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.

menopause

Pesky Weight Gain During Menopause? Address Hormonal Changes

Weight gain is one of the most frequently seen complaints during perimenopause and menopause. In this blog we will explore why that is and how the female body changes during this magical and yet confusing life stage. Menopause and perimenopause typically begin for women around the age of 45 – 55 years. We start to notice changes in our bodies prior to the loss of our cycle including hot flashes or night sweats, change in frequency and how heavy our periods can be, and changes in mood. Perhaps the most unsettling for females is the change in weight and body mass distribution: clothes fit differently, your body feels different, your capacity at the gym and with physical activity feels futile! And this usually happens with little change to your current nutrition or activity routine.

Think Mushrooms as a Powerful Therapeutic Tool and Epigenetic Modifier

Mushrooms are a powerful, and often underutilized, tool for health and longevity. They provide important nutrients, including those used in methylation cycles- folate, choline, and zinc for example. Their bioactive compounds also act as DNA methylation adaptogens, with the ability to influence gene expression and even potentially biological age. It’s why mushrooms feature as one…

Evaluating Hormonal Dysfunction and Infertility with DUTCH Testing

If you’ve followed my show for some time, you’ve probably come across the wealth of conversations I’ve had with the team at Precision Analytical about their DUTCH hormone tests – this is an ever-evolving topic that continues to pique my interest as a clinician looking to level up my toolkit. In today’s show, I’m pleased to dive into some of my favorite topics of fertility, menopause, and HPA function with Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton, ND. She’s the chief medical officer at Precision Analytical, and a naturopathic physician who specializes in reproductive endocrinology and hormones. Today’s conversation is all about the latest research on hormone testing, some of our favorite interventions to address hormone imbalances and much more as you consider the best testing options for your patients. This is an incredibly useful conversation so make sure to tune in! ~DrKF

Tomato Cauliflower Rice

If you’re short on time, this is the perfect dish to prepare in advance to enjoy with your favorite protein for an easy and quick lunch or dinner. The recipe has been adapted from a family favorite, using cauliflower in place of rice so you can get an epinutrient-rich and Younger You-approved  veggie side dish…

ripe organic pomegranate fruit on the table

Urolithin A: The Game-Changing Nutrient for Healthy Aging

When a team of scientists from EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, set out to thoroughly study the health benefits of pomegranates, they discovered something truly remarkable – the power of a postbiotic nutrient, Urolithin A (UA) to promote cellular health and longevity. For the past 15 years, Urolithin A has been one of the most well-researched longevity molecules. Over 300 studies, 11 of which are clinical trials, show impressive benefits in UA’s ability to target some of the key biological hallmarks of aging. These same scientists and doctors developed the first and only clinically tested Urolithin A formulation (more on that below!)

Skin care. Hands in close-up

How the OS-01 Peptide Works to Reverse Skin’s Biological Age

When we’re young, building a skin care routine is relatively simple: a face wash, moisturizer and sunscreen will do the trick. But as we grow older and develop visible signs of aging skin, choosing from the overwhelming array of mature skin care products like anti-aging creams, serums, and treatments often feels like an impossible task. What can we trust to actually work? It’s easy to get lost in new trends like 10-step skincare routines, but try to look past marketing and prioritize your skin’s health above all else. As our largest organ and first line of defense against environmental aggressors, our skin can have an enormous impact on our overall body health. A truly effective skin care routine should support your skin’s health first and improve the way it looks as a result. That’s where OneSkin comes in.

Sesame Crusted Salmon Bowl

If you are looking for a nutrient-dense meal to impress your guests – look no further. This Sesame Crusted Salmon Bowl is sure to please!  The bowl is packed full of epinutrients and includes four of the Younger You Dynamic Dozen foods, aka longevity superfoods. Salmon, in particular, is an epinutrient powerhouse and a great…

Creamy Epinutreint-rich Coffee

This recipe was contributed by Nutrition Resident Maddy Delery, MS CNS @mds.wellness Did you know that coffee is a DNA methylation adaptogen? Thanks to two amazing polyphenols, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, coffee has been solidly associated with longevity. If you are looking to upgrade your morning java or simply not a fan of plain…