New Frontiers In Functional Medicine

Practitioners, if specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) aren't already on your radar, you'll be a convert by the end of this New Frontiers episode. In functional medicine, we excel at addressing inflammation through nutrition and lifestyle. However, brilliant researchers like Dr. Charles Serhan from Harvard have shown us that resolving inflammation requires a two-phase approach. We need to shift gears, rally the cleanup crew, start the repair process, and turn down the volume on the immune system. This transition from inflammation to resolution is exactly what our guest, Ashley Koff, RD, will discuss. We'll explore why SPMs, discovered by Dr. Serhan, are crucial for healthy inflammation resolution and how Metagenics has developed a product using the patented Serhan method that has numerous clinical applications, from managing inflammation and pain to addressing neurodegenerative conditions, autoimmunity, and even infertility. We'll also delve into factors that influence our ability to convert ome

What if we could actually identify and even correct significant autism risk factors in utero, before a baby is born? This is the promise of the game-changing research of Dr. Janine LaSalle, epigeneticist extraordinaire from UC Davis. With autism rates continuing to increase at alarming rates (the latest data from the CDC, released in 2023, is 1 in 36 children in the US, an increase from the prior 1 in 44), new ways to prevent and treat this condition are of utmost importance. Dr. LaSalle is on a mission to change that, by investigating something you probably haven't heard much about yet - the placental methylome. Methylation signatures in the maternal placenta are yielding information both for predicting autism in children and for intervention targets to prevent the development of the disease. It's just incredibly exciting. In our conversation, you'll also learn how placental methylation behaves differently to DNA methylation in other tissues, and how the placental methylome may also help us better underst

Addressing adverse food reactions goes way beyond simply cutting out the culprits, so I’m thrilled to have Dr. Tom Fabian join us again on New Frontiers to highlight the interventions that will move the needle for our patients. We explore the mechanisms through which specific strains can either exacerbate or alleviate both immune-mediated and non-immune-mediated food reactions, and discuss the fascinating connection between circadian rhythms of mast cells and intestinal permeability, feeding times and increased susceptibility to food reactivity. We look at why some patients may be more sensitive to symptoms and how histamine-producing microbes may lead to visceral hypersensitivity. But we also talk strategy, with one pearl after another, such as the potential of Lactobacillus reuteri in attenuating immune-mediated food reactions, the role of butyrate and indole in stabilizing mast cells, and using specific polyphenols to calm the immune system and promote a health microbiome. For any practitioner or health-s

Dr. Elisa Song is one of those clinicians that I could just keep talking to! She's a respected colleague and pioneer in pediatric functional medicine with so many practical tips for navigating childhood illness and health. Need to get your kiddo/patient through a blood draw they don't want to do? Or get your picky eater to take their supplement? Dr. Song has the answers. I appreciate her candor as she talks about how and why her practice has evolved in certain areas (such as in the use of targeted probiotics and even "psychobiotics" for autism, ADHD, anxiety, OCD and more) and in spelling out which supplement brands and doses she uses and why. Dr. Song tackles the immense challenges impacting the health of our kids and teens head on with positivity and smart, doable strategies for lasting success. This is a fascinating and empowering discussion with many clinical pearls that I will be implementing both in practice and for my own daughter going forwards. I hope you enjoy it too! ~DrKF Check out the show not

Even as we prioritize natural interventions in functional medicine, GLP-1 agonist drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic offer sometimes life-changing support for those who have long struggled with resistant overweight/obesity and high blood sugar. However, there are side effects, including the risk of substantial muscle loss and sagging, aged skin ("Ozempic face" as it's indelicately known). It's a concern that hits home for me, considering the pivotal role we know that muscle plays in overall health and longevity. In this New Frontiers podcast episode I welcome back Dr. Anurag Singh to unravel the complexities of these issues. We explore the interplay between metabolic health and muscle preservation, touching on everything from the mechanisms of GLP-1 agonists and their long-term effects on aging and sarcopenia, to the promising potential of dietary and lifestyle interventions to counteract negative effects. We consider the potential for one of my all-time fave postbiotic epinutrients - Urolithin A - to assist b

Dr. Sandison confesses that when she first heard Dr. Dale Bredesen talk about his work reversing cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease she was skeptical. But when she started to apply the Bredesen principles in her clinical work and saw just how meaningful the improvements were to patients' symptoms and quality of life, as she puts it: "...how do I do anything else with my life, but basically tell as many people who will listen that this is possible?" She then went on to found the first two residential care facilities for individuals with cognitive decline that are based on the Bredesen approach. She's published research on her clinical outcomes and is continuing to gather more data for publication. The information and inspiration she shares are relevant to anyone dealing with cognitive decline, caring for someone with cognitive decline, or even those of us who want to preserve and optimize cognitive function as we move through life. I found her report that environmental toxins were one of the most common

Get ready for a deep dive into the world of cellular senescence and its implications for aging. Dr. Greg Kelly joins me on New Frontiers to explain the science behind targeting this Hallmark of Aging and share natural compounds and activities that target cellular senescence. I am particularly excited for you to hear his thoughts around dosing and cyclical timing of exposure to senolytic compounds, such as fisetin, luteolin, quercetin, and piperlongumine, and why that may make the difference between having the effect you want... or not. Don't miss his advice on smart exercise tweaks for aging and the caution that overdoing it with exercise in our later years is much more harmful than it was in our twenties. Lots to unpack here. Enjoy! - DrKF Head over to https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for all the full transcription and all relevant links and resources. *Guest information* Dr. Greg Kelly is Senior Director of Product Development at Neurohacker Collective, naturopathic physician (N.D.),

I'm excited to welcome Dr. Barry Sears, the renowned creator of the Zone Diet and a pillar in our field. Dr. Sears has not only authored bestsellers but has also made incredibly important contributions to clinical practice which we still rely on today: He is, for instance, the scientist who put the use of the AA:EPA ratio on the map. Dr. Sears provides elegant and accessible explanations of the unassailable importance of diet in addressing inflammation, metabolic health, chronic disease, and longevity, and the role that fatty acids play in that milieu. And while he and I might not agree that polyphenols need to be absorbed intact for benefit - there's plenty of evidence that their postbiotic products are very important players, especially in their interactions with the epigenome - his concerns about the chemical structure of highly concentrated fish oil supplements (with the potential for isomerization, as he argues) has opened my eyes and is important, without doubt. I think the jury is still out as to wheth

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. ~DrKF Check out the show notes at www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for all the relevant links and resources.

Fellow clinicians, get ready for a 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. And 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 illustrates the incredible potential this technology brings for personalized evidence-based medicine, such as tailoring interventions based on microbial markers or targeting specific 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 conversation with Nathan and can’t wait to start kicking the tires on

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. In this podcast - which is actually two-in-one because I continued the conversation with him on a second date - you’ll hear about the remar

Aging itself stands as the paramount driver of disease. As functional practitioners, the question arises: How can we assess biological age to make precise corrections that foster both healthspan and lifespan? Enter the era of omics, where metabolomics emerges as an exceptional tool with transformative potential. I'm thrilled to welcome back Dr. Betsy Redmond, longtime friend and the senior education specialist at Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, to New Frontiers to lead us on this discussion.Together, we'll take a deep dive into specific metabolites and pathways intricately linked to aging, mood, inflammation, and gut health and you’ll hear about equol, a rising star on the postbiotic scene. We'll even unravel some surprising insights from my own test results! Be sure to grab a copy of the Sample Report and pull up a seat for this fascinating discussion packed with valuable takeaways for yourself and your practice. ~DrKF You'll find it all at www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/

Working in healthcare brings a unique set of challenges and stressors. But the truth is that any of us can get to burnout through challenging circumstances of work or study. And the consequences can range from severe to devastating. Burnout still hasn't been fully understood or recognized by the medical profession and other industries - there is still no official diagnosis classification. Along with other mental health disorders, it is often still (wrongly) stigmatized and can even sometimes be seen as a "badge of honor," much to our detriment. Dr. Jonathan Prousky, Chief Naturopathic Medical Officer at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, joins me once again in this New Frontiers episode to explore the state of burnout in healthcare workers and beyond. Whether you work in our field or not, I guarantee you'll find it insightful. Together we explore the challenges we all face, and practical solutions to help you maintain your own health and well-being. As always, please feel free to share, comment, a

When it comes to mitochondrial health, few nutrients have burst onto the bioenergetics stage with quite the impressive force as the postbiotic rock star Urolithin A (UA). On this New Frontiers episode Dr. Chris Rinsch, co-founder of Amazentis / Timeline, shares the incredible scientific journey of UA's discovery and subsequent unfolding of its many benefits, as confirmed by multiple clinical studies. Together, we explore UA's mechanisms of action, including the role of the microbiome, and exciting preliminary research on UA's potential to reverse immune aging. Of course, our conversation wouldn't be complete without discussing the possible role UA may play in slowing down biological aging and extending healthspan - after all mitochondrial decline is one of the hallmarks of aging. Tune in and please leave us a review wherever you listen to New Frontiers. - DrKF Check out the Shownotes for the episode at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/,

Did you know that "bone-eating" osteoclast cells are derived from immune cell precursors and are stimulated by inflammation, just like other immune cells? Or that bone has its own glycocalyx whose health is essential to realize the benefits of exercise for bone? Folks, Dr. Keith McCormick is back on New Frontiers with ever-more juicy pearls like these, and with important updates on bone care for functional medicine practitioners and patients alike. Dr. McCormick is living proof that osteoporosis and a history of multiple bone fractures - he had 12 between the ages of 45-50 - are not an irrecoverable life (or death) sentence. In fact, even as he nears 70, Dr. McCormick is out there competing in Ironman and pentathlon events, living his life to the fullest. Dr. McCormick is arguably the top thinker and practitioner on bone health from a systems and functional point of view. His nuanced navigation of diagnostic tools as well as both pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical interventions is fully comprehensive and d

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

The epigenetic pioneer, Dr. Randy Jirtle, returns to New Frontiers to share his latest groundbreaking work. And I really do mean groundbreaking. Dr. Jirtle's work in mapping our "imprintome" is literally creating a brand new branch of scientific study that is expected to provide valuable insights and opportunities for epigenetially-targeted therapies, including nutrition and lifestyle. What I so appreciate about Dr. Jirtle's work is that it clearly demonstrates how we are not inescapably at the mercy of our genes. Instead, Dr. Jirtle views disease-associated genes as a starting point for the environment to direct its expression. Join me on this episode of New Frontiers to find out what your imprintome actually is, why it is so important, and what you can expect from this area of scientific discovery in the near future. ~DrKF

If you're a clinician and finding yourself pressed for time in your practice, you're certainly not alone. A recent survey of over 9,000 US physicians revealed that more than half are experiencing burnout. Fortunately, the field of functional medicine is rapidly evolving, bringing tools that promise to streamline and improve accessibility in our practices. Rupa Health is one such tool. In this episode of 'New Frontiers, I’m joined by Dr. Kate Kresge, Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health. Together, we'll explore the remarkable resources offered by this advanced specialty lab testing platform. We'll also dive into the profound impact of chronic illnesses on our society, the crucial role functional labs play in providing answers that lead to lasting solutions, and how Rupa Health is at the forefront of reshaping the healthcare landscape through continuous innovation. Don't forget to check out the show notes at www.DrKaraFitzgerald.com for all the relevant links and resources. ~DrKF

Get ready for an enlightening conversation as I welcome Dr. Izabella Wentz, renowned Thyroid Pharmacist and an accomplished author, to New Frontiers. We’ll talk about her new book and dive into the often underappreciated and enigmatic connection between adrenal dysfunction and hypothyroidism, and how extreme stress can accelerate aging and impact immunity. Dr. Wentz provides invaluable insights into her personally crafted transformation techniques that can pave the way for enhanced mental and physical well-being, spanning dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, targeted supplementation, circadian rhythm optimization, and the power of a resilient mindset. We also chat about the pivotal role of community support in effectively managing adrenal imbalances. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or someone navigating your own health journey, this conversation promises to be both riveting and profoundly enlightening. So, let’s dive right in!~DrKF

In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Mark Newman, the president and founder of Precision Analytical, the company behind the revolutionary DUTCH test. Mark is a true pioneer in the field of hormone testing, and in our conversation, we delve into the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field. We discuss how the DUTCH test has expanded to include additional markers, providing even more comprehensive insights into hormone health. During our conversation, we also address the controversy surrounding saliva testing for hormone analysis. Mark sheds light on the limitations of this method and why the DUTCH test offers a more accurate and reliable alternative. I’m sure you’ll find this interview as fascinating as I did, and it will be super helpful for identifying the best forms of hormone testing for your patients. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this enlightening conversation with Mark Newman. ~DrKF