11. Can The Damage of Ultra-Processed Foods Be Stopped?

Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

We’ve all been there—grabbing a quick snack or packaged meal, trusting it to be “not that bad.” But what if I told you these ultra-processed foods are quietly undermining your health? Engineered for taste and convenience, they’re doing far more harm than you realize, contributing to fatigue, metabolic issues, and even chronic disease. If you’re serious about living longer and healthier, this is the conversation you need.

In this solo episode of Extend, I break down what's behind ultra-processed foods: how they hijack your hunger signals, damage your metabolism, and disrupt critical hormones. You’ll also learn why even a small reduction in these foods can have a massive impact on your health—and how to spot them hiding in plain sight.

This isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Join me as we talk about the changes that matter most—because taking control of what’s on your plate could literally save your life.

We Also Discuss:

(00:26) What Are Ultra-Processed Foods? (04:57) Why Ultra-Processed Foods Are Harmful (07:48) How to Identify Ultra-Processed Foods (09:36) Strategies to Reduce Ultra-Processed Food Intake (11:57) Healthier Dining and Grocery Shopping Tips

Thank you to our sponsor:

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

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

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

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

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