The Skin Microbiome
The gut microbiome has gotten much well-deserved attention, likewise with the emerging focus on the oral microbiome. By comparison, research and clinical attention towards the skin microbiome has been scant
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
Episode 13: Functional Dentistry and the Oral-Systemic Connection with Dr. Mark Burhenne, DDS
The oral-systemic disease connection has long been established (recall older recommendations for prophylactic antibiotics before dental work in individuals with endocarditis or joint implants), but with the emerging data on the oral microbiome, new attention is being paid to oral health and the prevention of diseases ranging from cardiovascular to autoimmune and more.
Sugar and Breast Cancer – Yes, They’re Connected
A new animal study out of MD Anderson Cancer Center looked at the impact of different sugars on breast tumor development.
Paleo Diet and Insulin Resistance – More Good Research
A Paleo-style diet (30% carbs, 30% protein, 40% fat- no dairy, lots of veg, lean meats, fish, nuts & seeds) was shown to reduce biomarkers for insulin resistance in postmenopausal women as compared to a low fat diet.
Easy Oral Hygiene Tips for In Between Meals
A patient emailed me a great question the other day regarding between-brushing oral hygiene.
Strawberry Mint Vinaigrette
This is strawberry mint vinaigrette is a great salad dressing that tastes especially good in the spring and summer.
Healthy Chocolate Smoothie
Enjoy this healthy chocolate smoothie in between meals as a snack or in place of a small meal. This recipe is free of gluten and dairy.
Gluten-Free Nut Crunch Snack
Gluten-Free Crunch Snack
Got Cravings? It Could Be Your Gut Talking
Got cravings? Have food cravings ever left you feeling powerless? Like the time you ate a big bowl of ice cream or a piece of chocolate cake only to feel guilty about it for the rest of the day? Well, go easy on yourself – there may be a good reason why you caved in, and it has nothing to do with willpower.
Seasonal Allergies: How Do We Prepare Our Patients?
Seasonal allergies are coming fast and furious this year. How do we prepare our patients?