Functional Medicine, COVID-19 & Racial Disparities: Bridging the Gaps Webinar
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Latest Blogs
Expanding Our View on Leaky Gut: Beyond the ON/OFF Idea
What’s in your leaky gut protocol? Perhaps it’s time to expand beyond basic diet and 4/5-R supplements… did you know that many more factors influence permeability, including specific food bioactive…
Short-Chain Fatty Acids: Strengthen the Gut-Brain Health Connection with Butyrate
All SCFAs have wide-ranging therapeutic benefits, but in this article we’ll focus on butyrate as a therapeutic agent for gut and brain health. Butyrate is the food for the colonocytes,…
Trauma, Biological Embedding, and the Prevention of PTSD
Living in Sandy Hook, practicing medicine in Sandy Hook, my life – and the lives of all of us here – continue to be influenced by the 12/14/12 mass shooting.…
Why we Choose to Practice (and Live) Functional Medicine
For all of us here at the clinic, functional medicine is a calling. It’s a desire to do better for our patients, to pursue optimal health (whatever that means for…
Acne, the Skin Microbiome and Salicylic Acid Treatment
There has been a lot of published research lately around the role of our skin’s microbiome on overall immune health as well as the impact bacterial dysbiosis has on different…
The Journey to “Evidence-Based” for Functional Labs
In the Functional Medicine space, we all desire to be described under the banner of “Evidence-Based.” What does that mean, and how do we get there? In this article I…
The Many Uses of Manuka Honey for Wound Healing & Skin Conditions
Is manuka honey part of your home toolkit for healing skin ailments? This natural remedy is rich in antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-proliferative activity and a product we like to keep…
What is Biological Aging and What Does it Have to do with Methylation?
Biological age is the gradual accumulation of damage and loss of function of our cells, tissues, and organs. This damage is what turns into disease.
Beyond Breath Testing: Using the GI-MAP to Uncover the Other Players in SIBO
SIBO is on the top of everyone’s mind these days. In this sponsored blog by Dr. Amy Rolfsen, ND at Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, we review why SIBO breath testing by…
Navigating an Elimination Diet: Creative Solutions to Common Challenges
Callout to clinicians: Yes, we still prescribe the tried-and-true elimination diet for many people, although we’re aware that increased hypersensitivity can occur in a small subset of individuals. Read on…
Iodine Deficiency, Breast Health, and Hormone Balance
Iodine was discovered in 1811 by French chemist Bernard Courtois while processing ingredients for gunpowder. In extracting sodium salts from seaweed by treating it with sulfuric acid, he observed a…
Why We Need to Evolve the Evidence Base for Personalized Nutrition and Functional Medicine
I deeply appreciate this important topic brought to us by Dr. Michelle Barrow as she answers questions put to her by our Nutrition Programs Director, Romilly Hodges. This exchange was…
Intuitive Eating and a Healthy Relationship with Food – New Year Strategies that Will Last
Are you feeling guilty for recent holiday or lockdown indulgences? Have you vowed to turn over a new leaf of health in January? This article will help you approach your…
PODCASTS - New Frontiers in Functional Medicine
Each month, I interview the best minds in Functional Medicine. Expect thought-provoking ideas, new research, lots of clinical pearls for practitioners and step-change information for consumers and patients. I hope you join us. Don’t hesitate to email me with ideas for future podcasts.
The Role of Neuroplasticity in Chronic Illness & Healing
Within the realm of functional medicine, we are quite successful at restoring some order to this cacophonous symphony of chronic illness, and getting our patients better to an extent. However,…
Comparing Saliva, Urine, and Serum Hormone Testing: Choosing the Best Test for Each Patient
Have you ever looked at serum hormone levels and scratched your head, wondering why there was such a difference between your patient’s clinical signs and the numbers on the report?…
Nutrition’s Role in the Epigenetic Origins of Health and Disease with Judith Finlayson
Since the time of mapping out the genome in 2000, we’ve continued to connect the dots between generational experiences, particularly trauma and in utero exposures, and the development of health…
The Cell Danger Response: Restoring Cellular Health with Phospholipids and Bioactive Lipids
I am always eager to learn from other clinicians about how they approach complex patients and layer various healing modalities into the therapeutic encounter. My guest today, Dr. Bruce Hoffman…
Integrative Protocols: Focus on Senolytics, Cell Senescence, and the Role of Telomerase Activation
Colleagues, if you’ve been following me for any time, you’ve heard me speak frequently about aging as the top driver of chronic disease. In today’s interview, I dive into evidence-based…
Functional Medicine’s Role in the Pandemic Era with Amy Mack and Dr. Patrick Hanaway
This is an exciting year for us in functional medicine, with the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM) celebrating its 30-year anniversary alongside its Annual International Conference (AIC) on resilience in…
Depression, Anxiety, & Suicide: Addressing Mental Illness with Dr. Jonathan Prousky
How do we approach patients with mental health disorders? How do you engage someone who’s really depressed to get off the couch and get outside? To turn the TV off…
Functional Interventions for Men’s Health in Aging and Prostate Cancer with Dr. Geo Espinosa
We’ve been eager to put together a podcast on men’s health – prostate cancer, low testosterone, foundational vitamin and botanical supplements, nutritional interventions – and folks, it’s finally here! There’s…
Managing Chronic Stress in Patient Care with Dr. Susan Blum
Let’s face it, folks – we are all grappling with various levels of stress right now. As if chronic stress wasn’t already a top contributor to general health ailments and…
The Future of Healthcare Policies & Advocating for Reform with John Weeks
I had the honor to sit down and chat with a leader in our field regarding public health policy and advocacy, John Weeks. What a tremendous force behind the movement…
Sponsored |The Best Biomarker of Aging: What Clinicians Need to Know
I am particularly fascinated by new advances in testing biological age and how these biomarkers relate to disease risk. My podcast guest today is Dr. Joseph Raffaele MD, a leading…
Stage IV Cancer: Dr. Patrick Hanaway’s Personal Experience with Functional & Integrative Modalities
Is it fair that I say – yet again – that this was my best conversation this year? My most deeply personal, honest, heartfelt, love-filled, scientific, evidence-informed (and pearl-ladened) conversation…
Functional Memory RX
Our full Functional Medicine approach looks at the interface between the system and the environment. Our assessment takes all factors into account.
An Immersive Clinic Experience
A unique opportunity for clinicians to follow along with our clinic virtually and learn how to put Functional Medicine into practice. Several access options available.
Nutrition Residency Program
An invitation to Functional Nutrition professionals who aspire to build strong clinical skills and experience to join our team and work alongside us in a virtual model.
Premier Sponsors
PREMIER SPONSORS I am 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. All the companies who sponsor us are companies that I trust for myself and my patients and use regularly in my clinical practice. Please check out their websites! – Dr. KF
Our Sponsors’ Medical Experts Provide Valuable Educational Resources
Our FxMED SPONSORED EDUCATION PAGE features continuing educational opportunities for professionals in functional medicine. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a clinician new to functional medicine, industry experts can play an important role in furthering our education.
Clinic Team
Karen L. Herb, MS CNS LDN holds a master’s degree in Functional Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, CT.
Dr. Fitzgerald received her doctorate of naturopathic medicine from National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon.
Kenneth A. Litwin, MD FACP IFMCP, is a highly respected, board-certified Internal Medicine and Functional Medicine physician.
Romilly Hodges, MS CNS CN IFMCP, holds a Master’s Degree in Functional Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, CT. She…
Stacey Cantor-Adkins MD, MS, IFMCP, received her MD degree from Stanford University, and then trained as a cardiac anesthesiologist
Elizabeth Bird, MD, FAAP, IFMCP, graduated from The Yale University School of Medicine where she was awarded both the American…
Lara Zakaria PharmD MSc CNS CN CDN is a Nutritionist, specializing in Functional Medicine. She uses scientific evidence as well…
Karen Frank has been working with Dr. Fitzgerald since 2009. She began her coding career in Long Island with the…
Rhonda is a dependable team player with strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Darisa Espinal, ND, MS, received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at the University of Bridgeport. She earned her BS in…
Dr. Rachel Surprenant is a licensed naturopathic physician with a focus in functional medicine approaches to women’s health.
Gretchen DePalma, MS CNS Nutritionist Book an Appointment Contact Phone: (203) 304-9502 Email: info@drkarafitzgerald.com Social links: Biography…
Recipes
Savory Breakfast Bowl
A versatile dish that can easily be prepared for breakfast or lunch, featuring watercress, which contains a high amount of the bioactive chemical, phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC).
Unbelievable Beet Burger
Are you looking for a fresh take on the quintessential American summer favorite – the burger? This gluten and dairy-free vegetarian version accompanied by pickled red onion won’t disappoint.
Shiitake Vegan Pate
Adapted from Eco Parent Magazine This vegan-friendly pate packs some of our favorite epigenetic superstars into a tasty recipe that can be spread on a slice of our Life-Changing Loaf…
Beet Tahini Sauce
By Nutrition resident Jacquelyn Lombardi Social media: @jacquilombari Adapted from: Whole Food Cooking Every Day Beets are rich in beneficial phytonutrients lending to their beautiful pigments. The most studied…
Savory Spinach and Mushroom Quinoa
This is a delicious dish to whip up for any meal – top with eggs for breakfast, include roasted salmon or your additional protein of choice for lunch or dinner,…
Red Lentil Hummus and Roasted Carrots with Kale Salad
From Nutrition resident: Jacquelyn Lombari Adapted from: Cannelle et Vanille Dinner time seems to approach quickly on shorter winter days. With these cold days, I prefer meals that are…
Ancient Dukkah Spice Blend
From Nutrition resident: Jacquelyn Lombari Adapted from: Cannelle et Vanille The nutritional importance of spices can often be overlooked; however, they are a great way to add both flavor…
Middle Eastern Shakshuka
This delicious ethnic dish is a perfect way to warm your heart and your belly during a cold winter day. It should leave you feeling energized and satisfied.
Vanilla Cinnamon Apple Cobbler
This is a great fall and winter dish to go with your meals or it can be enjoyed just as a dessert. I like to use firm, sweet and tart…
Winter Squash Soup
Yes, you can eat your methylation nutrients! This delicious burger is rich in methylation amino acids (methionine, cysteine, taurine), as well as B vitamins, betaine, choline and zinc, cofactors for…
Sweet Potato Cauliflower Curry
I’m cooking the rainbow and making colorful, nutrient-dense meals to help support and strengthen our immune defense.
Coconut Cacao Chia Pudding
Beautiful and delicious Coconut Cacao Chia Pudding, this is a little bowl full of heaven! Not only tastes good but DOES good!