From time to time, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald invites selective guest contributors to submit content for publication on her website that aligns with her vision and mission, and high standards for quality and scientific rigor.
Often, we only think of our immune system seasonally— as something we need to boost during winter months to bolster our ability to fight colds and flu. However, we should be thinking about our immune health daily as a system in our body that is susceptible to aging, just like our brains, muscles, and other critical organs. As we age, the immune system undergoes significant changes that contribute to increased vulnerability to infections and disease. Even our risk of cancer goes up with age due to a decline in immune system function. Exciting new research involving urolithin A shows a promising new way to target immune aging, offering potential strategies to maintain a more resilient immune system as we grow older.
Functional Fudge Cake Functional Fudge Cake Servings Prep Time Cook Time 12servings 10minutes 45minutes Servings Prep Time 12servings 10minutes Cook Time 45minutes Course Dessert Ingredients 12 tbsp. ghee approximately 3/4 cup1 cup chopped dark chocolate approximately 8-9 oz3 tbsp. whole flaxseeds10-11 tbsp. Water or sugar-free plant-based milk1/2 cup muscovado or coconut sugar for lower glycemic…
When seeking health advice, we’ve all heard the recommendation, “start with the gut.” Whether we have high cholesterol or heavy periods, it always somehow comes back to the gut, right? Why is that? Well, it’s probably because the state of our gut affects the health of every organ system in our body, and because of this, a healthier gut tends to improve how we feel and function on a day-to-day basis. Many people only think to use a stool test to evaluate gut health, but the DUTCH Test may also yield valuable insights through its measurement of cortisol, hormone metabolites, and organic acids.
From changing the way pregnancies are planned to helping women anticipate perimenopause – female hormone trackers are here, and they’re helping clinicians provide better care for patients. This blog will take a closer look at what hormone monitors can do, how to choose the right one for your patients, and how they can help you see improved outcomes in a range of clinical scenarios.
The science and medical community has known for years that one of the biggest causes of accelerated aging is the accumulation of senescent cells. It all started back in 2015 at two of America’s top medical institutions: Mayo Clinic, and Scripps Research.
When you think about longevity tests, you might picture lipid panels and fasting blood glucose assessments. However, there’s one aspect of longevity you might not immediately consider: the health of your skin. From eczema and rosacea to premature lines and wrinkles, what’s happening on the surface is often indicative of underlying issues, including those that contribute to cardiovascular disease, dysbiosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
In the pursuit of wellness and longevity, skin health often mirrors the body’s internal state, serving as a visible testament to our overall well-being. Yet, traditional approaches to skincare have predominantly focused on treating the surface, neglecting the deeper cellular processes that fundamentally influence the skin’s aging and vitality. As we delve deeper into the science of longevity, a groundbreaking perspective emerges, spotlighting the crucial role of cellular and mitochondrial health not only in preserving the skin’s youthful appearance but also in maintaining the integrity of this critical organ. By shifting our focus beyond that of how we look, we can unlock new strategies for maintaining health and find a promising future where skincare transcends cosmetic concerns to embrace a holistic view of health and aging.
We’ve made it successfully through the Thanksgiving rush. But do you or your patients need a set-and-refresh to make it through the rest of the holidays? The holidays are supposed to be full of cheer, family, friends, good food and good feelings, but that’s often not the case. Beyond the specter of seasonal colds and flu, patients may seek our help for another reason in December: stress. Stress can affect a multitude of biological systems, from cardiovascular to the respiratory system—but for the acute seasonal stressors like travel, family, and dietary changes, we most often see its effects on the central nervous system and the digestive system. Tension headaches, occasional trouble sleeping, indigestion and irregularity are common culprits that we can easily address with small lifestyle changes and supplementation.
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Only 5% men and 9% of women are getting the recommended daily amount of fiber in the United States.[1] That’s almost 90% of the population not consuming enough fiber! To put this into perspective, in 2017–18 most Americans averaged 8.1 grams of fiber for each 1,000 calories, or just 58 percent of the recommended 14 grams per 1,000 calories. Insufficient fiber intake is associated with a myriad of chronic diseases. Let’s dive into what fiber is, why it is so important, and how you can get more of it in your diet!
