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Tackling Alzheimer’s Disease Head On – the Inspiring Work of Dr. Heather Sandison

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND April 5, 2024 Leave a comment

Today, I am honored to connect with Dr. Heather Sandison, whose work in reversing Alzheimer’s is nothing short of groundbreaking. Her dedication challenges the status quo of dementia care, offering real hope and tangible solutions. We’ll explore the intricacies of Alzheimer’s disease, from its elusive diagnosis to the shortcomings of traditional pharmaceuticals. Together, we’ll navigate the realm of evidence-based interventions, from early detection to personalized treatments, all aimed at optimizing cognitive function and overall well-being. Join us for a conversation that promises to ignite new possibilities in our approach to dementia care.

Targeting Senescent Cells? Dose and Timing Matters – with Dr. Greg Kelly

FxMed Podcast, FxMed Sponsored PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND March 28, 2024 Leave a comment

I’m thrilled to welcome you to a truly fascinating discussion on the cutting edge of longevity medicine. In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Greg Kelly to explore the complex world of cellular senescence and its profound implications for our aging process. We delve into the challenges of identifying these aging cells and the exciting research that’s paving the way for more accurate biomarkers. I’m particularly excited to share with you Dr. Kelly’s insights on how simple lifestyle changes, such as incorporating regular exercise and mindful caloric intake, can significantly reduce the accumulation of senescent cells. We also discuss some groundbreaking interventions, including the use of senolytic agents like quercetin, dasatinib, and piper longumine, and how they’re revolutionizing our approach to longevity.

Dr. Barry Sears (of Zone Diet Fame) on Lifetime Metabolic Health and Sourcing Omega-3s

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND March 18, 2024 Leave a comment

In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to speak with Dr. Barry Sears, the creator of the Zone Diet, an approach that has not only topped bestseller lists multiple times but has also profoundly impacted nutritional practices really across the world. We dive into his transition from cancer research to nutritional science, focusing on how diet regulates the key areas of inflammation and hormonal balance. Dr. Sears shares insights from his groundbreaking work, exploring the balance of macronutrients and the pivotal role of omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols. His contributions have revolutionized how we understand diet’s impact on health, offering valuable strategies for managing chronic diseases and optimizing wellness globally. You’ll find many clinical pearls in this conversation. Join us as I uncover the science and stories behind this influential dietary philosophy with this legend of nutrition and wellness. ~DrKF

Unraveling PCOS and Fertility: Debunking Common Misconceptions with Dr. Tara Harding

FxMed Podcast, FxMed Sponsored PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND February 27, 2024 Leave a comment

Fellow clinicians, gear up for an enlightening dive with Dr. Tara Harding, a vanguard in the realm of women’s health and fertility. Renowned for her exceptional work as a family nurse practitioner and fertility coach, Dr. Harding brings a wealth of knowledge from her battle against infertility and medical gaslighting, all while breaking barriers and fostering a supportive community for those navigating the complex journey of infertility. This conversation not only highlights innovative diagnostic tools like Mira but also delves into the nuances of managing conditions like PCOS and endometriosis. Dr. Harding’s personal and professional journey is a beacon of hope and empowerment, underscoring the significance of comprehensive care in women’s health. Prepare to be inspired by her dedication to revolutionizing fertility care and advocating for patient empowerment.

AI, Digital Twins, and the Future of Personalized Medicine Interventions with Dr. Nathan Price

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND February 14, 2024 Leave a comment

I’m beyond thrilled to share this mind-blowing conversation with Dr. Nathan Price, Chief Scientific Officer of Thorne HealthTech and author of The Age of Scientific Wellness. Imagine harnessing AI to predict outcomes of our functional interventions (diet, supplements, lifestyle) by implementing a “digital twin” model that is populated with all of your patient’s bio data. Being able to test the response of our treatments (and importantly, the synergistic response of multimodal interventions! It’s heady stuff, but amazingly, it is where we are headed today. Dr. Price illuminates the incredible potential this technology brings for personalized evidence-based medicine in nutrition, tailoring interventions based on microbial markers, and addressing lifestyle changes for Alzheimer’s prevention. The podcast is a captivating exploration of cutting-edge concepts and provides a glimpse into the exciting future of healthcare. I was wowed by my convo with Nathan and can’t wait to start kicking the tires on this baby. I know you’ll feel the same.

Decoding Aging: The Science Of Cellular Rejuvenation With Dr. Vittorio Sebastiano

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND January 16, 2024 Leave a comment

It was a career-defining (and perhaps life changing) moment when Dr. Vittorio Sebastiano, a reproductive biologist by training, realized that because we are able to create life, that same body of information could be harnessed to create youth – that is, radically reverse our biological aging process to a younger time point without losing cellular identity. In 2014, he and his lab began unpacking this epiphany. They made the radical decision to conduct their investigations in human cells and tissue rather than in rodents, with the expectation that such a start would be a better bridge to human clinical trials. Flash forward a decade and Dr. Sebastiano and his team stand poised to begin trials in humans. Dr. Sebastiano is, in my opinion, one of the most extraordinary scientists in the longevity space today who flies under the radar of most of us in functional medicine.

Advanced Metabolomics: Identifying the Metabolic Signature for Aging with Betsy Redmond, Ph.D., MMSc, RDN

FxMed Podcast, FxMed Sponsored PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND December 18, 2023 Leave a comment

As functional practitioners, we’re compelled to understand the intricate changes in the aging journey that fuel the diseases we strive to prevent. The emergence of omics data, particularly metabolomics, marks a pivotal moment, and I’m thrilled to welcome back Dr. Betsy Redmond, a senior education specialist at Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory and a cherished friend, to New Frontiers. In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of metabolomics, emphasizing pathways over isolated metabolites for profound insights and more effective interventions. Welcome to Medicine 3.0, where we correct imbalances, identify metabolites linked to healthy aging, mood, gut health, and more, providing actionable steps to enhance both healthspan and lifespan. Plus, we’ll unravel some surprising insights from my own results! Join us for a wealth of valuable pearls to use in your practice. ~DrKF

Burnout in Healthcare: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions with Dr. Jonathan Prousky

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND December 7, 2023 Leave a comment

In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, healthcare practitioners have been working tirelessly to care for their patients. But what about their own health and well-being? Today, I am delighted to welcome back Dr. Jonathan Prousky, Chief Naturopathic Medical Officer at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, to the New Frontiers Podcast. As a repeat guest and leading expert in personalized mental health strategies, Dr. Prousky offers valuable insights into the challenges facing healthcare practitioners today, especially in terms of the hidden epidemic of physician burnout. In this episode, we explore practical solutions to help healthcare practitioners maintain their own health and well-being while providing care to others. We also touch on the three hallmark signs of burnout and discuss the latest advances in targeted supplementation to manage underlying chronic stress in the workplace. Dr. Prousky’s expertise and practical tips make this an episode you won’t want to miss. As always, please feel free to share, comment, and rate – and let us know your thoughts on this important topic. ~DrKF

Beyond Mitochondrial Health: Can Urolithin A Slow Down Aging?

FxMed Podcast, FxMed Sponsored PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND November 15, 2023 4 Comments

In the realm of bioenergetics, few nutrients have burst onto the stage with the impressive force wielded by the postbiotic rock star—Urolithin A. In today’s episode I’m honored to be joined by the brilliant Dr. Chris Rinsch, co-founder of Amazentis / Timeline, as we delve into the profound impact of this remarkable substance and unravel the scientific intricacies behind the microbiome’s transformation of polyphenols from our diet into Urolithin A. You’ll quickly understand why it’s emerging as a potent force in cellular health and longevity.

Resolving Osteoporosis and Optimizing Bone Health – A Tour de Force Update

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND November 6, 2023 Leave a comment

Did you know that “bone-eating” osteoclast cells are derived from immune cell precursors and are stimulated by inflammation, just like other immune cells? Or that bone has its own glycocalyx whose health is essential to realize the benefits of exercise for bone? Folks, Dr. Keith McCormick is back on New Frontiers with ever-more juicy pearls like these, and with important updates on bone care for functional medicine practitioners and patients alike. Dr. McCormick is living proof that osteoporosis and a history of multiple bone fractures – he had 12 between the ages of 45-50 – are not an irrecoverable life (or death) sentence. In fact, even as he nears 70, Dr. McCormick is out there competing in Ironman and pentathlon events, living his life to the fullest. Dr. McCormick is arguably the top thinker and practitioner on bone health from a systems and functional point of view. His nuanced navigation of diagnostic tools as well as both pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical interventions is fully comprehensive and deep. You’ll want to tune in to find out how he navigates his patient cases, casting a wide net for underlying contributing factors, his go-to interventions for specific situations, how he doses supplements, and more. Please do let us know what you think, and leave us a review wherever you listen to New Frontiers – DrKF

Breast Health and Beyond: A Practitioner’s Guide to Functional Testing

FxMed Podcast, FxMed Sponsored PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND October 27, 2023 1 Comment

Over 270,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year in the US. And while BRCA mutations often get the most press, there are other, potentially more critical factors we can address. Today, Dr. Ruth Hobson joins us to delve into the realm of breast health, shedding light on both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, and sharing real-life strategies for supporting our patients. We dive into a range of essential topics, from dietary and lifestyle influences to the ongoing debate around Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and venture into the world of functional tests to evaluate hormones and metabolites crucial for comprehensive breast health. We’ll uncover the intricate connection between gut health and breast health – Did you know that breast tissue has its own microbiome?!? – and examine how inflammation, peripheral fat, and methylation impact cancer risk. Bring a pen and paper, this is a deep dive into the hormones and breast health that you won’t want to miss. ~DrKF

Have You Met Your Imprintome Yet? Here’s Why You Should

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND October 19, 2023 Leave a comment

I’m thrilled and honored to have Dr. Randy Jirtle join us again today on New Frontiers. Dr. Jirtle’s groundbreaking Agouti Mouse Study has shaped what we know about the influence of early life exposure on methylation and epigenetics. His (current work?/more recent work?), which involves mapping out the imprintome could be the key to understanding how our imprinted genes will influence aging and every known disease and disorder, providing hope that a clear pathway on how to optimize our health for better outcomes is in our future.

From Complex to Accessible: Streamlining Functional Medicine Labs

FxMed Podcast, FxMed Sponsored PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND October 5, 2023 Leave a comment

If you’re a regular listener, you’ve undoubtedly heard me sing the praises of Rupa Health numerous times, and there’s a compelling reason for it! Rupa has taken the FxMed world by storm, introducing a product that has quickly become indispensable. In this episode of New Frontiers, I’m joined by Dr. Kate Kresge, Head of Medical Education at Rupa, to delve into the invaluable tools that Rupa offers to make Functional Medicine accessible to everyone. Dr. Kate’s passion for naturopathic medicine was ignited by her own struggles as a chronically ill child. Her transformative experience inspired Dr. Kate to pursue a career in naturopathic medicine and change the standard of. When Rupa invited her to join their team, it felt like the perfect fit. Tune in for this highly valuable conversation to hear how Rupa Health is reshaping the healthcare landscape with consistent innovation, offering specialty labs and educating newcomers to functional medicine. Learn about their time-saving solutions that enable practitioners to allocate more time with patients and enhance outcomes for a broader audience.

The Role of Adrenal Function in Thyroid Health and Longevity with Dr. Izabella Wentz

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND September 17, 2023 Leave a comment

New Frontiers in Functional Medicine® Podcast Sponsors Dr. Kara Fitzgerald is eternally grateful to our sponsors who, by blogging, podcasting and advertising with us, enable me and my team to devote energy and time to writing and publication. Rupa Health allows you to order, track and get results from 30+ lab companies in one, convenient,…

Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators: As Close to a Panpharmacon as We Can Get?

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND August 11, 2023 1 Comment

When it comes to foundational supplements, fish oils have stood the test of time as an important source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA that have been lost in modern diets. But there is so much more to these remarkable lipids, which is why we are so excited to speak with Dr. Charles Serhan and Dr. Megan Sulciner, world-leading scientists from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston, MA) on specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) in health and disease. Join us as we delve into Dr. Serhan’s surprising discovery that paved the way for an award-winning career researching how bioactive lipids control the resolution of inflammation. And what better way to get a glimpse into the latest advances in SPMs in the clinic than by speaking with Dr. Sulciner, a clinician-scientist and medical resident in the Serhan Lab, whose ongoing research aims to improve postoperative outcomes for patients through immunonutrition. I’m sure you will love this insightful conversation! ~DrKF

Mark Newman: Maximizing Hormone Health With The DUTCH Test

FxMed Podcast, FxMed Sponsored PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND August 11, 2023 Leave a comment

In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Mark Newman, the president and founder of Precision Analytical, the company behind the revolutionary DUTCH test. Mark is a true pioneer in the field of hormone testing, and in our conversation, we delved into the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field. We discussed how the DUTCH test has expanded to include additional markers, providing even more comprehensive insights into hormone health. During our conversation, we also addressed the controversy surrounding saliva testing for hormone analysis. Mark shed light on the limitations of this method and why the DUTCH test offers a more accurate and reliable alternative. I’m sure you’ll find this interview as fascinating as I did, and it will be super helpful for identifying the best forms of hormone testing for your patients. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this enlightening conversation with Mark Newman. ~DrKF

Mastering Cardiovascular Longevity: Glycocalyx & Biohacking for Optimal Heart Health

FxMed Podcast, FxMed Sponsored PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND July 25, 2023 1 Comment

Vascular health is fundamentally essential to longevity and health span, and that’s why I’m thrilled to be welcoming Dr. Michael Twyman to New Frontiers. Trained as an invasive cardiologist, Dr. Twyman has made the shift to a more preventative approach, moving beyond traditional cath lab results to focus on the health of the 60,000 miles of blood vessels that carry vital blood, oxygen and nutrients to every organ in the body, with hopes of reaching patients before they reach the end stages of disease.

Evidence-Based Dietary Approach to Improve Health and Stress Resiliency Through the Microbiome

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND July 7, 2023 Leave a comment

I’m so happy to be here with Dr. Vincent Pedre to dig into emerging science on the microbiome because as Dr. Pedre preaches: it all starts with the gut. On today’s podcast, Dr. Pedre shares extensive clinical pearls from his vast experience in functional gut health in an approachable and fun way as he drills down on possible causes of the challenging gut epidemic we clinicians see in the increasing numbers of IBS patients walking through our doors.

Measuring Metabolites of Dysbiosis and Gut Function to Create Targeted Interventions

FxMed Podcast, FxMed Sponsored PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND June 5, 2023 Leave a comment

As we gain insight into microbiome impact on our health, we need accurate tests that tell us not only what and how much is there, but also which metabolites, or post-biotics created that can have downstream effects. So today I’m thrilled to welcome the brilliant Dr. Erika Ebbel Angle from Ixcela Labs to discuss their metabolomic testing that can do just that. We’ll discuss the 11 key markers, the value of a blood sample over urine, and the impact of endurance sports and chronic stress on health markers as revealed by the test. And we also chat about my own results, how impressed I was by the insight provided – and how they clearly identified changes I could make to improve my markers. Listen and take notes — I know I did! ~DrKF

Sergey Young’s Technological Innovations for Longevity and Biological Age Reversal

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND June 5, 2023 Leave a comment

Buckle up everybody, because this conversation is a big tour de force of where we are headed in regards to longevity and innovative technology within healthcare. I am joined by my friend, longevity investor and visionary, Sergey Young, to discuss his incredibly important mission of extending healthy lifespans of at least one billion people using technological breakthroughs AND by making longevity affordable and accessible. Sergey is a top 100 longevity leader and one of the co-creators of AGE REVERSAL XPRIZE, a global competition designed to cure aging. Today’s conversation looks at the fundamental issue of healthcare inequality, the democratization of access to healthcare, and dives into the current paradigm shift of using technology for disease prevention and reversal of biological aging. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this conversation as much as I did, and be wowed by the work of Sergey Young. ~DrKF

Disrupting Anti-Aging Skincare by Targeting Senescent Cells

FxMed Podcast, FxMed Sponsored PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND June 5, 2023 Leave a comment

Imagine accurately determining the status of your skin’s age to tell whether it is younger or older than your chronological age, and then use this technology to determine whether expensive anti-aging serums and creams are effective, or actually causing more harm than good. Amazing, right? This is precisely the technology today’s guest, Dr. Carolina Reis and her fellow stem cell biologists at OneSkin created. I think you will find this interview fascinating on so many levels – I know I sure did! After creating their skin clock, the OneSkin team discovered peptide OS1, which targets senescent cells, one of the root mechanisms of aging, and is being shown in current studies to have a positive effect on hydration, firmness, elasticity, and the skin barrier. Listen as Dr. Reis explains the science and ongoing studies exploring the possible benefits of OS1 for the skin microbiome, hair loss, inflammation, and overall health. ~DrKF