Kara Fitzgerald, ND, received her doctor of naturopathic medicine degree from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. She completed the first Counsel on Naturopathic Medicine-accredited post-doctorate position in nutritional biochemistry and laboratory science at Metametrix Clinical Laboratory under the direction of Richard Lord, PhD. Her residency was completed at Progressive Medical Center, a large, integrative medical practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Fitzgerald is the lead author and editor of Case Studies in Integrative and Functional Medicine and is a contributing author to Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine and the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)’s Textbook for Functional Medicine. With the Helfgott Research Institute, Dr. Fitzgerald is actively engaged in clinical research on the DNA methylome using a diet and lifestyle intervention developed in her practice. The first publication from the study focuses on reversal of biological aging and was published 04-12-2021 in the journal Aging. She has published a consumer book titled Younger You as well as a companion cookbook, Better Broths and Healing Tonics and has an application-based Younger You Program, based on the study. Dr. Fitzgerald is on the faculty at IFM, is an IFM Certified Practitioner and lectures globally on functional medicine. She runs a Functional Nutrition Residency program, and maintains a podcast series, New Frontiers in Functional Medicine and an active blog on her website, www.drkarafitzgerald.com. Her clinical practice is in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. Additional publications

Akkermansia: A Keystone Microbe for Longevity and Metabolism

This GLP-1-Supporting Probiotic Is A Constant In Our Longevity Stack

Join me and Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe, my brilliant friend, scientist, and the powerhouse CEO of Pendulum, for our deepest dive yet into all things Akkermansia. This free-flowing conversation will take your understanding of this extraordinary strain to a whole new level. We’ll explore Akkermansia’s pivotal role in metabolic health—think cravings, weight regulation, A1C—and why we’re deficient in the first place. Plus, we’ll discuss its connection to stress, anxiety, and even neurodegenerative diseases. We’ll also dive into the hotly debated topic of Akkermansia’s impact on MS, unpacking both sides of the controversy. And, we’ll touch on its promising influence on hormonal balance, from infertility to menopause. As someone who’s deeply invested in science, I’m personally bullish on Akkermansia and trust Pendulum’s products as part of my own foundational health stack. With groundbreaking science and fresh insights, this episode will change the way you approach your practice. ~DrKF

person tracking HRV with a smart watch

Tracking HRV: Is it Worth It?

By the end of my book tour in 2022—one of the most amazing but intense experiences of my life—you could scrape me off the floor. (Who knew? I certainly didn’t expect it.) I was wiped out. My Oura data corroborated what I was feeling, and, particularly devastating, my HRV was stuck in the low teens. Thank goodness I’d layered an extremely needed vacation into the book experience, and we headed off to Baja California Sur. It was this vacation—and my almost immediate HRV rebound—that prompted me to trade the high-stress East Coast lifestyle for a more balanced, nurturing environment in Mexico longer term.

Healing Depression Project: Providing Hope For Treatment-Resistant Patients

Healing Depression Project: Providing Hope For Treatment-Resistant Patients

For many struggling with depression, the message they often hear from traditional care is “just live with it” or “there’s nothing more we can do.” In today’s episode, we’re challenging that narrative. I’m joined by Dr. Achina Stein and Silvia Covelli, the founders of the Healing Depression Project. Dr. Stein, a functional psychiatrist, and Silvia, who’s personally battled chronic depression, are offering a fresh approach to treatment-resistant depression. Their in-residence program, launching in March, takes a whole-person approach—integrating nutrition, lifestyle changes, trauma healing, and community support. And with research built into the program, they’re not just helping patients; they’re also paving the way to make this approach more accessible for everyone. If you’re ready to rethink depression treatment, this episode is for you. ~DrKF

NAD+ in the Spotlight: New Insights on Boosting Cellular Resilience

NAD+ in the Spotlight: New Insights on Boosting Cellular Resilience

I’m really excited about this one—Dr. Greg Kelly is back with us, and we’re diving deep into NAD, a molecule that’s finally getting the attention it deserves. If you’ve heard me talk about NAD before, you know how foundational it is for energy, longevity, and cellular health, but I’ve got to say—after today’s conversation, I’m looking at it in a whole new way. Dr. Kelly brings a fresh perspective on how NAD influences mitochondrial function, DNA repair, and even the aging process. He’s challenging the way we think about aging, and I’m here for it. For me, NAD is no longer just a side player—it’s going front and center in my supplement stack. If you’re wondering how it might show up clinically, whether it’s in fatigue or other signs of cellular stress, you’ll want to listen in. And if you’re like me, you’ll be adding this one to your regular routine. Have a listen and get ready to rethink how you approach aging and energy. ~DrKF

medical research

Research & News RoundUp – January 2025

This month: Yes, yes, yes: intensive lifestyle interventions (4 papers); omega-3 fatty acids and exercise all WORK on preventing and/or reversing cognitive impairment, including in those with genetic risk (including APOE4). Do adipocytes house epigenetic memory leading to the inevitable weight regaining phenomenon we have long seen? The longevity potential of phytonutrients (you know I am bullish here!). And what about that wildly popular Nature Aging paper on aging happening in two bursts—am I hanging up the towel when I hit 60? (Short answer: no.)

The Podcast After the Podcast: Revisiting Age Reversal with Dr. Greg Fahy

The Podcast After the Podcast: More on Age Reversal with Dr. Greg Fahy

I was thrilled to finally sit down with Dr. Greg Fahy, whose groundbreaking work in aging has truly reshaped our understanding of what’s possible. His 2019 TRIIM study, showing clear biological age reversal through thymus regeneration, was a game-changer. The scientific community was stunned, and rightly so—this was the first real evidence that we can turn back the clock on aging. But Dr. Fahy isn’t stopping there. His ongoing studies hold incredible implications for the future, from potentially reversing autoimmunity to avoiding transplant rejection. Even more exciting is the possibility of creating a standardized protocol that could help other clinicians use these principles in practice. We’re on the brink of something truly revolutionary, and I’m already looking forward to having him back to hear what’s next. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of longevity. ~DrKF

Innovative Approaches to Restoring Brain Function After Concussion and TBI

Innovative Approaches to Restoring Brain Function After Concussion and TBI

The brain’s ability to recover after trauma is astonishing—and often overlooked in conventional care. In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, I sit down with Dr. David Musnick, a long-time friend and brilliant clinician, to explore how we can unlock the brain’s full potential for healing. Dr. Musnick challenges the standard of care for traumatic brain injuries and post-concussion syndrome, introducing a functional medicine approach that integrates advanced tools like Frequency-Specific Microcurrent, targeted nutritional strategies, and personalized interventions. His insights into the stages of recovery, the importance of addressing neuroinflammation, and the role of the gut-brain connection were a true “aha” for me. We also dive into groundbreaking methods for reversing secondary brain damage, a concept that could change everything for patients and practitioners alike. This conversation is packed with actionable takeaways and hope for those navigating brain injuries, cognitive impairment, or persistent post-concussion symptoms. You don’t want to miss it.~DrKF

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An HRT Revolution is Underway. Are You Ready to Individualize Recommendations for Hormone Health?

“What if the key to optimizing hormone therapy isn’t just in the hormones themselves, but in understanding the way they break down in the body?” In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to share my conversation with Dr. Allison Smith, a leader in hormone testing and a trusted expert at Precision Analytical, home of the DUTCH test. Dr. Smith’s work has helped revolutionize how we understand hormones, moving beyond simple serum testing to more comprehensive methods that examine how hormones are metabolized and how their breakdown products affect patient health.

AI-Driven Brain Imaging: A Game Changer in Preventing Cognitive Decline with Owen Phillips, PhD

AI-Driven Brain Imaging: A Game Changer in Preventing Cognitive Decline with Owen Phillips, PhD

How do we prevent cognitive decline before it even begins? The answer might not be what you think. I’m thrilled to share my conversation with Dr. Owen Phillips, a Stanford-trained neuroscientist and founder of BrainKey, who is helping to revolutionize brain care. His team is using AI technology to uncover subtle brain changes long before they result in disease—transforming the way we approach brain health. And here’s the kicker—Dr. Phillips reveals why protecting your brain actually starts with protecting your vasculature—No surprise when you consider it’s essential for feeding this power-hungry organ. This shift in thinking could change how we all approach cognitive health moving forward. We touch on heavy metal toxicity, long Covid, sports injuries and more, so if you’re ready to rethink brain health and prevention, this conversation will leave you with a fresh perspective. Be sure to grab a copy of the Brain Anatomy PDF and follow along for even more insights. ~DrKF

2024 gold colored numbers and glittering confetti on a vivid bright red background.

A Year of Legends: Best of 2024 at Dr. Kara Fitzgerald

Happy holidays everyone! As you enjoy the festive season, I wanted to take a moment to share with you below some of the highlights from this past year here at Dr. Kara Fitzgerald. It’s been quite a 12 months, and I’ve been so honored by the participation and contributions of those who continue to work so hard to deepen our understanding of functional medicine, epigenetics, and longevity. I would like to call out some notable highlights for me including my conversations with the legendary Drs. Greg Fahy, Janine LaSalle, Artemis Simopoulos, and Vittorio Sebastiano. However, there were so many other heavy-hitters and I encourage you to look back over all the year’s content to see what you may have missed.