Dr. Kara Fitzgerald Blog

News & Media from the Team at Kara Fitzgerald, ND

You are here:

Home
Dr. Kara Fitzgerald Blog

View all Functional Medicine for Consumers Functional Medicine for Professionals FxMed Podcast Recipes Research, News & Ideas

Add Superfoods and Epinutrients to Any Diet Using Broths and Tonics

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND October 1, 2022 Leave a comment

I am always excited to share new and practical ways to bring Younger You principles to your dinner table and/or clinical practice. And this podcast is especially exciting where Jill Sheppard Davenport and I dive into using broths and tonics as health-promoting and healing foods. Yes, these have been part of our natural medicine toolbox for eons, but today we discuss a new spin on this ancient medicine and turn up the volume on superfood and epinutrient ingredients for their myriad health benefits, including bio age reversal properties.

Addressing Long-COVID: Data-Driven Learning Model for Practitioners and Patients

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND April 15, 2023 Leave a comment

As we find ourselves entering this fourth year since the world was first gripped by COVID-19, on an individual and practice level many of us are still grappling with its post-viral after-effects (long COVID). Drs Patrick Hanaway and Kara Parker, as well as my long-time mentor and former IFM CEO Laurie Hofmann, join me on this podcast to share the important work they have been doing in building practitioner tools and training to address this ongoing challenge (check out the links in the show notes). I just really appreciate their doable, data-driven, and continuous-learning approach, as I’m sure you will too. And if you’re working with COVID-19/long COVID patients (as all of us do, or will, at some point), you’ll want to familiarize yourself with their patient registry so that you too can be part of that essential data collection. – DrKF

Addressing Root Causes of Neurodegenerative Diseases with Dr. Dale Bredesen

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND September 2, 2020 2 Comments

I very much enjoyed my conversation with Dr. Dale Bredesen – from his story of finding functional medicine (it’ll resonate with many of you, as it did me, I’m sure) to where the ReCODE program is now (pay attention to the large clinical trial now underway and the refinements of Dr. Bredesen’s thinking over the last decade), and the launch of The End of Alzheimer’s Program (a goldmine resource for clinicians and regular folks alike). Links on the podcast show notes page, be sure to check them out. Thanks for listening!

Advanced Metabolomics: Identifying the Metabolic Signature for Aging with Betsy Redmond, Ph.D., MMSc, RDN

FxMed Podcast, FxMed Sponsored PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND December 18, 2023 Leave a comment

As functional practitioners, we’re compelled to understand the intricate changes in the aging journey that fuel the diseases we strive to prevent. The emergence of omics data, particularly metabolomics, marks a pivotal moment, and I’m thrilled to welcome back Dr. Betsy Redmond, a senior education specialist at Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory and a cherished friend, to New Frontiers. In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of metabolomics, emphasizing pathways over isolated metabolites for profound insights and more effective interventions. Welcome to Medicine 3.0, where we correct imbalances, identify metabolites linked to healthy aging, mood, gut health, and more, providing actionable steps to enhance both healthspan and lifespan. Plus, we’ll unravel some surprising insights from my own results! Join us for a wealth of valuable pearls to use in your practice. ~DrKF

Advances in Curcumin Bioavailability and Improved Absorption for Patients

FxMed Podcast, FxMed Sponsored PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND May 4, 2023 1 Comment

The therapeutic value of curcumin makes it a fabulous recommendation as both a foundational and medicinal supplement. And since finding a preparation that is bioavailable is key to efficacy, affordability, and patient compliance, I’m excited to have Dr. Sonia Malani (on behalf of Integrative Therapeutics) here to talk about the latest advances in curcumin deliverability and why it matters. Join us as Dr. Malani breaks down the progress of curcumin deliverability and the keys to bioavailability in a way that is simple to understand and easy to pass on to our patients in order to help them move away from the ineffective brands that are currently lining the shelves of local markets so they get the therapeutic influence we are hoping for. I know you’ll enjoy this curcumin talk, and learn a ton from this latest research. Thanks for listening! ~DrKF

AI, Digital Twins, and the Future of Personalized Medicine Interventions with Dr. Nathan Price

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND February 14, 2024 Leave a comment

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.

Best Tests and Treatment for Remediating Environmental Impacts and Optimizing Brain Health with Dr. Tom O’Bryan

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND November 1, 2020 Leave a comment

There’s no better person to have on New Frontiers to talk about the underlying mechanisms that activate an immune response than Dr. Tom O’Bryan, a foremost expert in understanding wheat sensitivity and the development of autoimmune conditions and cognitive dysfunction. What a pleasure to talk to! Settle in: this is a great, fun, and informative podcast covering all the way back to Tom’s first exposure to EMF in 1978 to the hundreds of pounds of toxins we are all exposed to daily. We cover brain health (of course!) and Tom shares which labs he uses and why, how to interpret them, and the interventions he’s using to help fix his patients’ brains. Clinicians: you’re sure to grasp great insight to share with your patients, and we (practitioners or not!) can all learn A TON about food sensitivity and autoimmunity with this master teacher and clinician. Would appreciate you sharing, commenting, and rating – wherever you listen to New Frontiers! Thank you! ~DrKF

Beyond Mitochondrial Health: Can Urolithin A Slow Down Aging?

FxMed Podcast, FxMed Sponsored PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND November 15, 2023 4 Comments

In the realm of bioenergetics, few nutrients have burst onto the stage with the impressive force wielded by the postbiotic rock star—Urolithin A. In today’s episode I’m honored to be joined by the brilliant Dr. Chris Rinsch, co-founder of Amazentis / Timeline, as we delve into the profound impact of this remarkable substance and unravel the scientific intricacies behind the microbiome’s transformation of polyphenols from our diet into Urolithin A. You’ll quickly understand why it’s emerging as a potent force in cellular health and longevity.

Breast Health and Beyond: A Practitioner’s Guide to Functional Testing

FxMed Podcast, FxMed Sponsored PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND October 27, 2023 1 Comment

Over 270,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year in the US. And while BRCA mutations often get the most press, there are other, potentially more critical factors we can address. Today, Dr. Ruth Hobson joins us to delve into the realm of breast health, shedding light on both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, and sharing real-life strategies for supporting our patients. We dive into a range of essential topics, from dietary and lifestyle influences to the ongoing debate around Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and venture into the world of functional tests to evaluate hormones and metabolites crucial for comprehensive breast health. We’ll uncover the intricate connection between gut health and breast health – Did you know that breast tissue has its own microbiome?!? – and examine how inflammation, peripheral fat, and methylation impact cancer risk. Bring a pen and paper, this is a deep dive into the hormones and breast health that you won’t want to miss. ~DrKF

Building Resilience for Optimal Functioning with Dr. Stephen Sideroff

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND December 13, 2022 2 Comments

Why are we often resistant to tackling stress and preprogrammed thought patterns? It’s a curious phenomenon that occurs even in those of us who really know the central role these psychological factors play in health, disease, and even aging. That’s why it’s one of the important topics I address with resilience expert Dr. Stephen Sideroff in this episode of New Frontiers. After all, a full 25 percent of the bio-age clock we used in our clinical study is driven by epigenetic patterns on stress-related genes. That means how we handle stress is intricately interwoven into how well we age biologically.

Burnout in Healthcare: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions with Dr. Jonathan Prousky

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND December 7, 2023 Leave a comment

In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, healthcare practitioners have been working tirelessly to care for their patients. But what about their own health and well-being? Today, I am delighted to welcome back Dr. Jonathan Prousky, Chief Naturopathic Medical Officer at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, to the New Frontiers Podcast. As a repeat guest and leading expert in personalized mental health strategies, Dr. Prousky offers valuable insights into the challenges facing healthcare practitioners today, especially in terms of the hidden epidemic of physician burnout. In this episode, we explore practical solutions to help healthcare practitioners maintain their own health and well-being while providing care to others. We also touch on the three hallmark signs of burnout and discuss the latest advances in targeted supplementation to manage underlying chronic stress in the workplace. Dr. Prousky’s expertise and practical tips make this an episode you won’t want to miss. As always, please feel free to share, comment, and rate – and let us know your thoughts on this important topic. ~DrKF

Comparing Saliva, Urine, and Serum Hormone Testing: Choosing the Best Test for Each Patient

FxMed Podcast, FxMed Sponsored PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND July 12, 2021 Leave a comment

Have you ever looked at serum hormone levels and scratched your head, wondering why there was such a difference between your patient’s clinical signs and the numbers on the report? Felt unsure whether to look at bioavailable hormone markers or their metabolites? Not surprisingly, when it comes to endocrinological health, there are just as many questions as hormones (and there are over 50!). My guest in this podcast, Dr. Lylen Ferris, gives us very clear and user-friendly guidance on appropriate hormone testing, interpreting results from different specimens and, most excitingly, using novel biomarkers, such as allopregnanolone. Having completed her naturopathic residency with Dr. Kimberly Windstar, and after years of teaching and mentoring medical students on gynecology and women’s health, Dr. Ferris has plenty of brilliant clinical pearls to share with us! Please share, comment, and leave us a starred review if you wouldn’t mind! Thank you!

Decoding Aging: The Science Of Cellular Rejuvenation With Dr. Vittorio Sebastiano

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND January 16, 2024 Leave a comment

It was a career-defining (and perhaps life changing) moment when Dr. Vittorio Sebastiano, a reproductive biologist by training, realized that because we are able to create life, that same body of information could be harnessed to create youth – that is, radically reverse our biological aging process to a younger time point without losing cellular identity. In 2014, he and his lab began unpacking this epiphany. They made the radical decision to conduct their investigations in human cells and tissue rather than in rodents, with the expectation that such a start would be a better bridge to human clinical trials. Flash forward a decade and Dr. Sebastiano and his team stand poised to begin trials in humans. Dr. Sebastiano is, in my opinion, one of the most extraordinary scientists in the longevity space today who flies under the radar of most of us in functional medicine.

Depression, Anxiety, & Suicide: Addressing Mental Illness with Dr. Jonathan Prousky

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND April 1, 2021 2 Comments

How do we approach patients with mental health disorders? How do you engage someone who’s really depressed to get off the couch and get outside? To turn the TV off or put the phone down? The pandemic has led to an increase in mental illness, with more people reporting symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. My guest in this podcast, Dr. Jonathan Prousky ND, has been deeply entrenched in the world of integrative medicine to support patients with mental illness. Dr. Prousky has worked in the field of mental health as a naturopath, chief medical officer, and professor at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, and was inducted into The Orthomolecular Hall of Fame for his commitment to mental health. Together, we dive into the essentials for supporting patients with targeted supplementation, including mechanisms of action and dosages, how to best engage patients who are struggling with mental illness, and how to create safety planning for suicidal patients. You won’t want to miss this episode — I’ve been thinking about it every day and so will you after listening. Please let me know your thoughts — share, comment and rate if you would be so kind. Thank you! ~DrKF

Disrupting Anti-Aging Skincare by Targeting Senescent Cells

FxMed Podcast, FxMed Sponsored PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND June 5, 2023 Leave a comment

Imagine accurately determining the status of your skin’s age to tell whether it is younger or older than your chronological age, and then use this technology to determine whether expensive anti-aging serums and creams are effective, or actually causing more harm than good. Amazing, right? This is precisely the technology today’s guest, Dr. Carolina Reis and her fellow stem cell biologists at OneSkin created. I think you will find this interview fascinating on so many levels – I know I sure did! After creating their skin clock, the OneSkin team discovered peptide OS1, which targets senescent cells, one of the root mechanisms of aging, and is being shown in current studies to have a positive effect on hydration, firmness, elasticity, and the skin barrier. Listen as Dr. Reis explains the science and ongoing studies exploring the possible benefits of OS1 for the skin microbiome, hair loss, inflammation, and overall health. ~DrKF

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

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND March 18, 2024 Leave a comment

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

Dr. Mark Pimentel Presents New Perspectives on SIBO and IBS

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND October 1, 2020 8 Comments

Dr. Mark Pimentel. We all know him as the clinician/scientist who understands the varied pathogenic underpinnings of IBS/SIBO/IMO. In my recent conversation with him, we cover the definition of terms, causes, when to use a stool test. We discuss the Pimentel low fermentation diet, intervention (including botanicals), and diagnosing hydrogen sulfide (a test is coming soon, but wasn’t available at time of recording). Probiotics: any utility? Elemental diet, and so much more. Grateful to have Dr. Pimentel on the podcast, and know you will benefit from this insightful convo. Thanks for listening, please leave a review if you can! ~DrKF

Epigenetics, SNPs, and Aging with Dr. Jeff Bland

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND January 7, 2022 2 Comments

Folks, I am just honored, thrilled, excited to be talking to my dear mentor and friend Dr. Jeff Bland on this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine. Not only is Dr. Bland the father of functional medicine, but he’s also the founder of Big Bold Health, a company whose mission is to enhance immunity at the global level through rediscovery of ancient food crops and superfoods which support immuno-rejuvenation. Join me as I pick his brain on genetics, aging, SNPs, DNA repair, and senolytics, and find out why your genes are not a death certificate but rather a ‘uniqueness certificate’ that requires specific approaches. You won’t want to miss this in-depth conversation! Listen, learn, and if you would be so kind, leave a review on iTunes or wherever you hear my voice. Thank you! ~DrKF

Episode 1: A Functional Approach to Chronic Pelvic Pain with Dr. Kara Fitzgerald and Jessica Drummond, MPT, CCN, CHC

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND May 16, 2015 2 Comments

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP), which includes interstitial cystitis, urinary tract infections, myofascial pain, pelvic floor pain, dyspareunia is a common, underappreciated problem in women

Episode 10: The History (and Future) of Functional Medicine: A Fireside e-Chat with IFM Co-Founder, Dr. Jeff Bland

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND January 19, 2016 4 Comments

From the early ideas of Archibald Garrod, Weston Price, Linus Pauling and Roger Williams to the many amazing FxMed leaders of today – listen to this remarkable conversation with Dr. Jeff Bland as he takes us on a journey through FxMed yesterday, today and tomorrow!

Episode 11: DUTCH: A Novel (and useful!) Urinary Hormone Test with Mark Newman, MS

FxMed PodcastBy Kara Fitzgerald, ND February 11, 2016 4 Comments

As a clinician measuring urine, serum and salivary hormone levels in my patients routinely, I’ve always got questions around which testing method is the best. Thus, I was excited to chat with Mark Newman and pick his brain on all things hormone testing. As he says, “I’m an inch wide and a mile deep. I’ve spent pretty much my whole career in measuring reproductive and adrenal hormones.”