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
I am paying attention closely to research coming from the largely untapped world of postbiotic compounds and their essential role in human physiology. I have had the honor to talk quite a few times with Dr. Anurag Singh, and always the clinical (and preclinical) research that he and his team are up to looking at postbiotic wunderkind urolithin A (a compound produced by GI bacterial action on precursor compounds found in pomegranate) are thrilling, powerful and illustrate how wildly important these compounds are in human physiology
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).
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.
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.
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
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:
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.
Fellow clinicians, gear up for an enlightening dive with Dr. Tara Harding, a vanguard in the realm of women’s health and fertility. Renowned for her exceptional work as a family nurse practitioner and fertility coach, Dr. Harding brings a wealth of knowledge from her battle against infertility and medical gaslighting, all while breaking barriers and fostering a supportive community for those navigating the complex journey of infertility. This conversation not only highlights innovative diagnostic tools like Mira but also delves into the nuances of managing conditions like PCOS and endometriosis. Dr. Harding’s personal and professional journey is a beacon of hope and empowerment, underscoring the significance of comprehensive care in women’s health. Prepare to be inspired by her dedication to revolutionizing fertility care and advocating for patient empowerment.
I’m beyond thrilled to share this mind-blowing conversation with Dr. Nathan Price, Chief Scientific Officer of Thorne HealthTech and author of The Age of Scientific Wellness. Imagine harnessing AI to predict outcomes of our functional interventions (diet, supplements, lifestyle) by implementing a “digital twin” model that is populated with all of your patient’s bio data. Being able to test the response of our treatments (and importantly, the synergistic response of multimodal interventions! It’s heady stuff, but amazingly, it is where we are headed today. Dr. Price illuminates the incredible potential this technology brings for personalized evidence-based medicine in nutrition, tailoring interventions based on microbial markers, and addressing lifestyle changes for Alzheimer’s prevention. The podcast is a captivating exploration of cutting-edge concepts and provides a glimpse into the exciting future of healthcare. I was wowed by my convo with Nathan and can’t wait to start kicking the tires on this baby. I know you’ll feel the same.
Our patients and website readers are always asking whether they should be taking supplements, including what type, and at what dose. Often missed in the information put out by Dr. Google is the fact that what each person needs is unique. In our experience, individuals who are trying to do the right thing with micronutrient…
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