HRV as a window into resilience, breathwork vs. meditation, EMDR, "ugly journaling," and when devices like Apollo Neuro and Sensate actually help. Dr. Will Cole is a leading functional medicine expert, a pioneer in gut-brain health, neuroimmune disorders, and autoimmune healing. He is also the host of the top-ranked podcast The Art of Being Well and the New York Times bestselling author of books including Gut Feelings, The Inflammation Spectrum, and Ketotarian. What's Discussed: (00:00) From Functional Medicine to the Gut-Brain Revolution (13:14) How Trauma, Serotonin, and the Vagus Nerve Shape the Mind-Gut Connection (21:13) Healing the Nervous System: Journaling, EMDR, and Wearable Vagus Nerve Tech (30:15) Why Real Health Change Starts with Individuals, Not Institutions (35:07) Food Deserts, Misinformation, and Taking Your Health Back (43:04) Regenerative Supplements, Soil Health & The Future of Functional Medicine   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. Will Cole: Instagram: @drwillcole Instagram: @theartofbeingwell_  Youtube: @DrWillCole

You have brain fog. You're gaining weight faster and losing it slower. You think it's stress, aging, or just life… But what if it's your liver screaming for help? In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by Siggi Clavien, liver health expert and founder of The Liver Clinic, to uncover the silent epidemic destroying our health from the inside out. We explore why 70% of liver disease today has nothing to do with alcohol, the actual damage done by Tylenol, and why your "normal" blood work might be hiding liver damage. We also dive into technology that can detect damage years before blood tests, and what might be your key to reversing chronic disease. Siggi Clavien is a liver health specialist with 28 years in phytomedicine development and founder of The Liver Clinic. He combines ancient Eastern medicine wisdom with modern technology to help people detect and reverse liver damage. We Also Discuss: (00:00) Health and Liver Function Discussion (07:12) Toxins, Diet, and Fatty Liver Impact (17:13) Liver Damage Detection and Management (28:27) Toxic Exposure and Health Protection (37:28) Liver Health and Protection Strategies (45:17) Understanding Liver Scan Technology and Risks (56:20) Diet, Exercise, and Liver Health (01:00:56) Detoxification, Liver Health, and Deliverance (01:10:39) Liver Health Tracking and Advancements (01:16:36) Health Care Access and Support Thank you to our Sponsors: Timeline: Go to timeline.com/drshah to get 20% off your order.   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/  Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: @darshanshahmd   Learn more about Siggi Clavien: Website: https://us.loveyourliver.com/ https://theliverclinic.com/  Instagram: @deliverance.elixir @siggiclavien

We track our sleep, count our macros, optimize every supplement, yet most people's bodies are still stuck in survival mode. What if true longevity starts not with another biohack, but with safety? When your nervous system feels safe, inflammation drops, digestion normalizes, and recovery accelerates.  In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Gabby Bernstein, #1 New York Times bestselling author and host of the Dear Gabby podcast, to explore how emotional regulation, breathwork, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy rewire the nervous system for resilience. Together, we break down how HRV reflects longevity, why "soft" tools like breath and meditation have hard science behind them, and how pairing spiritual practice with functional medicine creates lasting health transformation. Gabby Bernstein is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, host of the Dear Gabby podcast, and a leading teacher in self-help and spiritual development. For 20 years she's democratized tools like meditation, trauma-informed healing, and IFS for everyday life. In this episode, she shows us how to make emotional safety a daily practice, and why that might be the most powerful longevity intervention we have. What's Discussed: (00:00) From Burnout to Breakthrough: A Spiritual Path to Sobriety (03:39) What Safety Really Feels Like, and How to Create It (12:14) Turning Pain Into Peace: Healing Trauma Through Spiritual Practice (18:20) Meeting Your Protector Parts Instead of Fighting Them (30:42) Radical Self-Compassion as the Fastest Way to Heal (33:59) How to Reprogram Your Inner Protectors for Real Wellness (46:30) When Doctors Need Healing Too: Trauma Inside Medicine (51:22) Where Science Meets Spirit: The Biology of Belief (57:55) Faith, Energy, and the New Language of Healing (01:08:44) Manifestation as Medicine: How Your Mind Shapes Biology (01:14:49) The App That's Redefining Daily Spiritual Practice Thank You to 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. 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 Gabby Bernstein: Instagram: @gabbybernstein Website: https://gabbybernstein.com/ Book: 7 Habits of a Super Attractor: Effortlessly Attract Your Desires

What if your immune system could actually age backwards? For decades, we've accepted that inflammation, fatigue, and slower recovery are inevitable with age, but new research proves otherwise. Your immune system isn't doomed to decline; it can be retrained to act younger, stronger, and more resilient. In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Jeffrey Bland, the father of functional medicine, to explore the groundbreaking science of immune rejuvenation. We break down how chronic inflammation accelerates aging, why gut health holds the key to immune balance, and the nutrients that can literally reprogram gene expression. We also discuss how a 90-day nutrition protocol led to a 47% reduction in immune aging, and what that means for your longevity. Dr. Jeffrey Bland is widely recognized as the father of functional medicine, a thought leader who's spent over 40 years redefining how we understand health and disease. He's the founder of the Institute for Functional Medicine and Big Bold Health, where he's pioneering new research on immune rejuvenation and personalized nutrition.   We Also Discuss: (00:00) The birth of functional medicine and how it reshaped modern healthcare (08:45) Why traditional medicine overlooks the body's interconnected systems (18:22) How your immune system drives aging, resilience, and recovery (28:09) The gut-immunity connection and why inflammation accelerates aging (38:40) The science behind reversing immune aging and restoring balance (49:33) How diet and polyphenols influence immune gene expression (01:00:18) The epigenetic switch that controls healthy aging (01:11:42) Data, biomarkers, and the rise of personalized health (01:25:30) The future of collective health and community immunity (01:36:39) How to apply immune rejuvenation principles in your daily life Thank You for Our Sponsors: Pendulum: Use code DARSHAN or use the link https://pendulumlife.com/discount/DARSHAN to get 20% off Pendulum membership first orders.   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram:@darshanshahmd   Learn more about Dr. Jeff Bland: Instagram: @drjeffreyblandBig Bold Health: @bigboldhealth Website: https://bigboldhealth.com/  

What if your brain's biggest limitation isn't its capacity, but your failure to train it? In this episode of Extend, Maya Raichoora joins me to share how visualization techniques helped her reverse debilitating ulcerative colitis.  We explore the neuroscience behind visualization, from rewiring neural pathways to regulating the immune system through thought. We dive into five distinct types of visualization and why mental fitness deserves the same daily dedication as physical fitness. Maya Raichoora is the UK's leading mental fitness and visualization expert, bestselling author of "Visualize," and a former international badminton player. After being told she'd need lifelong immunosuppressive medication or colon removal surgery for ulcerative colitis at age 17, Maya used visualization and mental training to achieve complete symptom remission. She now coaches elite athletes, C-suite executives, and teaches the science of training the brain. We Also Discuss: 01:45 - How Visualization Reversed Severe Ulcerative Colitis Without Surgery 03:45 - The "Piranha Technique": Making Pain Playful Through Creative Imagery 11:48 - The Brain-Gut Connection: Why Your Colon Has as Many Neurons as Your Brain 18:06 - How Your Brain Directly Controls Immune Cell Production 21:15 - The Five Types of Visualization 26:07 - Why Your Brain's Stories Become Your Ceiling 29:55 - The Neuroscience of Mental Rehearsal: Why Imagined Reps Equal Real Ones 38:00 - The 90-Second Rule for Releasing Trapped Emotions 55:32 - The Language of Medicine: How "Incurable" Becomes a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy 1:04:15 - Mirror Neurons: Why You Become What You Watch   Thank You for Our Sponsors: 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. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nexthealth/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Maya Raichoora: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-raichoora/  Website: https://mayaraichoora.com/

What if the biggest threat to your brain health isn't genetics, but the environment you're living in? In this episode of Extend, Max Lugavere joins me to share how environmental toxins, metabolic dysfunction, and dietary choices are driving the explosion of neurodegenerative diseases. We dive into why Alzheimer's begins 30-40 years before diagnosis, and the specific lifestyle interventions that can dramatically reduce your risk. From the dangers of golf course proximity to the surprising role of mouthwash in hypertension, this conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about protecting your brain. Max Lugavere is a health and science journalist, filmmaker, and bestselling author of "Genius Foods" and "The Genius Life." His documentary "Little Empty Boxes" chronicles his mother's battle with Lewy body dementia and explores the preventable nature of cognitive decline. Max has become one of the leading voices in brain health optimization. We Also Discuss: 08:02 - Why Neurodegenerative Diseases Begin 30 Years Before Symptoms 12:53 - Different Types of Dementia and Movement Disorders Explained 14:24 - Environmental Toxins Linked to Parkinson's Disease 16:03 - How Living Near Golf Courses Doubles Parkinson's Risk 31:04 - How One Gram of Pancreatic Fat Loss Restores Insulin Sensitivity 35:21 - Fasting Insulin: The Biomarker That Predicts Alzheimer's Early 37:12 - The Role of Ketogenic Diets in Brain Energy Metabolism 51:19 - How 20 Grams of Creatine Improved Cognition in Alzheimer's Patients 57:38 - The Truth About Seed Oils vs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1:09:04 - Omega-3s and the 50% Alzheimer's Risk Reduction 1:13:23 - Why Antiseptic Mouthwash May Raise Blood Pressure   Thank You for Our Sponsors: Timeline: Go to timeline.com/drshah to get 20% off your order. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nexthealth/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Max Lugavere: Instagram: @maxlugavere Website: https://www.maxlugavere.com/   

Did you know, 80% of perimenopause symptoms are brain-related, but it takes 4-6 doctor visits to get a diagnosis? In this episode of Extend, Dr. Mariza Snyder reveals why perimenopause has been medicine's best-kept secret and how women can reclaim their health during this critical transition. We discuss why perimenopause is called "the silent shift," the protective power of hormone replacement therapy, and why suffering through this transition is completely optional. Dr. Mariza also shares her personal hormone protocol and why she believes women deserve the gold standard of care during this pivotal decade. Dr. Mariza Snyder is a hormone and metabolic health expert specializing in perimenopause and menopause care. She's the author of "The Perimenopause Revolution" and host of the "Energized with Dr. Mariza" podcast. With nearly 15 years of experience helping women navigate hormonal transitions, she advocates for preventative hormone replacement therapy and comprehensive biomarker tracking. We Also Discuss: 04:54 - Why 80% of Perimenopause Symptoms Are Brain-Related 07:49 - The "Silent Shift" That Happens Years Before Missing Periods 11:21 - Why Standard Blood Work Keeps Women Suffering in Silence 12:57 - The Biomarkers Every Woman Should Track Starting at 35 30:49 - What Women Can Do to Start Managing Perimenopause 39:45 - How Hormone Replacement Therapy Acts as Your "Protective Shield" 55:21 - The Truth About Breast Cancer Risk and HRT 1:01:21 - Advanced Cancer Screening Strategies for Women 1:05:24 - Why Sleep Consistency Can Change Your Life in 10 Days 1:06:23 - The Mindset Shifts That Make Perimenopause Empowering   Thank You for Our Sponsors: NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/ Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nexthealth/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Dr. Mariza Snyder: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmariza/  Website: https://drmariza.com/   

What does it take to translate athletic excellence into mastery of life, relationships, and business? In this episode of Extend, legendary big wave surfer Laird Hamilton and pro volleyball champion Gabby Reece join me to share the mindsets and practices that have sustained their 30-year relationship and individual success. We discuss why "getting tired" is essential for health and how they've built a thriving business around authentic products. We also discuss the simple daily rituals that matter more than complex optimization protocols. Laird Hamilton is a pioneer of big wave surfing and hydrofoiling, while Gabby Reece dominated professional volleyball before becoming a wellness advocate. Together, they created XPT (Extreme Performance Training) and co-founded Laird Superfood, a publicly-traded company focused on functional nutrition. We Also Discuss: Why "Getting Tired" Makes Food Taste Better and Improves Sleep Quality The Art of Comfortable Confrontation in Marriage and Business Why Observing Nature Is Medicine for Modern Stress The Decision Fatigue Trap That's Sabotaging Your Day Before 9 AM Why They Choose Their Suffering Instead of Letting Life Choose for Them Thank You for Our Sponsors: 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/ @nexthealth  Instagram: @darshanshahmd   Learn more about Gabby Reece and Laird Hamilton: Instagram: @airdhamilton @gabbyreece

What happens when a traditional doctor discovers that everything they were taught in medical school is keeping patients sick? In this episode of Extend, Dr. Jess Peatross joins me to discuss the hidden toxins that could be behind your symptoms. We discuss why 95% of people don't get enough fiber, the "kill-bind-sweat" protocol that's gone viral for detoxification, and why your "normal" blood work might be missing the real problem. Dr. Jess also shares her shocking experience losing her medical license for questioning vaccine protocols. Dr. Jess Peatross is a traditionally trained internal medicine physician who worked as a hospitalist for seven years before transitioning to functional medicine. She's the founder of Wellness Plus, an online platform helping people detox safely from environmental toxins, and Aegis Formulas supplement company. She specializes in treating complex chronic conditions involving mold toxicity, parasites, heavy metals, and environmental toxin exposure. We Also Discuss: Why Traditional Blood Work Misses 95% of Chronic Disease Causes How the "Kill-Bind-Sweat" Protocol Detoxes Your Body Safely The Vibrant Total Tox Test That Reveals Hidden Environmental Toxins Why Parasites Are More Common in America Than You Think How Modern Energy-Efficient Homes Create Perfect Mold Conditions The MTHFR and COMT Genes That Determine Your Detox Ability Why 95% of People Are Fiber-Deficient and How It Drives Disease The Microscope Method vs. Modern Parasite Testing Limitations How to Test Your Home Environment for Hidden Toxin Exposure Why You Must Fix Your Nervous System Before Any Detox Protocol   Thank You for Our Sponsors: NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/ Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ @nexthealth  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Dr. Jess Peatross: Instagram: @dr.jess.md  Website: https://drjessmd.com/

What happens when a medical student gets diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and given three months to live? In this episode of Extend, Dr. Dawn Mussallem joins me to share her incredible journey from near-death to becoming a leading integrative oncologist at Mayo Clinic, proving that lifestyle interventions can dramatically improve cancer outcomes. We discuss how 42% of cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes, why ultra-processed foods increase cancer risk by 16%, and the shocking truth about soy and breast cancer. We also share her evidence-based protocol combining conventional treatments with integrative modalities. Dr. Dawn Mussallem is a double board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine at Mayo Clinic, where she designed the integrative breast oncology program. A cancer survivor who received a heart transplant in 2021, she combines personal experience with rigorous science to help patients optimize their health during and after cancer treatment. We Also Discuss: Why 75% of Cancers Are Caused by Lifestyle Factors (Not Genetics) How Ultra-Processed Foods Increase Cancer Death Risk by 30% The Shocking Truth About Soy and Breast Cancer (It's Actually Protective) Why Half Your Plate Should Be Vegetables or Fruits at Every Meal The 30 Diverse Plant Foods Per Week Rule for Optimal Gut Health Low-Dose Naltrexone's Immune-Boosting Effects for Cancer Patients Why Exercise During Chemotherapy Actually Improves Outcomes How Fermented Foods Support Cancer Prevention and Treatment The Mayo Clinic Protocol for Maintaining Vitality During Treatment Why Skipping Breakfast Increases All-Cause Mortality Risk   Thank You for Our Sponsors: 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. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nexthealth/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Dr. Dawn Mussallem: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdawnmussallem/?hl=en  LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/dawn-mussallem-do-dipablm-2b360b57   

What happens when elite fitness doesn't equal health? In this episode of Extend, Ben Greenfield joins me to discuss how blood tests showed he was metabolically compromised despite being an Ironman competitor, and shares the comprehensive testing protocols that changed his approach to wellness. We discuss the critical difference between fitness and health, Ben's biomarker testing strategy using wearables and lab work, and why he embraces hormesis - the concept that controlled stressors like heat, cold, and plant compounds build resilience. We also dive into why dietary diversity beats restrictive elimination diets and the importance of cycling supplements rather than continuous use. Ben Greenfield is a biohacker, bestselling author of "Boundless," podcast host, and founder of Kion supplements. A former professional athlete turned health optimization expert, he now coaches high-achievers on personalized health protocols. We Also Discuss: Why Fitness and Health Are Not the Same Thing (Despite What Most Athletes Think) The FASTER Study That Proved Fat Adaptation Could Rewrite Exercise Physiology The Complete Testing Protocol: Wearables, Blood Panels, and Genetic Analysis Why Heart Rate Variability Is Your Best Daily Stress Indicator The Problem With Continuous Supplement Use vs. Strategic Cycling How Microplastics Are Destroying Our Bodies (And What Actually Works to Remove Them) The Truth About Alcohol as a Hormetic Stressor in Small Doses How to Use CGMs Beyond Just Glucose Monitoring Why Most Gut Microbiome Tests Give Useless Food Recommendations Thank You for Our Sponsors: Function Health: Learn more and join using functionhealth.com/drshah. The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. Visit www.functionhealth.com/drshahn or use gift code DRSHAH100 at sign-up to own your health.  Timeline: 20% off your order. Go to timeline.com/drshah  Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nexthealth/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Ben Greenfield: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bengreenfieldfitness/  Website:  https://boundlessbook.com/

What if everything you've been told about longevity supplements is based on hype rather than science? Dr. Eric Verdin, CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, joins me on the Extend podcast to separate fact from fiction in the longevity field.  We explore epigenetic reprogramming, why the immune system controls aging, and the reality that no supplements are proven to extend human lifespan. We also discuss how most people could live to 95 in good health using lifestyle interventions we already know work. Dr. Eric Verdin is the CEO and President of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, the world's first independent research institute focused solely on aging. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers and is internationally recognized for his research on immune system aging and epigenetic regulation. We Also Discuss: Why There Are No Proven Anti-Aging Supplements or Drugs for Humans Yet How Yamanaka Factors Can Reverse Aging by Reprogramming Cells Back to Youth The Discovery That Immune System Aging Controls Whole-Body Aging Why Your Blood Contains 600 Different Cell Types (Not the 12 You Learned About) How Lifestyle Factors Could Add 30 Years of Healthy Life for Most People The Problem With "Instagram Medicine" and Unproven NAD Infusions Why Brian Johnson's Self-Experimentation Matters Despite the Controversy The Coming Revolution in Precision Medicine and Digital Twins How Organ-Specific Aging Clocks Predict Your Individual Disease Risk Why the Brain and Immune System Are the Two Most Important Aging Targets Thank You for Our Sponsors: 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    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. Eric Verdin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericverdin.buck/?hl=en  Website: https://www.buckinstitute.org/   

What if the blood tests you're not getting are more important than the ones you are? In this episode of Extend, Dr. Jeremy London joins me to explore the three lifestyle modifications that prevent most cardiac disease.  We dive into how a continuous glucose monitor revealed his own pre-diabetes despite feeling perfectly healthy. We also share the blood tests your doctor isn't ordering, why vaping may be more dangerous than cigarettes, and how functional medicine filled the gap that traditional surgery couldn't address. Dr. Jeremy London is a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon with over 25 years of clinical experience. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his general surgery residency at St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver, Colorado, followed by a vascular and thoracic surgical fellowship at Carolinas Medical Center. Dr. London's mission is to provide accessible health information through his newsletter, podcast, and social platforms.  We Also Discuss: Why Vaping Is More Dangerous Than Cigarettes According to This Heart Surgeon The Three Blood Tests Your Doctor Isn't Ordering   How a Continuous Glucose Monitor Revealed Pre-Diabetes in a "Healthy" Surgeon Why 50% of Americans Have High Blood Pressure and Most Don't Know It The Calcium Score CT Scan That Reveals Hidden Heart Disease Risk Why VO2 Max Is the Most Powerful Predictor of Longevity How Functional Medicine Saved This Surgeon from Career Burnout The Walking Desk Hack That Gets 10,000 Steps During Work Hours Thank You for Our Sponsors: Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/ Timeline: Claim 10% off your first order now at https://www.timeline.com/partners/darshan-shah    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. Jeremy London: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjeremylondon /  Website: https://www.drjeremylondon.com/   

After spending years at a monastery, meditation expert Scott Schwenk discovered the way most people approach meditation is exactly what keeps them from succeeding. The myths around emptying your mind, sitting in painful positions, and chasing mystical experiences sabotage practice before it begins. In this episode of Extend, Scott and I discuss the 4-lens framework that transforms meditation from mystical pursuit to practical life skill. We explore his signature 6-point body softening technique that works in 30 seconds, why he stopped teaching fire breathing after becoming trauma-informed, and how to build a sustainable practice that integrates into real-world challenges. Scott Schwenk is a meditation teacher, breathwork facilitator, and consciousness coach who has spent decades studying both Eastern spiritual traditions and Western psychological approaches. He lived at a monastery, teaches internationally, and helps individuals and businesses integrate contemplative practices into daily life. We Also Discuss: Why "No Thoughts" is Meditation Mythology That Sabotages Your Practice The 6-Point Body Softening Technique That Works in 30 Seconds Why Your Hips Must Be Higher Than Your Knees for Proper Meditation Posture The Secret Taoist Water Meditation Scott Discovered by Accident Nadi Shodhana: The Daily Breathwork Practice That Changes Everything Why Scott Stopped Teaching Fire Breathing After Becoming Trauma-Informed How Mirror Neurons Transfer Meditative States Between People The 4 Lenses Framework: Waking Up, Growing Up, Cleaning Up, Showing Up Why Gurus Fall: Advanced States vs. Psychological Development Open-Eyed Meditation and Why Peak States Can Become Addictive The 3 Questions That Build Meditation Confidence in 30 Days Why You Should Stop While the Practice Still Feels Good   Thank You for Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 20% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH. Function Health: 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: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Scott Schwenk: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescottschwenk/  Website: https://www.scottschwenk.com/

Most people think thyroid issues are just about taking a pill, but over 90% of hypothyroid cases are actually Hashimoto's—an autoimmune condition attacking your thyroid gland. In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by Dr. Izabella Wentz to dive deep into why standard TSH tests fail for years, how artificial sweeteners trigger thyroid dysfunction, and the gut infections that could be destroying your thyroid. We also discuss the lifestyle interventions that can reverse Hashimoto's, the thyroid antibody tests your doctor isn't running, and why an Epsom salt bath might be more powerful than you think. Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist who has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease after being diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in 2009. She's the author of three books and founder of ThyroidPharmacist.com. We Also Discuss: Why Standard TSH Tests Miss Thyroid Disease for 5-10 Years The Complete Thyroid Panel Every Person Should Demand: TSH, T3, T4, Reverse T3, TPO, TG Antibodies How Artificial Sweeteners Trigger Autoimmune Thyroid Disease The Gluten-Thyroid Connection That Can Reverse Hashimoto's Gut Infections Behind Thyroid Dysfunction: H. Pylori, SIBO, and Blastocystis Hominis Why Thyroid Antibodies Attack Your Brain, Fertility, and Mental Health—Even Without Thyroid Hormone Problems The Selenium + Myo-Inositol Protocol That Reverses Early Hashimoto's Why Iron Deficiency Makes Thyroid Medication Useless Synthroid vs. Armour vs. T3: Which Thyroid Medication Actually Works The Hashimoto's Personality: Stress, Trauma, and Autoimmune Disease Red Light Therapy and Cold Laser for Thyroid Regeneration Why Your Thyroid Symptoms Might Actually Be Low Cortisol Thank You for Our Sponsors: Pendulum: Use code DARSHAN or use the link https://pendulumlife.com/discount/DARSHAN to get 20% off Pendulum membership first orders.   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. Izabella Wentz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/izabellawentzpharmd/  Website: www.thyroidpharmacist.com  

What if the most basic safety research on childhood vaccines has never actually been done? In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Joel "Gator" Warsh, an integrative pediatrician who's asking the questions about vaccine safety that medicine has avoided for decades. We explore why vaccines are studied against other vaccines instead of true placebos, the shocking absence of vaccinated vs. unvaccinated research, and how financial incentives shape medical recommendations. Dr. Warsh also breaks down his approach to informed consent with parents. This isn't anti-vaccine rhetoric—it's a call for better science.  Dr. Joel Warsh is a board-certified pediatrician based in Los Angeles. After completing his residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, he became one of the few pediatricians to openly discuss vaccine safety concerns. He's the author of "Between a Shot and a Hard Place" and founder of Integrative Pediatrics and Medicine Studio City. We Also Discuss: Why Most Vaccines Were Never Studied Against True Placebos The Missing Vaccinated vs. Unvaccinated Research That Could End the Debate How Financial Incentives Drive Vaccine Recommendations The Autism Research That Doesn't Actually Exist MMR vs. Individual Protection: Why All Vaccines Aren't the Same The Hepatitis B at Birth Controversy for Low-Risk Babies Why Whooping Cough "Cocooning" Might Actually Increase Risk The Cleveland Clinic Flu Shot Study That Changed Everything mRNA Technology: What We Know vs. What We Don't After 4 Years Ultra-Processed Foods and the Real Driver of Childhood Illness Screen Time Strategies: Educational vs. Dopamine-Engineered Content The Social Contract Debate: Individual Rights vs. Public Health Thank You for Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 20% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH.   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. Joel Gator Warsh Newsletter: https://raisingamazingplus.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjoelgator/?hl=en  Website: https://raisingamazingplus.com/inner-circle/   

What if the device in your pocket is secretly sabotaging your metabolism, sleep, and longevity? In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Rupy Aujla, a medical doctor turned lifestyle medicine pioneer who reversed his own heart condition through food and lifestyle changes alone. We explore the "cocaine phone vs. kale phone" strategy for digital wellness, why fiber maxing on TikTok is backfiring, and how to get 10 servings of vegetables daily without thinking about it. He also reveals his three-pillar framework for optimal health. Dr. Rupy Aujla is a medical doctor with over 15 years of experience, bestselling cookbook author of "Healthy High Protein," and founder of The Doctor's Kitchen app. After reversing his own atrial fibrillation through lifestyle medicine, he left the NHS to help millions of people worldwide cook their way to better health through evidence-based nutrition and functional medicine principles. We Also Discuss: The "Cocaine Phone vs. Kale Phone" Strategy for Digital Detox Why Fiber Maxing on TikTok Is Making People Sick The Three-Pillar Framework: Protein, Gut Health, and Anti-Inflammatory Eating How Dr. Rupy Reversed Heart Arrhythmia Without Surgery The "Just One More" Philosophy for Adding Vegetables Why 5-a-Day Was Completely Made Up (And What You Actually Need) Core Protein + Plant Partner + Topper: The New Protein Formula Silent Retreats: Resetting Your Dopamine in 3 Days Morning Light and Movement: The Ultimate Energy Hack Why Your Kitchen Is More Powerful Than Your Medicine Cabinet The Virtual Dr. Rupy AI Coach Revolution Thank You for Our Sponsors: Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/  NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.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. Rupy Aujla: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@doctors_kitchen  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctors_kitchen/?hl=en  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-doctors-kitchen-podcast/id1316938642    

What if three minutes in cold water could give you more confidence than years of therapy? In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Kristin Weitzel, a breathwork expert and cold plunge coach who has certified over 325 instructors worldwide in her approach to nervous system regulation. We explore how to use breathwork to downregulate your nervous system instead of just surviving the cold, and why women shouldn't fear the recent controversy around cold exposure. Kristin reveals her "ICE" method (Intentional Cold Exposure) and shares the free tools that can transform your mental resilience starting today. Kristin Weitzel is a breathwork expert, Sherpa Breath and Cold founder, and certified sauna master who has been pioneering nervous system optimization for over a decade. She specializes in helping women and athletes use cold exposure and breathwork to expand their window of tolerance and build unshakeable confidence in all areas of life. We Also Discuss: Why the Anticipation of Cold Plunging Is Worse Than the Cold Itself The "ICE" Method: Intentional Cold Exposure for Life Success How to DJ Your Nervous System for Optimal Performance Why Most People Are Cold Plunging Wrong (And Spiking Cortisol) The 2x Breathing Technique That Changes Everything Cold Plunging vs. Cryotherapy  Why Wim Hof Breathing Isn't Right for Everyone Sauna Secrets: The 3-Minute Rule Between Hot and Cold Free Cold Plunge Coaching Tools You Can Download Today Thank You for Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 20% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH. Function Health: 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: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Kristin Weitzel: Website: https://www.sherpabreathandcold.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinweitzelofficial/  Podcast: https://tr.ee/_aKc6TfA0K   

What if the depression, brain fog, and weight gain you're experiencing isn't "just aging" but actually a treatable hormone deficiency? In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Sara Szal, MD, a Harvard-trained gynecologist who has revolutionized how we approach women's health. We dive into why 80% of women experience brain dysfunction during menopause, the shocking failure of conventional medicine's "birth control and antidepressants" approach, and Dr. Sara's "hormone therapy plus" model. Whether you're 35 and starting to notice changes or 65 wondering if you've "missed the boat," this conversation will transform how you think about aging as a woman. Sara Szal, MD is a Harvard-trained gynecologist, New York Times bestselling author of four books including "The Hormone Cure," and a leading authority on hormone optimization. With over 25 years of experience treating 25,000+ patients, she specializes in root cause analysis and personalized protocols for peak performance. We Also Discuss: The 100+ Symptoms of Perimenopause Most Doctors Don't Recognize Why Your Doctor Says Hormone Testing Is "Useless" (And Why They're Wrong) Bioidentical vs. Synthetic Hormones: What You Need to Know The 80% of Women Who Experience Cerebral Hypometabolism During Menopause Why FSH Levels Predict Alzheimer's Risk in Women Testosterone for Women: When It Helps and When It Hurts The "Cheating Nature" Argument Against Hormone Therapy (Debunked) Mitochondrial Health: The Key to Reversing Biological Age Hot vs. Cold Therapy for Mitochondrial Optimization Thank You for Our Sponsors: Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/  NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.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 Sara Szal, MD: Website:https://www.saragottfriedmd.com/  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/saragottfriedmd/