Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

What if a negative Lyme disease test doesn't tell the whole story? And could an overlooked infection be contributing to symptoms like brain fog, chronic fatigue, or even cognitive decline?

When Nicole Bell's husband began experiencing personality changes, memory loss, and confusion, doctors diagnosed him with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. But Nicole, an engineer with a background in medical diagnostics, couldn't shake the feeling that something was being missed.

Despite initially testing negative for Lyme disease, her husband was later found to have evidence of Lyme and other infections, including Bartonella and Babesia. His decline and eventual passing transformed Nicole's life, inspiring her to become CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics and advocate for better testing for tick-borne diseases.

In this episode, Nicole joins me to explore the often-overlooked world of Lyme disease, chronic symptoms, tick-borne infections, and their potential connections to brain health and inflammation.

We discuss why Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose, the limitations of traditional antibody testing, and emerging diagnostic approaches designed to detect infections more directly.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose, especially in its early stages
• How Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections may affect the brain, joints, heart, and nervous system
• What researchers are investigating about infections, neuroinflammation, and Alzheimer's disease
• Why a negative Lyme disease test doesn't always rule out an infection
• The differences between antibody testing, PCR testing, and emerging urine antigen tests
• What Bartonella and Babesia are, and why identifying co-infections matters
• Why Lyme disease doesn't always cause the classic bullseye rash
• What to know about tick bites, early symptoms, and seeking prompt medical evaluation
• How to advocate for yourself when you're experiencing unexplained or persistent symptoms

We also discuss the challenges of living with chronic illness, the importance of early detection, and Nicole's mission to make more accurate diagnostic tools accessible to patients and healthcare providers.

Nicole shares the deeply personal story behind her book, What Lurks in the Woods, and the lessons she learned navigating her husband's illness while raising a family and searching for answers.

The biggest takeaway? A negative test isn't always the end of the diagnostic process, especially when symptoms and exposure history suggest there's more to investigate.

Understanding your symptoms, asking better questions, and working with knowledgeable healthcare professionals can make an enormous difference in identifying health problems earlier.

Because longevity isn't just about treating disease once it appears. It's about recognizing warning signs, understanding potential causes, and giving ourselves the best opportunity to protect our long-term health.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://drshah.com

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast

Learn more about Nicole Bell:

Website: https://www.galaxydx.com/

Instagram: @nicoledaniellebell and @galaxydiagnostics

Book - What Lurks in the Woods: amazon.com/What-Lurks-Woods

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Next Health: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization - from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/!

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What if the solution to your chronic back pain isn't another prescription, another injection, or even major spine surgery—but identifying exactly where your pain is coming from?

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people lose mobility, stop exercising, and experience a decline in their quality of life. Yet many patients spend years cycling through physical therapy, pain medications, and specialist appointments without ever getting a clear answer about what's actually causing their pain.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Brad Goodman, a specialist in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and minimally invasive spinal interventions at OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports, to explore why chronic back pain can be so difficult to diagnose and the emerging treatments offering new possibilities for relief.

Dr. Goodman has dedicated his career to identifying the underlying sources of pain and developing targeted, minimally invasive approaches that may help patients avoid major surgery. Together, we break down the anatomy of the spine, why traditional treatments sometimes fail, and how new technologies are changing the way we approach chronic pain.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why chronic lower back pain can develop years before symptoms appear
• How herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, and spinal stenosis cause different types of back pain
• Why identifying the actual source of pain is critical before choosing a treatment
• How MRIs and other imaging techniques help doctors investigate spinal inflammation and structural problems
• Why walking, movement, and physical therapy are essential for maintaining mobility and preventing further decline
• The minimally invasive alternatives to back surgery, including epidural injections, nerve ablation, and spinal stabilization procedures
• How emerging technologies like ReActiv8 muscle stimulation and SPRINT peripheral nerve stimulation are being used to treat certain types of chronic pain
• What the research currently suggests about PRP, stem cell injections, and regenerative treatments for spinal discs
• Why chronic pain, muscle loss, inactivity, and frailty are closely connected to healthy aging
• How to find the right spine specialist and explore your treatment options before considering major surgery

We also discuss the limitations of pain medications, the importance of spinal stability, and why some patients continue experiencing pain even after multiple procedures.

One of the most important ideas Dr. Goodman shares is that relieving pain isn't just about feeling better—it's about restoring your ability to move.

When chronic pain prevents you from exercising, maintaining muscle, and staying active, it can affect nearly every aspect of your long-term health.

The goal isn't simply to manage pain. It's to identify its source, restore function, and help you maintain the mobility and independence that make a longer, healthier life possible.

Because when it comes to longevity, movement is medicine—and protecting your ability to move is one of the most important investments you can make in your future.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

• Website: https://drshah.com
• Clinic: next-health
• Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast

Learn more about Dr. Brad Goodman:

• Website: https://www.orthoalabama.com/doctors/bradly-s-goodman-md
• Clinic: https://www.orthoalabama.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@doctalklive
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctalklivedrgoodman

Thank You To Our Sponsor!

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What if the brain fog, forgetfulness, poor sleep, and mood changes so many women experience in midlife aren't just signs of getting older—but signals that their brains need more support?

Women account for nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer's cases, yet women's brain health has historically been overlooked in medical research and conversations about prevention. And as estrogen levels begin to change during perimenopause and menopause, those changes can affect everything from memory and mental clarity to metabolism, sleep, and emotional well-being.

In this episode, I'm joined by Emma Heming Willis, co-founder of Make Time Wellness, and Dr. Nicole Beurkens a clinical psychologist with a background in nutrition science, for an important conversation about women's brain health, hormonal changes, and what we can do today to support cognitive health as we age.

Emma shares her personal experience with brain fog, feeling dismissed by her doctor, and the lifestyle changes that inspired her mission to make brain health a priority for women. Together, we explore the science behind cognitive aging and the everyday habits that can make a meaningful difference.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why women face a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia
• How declining estrogen during perimenopause and menopause can affect memory, focus, and brain energy
• Why brain fog, forgetfulness, and sleep disturbances deserve attention
• How chronic stress, trauma, and the demands of caregiving can affect brain health
• The connection between chronic inflammation, metabolic health, and cognitive function
• Why nutrition, protein, fiber, and reducing ultra-processed foods matter for brain health
• How sleep supports memory, cognitive performance, and long-term brain health
• What to know about brain health supplements, including rhodiola, curcumin, and other nutrients
• What the emerging research suggests about hormone replacement therapy and women's cognitive health

We also discuss practical ways to prioritize self-care, manage stress, improve sleep habits, and build sustainable routines without adding another overwhelming responsibility to an already busy life.

The biggest takeaway? Brain health shouldn't become a priority only when memory problems begin.

Protecting your brain is part of protecting your future. And the choices we make around sleep, nutrition, movement, stress, and hormonal health can help us take a more proactive approach to aging.

Because longevity isn't simply about living longer. It's about maintaining the clarity, independence, and quality of life that allow us to enjoy those extra years.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://drshah.com

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast

Learn more about Emma Heming Willis and Dr. Nicole Beurkens

Website: https://drbeurkens.com and https://emmahemingwillis.com

Instagram: @emmahemingwillis, @drnicolebeurkens and @maketimewellness

Try Make Time Wellness at https://maketimewellness.com/, use code EXTEND20 at checkout for 20% off as a gift to our listeners! Also available at Target, Amazon, Ulta, The Vitamin Shoppe and Meijer.

Thank You to Our Sponsor!

Momentous: Head to livemomentous.com and use my code DRSHAH at checkout for up to 35% off.

What if problems in the bedroom were actually an early warning sign of something much bigger happening in your body?

Most people think of sexual health as separate from their overall health. But erectile dysfunction, low libido, and changes in sexual performance can reveal important clues about cardiovascular health, hormone levels, metabolic function, and even how we're aging.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Rena Malik, a urologist and sexual health expert, to explore why sexual health deserves a much bigger place in the longevity conversation. We discuss her concept of "sex span"—how long we can maintain a healthy, satisfying sex life—and why protecting it may also mean protecting our long-term health.

One of the most eye-opening parts of our conversation is the connection between erectile dysfunction and heart disease. Because the blood vessels involved in erections are smaller than those supplying the heart, vascular problems can sometimes appear as sexual dysfunction years before more serious cardiovascular symptoms develop.

We also break down the truth about testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), Viagra, Cialis, nitric oxide supplements, pelvic floor health, and the psychological factors that influence sexual performance.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease
• The five major causes of erectile dysfunction—and why low testosterone isn't always the answer
• How morning erections and nighttime erections can provide clues about sexual health
• The difference between Viagra and Cialis, and what these medications actually do
• What to know about testosterone replacement therapy, including its effects on fertility
• Whether supplements like L-citrulline and L-arginine can improve erectile function
• How pelvic floor health, exercise, sleep, and stress affect sexual performance
• How pornography, masturbation, and performance anxiety can influence arousal
• Why communication, intimacy, and relationship health matter for maintaining sexual wellness as we age

We also discuss emerging treatments for erectile dysfunction, the importance of identifying underlying health problems rather than simply treating symptoms, and the four pillars of sexual health Dr. Malik explores in her book, The Hard Truth.

The biggest takeaway? Sexual health isn't just about sex. It's another window into your overall health.

When we start treating sexual dysfunction as a potential signal of deeper metabolic, vascular, hormonal, or psychological issues, we create an opportunity to intervene earlier, improve quality of life, and potentially protect our long-term health.

Because longevity isn't just about adding years to your life. It's about preserving the health, connection, and vitality that make those years worth living.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://drshah.com

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast

Learn more about Dr. Rena Malik:

Webiste: https://renamalikmd.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaMalikMD

Instagram: @renamalikmd

Book: https://renamalikmd.com/hardtruth/

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Next Health: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization - from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/!

Momentous: Head to https://livemomentous.com and use my code DRSHAH at checkout for up to 35% off!

What if aging isn't just something that happens to us—but a biological process we can actually influence?

For decades, medicine has focused on treating diseases after they develop. But a growing field called geroscience is asking a much bigger question: What if we could target the underlying biology of aging itself, potentially delaying multiple age-related diseases before they begin?

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. David Barzilai, MD, PhD, MBA, longevity medicine physician, Harvard Medical School lecturer, and medical editor of Harvard's Pathways to Longevity special report, to explore the science of biological aging and what it could mean for the future of human health.

We break down the 12 hallmarks of aging, why your biological age may be different from your chronological age, and how researchers are developing new ways to measure and potentially influence how quickly we age.

From epigenetic age testing and telomeres to senescent cells, autophagy, rapamycin, and cellular reprogramming, we separate promising longevity science from the hype.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What the 12 hallmarks of aging reveal about why our bodies get older
• The difference between biological age and chronological age—and whether aging can be slowed
• How accurate biological age tests and epigenetic clocks really are
• Why VO2 max, muscle strength, sleep, and metabolic health are powerful indicators of longevity
• What telomeres reveal about cellular aging and why longer isn't always better
• How senescent "zombie cells" contribute to age-related inflammation
• What fasting, calorie restriction, and autophagy actually do inside your cells
• What the research says about rapamycin, senolytics, and emerging longevity treatments
• How cellular reprogramming and Yamanaka factors could change the future of regenerative medicine

We also discuss personalized longevity testing, the limitations of today's aging biomarkers, and emerging research exploring whether scientists could one day restore more youthful function to aging cells and tissues.

The most important takeaway? You don't have to wait for the next breakthrough to start improving how you age. Exercise, cardiovascular fitness, strength training, sleep, nutrition, and understanding your personal health risks remain some of the most powerful tools we have today.

The future of longevity medicine is incredibly exciting. But the real opportunity is combining what we already know works with the science that's still to come.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website:https://drshah.com

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast

Learn more about Dr. David Barzilai:

Website: https://www.barzilaiconsulting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agingdoc/ X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/agingdoc1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agingdoc1/

Harvard Medical School's first Special Report on longevity, Pathways to Longevity, where I served as Medical Editor: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/agingdoc_harvard-medical-school-has-just-published-ugcPost-7465326141025775616-GOnh

For further reading on longevity science and its clinical application, I'm Co-Editor of Frontiers of Longevity Science, forthcoming from Springer Nature: https://www.barzilaiconsulting.com/fols

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

IM8: Try IM8 with a 30-day money back guarantee! Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/drshah

Pendulum: Head to https://pendulumlife.com and use my code EXTEND for your first membership order!

What if the painful periods, irregular cycles, unexplained weight gain, acne, and fertility struggles so many women experience aren't something they should simply learn to live with?

Too often, women are told their symptoms are normal, their lab results look fine, or they're just stressed. But conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and endometriosis can go unrecognized for years, leaving women without answers while their symptoms continue to affect their health and quality of life.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Thais Aliabadi, her patients call her Dr. A, an OB-GYN with decades of experience in women's health, for an eye-opening conversation about two of the most commonly misunderstood conditions affecting women's hormones, metabolism, and reproductive health.

We break down the signs of PCOS and endometriosis, why these conditions are frequently overlooked, and how earlier recognition and individualized treatment can make a meaningful difference.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The warning signs of PCOS, including irregular periods, acne, facial hair, and unexplained weight changes
• Why women can have PCOS even if they're lean or don't have ovarian cysts
• How insulin resistance, testosterone, and inflammation are connected to PCOS
• Why severe menstrual cramps and chronic pelvic pain deserve further investigation for endometriosis
• How PCOS and endometriosis can affect ovulation, fertility, and ovarian health
• What AMH testing can—and cannot—tell you about ovarian reserve
• The roles of birth control, metformin, GLP-1 medications, and lifestyle changes in PCOS management
• How endometriosis is evaluated and the treatment options available, from hormonal therapies to surgery

We also explore the connection between hormone health and mental well-being, the challenges women face when seeking a diagnosis, and why listening to patients is one of the most important parts of preventative medicine.

Your symptoms deserve to be taken seriously. Whether you're struggling with painful periods, irregular cycles, infertility, or unexplained hormonal changes, this conversation will help you better understand what may be happening in your body—and what questions to bring to your healthcare provider.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://drshah.com

Clinic: https://next-health.com

Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast

Learn more about Dr. Thais Aliabadi:

Website: https://www.draliabadi.com

Instagram: @drthaisaliabadi

Thank You to Our Sponsor!

Momentous: Head to https://livemomentous.com and use my code DRSHAH at checkout for up to 35% off.

We spend so much time thinking about exercise, nutrition, and performance—but I believe recovery may be one of the most overlooked pieces of longevity.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Jason Wersland, chiropractor and founder of Therabody, whose own experience with debilitating pain after a motorcycle accident ultimately led him to invent the Theragun.

But this conversation goes far beyond muscle soreness.

Jason and I explore what recovery actually means, why it isn't just for athletes, and how the way we regulate our nervous system can influence pain, tension, sleep, performance, and how we feel every day. Whether you're training intensely, sitting at a desk for eight hours, standing all day at work, or simply dealing with chronic stress, your body still needs opportunities to recover.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why recovery should be part of your daily longevity routine—not just something you do after exercise

• How the "pain gate theory" helps explain why different forms of stimulation can temporarily change how we perceive pain

• Why sitting all day can contribute to hip, lower-back, neck, and shoulder tension

• How percussive therapy can affect pain, muscle tension, range of motion, and blood flow

• Why nervous system regulation matters for recovery and performance

• How shifting into a parasympathetic state may help you wind down before sleep

• Why HRV and heart rate can provide useful feedback about recovery

• How small "recovery snacks" throughout the day can help you take better care of your body

We also discuss massage, breathwork, movement, compression therapy, biofeedback, sleep, and practical ways to build short recovery "pit stops" into even the busiest schedule.

One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation is that recovery is not a luxury reserved for professional athletes. Your body is responding to physical, mental, and emotional stress every day. If we want to perform well—and stay healthy for decades—we have to give it opportunities to recover, too.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://drshah.com

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast

Learn more about Dr. Jason Wersland:

Website: https://therabody.com

Instagram: @drjasonwersland

Thank You to Our Sponsor:

IM8: Try IM8 with a 30 day money back guarantee. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at checkout https://im8health.com/drshah

Hormones influence far more than reproductive health. They affect your sleep, mood, metabolism, muscle, bone health, brain function, stress response, and how you age—yet hormone health is still often reduced to a handful of numbers on a standard blood test.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Pamela Smith, a physician who has spent decades practicing and teaching personalized medicine, to break down what women and men need to understand about hormone replacement therapy, healthy aging, and disease prevention.

We explore estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, thyroid hormones, insulin, and one hormone many people have never even heard of: pregnenolone. More importantly, we discuss why hormone optimization should never be one-size-fits-all.

Dr. Smith explains why two people of the same age may need completely different approaches, why testing before treatment matters, and how hormones interact with everything from gut health and methylation to toxins, blood sugar, bone health, and cancer risk.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why hormone replacement therapy should be personalized to the individual
• The roles of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, thyroid, and pregnenolone
• What women should understand about hormones and breast cancer risk
• Why hormone metabolites and methylation may matter
• How gut health and environmental toxins can influence hormone health
• Why fasting insulin can reveal metabolic dysfunction before diabetes develops
• How stress and cortisol affect blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and bone health
• Why genetic and advanced testing are changing personalized and preventative medicine

We also discuss PCOS, menopause, micronutrients, glutathione, environmental toxins, therapeutic plasma exchange, genetic cancer screening, exercise, and the emerging tools that may help us identify disease risk earlier.

The biggest takeaway from this conversation is simple: optimal health isn't about giving everyone the same protocol. It's about understanding your individual biology, measuring what matters, and intervening before dysfunction becomes disease.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://drshah.com

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast

Learn more about Dr. Pamela Smith:

Website: centerforprecisionmedicine.com

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Next Health: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization - from IV therapy and peptides to hormone balancing and TPE. Explore more at https://www.next-health.com/

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What if AI could change the way we understand, manage, and optimize our health?

In today's episode, my guest is Rajeev Kapur, a leading AI advisor, educator, speaker, and author who helps non technical leaders understand how to turn artificial intelligence into practical, actionable results.

We dive into AI in healthcare, personalized health, health optimization, and the ideas behind our co authored book, Your New Health OS. We explore how artificial intelligence could help move healthcare beyond simply treating disease and toward a more proactive approach focused on understanding the individual, connecting health information, and optimizing long term health.

In this episode, we learn:

• How AI could transform the future of healthcare • The difference between disease care and true health optimization • How AI can empower patients to better understand their own health data • How artificial intelligence can connect insights across different medical specialties • How AI could improve communication between doctors and patients • Why learning how to effectively interact and prompt AI matters • How AI may influence chronic disease management, drug discovery, and biological research • What AI could mean for personalized healthcare and medicine • How artificial intelligence could change the way we think about longevity • What the concept of longevity escape velocity could mean for the future of human health

Rajeev brings a practical perspective to one of the biggest technological shifts happening in healthcare today. Together, we explore an important idea: AI isn't simply another tool for healthcare professionals. It could fundamentally change how we understand health, make decisions, and take responsibility for our own health journeys.

Listen to this episode for a fascinating conversation about AI in healthcare, personalized medicine, health optimization, and longevity, and discover how your own "Health OS" could change the way you approach your health in the years ahead.

Pre-Order Dr. Shah and Rajeev Kapurs book, Your New Health OS, today at amazon.com/Your-New-Health-OS-Healthier

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: next-health.com

Instagram: @extend_podcast and @darshanshahmd

Learn more about Rajeev Kapur:

Website: https://rajeev.ai/

Book: AI Made Simple

Instagram: therajeevkapur

Thank You To Our Sponsor!

Next Health: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/

Momentous: Head to https://livemomentous.com and use my code DRSHAH at checkout for up to 35% Off!

What if your gut health is the missing piece behing your hormones, energy, metabolism, and how you feel every day?

Today, I sit down with Dr. Cassie Smith, a double board-certiied endocrinologist and internal medicine physician who has taken a deeper look at the connection between gut health, hormones, thryoid function, metabolism, and overall health.

We talk about why "normal" lab results don't always mean optimal health, how gut health can influence hormone metabolism, the role of stress and inflammation and why understanding your individual biology matters when it comes to feeling your best.

In this episode, we learn:

• The connection between gut health and hormones
• Why gut health matters for thyroid and metabolic health
• The differnce between "normal" and optimal hormone levels
• How stress can affect the gut, hormones, and inflammation
• What women should know about hormones during perimenopause and menopause
• The role of fiber, nutrition, and daily habits in gut health
• How stool testing and the GI Map can provide insight into the microbiome
• Simple strategies for supporting gut and hormone health

Dr. Cassie is also the author of Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Hormones, a resource designed to help people better understand the relationship between their gut, hormones and health.

Listen to this episode for an eye-opening conversation about the gut-hormone connection, women's health, and why looking beyond a single lab result may change the way you think about your health.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://drshah.com

Clinic: https://next-health.com

Instagram: @extend_podcast and @darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Cassie Smith:

Website: http://modern-endocrine.com

Instagram: @modernendocrine_

Thank You to Our Sponsor!

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What if we stopped guessing about the brain and started measuring it?

In today's episode, my guest is Sat Randhawa of One-Hype Wellness, where he and his team are focused on using brain mapping and neurotechnology to better understand how each individual brain functions.

We dive into QEEG brain mapping, neurofeedback, neuroplasticity, and brainwave analysis - and explore why there may not be a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to the brain. Sat also shares insights into how technology is being explored across areas including focus, ADHD, stress, cognitive health, athletic performance, and recovery.

In this episode, we learn:

• How QEEG brain mapping works
• What different brainwaves can tell us
• Why every brain may require a personalized approach
• How neurofeedback and neuroplasticity connect
• How brain mapping is being explored for performance and recovery
• Why measuring the brain could change how we approach brain health

Sat brings a practical, data-driven perspective from his work with One-Hype Wellness, and we focus on one important idea: we don't treat a label, we treat a brain.

Listen to this episode for a fascinating conversation about brain mapping, neurofeedback, and the future of personalized brain health-and discover what understaning your unique brain could mean for the way you think, perform, recover and live.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://drshah.com

Clinic: https://next-health.com

Instagram: @extend_podcast and @darshanshahmd

Learn more about Sat Randhawa:

Website: https://www.one-hype.com/

Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Timeline: Timeline, powered by Mitopure, just dropped in price. Check it out using the link https://shop.timeline.com/DRDARSHANSHAH for up to 20% off when you subscirbe!

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Most people know they should eat more fiber. But what we're learning about fiber, gut health, and the microbiome goes far beyond digestion.

Your gut contains trillions of microbes that depend on what you eat—and different types of fiber feed different bacteria. Those microbes can influence everything from blood sugar regulation and metabolic health to cholesterol and the way your digestive system functions. That means it's not just about getting more fiber. The diversity of the fiber you eat matters, too.

In this episode, I'm joined by Colleen Cutcliffe, PhD, microbiome scientist and co-founder and CEO of Pendulum Therapeutics, to break down what the latest science tells us about fiber and the gut microbiome.

Colleen explains the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber, why most people aren't getting enough, and how fiber and prebiotics support beneficial gut bacteria. We also explore how the microbiome changes throughout life, the role of polyphenols, and the emerging connection between specific gut bacteria and metabolic health.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why fiber is one of the most important foods for your gut microbiome

• The difference between soluble and insoluble fiber—and why you need both

• Why fiber diversity may be just as important as total fiber intake

• How the gut microbiome is connected to blood sugar and metabolic health

• How certain types of fiber can support healthy LDL cholesterol levels

• The difference between fiber, prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols

• Practical ways to increase the amount and diversity of fiber in your diet

We also discuss why getting enough fiber can be harder than it sounds, how gut health needs can differ between children and adults, and where targeted microbiome products like Pendulum's Gut Fuel may fit alongside a fiber-rich diet.

The microbiome is changing the way we think about nutrition. And one of the simplest places to start supporting it may already be sitting on your plate: eat more plants, eat more types of fiber, and feed the microbes you want to thrive.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://drshah.com

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast

Learn more about Colleen Cutcliffe:

Website: https://pendulumlife.com

Instagram: @drcolleencutcliffe

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

Pendulum: You can go to https://penulumlife.com and use my code EXTEND for your first membership order.

What if the biggest mistake you're making with your health isn't what you're eating - but the way you're thinking about nutrition in the first place?

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Joey Munoz, a PhD in Nutrition Science and an evidence-based nutrition and fitness educator. We have a fascinating conversation about why so many traditional approaches to dieting fail, what actually makes a healthy diet sustainablem, and how we can thing about nutrition in a way that supports long-term health rather than short-term results.

Dr. Joey also shares his own experience with body image and dieting, and how that journey ultimately led him to pursue advanced degrees in nutrition science and take a more evidence-based approach to health and fitness.

We get into some of the biggest questions I hear all the time: How much protein do we really need? Does meal timing matter? What role do fiber and whole foods play? Should we be worried about carbohydrates, dietary fat, or ultra-processed foods? And what actually helps us build muscle, manage hunger, and improve metabolic health?

In this episode, we learn:

• Why traditional dieting often leads to cycles of restriction and weight regain-and what to do instead
• How protein, fiber, whole foods, and muscle mass influence body composition and overall health
• What the research really tells us about carbohydrates, dietart fat, and ultra-processed foods
• Whether meal timing, resistant starch, and the gut microbiome deserve a place in your nutrition strategy
• Which nutrition habits and supplements are actually worth paying attention to-and which may be overhyped
• How to build a sustainable approach to nutrition without obsessing over having the "perfect" diet.

There's a lot of nutrition advice out there, but understanding the science can help you separate what actually matters from what's simply trending.

Listen in to learn how to stop chasing the perfect diet and start building a healthier, more sustainable approach to nutrition that can serve you for the long term.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://drshah.com

Clinic: https://next-health.com

Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast

Learn more about Dr. Joey Munoz:

Website: https://strongstandard.com/

Instagram: @dr.joeymunoz

Thank You to Our Sponsor:

Momentous: Head to https://livemomentous.com and use code DRSHAH for up to 35% off your first order!

What if the fatigue, brain fog, low energy, and other symptoms we associate with getting older actually begin much deeper—at the level of our cells?

I've followed Dr. Will Cole's work for years, and his approach to gut health and functional medicine played an important role in my own health journey. Now he's taking that conversation one step further with his new book, Heal Your Cells, exploring what's happening inside our cells as we age—and what we can do to support them.

In this conversation, we break down the emerging science of cellular health and longevity, including why different organs may age at different rates, how mitochondrial dysfunction affects energy, and the everyday factors that can accelerate cellular aging.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why cellular health may be the next frontier of longevity
• How your biological and organ age can differ from your chronological age
• How toxins and nutrient deficiencies can affect cellular function
• Why mitochondrial health is critical for energy, metabolism, and healthy aging
• How food, polyphenols, movement, and other lifestyle factors support your cells
• What peptides are and why they're becoming a major part of the longevity conversation
• What to know about emerging regenerative therapies like stem cells
• Why emotional health, stress, relationships, and spirituality also belong in the longevity conversation

We also discuss oxidative stress, cellular signaling, food sensitivities, environmental exposures, and the growing number of tools designed to measure and influence how we age.

The biggest takeaway is that improving cellular health doesn't require doing everything at once. Start with one change. Support the foundations. Then build from there.

Because when we talk about longevity, we're ultimately talking about the health of the trillions of cells that make up who we are.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://drshah.com

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast

Learn more about Dr. Will Cole:

Website: https://drwillcole.com/

Book - Heal Your Cells - Available now at penguinrandomhouse.com

Instagram: @drwillcole

Thank You To Our Sponsor!

Momentous: Head to https://livemomentous.com and use my code DRSHAH at checkout for up to 35% Off!

What if medicine could do more than manage disease—and actually help the body repair itself?

Regenerative medicine is moving quickly, but the world of stem cells, PRP, exosomes, and cellular therapies can be incredibly confusing. In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Wiggers to separate what we can do today from what may be coming next.

We start with the basics: what stem cells actually are, how PRP and orthobiologics work, and the difference between using your own cells versus donor-derived products. Then we go deeper into one of the most fascinating areas of regenerative medicine: MUSE cells, a unique population of stress-enduring stem cells being studied for their ability to respond to injury and support tissue repair.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How stem cells, PRP, exosomes, and other regenerative therapies differ

• What MUSE cells are and why researchers are so interested in them

• How stem cells may respond to signals from injured tissue

• Why the age and source of biological material can matter

• What Yamanaka factors taught us about cellular reprogramming and rejuvenation

• Where regenerative medicine is being studied for joint, cardiovascular, and other applications

• The safety concerns and quality-control issues everyone should understand before considering stem cell therapy

We also explore why regenerative therapies have faced regulatory hurdles, the difference between exciting laboratory research and treatments available today, and why safety, manufacturing, and proper handling are critical as this field evolves.

Stem cells aren't magic—and many potential applications are still being researched. But our growing ability to understand and influence the body's own repair systems could fundamentally change how we approach injury, aging, and disease in the years ahead.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://drshah.com

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast

Learn more about Dr. Jeffrey Wiegers:

Website: https://musecellinnovations.com/

Instagram: @jeffwiegers

Thank You To Our Sponsor!

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/DRSHAH

What if your eyesight is 20/20—but your vision still isn't working the way it should?

Dr. Bryce Appelbaum specializes in functional vision and the connection between the eyes and the brain. In this conversation, he explains why seeing clearly is only one piece of vision—and how the brain's ability to process what we see can influence reading, focus, coordination, balance, motion sickness, athletic performance, and everyday life.

We also explore what hours of daily screen time may be doing to our visual system. Our eyes and brains weren't designed to spend all day focused on a screen inches from our faces, and Dr. Appelbaum explains how sustained near work can contribute to eye strain, headaches, fatigue, and visual stress—especially in children.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The difference between eyesight and vision—and why 20/20 vision doesn't tell the whole story

• How screen time may be affecting the eye-brain connection in both children and adults

• Why reading difficulties, poor focus, clumsiness, and motion sickness can sometimes have a visual component

• The connection between functional vision problems and symptoms associated with ADHD and dyslexia

• How concussions and traumatic brain injuries can disrupt visual function

• Why vision, balance, spatial awareness, and healthy aging are closely connected

• Three simple vision exercises Dr. Appelbaum recommends for training focus, peripheral awareness, and eye movement

We also discuss the 20-20-20 rule, functional vision evaluations, vision therapy and training, reading glasses, neuroplasticity, and practical ways to give your eyes a break in an increasingly screen-dominated world.

If you spend hours every day staring at a phone or computer—or have a child growing up surrounded by screens—this conversation may completely change the way you think about protecting and training your vision.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://drshah.com

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: @extend_podcast and @darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Bryce Appelbaum:

Website: https://myvisionfirst.com/

Instagram: @drbryceappelbaum

Thank you to our sponsors!

Next Health Longevity Summit: Head to https://www.next-health.com/summit to get tickets to our first ever Next Health Longevity Summit happening September 12th at the Conrad Hotel Nashville!

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What happens when optimizing your health starts taking over your life?

Ben Greenfield has spent decades at the forefront of biohacking, fitness, human performance, and longevity—testing the technologies, tracking the biomarkers, competing at an elite level, and pushing his body to its limits. But after years of relentless self-optimization, he realized something important: living longer means very little if the pursuit of longevity takes you away from the people and experiences you're trying to live longer for.

In this conversation, Ben opens up about the side of biohacking we don't talk about enough. He shares how his obsession with performance and optimization affected his marriage, his relationship with his children, and his own sense of fulfillment—and the moment he realized his priorities had to change.

We explore how to find the line between taking care of your health and becoming consumed by it, why relationships and community may be among the most powerful longevity tools we have, and how Ben has radically simplified his approach to fitness while remaining exceptionally strong and healthy.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• When biohacking and self-optimization can go too far
• Why Ben nearly lost his marriage—and the wake-up call that changed his priorities
• Why relationships, family, community, and purpose belong in the longevity conversation
• How to know when you're "healthy enough" instead of endlessly chasing better biomarkers
• Ben's current approach to strength, mobility, VO2 max, power, mitochondrial health, and cardiovascular fitness
• How he now stays fit with roughly an hour a day instead of allowing optimization to consume his life

We also discuss body composition, wearables, sauna and cold exposure, healthy aging, family legacy, grief, and what losing his father taught Ben about our obsession with trying to outrun aging.

The goal of longevity isn't to spend your entire life trying not to die. It's to build a body that allows you to fully participate in the life, relationships, and experiences that make those extra years worth having.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://drshah.com

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast

Learn more about Ben Greenfield:

Website: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/

Instagram: @bengreenfieldfitness

Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Next Health Longevity Summit: Join us on September 12th at the Conrad Nashville for the FIRST Next Health Longevity Summit. Head to https://www.next-health.com/summit to purchase tickets, for my listeners only, I would love to offer you a discount code! Use code EXTEND25 at checkout and get a Summit Access Pass for $25! See you there!

Momentous: Head to https://livemomentous.com and use my code DRSHAH at checkout for up to %35 off at checkout!

What if the fatigue, brain fog, inflammation, or unexplained symptoms you're experiencing aren't starting inside your body—but in the environment around you?

Dr. Jill Carnahan knows this story from both sides of the exam room. At just 25, while still in medical school, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Months after aggressive chemotherapy, she was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Her search for answers ultimately transformed the way she practiced medicine and led her deep into the connections between gut health, environmental toxins, mold exposure, and chronic illness.

In this conversation, we unpack the hidden environmental exposures that may be affecting your health and Dr. Carnahan's "toxic bucket" theory for understanding why the same exposure can affect two people very differently.

We go deep on mold toxicity and mycotoxins: where mold can hide in your home, symptoms that may warrant a closer look, why a single mold test doesn't tell the whole story, and what a more comprehensive evaluation can involve. We also discuss why detoxification needs to be approached carefully—and why doing too much too quickly can sometimes make you feel worse.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Dr. Carnahan's breast cancer and Crohn's diagnoses changed her approach to medicine

• The "toxic bucket" theory and why environmental exposures affect everyone differently

• Hidden sources of toxins in your home and why indoor air quality matters

• Signs of potential mold exposure and how mold can be evaluated

• Why one person can become sick from mold while others in the same home feel fine

• How reducing exposure and supporting the body's elimination pathways fit into mold recovery

We also explore air filtration, water damage, mycotoxins, glutathione, binders, sauna, phosphatidylcholine, and advanced approaches being explored in functional medicine.

If you've been dealing with unexplained symptoms—or wondering whether your environment could be playing a role—this episode will help you understand what to look for and where to start.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: @extend_podcast and @darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Jill Carnahan:

Website: https://www.jillcarnahan.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/jillcarnahanmd

Instagram: @drjillcarnahan

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Next Health Longevity Summit: Join us at Next Health Nashville Summit https://www.next-health.com/summit for a one day event of incredible speakers, activations and a wellness community like no other!

Pendulum: You can go to https://pendulumlife.com and use my code EXTEND for 20% off your first order.

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/DRSHAH

Walk into any supplement aisle—or scroll through social media—and you'll find thousands of products promising better energy, performance, brain health, and longevity. But which supplements actually work? And how do you know what's really inside them?

My guest is Jeff Byers, a former NFL athlete and the co-founder of Momentous, a performance nutrition company built around rigorous standards for supplement quality, sourcing, testing, and efficacy.

His path into health and performance started long before Momentous. As a freshman football player at USC, a devastating hip injury led to two major surgeries and the possibility that he might never play again. That experience forced him to rethink his identity beyond football, eventually earning his MBA before going on to play in the NFL—and later channeling that same resilience into entrepreneurship and human performance.

In this conversation, we clear up the confusion around supplements and get practical about what actually matters.

We break down four foundational areas—creatine, protein, omega-3s, and fiber—and why consistency, proper dosing, sourcing, and product quality can matter just as much as the supplement itself. We also discuss when supplements like vitamin D, magnesium, iron, and B vitamins should be guided by bloodwork rather than guesswork.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The four foundational supplements we believe can have the biggest impact

• How to choose a high-quality supplement—and what NSF and USP certifications actually mean

• Why creatine goes far beyond building muscle, including its emerging role in brain health and cognition

• How much EPA and DHA to look for in an omega-3—and why "fish oil" doesn't necessarily mean you're getting enough

• Why fiber is critical for gut, metabolic, and cardiovascular health

• How bloodwork can help determine whether you actually need vitamin D, magnesium, iron, B vitamins, or other targeted supplements

We also explore why more isn't always better. Taking dozens of supplements you don't need isn't the goal. The goal is to master the fundamentals, identify your individual deficiencies, choose products you can trust, and build a routine you can actually stick with.

If you've ever looked at your supplement cabinet and wondered, Do I actually need all of this?—this episode will help you cut through the noise.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://drshah.com

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast

Learn more about Jeff Byers:

Website: https://www.livemomentous.com/

Instagram: @live.momentous

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ to discover more about Creatine, Fiber, Omega-3 and Protein, use DRSHAH at checkout for up to 35% off!

Next Health Longevity Summit: Visit https://www.next-health.com/summit to get tickets to our first ever Next Health Longevity Summit! You will have the opportunity to hear from Dr. Shah, Dr. Jeremy London, Dr. Vonda Wright, Dr. Louisa Nicola, Dr. Will Cole and more. You will also be able to taste products from Momentous and experience the top brands in longevity!

What if the reason you're still sick isn't because there's no answer—but because no one has looked deeply enough for the root cause?

My guest, Dr. Mark Hyman, is one of the world's leading voices in functional medicine, a bestselling author, physician, and founder of The UltraWellness Center. After navigating serious health challenges himself, he built his career around a different approach to chronic illness: stop simply naming the disease and start asking why it happened in the first place.

We break down what functional medicine actually is—and why people struggling with mold illness, Lyme disease, MCAS, autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, brain fog, and unexplained inflammation can spend years moving from specialist to specialist without getting to the underlying problem.

We also discuss the new partnership between The UltraWellness Center and Next Health. The UltraWellness Center specializes in deep functional-medicine evaluation for complex chronic conditions, while Next Health provides physician-led longevity care, advanced diagnostics and access to therapies that may be recommended as part of a personalized treatment plan. Together, we are joining forces with a goal to bridge the gap between identifying the root cause and accessing the therapies needed to address it.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why getting a diagnosis is often only the beginning of understanding chronic illness

• How functional medicine searches for root causes instead of treating symptoms in isolation

• What mold, Lyme disease, MCAS, toxins, gut dysfunction, and inflammation can have in common

• How advanced testing can uncover toxins, infections, nutritional deficiencies, microbiome dysfunction, and other factors standard labs may miss

• How therapies including hyperbaric oxygen, ozone, phosphatidylcholine protocols, IV therapies, and plasma exchange are being used in complex cases

• Why understanding what's happening "under the hood" can help us take a more proactive approach to our health

One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation is that a diagnosis shouldn't be the end of the investigation—it should be the beginning.

The future of medicine isn't just about treating disease once it appears. It's about better diagnostics, deeper personalization, understanding the interconnected systems of the body, and giving people the tools to address dysfunction at its source.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast

Learn more about Dr. Mark Hyman:

Website: https://drhyman.com/

Clinic: https://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com/

Instagram: @drmarkhyman and @ultrawellnesscenter

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Function Health: Learn more and join at https://www.functionhealth.com/drshah! Use my code DRSHAH25 at checkout for $25 credit towards your membership!