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
Dr. Fahy’s research was the first to demonstrate the potential of biological age reversal as measured by all epigenetic clocks available in 2019. This was an extraordinarily exciting moment in science.Hear all about that journey and what he and his team are working on now. Still underappreciated (in my opinion) is the fact that his protocol regenerates the thymus gland in older individuals. The implications of this are massive.
Cardiovascular disease might be the leading cause of death, but after my conversation with Dr. Mark Houston, I’m more convinced than ever that we have the power to change that narrative. We delved into the power of diet and lifestyle changes, the essential role of nitric oxide and the impressive results of new supplements like Vascanox HP by Calroy Health Sciences in managing blood pressure. Dr. Houston’s passion for prevention and the practical tips he shared made me feel hopeful and empowered. From understanding key tests to making everyday changes, this episode is all about giving you the tools to protect your heart health. Let’s dive in and explore how we can all live longer, healthier lives. ~DrKF
Biological “clocks” based on epigenetic age have been around for just over a decade. Steve Horvath, a PhD scientist at UCLA launched the field with his original 2013 pan-tissue clock that predicted chronological age with head-turning accuracy. Other researchers subsequently crunched their own epigenetic (DNA methylation) data and applied advanced mathematical models to similarly predict age with their own “clocks”, resulting in a suite of available epigenetic age assessments – each with similarities but also notable differences. Some of these are more widely available for non-researchers to use than others.
Join us as we delve into cutting-edge clinical insights with Dr. Terry Wahls, exploring the forefront of multiple sclerosis management. We uncover the pivotal role of dietary patterns, from ketogenic protocols to the impact of olive oil versus coconut oil. Dr. Wahls shares exciting developments in plasma exchange and stem cell therapies, shedding light on their potential in autoimmune conditions and aging. We also explore the revolutionary Octave test, utilizing proteomics and AI to assess disease activity in MS patients. Join us as we navigate through personalized medicine challenges, biohacking for longevity, and the critical importance of adherence in therapeutic success. ~DrKF
Today, we’re diving deep into a breakthrough in skincare science that has caught my attention—OneSkin’s OS-01 peptide. This episode explores how OS-01 targets cellular senescence, the core of aging, potentially transforming skin health.I’m particularly impressed by OneSkin’s commitment to rigorous research and evidence-based results. Their approach not only aims to rejuvenate skin but also enhances its natural radiance and elasticity. This could be a significant advancement for individuals managing aging skin or conditions like atopic dermatitis.
In this 15-minute video blog segment, Dr. Fitzgerald discusses a controversial study on fish oil and cardiovascular disease that was published in the British Medical Journal earlier this year titled Regular use of fish oil supplements and course of cardiovascular diseases: prospective cohort study with former clinic resident Tish Campbell PhD. Find the study full…
Is it time to add a custom dose of vitamin D to your Younger You protocols? A small Younger You study from the UK and the importance of D more broadly suggest YES. Don’t miss thoughts on dosing (and some new data showing inadequacy of many dosing recommendations) towards the end of this article.
If you’re looking to elevate your approach to inflammation and pain management, this episode is for you. Today, we dive into a fascinating conversation with registered dietitian Ashley Koff. We discuss the intricate role of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) and their potential applications in various health conditions, from inflammation and pain management to neurodegenerative diseases and autoimmune disorders. We also explore the nuances of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and its importance in functional medicine, particularly for women in perimenopause and menopause. If you’re curious about the latest insights on using SPMs in conditions like Lyme arthritis, chronic infections, and even concussions, this episode is packed with valuable information. We’ll also touch on practical strategies for incorporating these powerful molecules into your therapeutic protocols, ensuring your patients receive the most comprehensive care possible.
This pioneer scientist mapped the human placental methylome. That is, all of the DNA methylation marks on the placenta, and has associated changes with neurodevelopmental disorders. She’s also demonstrated the influence of toxins and insufficient folate. Of the many implications inherent in her work, very exciting to me is the fact that we are moving toward in utero diagnostics using mom’s blood (ie, a standard blood draw). My hope is one day we will identify issues and address them all before baby is born!
In this blog, we’ll take a look at how optimizing DNA methylation (through nutrition and lifestyle, as we do in Younger You), may positively impact various health conditions.