Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

• 45. The 10 Biggest Killers in the U.S.—And the Science of Stopping Them

  We often hear about the latest treatments for chronic disease, but what if you could prevent these conditions before they even begin? The truth is, most of the top 10 causes of death are entirely preventable, yet our healthcare system focuses on treating disease rather than stopping it in its tracks. In today’s episode of Extend, I’m breaking down the science of preventative medicine, and how you can take control of your health before disease takes control of you. Most chronic diseases don’t happen overnight; they develop over years of silent damage. But by understanding early warning signs and risk factors, you can intervene before these conditions ever take hold. We’ll explore how cardiovascular disease is the common denominator behind multiple causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. You’ll learn why metabolic dysfunction plays a hidden role in everything from diabetes to Alzheimer’s. Plus, we’ll discuss why early cancer detection is the #1 factor in survival rates, and how improving your immune health can make all the difference. And beyond chronic disease, I’ll dive into something most doctors never talk about… accidental injuries. Falls, car accidents, and drug overdoses are responsible for thousands of preventable deaths each year, but small lifestyle adjustments can dramatically reduce your risk. If you’re serious about living longer and better, this episode is a must-listen. Prevention is the key to longevity, let’s dive in! I also discuss: Preventative Medicine The 10 Leading Causes of Death and Why They’re Preventable The Role of Cardiovascular Health in Chronic Disease Early Cancer Detection: The Key to Survival Preventing Accidents & Chronic Diseases   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

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• 44. Dr. Valter Longo: Fasting Myths Busted: What Science REALLY Says About It!

  Fasting has been praised as a powerful tool for weight loss, metabolic health, and longevity, but is it always beneficial? The truth is, fasting can either optimize your biology or work against you, depending on how, when, and for how long you do it. Research now suggests that skipping breakfast, a common intermittent fasting practice, is linked to higher cardiovascular risk and increased mortality. At the same time, strategic fasting has been shown to trigger cellular regeneration, reduce inflammation, and even reverse certain disease markers. So, how do you get it right? In this episode, we break down the biggest mistakes people make with fasting, the science of fasting-induced repair mechanisms, and the critical role of refeeding in longevity. We also dive into the controversy around high-protein diets, how different macronutrients impact aging, and why a personalized approach to nutrition is essential for long-term health. To guide us through the latest research, I’m joined by Dr. Valter Longo, a globally recognized expert on longevity and nutrition. As a professor at USC and director of the Longevity Institute, his groundbreaking work on fasting and aging has reshaped how we understand diet and disease prevention. His research led to the development of the Fasting-Mimicking Diet, a clinically tested approach designed to harness the benefits of fasting while maintaining proper nourishment. Let’s get into it. We Also Discuss: 01:41 - 03:33 – The Biggest Mistakes People Make with Fasting 07:32 - 08:44 – Personalizing Your Diet for Longevity 18:26 - 20:30 – How Processed Foods & Starches Impact Your Metabolism 25:51 - 26:36 – The Hidden Dangers of Excess Protein 31:54 - 33:47 – The Right Way to Think About Fats 40:22 - 41:49 – How Fasting Triggers Self-Repair Mechanisms 46:39 - 48:32 – Fasting vs. GLP-1 Drugs—What’s Better for Metabolic Health? 47:33 - 01:38 – Can Fasting Reverse Biological Age?   Thank You to Our Sponsors:   TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/ IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/ Nexthealth: NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/ Vitaboom: Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/ 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. Valter Longo   Website: https://valterlongo.com/welcome/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prof_valterlongo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@profvalterlongo/

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• 43. Tracy Gapin, MD: Why Men Today Have HALF the Testosterone of Their Fathers

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

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• 42. Colleen Cutcliffe: Why Your Gut Holds the Key to Metabolic Health (And How to Fix It)

  Have you ever wondered why gut health is at the root of everything, from metabolism and cravings to immunity and even mental clarity? Why do some people struggle with weight gain, energy crashes, and digestive issues despite eating well? And could the rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic be a sign that we’ve been ignoring a natural solution all along? In today’s episode of Extend, I’m joined by Colleen Cutcliffe, a microbiome scientist and co-founder of Pendulum, a company leading the way in gut health research. She’s here to break down why your microbiome isn’t just about digestion, it plays a critical role in weight regulation, blood sugar balance, and even hormone production. We’ll explore how your gut bacteria influence GLP-1, the hormone behind popular weight loss drugs, and why restoring your microbiome may be the key to naturally optimizing metabolism, reducing cravings, and improving long-term health. If you’ve ever dealt with stubborn weight, gut issues, or unexplained fatigue, this episode will give you science-backed strategies to rebuild your gut health, support natural GLP-1 production, and take control of your metabolism, without relying on injections. Colleen Cutcliffe, PhD, is a biochemist and microbiome researcher with over 20 years of experience in biotechnology and life sciences. She is the CEO and co-founder of Pendulum, a company pioneering next-generation probiotics to optimize metabolic and gut health. We Also Discuss: (00:00) What Is the Microbiome & Why It Matters (14:40) How Your Skin & Oral Microbiome Affect Overall Health (33:48) The Gut-GLP-1 Connection: How Your Microbiome Regulates Metabolism (44:24) How Menopause Transforms Your Gut Microbiome (51:05) The Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Microbiome Produces Neurotransmitters (58:02) How an Unhealthy Microbiome Leads to Disease (01:03:51) How to Improve Your Gut Health With Diet & Testing (01:14:32) The Future of Microbiome Science: Supplements & Targeted Probiotics   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Colleen Cutcliffe:   Website: https://pendulumlife.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendulumlifeco/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcolleencutcliffe/   Thank You to Our Sponsors: TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/ IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/ Nexthealth: NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/ Vitaboom: Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/

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• 41. Ella Davar: The Nutrition Lies That Are Keeping You Sick (Do This Instead)

  What if everything you’ve been told about nutrition is only half the story? It’s not just about avoiding carbs, counting macros, or following the latest health trend—it’s about how food impacts your metabolism, gut, and long-term health on a deeper level. The problem? Most people are stuck in a cycle of restrictive diets, misinformation, and ultra-processed foods that silently sabotage their well-being. In this episode, I sit down with registered dietitian and longevity expert Ella Davar to break down the science of personalized nutrition. We’ll explore why gut health is the foundation of everything from digestion to mental clarity, how glucose monitoring can help you optimize your diet, and why ultra-processed foods are doing more damage than you realize. Ella shares her journey from Wall Street to wellness and reveals how a bio-individual, data-driven approach to food can help you feel better, think clearer, and age stronger. Ella Davar is a registered dietitian, gut health expert, and longevity advocate specializing in personalized nutrition. She is also the author of The Guide to a Euterian Diet and the founder of The Gut-Brain Method, a program designed to help people harness the power of food to improve cognitive function, energy levels, and longevity. If you’re ready to improve your energy, digestion, and overall health, this episode is for you. Let’s get started. We Also Discuss: (00:38) The Problem with Modern Dieting & Why Most People Struggle (04:18) Why Food Is Medicine & How It Transforms Your Health (09:48) Gut Health 101: The Key to Energy, Mood & Metabolism (16:27) How to Use CGM & Stool Testing for Personalized Nutrition (22:13) The Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods & Their Impact on Health (29:02) Bio-Individuality: Why There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Diet   Thank You To Our Sponsors:  Deliverance: Give your liver the care it deserves! Deliverance is a powerful plant-based formula designed to support and restore liver health. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at loveyourliver.com Timeline: Upgrade your energy from within! Timeline helps power up your cells, supporting muscle strength, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Stay active, sharp, and strong at any age! Claim 10% off your first order now at timeline.com/DrShah   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 Ella Davar: Website: https://www.gutbrainmethod.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ella.davar/   

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