88. Metabolic Aging, Inflammaging, and Wearable Tech: Are We Measuring the Wrong Things?

Dr. Lara Zakaria is a Pharmacist, Nutritionist, and professor specializing in Functional Medicine and Personalized Nutrition. In addition to running a clinical practice focused on providing patients with sustainable solutions that address chronic disease, she also spends her time teaching and mentoring clinicians interested in implementing nutrition and food as medicine principles into practice.

After hearing about Dr. Zakaria’s inspiring transition from traditional pharmacy to functional medicine, she shares insights on hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause, emphasizing the importance of personalized health assessments. We also explore the benefits of wearable technology like continuous glucose monitors and the Oura Ring in maintaining hormonal balance. These tools are not just for the tech-savvy; they are becoming essential aids in proactive health measures. We highlight how these wearables provide early warnings and motivate self-care, supporting your journey through the demands of daily life and the physical changes of aging.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Why traditional treatments may not address the root causes of metabolic and autoimmune diseases.

• Emphasis on the importance of foundational health practices (nutrition, sleep, stress management, and physical activity).

• Exploring hormonal shifts during perimenopause and their impact on women’s health.

• Why comprehensive assessments are so useful for understanding hormone metabolism and gut health.

• The role of wearable technology in maintaining stable blood sugar and monitoring sleep and stress.

• Why recovery, nutrition, and balanced exercise routines support hormonal balance during transitions.

• Insights into functional medicine expertise offered at YDH Academy for healthcare providers.

• Why understanding insulin resistance is crucial for addressing metabolic demand and hormonal changes.

• How wearables can track insulin resistance symptoms without adding stress.

• How wearables can predict illnesses by tracking heart rate variability and body temperature.

• Importance of recovery and self-care for women navigating daily life.

• How dietary fiber and protein support microbiome health and hormonal balance.

• Why lifting weights should be part of a balanced exercise routine for women.

Dr. Zakaria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodiefarmacist

Dr. Zakaria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-zakaria

Dr. Zakaria on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foodiefarmacist

Dr. Zakaria’s website: https://larazakaria.com

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