Dr. Kara Fitzgerald | New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Longevity, Epigenetics

It’s not overstating it to say that I have cited Dr. Artemis Simopoulos’ work in virtually every lecture I have ever given that included the topic of omega-3 fatty acids. She is an incredible human being, indomitable NIH researcher, and absolute legend in her field. In our conversation on New Frontiers, Dr. Simopoulos reviews those essential truths about the evolution of our dietary intake of omega-3 vs. omega-6 fatty acids, the increase in ultra-processed food consumption, and how these play into our health landscape today. She also pulls on some particularly interesting threads around genetic variability in our ability to metabolize fatty acids and the implications of this for inflammatory conditions (of course, almost all chronic diseases have an inflammatory component). This is especially relevant for “rapid metabolizer” populations that tend to over-produce prostaglandins and leukotrienes, compared to resolvins, when exposed to a standard American diet. I know her insights will inform how you personalize your recommendations. - DrKF Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Artemis P. Simopoulos, M.D., President, The Center for Genetics Nutrition and Health https://tinyurl.com/4x2zahxk Artemis P. Simopoulos, M.D., the author of The Healthiest Diet for You: Scientific Aspects (her latest book), is the Founder and President of the Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health, a nonprofit educational organization in Washington, D.C. since 1990. A graduate of Bar- nard College, Columbia University, with a major in Chemistry, and a graduate of the Boston University School of Medicine, she is a physician and endocrinologist whose research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was on the nutritional aspects of genetic and endocrine disorders; evolutionary aspects of diet and fatty acids; and the importance of a balanced ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids in health and disease and in growth and development. Dr. Simopoulos is a world authority on essential fatty acids and was nutritional adviser to the Office of Consumer Affairs at the White House. She is the author of The Omega Diet; The Healing Diet and has completed a Chapter for the Encyclopedia of UN- ESCO on “Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9 Fatty Acids: Sources, Metabolism and Supplements.” She is currently Consulting Editor to Lifestyle Genomics. Dr. Simopoulos has edited over 60 books and journal supplements in addition to publishing over 370 scientific papers. She has received many awards, has been Visiting Professor and Keynote Speaker worldwide. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS DIAMOND Integrative Therapeutics: https://tinyurl.com/4emwj48z Biotics Research: https://www.bioticsresearch.com/ Integrative Therapeutics: https://tinyurl.com/4emwj48z GOLD OneSkin: https://tinyurl.com/ycxtw4zt TimeLine Nutrition:: https://tinyurl.com/bdzx2xms MIDROLL QUALIA: Try Qualia Senolytic at http://qualialife.com/Kara15 with code KARA15 for 15% off. DUTCH -- Learn more about DUTCH Testing https://tinyurl.com/2y24st67 CONNECT WITH DrKF: Want more? Join our newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/mrx7ykbr YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/hjpc8daz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald/

The centrality of gut health in total body health and aging means it’s a key topic for us to keep revisiting and updating our knowledge on. For instance, how confident do you feel about interpreting analytical indices such as phyla distribution, dysbiosis index, diversity score, as well as the myriad bacterial populations that can be resident in the GI tract? Join me and Dr. Julia Malkowski as we dive into advanced stool testing and how the insights gleaned from the GI360 test can tell us a lot about our patients’ health and lifestyle (ever wondered how the carnivore diet, long-term use of GLP-1 agonists, or chronic stress impact the gut?). We also explore keystone bacterial species and their impact on systemic health, what is better than fiber for increasing microbiome diversity, different testing methods including the impressive MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Technology and a ton of clinical pearls on tackling those report findings in clinical practice. There is something for everyone in this excellent conversation with Dr. Julia Malkowski, from the newly-minted to the seasoned functional medicine practitioner, and health-savvy consumers too. Tune in, grab your GI360 Sample Report and get ready to take notes! ~DrKF Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Julia Malkowski, ND, DC, BSc Dr. Malkowski began her career in Functional Medicine upon seeing excellent results restoring the health of her infant son. She went on to complete her bachelor's degree in biomedical science, Doctorate in Chiropractic and Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, while raising her healthy family. She remains committed to optimal health on a personal and professional level as Staff Doctor of Clinical Education at Doctor’s Data, Inc., and maintains her own private functional medicine practice Docere Health outside Chicago, IL. THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR Doctor’s Data, Inc. https://doctorsdata.com/GI360-stool New Frontiers Listeners, Download the GI360 Sample Report and follow along with the podcast to uncover clinical pearls that can transform your patient care. https://tinyurl.com/bdf9ptjh CONNECT with DrKF on: YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/hjpc8daz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald/

It's important to me to include a variety of voices in the sphere of aging and longevity, and Matt Kaeberlein PhD is certainly one that I appreciate for his tempered and rational arguments. I value his insights and his work with other scientists who are tussling with the challenging questions and research interpretations in this field. We are at this extraordinary inflexion point where scientists are debating the very definition of aging itself, which has important implications for how we then measure and study it. Dr. Kaeberlein shares his thoughts on this as well as the latest on longevity interventions such as rapamycin, metformin, intermittent fasting, and caloric restriction. Find out why he thinks we'll always hit a wall with moving the needle on lifespan, and why healthspan is such an important target. I think you will find this conversation illuminating and useful. An additional note for any of my listeners/readers who have been tracking the various discussions around the utility of epigenetic clocks and other measures of aging: I personally very much believe in epigenetics, even as the field continues to evolve. The foundation of this traces back to my beginnings in this field, working under my mentor Richard Lord PhD, who taught me that as scientists and clinicians we have no choice but to embrace uncertainty. No laboratory tests are as precise as many of us would like to think they are - microbiome, organic acid, nutrient testing, those foundational tools of functional medicine that we are very comfortable using, included. This applies to standard labs too - I recently received a notification from one of the two biggest labs in the US stating that, due to a change in the testing instrument used, values for red cell indices (the oldest tests on the planet!) would be altered compared to prior results. As clinicians we have to grapple with uncomfortable uncertainty in medicine every single day - from that reality we still have to move forward and make the best clinical decisions we can. Epigenetic age testing is simply another tool in the mix that can add value to understanding a patient's picture, and we can use it even as we interpret it with a similar acknowledgement of uncertainty. If you would like to add your thoughts to this discussion, please share below. - DrKF Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Matt Kaeberlein, PhD, CEO, Optispan https://tinyurl.com/2r89rvdd Email Matt@optispan.life THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS DIAMOND Integrative Therapeutics: https://tinyurl.com/4emwj48z GOLD TimeLine Nutrition: https://tinyurl.com/bdzx2xms OneSkin: https://tinyurl.com/ycxtw4zt MIDROLL DUTCH: Learn more about DUTCH testing https://tinyurl.com/2y24st67 QUALIA: Try Qualia Senolytic with code KARA15 for 15% off at http://qualialife.com/Kara15 CONNECT WITH Dr. Fitzgerald on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/hjpc8daz

Dr. Valerie Gershenhorn, a top expert in functional dermatology, delves into the fascinating gut-skin axis. She discusses how digestive health significantly influences chronic skin conditions like acne and eczema. Insights on gut dysbiosis, the impact of stress, and innovative treatment strategies, including herbal remedies and dietary adjustments, are shared. The connection between oral health and skin conditions is also explored, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to skincare. A must-listen for those seeking deeper skin health solutions!

Your thymus isn't talked about much, but this small organ in your upper chest is a key component of your immune system that is solely responsible for the essential "education" of the immune cells that protect your body from invaders. Through this action it also affects levels of inflammation (an immune-mediated process). It's also interesting to note that most of us end up dying of an immune-related dysfunction - even cardiovascular disease, as Dr. Greg Fahy points out in this New Frontiers podcast, is often caused by atherosclerosis driven by underlying chronic inflammation. I was thrilled to finally sit down with Dr. Fahy, whose groundbreaking work in aging has reshaped our understanding of what’s possible. His 2019 TRIIM study, showing clear epigenetic age reversal through thymus regeneration, was an absolute game-changer. The thinking prior to that was that epigenetic age reversal was not possible! It was exciting to read his publication as we were in the midst of our own original clinical trial. I'm sure you'll enjoy his recounting of that adventure and just how he's rejuvenating thymic function, the rationale for targeting immune rejuvenation, and the trial extensions he's currently working on now. ~ DrKF Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Greg Fahy, PhD https://tinyurl.com/3f4jww7j Chief Scientific Officer, Co-founder Intervene Immune https://tinyurl.com/4anbz7b3 Biotics Research: https://www.bioticsresearch.com/ Integrative Therapeutics: https://tinyurl.com/4emwj48z GOLD TimeLine Nutrition: https://tinyurl.com/bdzx2xms OneSkin: https://tinyurl.com/ycxtw4zt MIDROLL DUTCH: Learn more about DUTCH testing https://tinyurl.com/2y24st67 ONESKIN: Try OneSkin for yourself with coupon code DRKARA15 to receive 15% off your first purchase at https://tinyurl.com/ycxvz5we SHOW NOTES Intervene Immune https://interveneimmune.com/ Reversal of epigenetic aging and immunosenescent trends in humans https://tinyurl.com/55dhx453 TRIIM-X Trial: Thymus Regeneration, Immunorestoration, and Insulin Mitigation Extension Trial https://tinyurl.com/y65cu33p The Future of Aging: Pathways to Human Life Extension https://tinyurl.com/3hmbx29c

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 innovative supplements like Vascanox HP by Calroy Health Sciences in managing blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk. 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 Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Dr. Mark Houston, MD https://tinyurl.com/27thhcpr" Dr. Mark Houston is a Clinical Instructor at George Washington University. He is also Director of the Hypertension Institute and Vascular Biology and Medical Director of the division of Human Nutrition at St. Thomas Medical Group, St. Thomas Hospital and Health Services in Nashville, TN. He is on the faculty of A4M, for the FAARM and the Metabolic Medicine Institute (MMI) and George Washington University, and directs the Cardiovascular modules. He has also published seven best-selling books on vascular function. Dr. Houston has an active clinical practice, teaches, and does clinical research at St. Thomas Medical Group and Hospital. He founded the Hypertension Institute in 2000. THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR Calroy Health Sciences: Website New Frontiers Listeners, get your exclusive discount and resources from Calroy at http://calroy.com/drkf SHOW NOTES Hypertension Institute https://tinyurl.com/mr46hsph Metabolic Medicine Institute (MMI) https://tinyurl.com/2s39ryym Dr. Houston’s Study: Effects of S-Allylcysteine-Rich Garlic Extract and Dietary Inorganic Nitrate Formula on Blood Pressure and Salivary Nitric Oxide… https://tinyurl.com/4y5ndbjn About Vascanox HP https://tinyurl.com/543tamcj About Arterosil HP https://tinyurl.com/4fr6nbtc Ovationlab Vascular Support Protocol https://tinyurl.com/ynpdphmy Prevalence and Factors Associated With Circadian Blood Pressure Patterns in Hypertensive Patients https://tinyurl.com/2c7xvwz2 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association https://tinyurl.com/55shva8p CONNECT WITH DrKF on: YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/hjpc8daz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald/

What a tour de force conversation with Dr. Terry Wahls, who is, with her groundbreaking research, changing both conventional and functional medicine's approach to multiple sclerosis and ultimately patient care. I'm very excited to see the findings of her ongoing clinical trials, which evaluate the use of several popular dietary patterns, using MRIs to measure brain volume loss, microbiome data, metabolomics, and more. And folks, if you want to be a research participant there's still time - register your interest on Dr. Wahls' website here. In the podcast we also dive into long COVID, mental health challenges, autoimmunity, and explore treatments in the longevity and biohacking space, such as therapeutic plasma exchange, stem cells, and exosomes. Dr. Wahls has her finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the MS community, and you’re definitely going to want to listen to this one. Enjoy! ~DrKF Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Dr. Terry Wahls https://tinyurl.com/2ztnxbda Dr. Terry Wahls is an IFM Certified Practitioner and conducts clinical trials in the setting of Multiple Sclerosis. In 2018 she was awarded the Institute for Functional Medicine’s Linus Pauling Award for her contributions in research, clinical care, and patient advocacy. She is the author of The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat AllChronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles, and the cookbook, The WahlsProtocol Cooking for Life. Get involved in the clinical trial https://terrywahls.com/trials/ THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS DIAMOND Rupa Health: https://tinyurl.com/4anbz7b3 Biotics Research: https://www.bioticsresearch.com/ Integrative Therapeutics: https://tinyurl.com/4emwj48z GOLD TimeLine Nutrition: https://tinyurl.com/bdzx2xms OneSkin: https://tinyurl.com/ycxtw4zt Try OneSkin for yourself with coupon code DRKARA15 to receive 15% off your first purchase. MIDROLL DUTCH: Learn more about DUTCH testing https://tinyurl.com/2y24st67 ONESKIN: Try OneSkin for yourself with coupon code DRKARA15 to receive 15% off your first purchase at https://tinyurl.com/ycxvz5we SHOW NOTES WahlsTM Diet Cheat Sheet http://www.terrywahls.com/diet The Wahls Behavior Change Model for Complex Chronic Diseases: A Clinician’s Guide https://tinyurl.com/mv47ww9k The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles https://tinyurl.com/2p9rn82j Efficacy of Diet on Fatigue and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials https://tinyurl.com/y5ahbn5s The WAVES randomized parallel-arm clinical trial https://tinyurl.com/5c2rkufb

*Save the date! Join me and Dr. Alessandra Zonari for a free webinar on July 25th 2024 and get your questions answered on all things OS-01 peptide and biological aging. Register at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/webinars/ I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Alessandra Zonari to take a deep dive into a breakthrough in skincare science that has caught my attention—OneSkin's OS-01 peptide. This episode explores how OS-01 targets cellular senescence, the core of aging, potentially transforming skin health - preserving function, not just aesthetics. I'm particularly impressed by OneSkin's commitment to rigorous research and evidence-based results. Their approach rejuvenates skin function in addition to enhancing its natural radiance, elasticity, and even its microbiome. This could be a significant advancement for individuals managing aging skin or conditions like atopic dermatitis. Throughout our discussion, we explore the scientific foundation behind OS-01 and its clinical implications and uncover how this peptide may redefine skincare protocols, offering new possibilities for healthier, more radiant skin. Whether you're a practitioner seeking innovative solutions for patients for ultrasensitive skin or dermatitis, or someone passionate about maintaining skin health, this episode promises insights that could reshape your approach to skincare. And if you’re using OneSkin, I'd be curious to hear from you. You can post a comment wherever you're listening to this or email me directly at DrKaraFitzgerald.com. ~DrKF Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Alessandra Zonari, PhD OneSkin co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Alessandra Zonari, PhD joined the early team in 2017 dedicating her time to understanding the underlying mechanism of the aging process and developing solutions to reverse skin’s biological age. Zonari is the co-inventor of five patents and has published more than 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals. Email: alessandra@oneskin.co THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR OneSkin: Website PROMO Try OneSkin for yourself with coupon code DRKARA15 to receive 15% off your first purchase at Website SHOW NOTES Animated science video explaining how OS-01 works Another Study Website Senotherapeutic peptide treatment reduces biological age and senescence burden in human skin models Study Website In vitro and in vivo toxicity assessment of the senotherapeutic Peptide 14 Study Website Highly accurate skin-specific methylome analysis algorithm as a platform to screen and validate therapeutics for healthy aging Another Study Website MolClock: Estimate DNA methylation age of Skin Tissues Study Website Double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical investigation of peptide OS-01 for skin rejuvenation Another Study Website Senotherapeutics, Senolytics, and Senomorphics -- What are they and what is OS-01? Study Website

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 omega-3 and -6 fatty acids into these superstar molecules, such as diet, genetics, inflammatory bias, and poor vagal tone. This conversation is packed with clinical pearls for your practice and personal use. Enjoy. ~DrKF Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST INFORMATION Ashley Koff, RD is a 25+ year award-winning practitioner, founder of The Better Nutrition Program (est. 2019), and fractional Chief Nutrition Officer for entities like Vitaboom. Ashley Koff, RD | The Better Nutrition Program Phone: 323-251-7537 | Email: ashley@thebetternutritionprogram.com GUEST DETAILS Ashley Koff, RD: https://tinyurl.com/2drp29ky Founder - The Better Nutrition Program: https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/ Phone: 323-251-7537 Email: ashley@thebetternutritionprogram.com THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: Metagenics: Website PROMO Get 15% off Metagenics SPM Active Supplement with Code SPMW624US (US) or SPMW624CAN (Canada) at checkout. https://tinyurl.com/4jc9np3y (Offer expires 7/15/24. Max order value $500. For consumer purchases only.) SHOW NOTES Metagenics Institute Study Website NFFM Podcast: Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs): As Close to a Panpharmacon as We Can Get? Another Study Website Latest Updates on Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediator (SPM) Science by Charles Serhan, PhD, DSc Another Study Website CONNECT WITH DrKF on: YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/hjpc8daz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald/

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 understand cancer as well as mechanisms that restore more youthful epigenetic patterns. Hold onto your hats folks - yes this is deep science, but it's also actionable even now. You'll hear how methylation support specifically in the early pregnancy window is key and how it's also protective against insults from environmental toxicants. You’re in for a treat with this fascinating conversation that has far-reaching implications for you and your patients. ~DrKF Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. Guest Information Janine LaSalle, Ph.D. Professor, Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine University of California, Davis jmlasalle@ucdavis.edu The LaSalle Lab at University of California, Davis Thank you to our sponsors Diamond Rupa Health: https://tinyurl.com/4anbz7b3 Biotics Research: https://www.bioticsresearch.com/ Integrative Therapeutics: https://tinyurl.com/4emwj48z Gold TimeLine Nutrition: https://tinyurl.com/bdzx2xms OneSkin: https://tinyurl.com/ycxtw4zt Try OneSkin for yourself with coupon code DRKARA15 to receive 15% off your first purchase. Midroll Practice Better: https://tinyurl.com/28mmab99 Start your free trial and save 20% for 4 months on any paid plan with code KF20 Show Notes Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center: https://pod.ucdavis.edu/ Environmental Health Sciences Center: https://environmentalhealth.ucdavis.edu/ MIND Institute: https://health.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/ Article: Too Much Folate in Pregnant Women Increases Risk for Autism, Study Suggests: https://tinyurl.com/bdf9ez6k The human placental methylome: https://tinyurl.com/7zz8dz55 Markers of Autism Risk in Babies (MARBLES): https://tinyurl.com/49phe22r