Extend with Darshan Shah, MD is a podcast dedicated to cutting-edge science, research, tools, and protocols designed to help you extend your healthspan.
Starti...
26. Here’s Why You’re Doing Strength Training Wrong
In today’s episode of Extend, I’m diving into one of the most powerful and underutilized tools for your health and longevity: strength training. Whether you’re a gym regular or just getting started, this episode will break down the science and practical strategies you need to transform your fitness routine. Together, we’ll explore the four essential pillars of strength training: building and preserving muscle as you age, how your muscles directly impact your metabolism, the surprising role of muscles as an endocrine organ, and how to create an effective, sustainable routine that fits your lifestyle. From understanding the difference between slow and fast-twitch muscle fibers to how myokines impact everything from brain health to inflammation, this episode is packed with game-changing insights. I’m also sharing actionable tips for optimizing your workouts, from training to failure for muscle growth to recovery techniques like proper sleep, protein intake, and using saunas post-workout. Whether you’re 20 or 70, it’s never too late to reap the life-extending benefits of strength training. Ready to take your fitness to the next level? Tune in ! I also discuss: (00:12) Why Strength Training is the Ultimate Longevity Tool (03:14) The Truth About Muscle Loss and Aging (06:35) How Strength Training Transforms Metabolic Health (17:38) Strength Training: The Key to Consistency and Longevity 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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25. Mona Sharma: The Shocking Role Your Gut Plays in Cravings and Fatigue
Feeling stuck with your health? Maybe you're doing all the right things—or at least you think you are—but you're still not seeing the results you want. It’s frustrating, right? But here’s the thing: modern life is working against you. Chronic stress, hidden toxins in your environment, and mixed messages about what actually works—it’s no wonder so many of us feel lost when it comes to wellness. In today’s episode of Extend with Dr. Shah, I’m sitting down with Mona Sharma—nutritionist, wellness expert, and someone who truly gets what it takes to turn things around. We’re diving into the real reasons you might not be feeling your best, from the role of your gut health to how stress affects your body more than you realize. We also share simple, actionable ways to detox your life—without feeling overwhelmed—and how to build daily habits that stick, so you can finally feel like the best version of yourself. Mona Sharma is a leading voice in the wellness space, blending her background in integrative nutrition with her expertise in mindfulness and Ayurveda. Mona’s worked with top athletes, A-list celebrities, and people just like you to rebuild their health from the inside out. If you’re ready to break free from the cycle of exhaustion, stress, and frustration, you’re going to love this conversation. Let's jump in! We Also Discuss: (00:00) Podcast Launch Strategy and Personal Journey (08:43) Exploring Health, Vibrational Shifts (17:19) Navigating Wellness (28:02) Optimizing Digestion and Reducing Toxins (39:52) Detoxifying Your Environment for Health (52:35) Embracing Emotional Health and Wellness (55:53) Creating Daily Rituals for Optimal Health (01:29:24) Foundations of Everyday Health Thank You to Our Sponsors: TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/ IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/ NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/ Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/ Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/ Learn more about Mona Sharma: Website: www.monasharma.com Instagram: @monasharma
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24. The Real Reason Your Fitness Goals Fail (And How to Fix It for Good)
In this solo episode of Extend, I’m breaking down the science behind sustainable fitness progress and goal-setting so you can finally make those health resolutions stick. From understanding your baseline fitness level with key assessments to the power of setting small, realistic goals, I’m guiding you step-by-step through the tools that build long-term consistency. We’ll talk about everything from DEXA scans for precise body composition analysis to why grip strength and lower body power are vital indicators of longevity. I also share actionable strategies to keep you motivated, avoid plateaus, and make progress checks work for you—not against you. Whether you're starting fresh or trying to push past a plateau, you’ll walk away with a personalized blueprint for success. Ready to upgrade your fitness journey? Tune in for proven insights you can start applying today! I Also Discuss: (00:06) Testing Fitness Progress and Goals (03:50) Measuring and Improving Physical Fitness (10:17) Comprehensive Strength and Fitness Testing (22:00) Motivating Fitness Testing and Goal Setting Resources mentioned: PDF - Strength, Mobility, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness Assessment 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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23. Louisa Nicola: The Simple Habits That Will Rejuvenate Your Brain
Your brain is your most powerful asset—so why do so many of us let it decline without a fight? Cognitive decline, brain fog, and even Alzheimer’s don’t just “happen.” They’re the result of decades of small decisions, stress, and overlooked habits. The good news? You have the ability to take control. In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Louisa Nicola, neurophysiologist and human performance coach, to uncover the science behind optimal brain health and the simple habits that can keep your mind sharp and resilient. We talk about the role of exercise (and why your muscles are key to brain health), how sleep works like a "cleaning system" for your brain, and why inflammation is the root of so many cognitive issues. Louisa Nicola is a neurophysiologist and founder of NeuroAthletics, specializing in brain optimization and cognitive performance. With a background as an elite triathlete, she focuses on using exercise and science-backed protocols to prevent neurodegenerative diseases. Louisa works with top executives, athletes, and high achievers worldwide. We Also Discuss: (00:00) Neurophysiology and the Foundations of Brain Health (22:11) The Role of Nutrition in Brain Optimization (34:05) How Aerobic and Resistance Training Transform Brain Function (50:01) Deep Sleep: The Brain's Most Powerful Recovery Tool (56:59) Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and How to Prevent It Resources mentioned: The Levine Protocol Thank You to Our Sponsors: TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/ IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/ NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/ Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/ Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/ Learn more about Louisa Nicola: Website: https://www.neuroathletics.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_
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1:30:35
22. How to Break Free from the Sedentary Trap
Have you ever wondered if hitting the gym is enough to offset hours of sitting at your desk? In this episode of Extend, I take a closer look at the silent yet dangerous effects of sedentary behavior—and why it could be one of the most overlooked threats to your long-term health. From the link between prolonged sitting and chronic diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer’s to the surprising impact it has on your metabolic health, I’m breaking down the science behind why movement throughout the day matters more than you think. I also share strategies to help you stay active, including simple exercise “snacks” that don’t require a gym membership, the truth about standing desks, and why a daily walk after meals can drastically improve your overall well-being. If you’re ready to level up your health by eliminating sedentary habits, this episode is full of actionable tips you can implement today. Tune in! We Also Discuss: (00:18) Understanding Sedentary Behavior (04:15) What Counts as Sedentary? (08:52) The Power of "Exercise Snacks" (12:43) Combatting Sedentary Behavior Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/
Extend with Darshan Shah, MD is a podcast dedicated to cutting-edge science, research, tools, and protocols designed to help you extend your healthspan.
Starting my medical journey at 16 and becoming one of the youngest doctors in the country, studying and training at the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Business School, Singularity University and other prestigious institutions, becoming a board certified surgeon and accumulating over two decades of practice, I have discovered that a mere 20% of health knowledge yields 80% of the results.
That's why this podcast is all about cutting through the noise on how to turn back the aging clock.
I interview world-renowned medical practitioners, doctors, experts, and thought leaders, offering you a step-by-step guide and actionable advice to proactively avoid disease and optimize your health.
Plus, I share weekly solo episodes giving you quick, digestible protocols for successfully extending your healthspan.