Why can't you open that jar anymore? Why does getting up from a chair feel harder than it used to? In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Amy Shah to explore the strength crisis happening to women in perimenopause. 

We dive into the simple tests that reveal where you're losing ground—and why most women are shocked by their results. We also share the exercise formula that actually works for perimenopausal women, honing in on the key fact that it has to be movement you enjoy, because sustainability beats intensity every time.

Dr. Amy Shah is a double board-certified physician specializing in allergy/immunology and internal medicine, and author of I'm So Effing Tired. She's a leading voice in women's health, focusing on the intersection of hormones, gut health, and metabolism.

We Also Discuss:

• The Grip Strength Test That Predicts Your Longevity (Most Women Fail)

• The Sit-to-Stand Test: Your Lower Body Strength Report Card

• Exercise Snacks: Why 10 Squats Every Hour Beats a 30-Minute Walk

• The Weighted Vest Mistake That's Wasting Your Time

• Why Jumping on a Trampoline Builds Stronger Bones Than Running

• Intermittent Fasting for Women: Why Daily Fasting Backfires

Thank You To 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. Amy Shah:

Website:https://amymdwellness.com/ 

Book: I’m So Effing TiredX: https://x.com/amyshahmd

What if I told you there's an organ in your body with more cells than the Milky Way has stars—and most doctors barely think about it? In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Zain Kassam, a gastroenterologist turned microbiome researcher who's pioneering how we understand the trillions of organisms living in and on us. 

We dive into why your gut bacteria aren't just bystanders—they're actively producing molecules that affect your mood, metabolism, immune system, and even longevity. We also explore the gut-brain connection, why not all probiotics are created equal, and how the microbiome influences everything from depression to skin health. 

Dr. Zain Kassam is a gastroenterologist, microbiome researcher, and Chief Medical Officer at Seed Health. He trained at McMaster University, Harvard, and MIT, where he pioneered clinical applications of microbiome science. He's led groundbreaking research on fecal transplants and develops evidence-based probiotic therapies.

We Also Discuss:

• The Microbiome Revolution: From Forgotten to Life-Saving

• Why Your Gut Has More Cells Than the Milky Way Has Stars

• How Gut Bacteria Control Your Brain and Mood

• The Butyrate Connection: Your Microbiome's Master Molecule

• Why Most Probiotics Are Marketing Hype (And How to Choose Better)

• The 4D Framework: Diversity, Delivery, Do-Gooders, and Data

• Microbiome Testing: Crystal Ball or Expensive Guesswork?

• From C. Diff to Cancer: When Gut Health Becomes Life or Death

• The GLP-1 Secret: How Your Gut Makes Its Own Ozempic

• Post-Antibiotic Recovery: Rebuilding After the Nuclear Bomb

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

Pendulum: Use code DARSHAN or use the link https://pendulumlife.com/discount/DARSHAN to get 20% off  

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. Zain Kassam:

X: https://x.com/DrZainSays/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seed/

Get 25% off DS-01 with code EXTEND25 at Seed.com

Oxidative stress. Toxin overload. Immune dysfunction. These aren't separate problems—they're all symptoms of your body working overtime on one exhausting job.

In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Nayan Patel, a pharmacist who's dedicated his career to understanding glutathione—the molecule your body produces more than any other. 

We break down the three proven ways glutathione protects you, why IV and oral supplements have been failing for decades, and the gene mutations that leave 20% of people unable to benefit from traditional glutathione therapy. Most importantly, we discuss the stable glutathione breakthrough that's helping doctors reverse decades of brain fog in minutes.

Nayan Patel, Pharm.D, is a pioneering pharmacist and researcher who discovered the first stable form of glutathione in 2007. His 25-year journey to unlock this master antioxidant has led to revolutionary insights about aging, detoxification, and immune function.

We Also Discuss:

• Why Your Body's #1 Job Is Slowly Killing You (And How to Take It Over)

• The 100+ Daily Toxins Your Liver Must Process (You Can't Avoid Them)

• Glutathione's Triple Threat: Antioxidant, Detox, and Immune Power

• Why IV Glutathione Fails: The Shocking Truth About What Really Happens

• The Gene Factor: 20% of People Can't Use Traditional Glutathione (Are You One?)

• From Brain Fog to Clarity: Why Some See Results in 5 Minutes

Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Timeline: Upgrade your energy from within! MitoPure by 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 

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 Nayan Patel, Pharm.D:

Website:https://aurowellness.com/ Instagram: @aurowellness

Book: https://aurowellness.com/glutathione-revolution/ 

Low energy, brain fog, and poor recovery aren’t just part of getting older—they’re often signs that your cells are underperforming. And one major reason? They’re starved for oxygen.

In this episode of Extend, I talk with Dr. Scott Sherr, a hyperbaric medicine specialist who helps patients and doctors worldwide use oxygen therapy to restore cellular health. We get into what hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) actually does—not just more oxygen, but how it shifts gene expression, activates stem cells, and supports mitochondrial repair.

We also discuss who shouldn’t jump into HBOT too soon, and why testing antioxidant capacity and metabolic function is essential before starting. This isn’t a quick fix—it’s a targeted tool that works when your system is ready.

If you’re dealing with lingering symptoms or want to stay sharp and resilient long-term, this episode gives you a clear understanding of how HBOT fits into a true healthspan strategy.

Dr. Scott Sherr is a board-certified internist and global expert in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, with over 20 years of clinical experience. He helps patients and physicians use HBOT to improve recovery, brain health, and long-term cellular function.

We Also Discuss:

• The Real Goal: Longevity and Feeling Amazing

• Why Most Longevity Advice Misses the Mark

• Oxygen as Medicine? Inside Hyperbaric Therapy

• What Actually Happens in a Hyperbaric Chamber

• Can Oxygen Reverse Inflammation and Fatigue?

• Using Hyperbaric for Energy, Focus, and Recovery

Thank You to Our Sponsor:

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. Scott Sherr:

Website: https://www.hyperbaricmedicalsolutions.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drscottsherr/

Fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, blood pressure that won’t budge, these aren’t isolated symptoms. They’re your cells signaling that something’s off.

In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Bill Rawls, a board-certified OB/GYN who now focuses entirely on cellular health. We explore why most chronic illness isn’t about your diagnosis, it’s about what’s happening inside your cells.

We share the five things every cell needs to function, and what happens when they don’t get them. We also dig into stealth infections like Lyme and Epstein-Barr, and how they stay dormant for years until your body breaks down.

Most importantly, we talk solutions: why herbs work when antibiotics don’t, how to support your immune system without overstimulating it, and what real healing looks like.

Dr. Bill Rawls is a board-certified physician and author of The Cellular Wellness Solution. His personal health crisis with chronic Lyme led him to develop Restore180, a protocol that’s helped thousands recover from chronic illness by restoring cellular function.

We Also Discuss:

• Why Chronic Illness Keeps Coming Back (And What We’re Getting Wrong)

• The 5 Things Every Cell Needs to Heal (You’re Missing at Least One)

• Lyme, EBV, Mold: How Hidden Infections Hijack Your Cells

• Sick Cells, Silent Symptoms: The Real Root of Chronic Disease

• Herbs vs. Antibiotics: Why One Heals and the Other Harms

Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Timeline: Upgrade your energy from within! MitoPure by 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 Dr. Bill Rawls:

Website: https://rawlsmd.com/ Program: restore180.comInstagram: @rawlsmd

Your doctor says your health problems are genetic, so you're destined for the same fate. But what if that's completely wrong?

In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by Professor Tim Spector, one of the world's leading microbiome researchers, to reveal the truth: your gut bacteria have more control over your health than your genes do.

We explore Tim's 30-year twin study that turned modern medicine upside down, the devastating effects of antibiotics on your internal ecosystem, and why ultra-processed foods are as dangerous as cigarettes. We also dive into why 95% of Americans are dangerously fiber-deficient, and how fermented foods can reduce inflammation like natural steroids.

Professor Tim Spector is a genetic epidemiologist at King's College London, co-founder of Zoe, and author of multiple bestselling books on the microbiome. His research on 16,000 twins has revolutionized our understanding of how gut health trumps genetics in determining health outcomes.

We Also Discuss:

(02:18) 30 Years of Twin Research: The Study That Changed Everything 

(08:35) The Antibiotic Crisis: Why Your Childhood Meds Are Still Hurting You 

(11:31) C. Diff and the First Clue About Good vs. Bad Bacteria 

(22:40) Why Your Gut Microbiome Matters More Than Your Genetics 

(30:30) The Hidden Connection Between Gut Health and Autoimmune Disease 

(35:39) Ultra-Processed Foods: The Modern Cigarette Industry 

(43:51) Why 95% of Americans Are Fiber-Deficient (And Obsessed with Protein) 

(58:58) The 30 Plants Challenge: Diversity Over Restriction 

(01:05:22) Sourdough Secrets: Real vs. Fake (Most Is Fake) 

(01:13:46) Inside the Zoe Kit: Personalized Nutrition Based on Your Biology 

(01:19:53) GLP-1 Drugs: The Perfect Window for Gut Health Reset 

(01:27:36) Prebiotics vs. Probiotics vs. Postbiotics: What Actually Works 

(01:41:29) The Food for Life Cookbook: 100 Recipes for Your Microbiome

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/

IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/IM8: 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 Professor Tim Spector:

Instagram: @tim.spector

Website: https://zoe.com/en-us 

Pre-Order Ferment

What if the real reason you’re gaining weight, feeling wired, or struggling to nourish your family isn’t about willpower—but the culture you live in?

On this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Shawn Stevenson—nutritionist, bestselling author, and host of The Model Health Show—to explore how our food environment, not personal discipline, is fueling the chronic disease crisis. If you’re raising kids, trying to eat better, or just feel overwhelmed by ultra-processed foods, this conversation cuts through the noise.

We unpack the science behind shared meals, how family dinner regulates your stress hormones, why many “healthy” foods aren’t, and what it takes to create a home culture that supports real health.

Shawn Stevenson is a bestselling author, nutritionist, and the creator of The Model Health Show, which has ranked as the #1 health podcast in the U.S. He’s the author of Eat Smarter and The Eat Smarter Family Cookbook, blending nutrition science with practical strategies for home-cooked meals that heal.

We Also Discuss:

• This Isn’t About Food. It’s About Culture.

• One Meal That Lowers Disease Risk?

• Why You’re Craving What You Crave

• How Ultra-Processed Foods Hijack Your Brain

• Seed Oils, Satiety & the $1 Lie

• “Healthy” Labels Are Lying to You

• Calories Aren’t the Problem. This Is.

• The Longevity Hack No One Talks About: Dinner Together

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/Nexthealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

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

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Shawn Stevenson:

Website: themodelhealthshow.com

Instagram: @shawnmodel

Back pain is one of the most common health issues—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Dr. Grant Elliott, a physical therapist and founder of RehabFix, to unpack the real reasons people stay stuck in chronic pain and what it actually takes to recover.

We break down why most diagnoses like sciatica or disc herniation are misleading, why MRIs often make things worse, and how the brain and body respond to fear-based treatment approaches. Dr. Elliott shares the daily habits and mindset shifts that move the needle most, plus how to bulletproof your spine with simple strength and mobility practices.

We also dive into the problem with gabapentin and pain meds, how to get back to exercise safely, and what most people miss when trying to heal holistically.

Dr. Grant Elliott is a physical therapist, creator of RehabFix, and expert in conservative, movement-based solutions for back pain. He’s helped thousands avoid surgery and reclaim their mobility through education, strength, and smarter recovery protocols.

We also discuss:

• Your MRI says “herniated disc”—but you feel fine?

• How MRIs can make back pain worse

• Why movement is medicine for your spine

• 97% of disc herniations heal on their own

• The nervous system: the hidden driver of pain

• Weird symptoms? Your spine might be the reason (even ED)

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Timeline: Upgrade your energy from within! MitoPure by Timeline helps power up your cells, supporting muscle strength, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Stay active, sharp, and strong at any age! 

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

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. Grant Elliott:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rehabfix/

• Website: https://www.therehabfix.com/

• Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/grant.elliott.39?_rdc=1&_rdr#

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEIuFir2D63x9a1FWWEGqZw

You’re bloated. Tired. Anxious. Maybe even burnt out. You’ve tried the diets, the supplements, the meditation apps… But you’re still not healing. Why?

In this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Elissa Goodman, a holistic health expert and cancer survivor, to explore the deep connection between gut health, inflammation, and overall well-being.

We dive deep into the science behind food resets, the importance of eliminating inflammatory foods, and the role of personalized blood work in identifying hidden health imbalances. And also discuss practical strategies for improving digestion, boosting energy, and supporting long-term health through a balanced diet and stress management.

By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with actionable insights to help your body reset, reduce inflammation, and improve both your mental and physical health, starting with your gut.

Elissa Goodman is a holistic nutritionist specializing in gut health, personalized food resets, and functional nutrition. After overcoming cancer, she combines conventional and alternative therapies to restore health and reduce inflammation.

We Also Discuss:

(00:02) What Sparked a Lifelong Mission to Heal?

(03:56) Wellness Trends: Game-Changers or Gimmicks?

(14:36) Only Eating 3 Veggies? Here’s Why That’s a Problem

(18:35) Struggling with Bloating? This Might Be Your Missing Link

(25:20) Detox Myths Busted—Here’s What Actually Works

(31:55) The Healing Strategy You’re Probably Overlooking

(43:30) The Real Reason You’re Tired (It’s Not Just Sleep)

(51:17) Mindset Over Medicine? A Radical Healing Shift

(01:14:05) The Supplements Elissa Actually Recommends

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/IFit:If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

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

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Elissa Goodman:

Website: https://www.elissagoodman.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elissagoodman

What if your bloating, fatigue, or fertility struggles aren’t separate issues, but signs of a deeper imbalance no one’s connected yet? In this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Dr. Robin Berzin, founder of Parsley Health, and we dig into how functional medicine uncovers the why behind your symptoms and why conventional care keeps missing it.

We talk about the most overlooked root causes of chronic illness, the truth about blood sugar and hormones, and why fertility issues are often metabolic in disguise. You’ll also learn how functional medicine works in real life, how to find the right provider, and why Dr. Berzin created her “brains, bones, and booty” framework for aging well—especially for women.

Dr. Robin Berzin is a Columbia-trained MD, pioneer in reimagining primary care and author of State Change. She’s helped thousands of patients get off the prescription treadmill and finally feel like themselves again.

We Also Discuss:

• The wake-up call that changed everything

• Why most functional medicine was failing

• How functional care actually works

• The blood sugar-hormone connection no one talks about

• Brains, bones, and booty: the new longevity framework for women

• The real reason your mental health symptoms won’t go away

• What no one tells women between pregnancy and menopause

• The hidden crisis in kids’ health—and what to do about it

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/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. Robin Berzin:

Instagram: @robinberzinmd Instagram:@parsleyhealth Website: https://robinberzinmd.com