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

Cutting Edge Interventions For Patients with Adverse Food Reactions with Dr. Tom Fabian

Challenging Food Reactions? Addressing the Gut Microbiome and More with Dr. Thomas Fabian

In this episode, we’re diving into the forefront of understanding adverse food reactions, a topic that’s experiencing a significant paradigm shift in both perception and treatment strategies. Our guest, Dr. Thomas Fabian, a leading expert on the role of the microbiome, will shed light on the underlying pathophysiology of these reactions. We’ll discuss specific gut microbes and microbial functions identified in recent studies, providing concrete examples of their involvement in various types of adverse food reactions.Join us as we navigate through the latest advancements in immune tolerance understanding, microbial variances in the gastrointestinal tract, and the profound influence of GI physiology on adverse food reactions.Stay tuned for an enlightening discussion that will undoubtedly shape the future of functional medicine practice. ~DrKF

Microbiome Reset: Building Childhood Resilience with Dr. Elisa Song

Smart, Actionable Strategies for Childhood Resilience, with Dr. Elisa Song

I’m delighted to welcome back Dr. Elisa Song, a respected colleague and pioneer in pediatric functional medicine. Today, we’re delving into the critical intersection of the gut microbiome and pediatric health. In today’s landscape, families are confronted with daunting challenges. Between the 3000 chemicals hiding in ultra-processed foods, alarmingly high sugar content (sometimes as much as 14 teaspoons in a single drink!), and the pervasive presence of antibiotics in our food supply, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing negative changes in the microbiome, worsening metabolic health, increased allergies, autoimmune disease, and neurodevelopmental issues.

woman with PCOS

PCOS and Iron Overload – Underappreciated and Important Biochemical Connections

Insulin resistance, excess weight, fatty liver, infertility, and elevated androgen levels – these are clinical features common to two conditions that we wouldn’t necessarily think to connect: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hemochromatosis. Interestingly, excess iron is a common finding in BOTH conditions. A new patient of mine – we’ll call her Anne – recently presented with PCOS along with mildly elevated iron levels. In this blog, I tease out the relevance of this, especially in the context of emerging research on the connections, and explain how I put those considerations into the development of her treatment plan.

Urolithin A and GLP-1 Agonists: A winning combination with Dr. Anurag Singh

Mitigating Muscle Loss from GLP-1 Agonists, with Dr. Anurag Singh

GLP-1 agonist drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic have burst onto the scene, offering exciting prospects for metabolic health. And while I find the potential of these drugs truly fascinating, amidst their promising benefits, there’s a significant concern looming that can’t be overlooked —the risk of substantial muscle loss. It’s a topic that hits close to home for me, especially considering the pivotal role of muscle in overall health and longevity.

clocks

Past, Present, and Future of “Biological Aging” with Dr. Fitzgerald

Team DrKF sat down with Dr. Fitzgerald to pose some questions about the “state of the state” of longevity research, current controversies and future directions, and where she sees her work fitting into it. When it comes to defining and using measures of biological age, where does the science currently stand? To understand where we currently stand, and why changes are afoot, we have to first consider where we’ve come from. When Steve Horvath at UCLA released the first epigenetic biological age clock in 2013 it marked the entry of longevity medicine into the mainstream (referred to as biogerontology in science, anti-aging medicine in some clinical circles).

New Frontiers in Functional Medicine® Podcast

Tackling Alzheimer’s Disease Head On – the Inspiring Work of Dr. Heather Sandison

Today, I am honored to connect with Dr. Heather Sandison, whose work in reversing Alzheimer’s is nothing short of groundbreaking. Her dedication challenges the status quo of dementia care, offering real hope and tangible solutions. We’ll explore the intricacies of Alzheimer’s disease, from its elusive diagnosis to the shortcomings of traditional pharmaceuticals. Together, we’ll navigate the realm of evidence-based interventions, from early detection to personalized treatments, all aimed at optimizing cognitive function and overall well-being. Join us for a conversation that promises to ignite new possibilities in our approach to dementia care.

Reducing Senescent Cell Accumulation for Enhanced Longevity with Dr. Greg Kelly

Targeting Senescent Cells? Dose and Timing Matters – with Dr. Greg Kelly

I’m thrilled to welcome you to a truly fascinating discussion on the cutting edge of longevity medicine. In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Greg Kelly to explore the complex world of cellular senescence and its profound implications for our aging process. We delve into the challenges of identifying these aging cells and the exciting research that’s paving the way for more accurate biomarkers. I’m particularly excited to share with you Dr. Kelly’s insights on how simple lifestyle changes, such as incorporating regular exercise and mindful caloric intake, can significantly reduce the accumulation of senescent cells. We also discuss some groundbreaking interventions, including the use of senolytic agents like quercetin, dasatinib, and piper longumine, and how they’re revolutionizing our approach to longevity.

Metabolic Engineering: The Science Behind Staying in the Zone with Dr. Barry Sears

Dr. Barry Sears (of Zone Diet Fame) on Lifetime Metabolic Health and Sourcing Omega-3s

In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to speak with Dr. Barry Sears, the creator of the Zone Diet, an approach that has not only topped bestseller lists multiple times but has also profoundly impacted nutritional practices really across the world. We dive into his transition from cancer research to nutritional science, focusing on how diet regulates the key areas of inflammation and hormonal balance. Dr. Sears shares insights from his groundbreaking work, exploring the balance of macronutrients and the pivotal role of omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols. His contributions have revolutionized how we understand diet’s impact on health, offering valuable strategies for managing chronic diseases and optimizing wellness globally. You’ll find many clinical pearls in this conversation. Join us as I uncover the science and stories behind this influential dietary philosophy with this legend of nutrition and wellness. ~DrKF

processed foods

Ultra-Processed Foods Spell Disaster for Longevity

Of course we always say “shop the perimeter” of your grocery store, and skip buying anything with industrial ingredients you wouldn’t normally find in your kitchen. Avoid added sugars, colors, preservatives, synthetic vitamins like folic acid… and avoid additives like MSG and carrageenan. Even if these are labeled organic and especially if they are not. Here’s why:

medical research into spermidine

Spermidine & other polyamines: Important players in longevity? Yes… with a few caveats

As the name implies, spermidine was first characterized in sperm, and while there is a high concentration present in semen (and it appears important for fertility), it’s everywhere- in all eukaryotic cells. In fact, wind the evolutionary clock back to the earliest endosymbiotic happenings, you’ll find spermidine and the broader family of polyamines on center stage, playing a central role in the development of… life. Indeed, bacteria, archaea and plants (and even viruses) all rely on polyamines. These facts alone illustrate the obvious: polyamines are important. Attribution for the discovery of spermine (the polyamine metabolite of spermidine) is given to Anton Leeuwenhoek, the father of microscopy, in 1678.