28. Dr. David Perlmutter: The Gut Mistake That’s Shrinking Your Brain (And How to Avoid It)

How often do you reach for a sugary snack, telling yourself it’s just a small indulgence? Or justify skipping your morning walk because you’re "too busy"? Here’s the truth: your daily habits are either fueling your longevity or quietly sabotaging it.

In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. David Perlmutter, a neurologist and five-time New York Times bestselling author known for his groundbreaking work on brain health, inflammation, and metabolic resilience. We dig deep into the connection between blood sugar, brain aging, and chronic disease—and how small, intentional lifestyle changes can make a massive difference in your long-term vitality.

You’ll learn how excess glucose can erode your cognitive function and why uric acid—a molecule most of us ignore—may be the key to unlocking better metabolic health. We also share practical tips to curb cravings, improve your sleep, and enhance your focus by rebalancing your diet and mindset.

Dr. David Perlmutter is a board-certified neurologist, researcher, and advocate for lifestyle interventions that promote cognitive health and resilience. He is the author of bestselling books like Grain Brain and Drop Acid, and he continues to inspire millions with his work on the gut-brain connection.

We Also Discuss:

(00:00) Connecting Through Conversation and Brain Health Foundations
(04:40) Evolutionary Biology’s Role in Brain Health
(14:21) Neurology Meets Functional Medicine
(25:52) Metabolic Health and Its Impact on Brain Wellness
(41:28) The Gut-Brain Connection Explained
(56:09) Understanding Brain Disease Through Metabolic Health
(01:03:34) Exercise as a Pillar for Brain Health
(01:23:23) Nutrition, Lifestyle, and the Future of Brain Care

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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. David Perlmutter:

Website: https://drperlmutter.com/ 

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