Functional Medicine, COVID-19 & Racial Disparities: Bridging the Gaps Webinar
I am so grateful for the participation of the panel in the roundtable discussion on Bridging the Gaps in Functional Medicine, COVID-19 & Racial Disparities.
Details
How Gut Health Impacts Cardiometabolic Disease
As research on gut barrier function and gut microbes (aka the gut “microbiota”) expands, more is realized about the interconnectedness of the human body. One of the surprising areas is in the way that an unhealthy microbiota is a key driver of obesity, fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiac risk.
Details
The Furin Protease Connection: From SARS CoV-2 and Anthrax, to Diabetes and Hypertension
Earlier this year, Coutard et al proposed that the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (S) contains a furin cleavage complex (FCC) which was likely playing a role in the pathogenicity of this particular virus. Fast forward a few weeks, and some further connections can be made with relevance for how we might interpret risk and choose interventions…
Details
In Pursuit of Best Practice: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
I have practiced medicine for more than 30 years. Throughout, I, like most of you, always wished I had more time to read. My wish came true! This past year, I had the opportunity to roll up my sleeves, dig in, and really understand the literature. Literature on what? In addition to being a cardiovascular disease (CVD) expert, I wanted to continue my growth and development as a hormone expert. I wanted to know everything I could about hormones, hormones in health and disease, hormones in both men and women, hormone dosing, delivery systems, and monitoring, such that I could educate myself, fellow clinicians, and patients. And that is exactly what I have done.
Details
Licorice-packed with flavonoids and other active constituents-it’s a potent antiviral worthy of your consideration
Licorice has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) since time immemorial as a key ingredient for pandemic formulas. It was a component in TCM formulas for SARS Cov-1 prevention and treatment. Along with astragalus, it is the most frequently used botanical in TCM formulas for SARS Cov-2 prevention in China. Multiple clinical trials have…
Details
A few additional treatment possibilities in COVID19 (SARS Cov-2) addressing furin-like cleavage and pyroptosis (caspacin-1 activation of inflammasome NLRP3)
The cytokine storm seen in SARS Cov1 and Cov2 might be due to chronic pyroptosis activation. However, known activators of NLRP3 in SARS-CoV differ from CoV2. While SARS Cov1 and COVID19 are genetically very similar, the extraordinarily high rate of infectivity of COVID19 is unique. Prepublication research suggests the cause might be a unique furin-like cleavage site on the spike protein of Cov2 that was absent in Cov1.
Details
COVID19: Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Options for the Non-TCM Trained Clinician
Today, my goal is to bang out what *I think* may be critical botanical and nutraceutical interventions for COVID19 (SARS Cov2) prevention and treatment.
Details
Eosinophilic Esophagitis in a 16yo Female: A Case Report
Allie was 16 years old when she first presented in my office with episodic abdominal pain in the lower right quadrant, onset 6 weeks prior, ranging from 2 to 10 on a visual analog pain scale (0=no pain, 10=worst possible pain). Her pain was not associated with reflux, fever, or blood in her stools. Allie had a prior diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EE), however treatment with diet and a proton pump inhibitor had not been successful.
Details
Dr. Kara Fitzgerald’s Research & News Round Up
The newsletters I am most likely to open and read (ie actually click on to access the full text) are those from science sites that feature new research.
Details
Marking the Decade Change – FxMed Luminaries Send us Their Thoughts
It’s not often we get to mark the change of a decade. But what an opportune moment to take stock of what’s been going on over the last 10 years, and perhaps even more importantly what we’re heading towards. One of the things I appreciate most about my work is that it takes place in…
Details
Plasmalogen Deficiency, Dementia, and Death with Dr. Dayan Goodenowe
Dr. Goodenowe invented a technology platform in 1999 that has been used to analyze thousands of human samples from around the world. Through collaborations with international researchers and doctors, Dr. Goodenowe has become an expert on the biochemical basis of neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, autism, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Prodrome Sciences uses Dr. Goodenowe’s technology and discoveries to develop blood tests and dietary supplements for the early detection and prevention of disease.
Details
Best Content of 2019
As we look back over the wealth of content we have shared this past year, we have been so humbled by your feedback and engagement. Below, we highlight our most-read and listened-to articles and podcasts over the past 12 months.
Details
The Lp(a) Conundrum
Lp(a): What do with DO with it? It’s an unequivocal CV risk marker, and its pathogenic mechanisms are multiple and far-reaching. Yet it’s notoriously refractory to treatment – pharma and FxMed. Get the low-down in this month’s blog: The Lp(a) Conundrum. As you will read in the blog opener, figuring out this conundrum is near and dear to my heart. Shout out to Ann Sims, RD, LD, CDE, CLS for support writing and providing references. Ann also suggested I podcast on NFFM with lipidologist Dr. Thomas Dayspring- we’re coordinating that as I type, so stay tuned. I’d love to hear from you on this one: how are you approaching Lp(a) in practice? Thank you! ~DrKF
Details
Science of Vitamin C: Benefits Beyond the Common Cold
Everything about vitamin C (ascorbic acid): From foods & supplements to benefits for skin, cancer treatments, wound healing and more…
Details
A Powerful, Functional Approach to a Healthy Oral Microbiome
The importance of oral health as required for systemic health is well-accepted in the functional world. However, with up to 77% of American adults over 30 years of age suffering from periodontitis, there is an urgent need to actively address oral health as a routine part of clinical practice.
DetailsPremier Sponsors
I am eternally grateful to our sponsors who, by advertising with us, enable me and my team to devote energy and time to writing and publication. All the companies who sponsor us are companies that I trust for myself and my patients and use regularly in my clinical practice. Please check out their websites! – Dr. KF
