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
This month, we are sharing short summaries of some of the key research and news pieces that we have been paying attention to. Our focus spans intriguing questions about health and nutrition, from the potential risks of fish oil supplementation to the role of grip strength in aging. We also dive into the effectiveness of different protein sources, the temporary aging effects of pregnancy, and the controversial impact of multivitamins on longevity. These five topics shed light on emerging findings and the need for a nuanced understanding of nutrition and health. Join us as we explore these important insights!
We’re at an extraordinary inflection point in science, where our understanding of aging is evolving in ways that seemed unimaginable just a decade ago. As we explore these exciting advancements, we’re also faced with the challenge of defining key concepts like biological age, healthspan, and longevity interventions. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Matt Kaeberlein—one of my favorite voices in this space—for a far-reaching discussion. We dive into everything from aging as a programmed phenomenon to the latest clocks and even the supplements in his personal stack. I’m sure you’ll find this conversation as fascinating and insightful as I did. ~DrKF
In this short video blog (6 minutes, 24 seconds), Dr. Fitzgerald asks Ryan Smith, founder of TruDiagnostic, a lab that researches and specializes in understanding and reporting insights derived from epigenetic methylation data, to discuss some of the recent criticisms surrounding biological clocks.
Grip strength declines with age – this is an unwelcome change I’ve noticed even in myself, despite a good, consistent resistance training habit through adulthood. Jars that were completely uneventful for me, I need more effort to open, or resorting to using a jar-opening tool. This is in part, what makes me interested in grip strength.
Could taking a daily multivitamin actually increase mortality risk (i.e. risk of death)? This video blog takes a deep dive into the problematic research methodology of a 2024 research study on multivitamin use and mortality risk which caused a stir on popular media and news outlets.
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Valerie Gershenhorn, who offers a truly unique perspective on tackling some of the most stubborn skin conditions we encounter in our practices. Her approach is both refreshing and deeply rooted in functional medicine principles. As someone who has navigated the complexities of dermatological health, I found our conversation rich with clinical pearls that I believe will resonate with many of you. From her insights into the gut-skin axis to the practical steps she takes with both adults and children, there’s a wealth of information here that can be directly applied to your practice. I’m confident you’ll find her strategies as valuable as I did.
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
