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

Dr. Kara Fitzgerald
  • 4.7 (278)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Semiweekly

Welcome to New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Longevity & Epigenetics™ where I interview the best minds in functional medicine to discuss the science and research behind medicine, longevity, epigenetics, and so much more. Expect thought-provoking ideas, new research, lots of clinical pearls for practitioners, and step-change information for clinicians and patients. Join us! ~DrKF Copyright © 2025 by KF Education and Consulting, LLC All Rights Reserved

  1. Jul 23

    Why Chronic Disease May Begin Before Birth

    In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald is joined by Dr. Emily Stone Rydbom, Dr. Leslie Stone, and Dr. Kalea Wattles to explore the science of preconception health, fertility, epigenetics, and chronic disease prevention. Learn how maternal nutrition, mitochondrial health, methylation, the microbiome, inflammation, and environmental exposures influence fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and lifelong health through the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework. Topics include: • Why chronic disease risk may begin before conception • Epigenetics, methylation, folate, and MTHFR • Mitochondrial health and fertility • Functional medicine approaches to infertility and pregnancy • The future of AI and precision medicine in reproductive healthcare Whether you're a healthcare practitioner, planning a pregnancy, or simply interested in functional medicine and precision health, this episode offers practical, science-backed insights into improving health across generations. Full show notes + references: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ GUEST DETAILS Emily Stone Rydbom, MDH, BCHN, CNP is a Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist specializing in functional and precision nutrition for maternal, pediatric, and chronic disease care. She is co-founder of GrowBaby, an integrated OB–nutrition care model, and partners with healthcare systems to deliver genomics- and biomarker-informed maternal health programs. Leslie Stone, MD is a Board Certified Family Practice Obstetrician with fellowship training in Surgical Obstetrics. A co-founder of GrowBaby and principal investigator of the ROOT Study, she has spent more than a decade integrating functional medicine into evidence-based obstetric care, delivering over 5,000 babies throughout her career. Kalea Wattles, ND, IFMCP is a naturopathic physician, certified functional medicine practitioner, and founder of Functional Fertility. She specializes in unexplained infertility, preconception optimization, and fertility over 35, translating the latest reproductive medicine research into practical, personalized care. Website: www.growbabyhealth.com / www.growhealth.co / www.growbabylifeproject.org https://www.drkaleawattles.com THANKS TO OUR DIAMOND SPONSORS Biotics Research: https://www.bioticsresearch.com/ Time—Line Nutrition: http://pro.timeline.com/ DUTCH: https://dutchtest.com/for-providers THANKS TO OUR GOLD SPONSORS Mira: https://learn.miracare.com/DRKF Fullscript Journeys: www.fullscript.com/journeys-kara Equelle: equelle.com *CONNECT with DrKF* Want more? Join our newsletter here: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/newsletter/ Or take our pop quiz and test your BioAge! https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/bioagequiz YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/hjpc8daz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKaraFitzgerald/ DrKF Clinic: Patient consults with DrKF physicians including Younger You Concierge: https://tinyurl.com/yx4fjhkb Younger You Practitioner Training Program: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/trainingyyi/ Younger You book: https://tinyurl.com/mr4d9tym Better Broths and Healing Tonics book: https://tinyurl.com/3644mrfw Younger You book: https://tinyurl.com/mr4d9tym Better Broths and Healing Tonics book: https://tinyurl.com/3644mrfw

    Why Chronic Disease May Begin Before Birth

  2. Jul 7

    The Skin Longevity Breakthrough | Carolina Reis Oliveira

    Can skincare influence healthy aging beyond reducing fine lines and wrinkles? In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald welcomes Carolina Reis Oliveira, PhD, CEO and co-founder of OneSkin, for a science-based discussion on cellular senescence, skin aging, and the connection between skin health and longevity. Carolina explains the research behind OneSkin's OS-01 peptide, developed after screening more than 900 peptides to identify one that targets senescent ("zombie") cells. These aging cells contribute to inflammation, collagen loss, impaired skin barrier function, and visible skin aging. Together, they explore the latest research on biological skin age, skin inflammation, barrier repair, collagen production, sensitive skin, retinol, microneedling, hair thinning, scar recovery, and the effects of GLP-1–associated weight loss on skin health. They also discuss why testing complete skincare formulations matters and how longevity science is shaping the future of skincare. Whether you're a clinician, skincare professional, or simply interested in healthy aging, this episode offers an evidence-informed look at where longevity science and skincare intersect. Full show notes + references: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ GUEST DETAILS Dr. Carolina Reis Oliveira* is the CEO and co-founder of OneSkin and a longevity scientist with a Ph.D. in stem cell biology and tissue engineering. Her company develops groundbreaking products to reverse skin aging by targeting senescent cells, one of the central drivers of aging. THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR OneSkin: https://www.oneskin.co/ OneSkin is designed to enhance how skin functions, so it stays healthier and more resilient as you age. For a limited time, you can try OneSkin for 15% off with code DRKF a http://oneskin.co/DRKF CONNECT with DrKF Want more? Join our newsletter here: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/newsletter/ Or take our pop quiz and test your BioAge! https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/bioagequiz YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/hjpc8daz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKaraFitzgerald/ DrKF Clinic: Patient consults with DrKF physicians including Younger You Concierge: https://tinyurl.com/yx4fjhkb Younger You Practitioner Training Program: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/trainingyyi/ Younger You book: https://tinyurl.com/mr4d9tym Better Broths and Healing Tonics book: https://tinyurl.com/3644mrfw

    The Skin Longevity Breakthrough | Carolina Reis Oliveira

  3. Jun 23

    How Medicine Got Menopause Wrong | Dr. Kelly Casperson

    Hormones are about far more than hot flashes. In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald is joined by urologist and hormone expert Dr. Kelly Casperson for a conversation that challenges conventional thinking about menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and healthy aging. Dr. Casperson explains why menopause may be better understood as a form of hypogonadism, shares the story behind the removal of the FDA's black box warning on vaginal estrogen, and explores the latest evidence on estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone therapy for women. Topics include: • Vaginal estrogen and the FDA black box warning • The lasting impact of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) • Estrogen, brain health, and mitochondrial function • Testosterone therapy for women: science and misconceptions • Hormone therapy after age 60 • Patient education, body literacy, and informed decision-making • Exercise, sleep, alcohol reduction, and other foundations of healthy aging Whether you're a functional medicine practitioner or someone interested in menopause, longevity, and women's health, this evidence-based conversation offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on hormone care. Show notes and references: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ Full show notes + references: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ GUEST DETAILS Dr. Kelly Casperson is a board-certified urologic surgeon,CEO and founder of The Casperson Clinic, a modern practice dedicated to hormones and sex medicine, renowned public speaker, sex educator, and host of the top-ranking podcast You Are Not Broken. Dedicated to empowering women, Dr. Kelly blends humor, candor, and science to demystify sexual health, intimacy, and midlife wellness. Through her podcast and online courses, she tackles myths about desire and normalizes conversations around healthy, fulfilling sex. Her work also provides essential education on hormones and midlife health. Connect with Dr. Kelly on Instagram (@kellycaspersonmd) or visit http://kellycaspersonmd.com . THANKS TO OUR DIAMOND SPONSORS DUTCH: https://dutchtest.com/for-providers Biotics Research: https://www.bioticsresearch.com/ Time—Line Nutrition: http://pro.timeline.com/ THANKS TO OUR GOLD SPONSORS Fullscript Journeys: http://www.fullscript.com/journeys-kara Equelle: http://equelle.com CONNECT with DrKF Want more? Join our newsletter here: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/newsletter/ Or take our pop quiz and test your BioAge! https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/bioagequiz YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/hjpc8daz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKaraFitzgerald/ DrKF Clinic: Patient consults with DrKF physicians including Younger You Concierge: https://tinyurl.com/yx4fjhkb Younger You Practitioner Training Program: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/trainingyyi/ Younger You book: https://tinyurl.com/mr4d9tym Better Broths and Healing Tonics book: https://tinyurl.com/3644mrfw

    How Medicine Got Menopause Wrong | Dr. Kelly Casperson

  4. Jun 16

    What New Science Says About Building Muscle | Brad Currier, PhD

    Resistance training is one of the most powerful interventions for preserving muscle, supporting metabolic health, and promoting healthy aging—but many patients still find it intimidating or confusing. In this episode, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits down with exercise physiologist Brad Currier, PhD, to unpack the newly updated ACSM resistance training guidelines and discuss practical approaches for prescribing exercise across the spectrum, from sedentary adults to elite athletes. In partnership with Timeline, they also review the latest clinical research on Urolithin A, mitochondrial function, muscle recovery, protein, and creatine, offering actionable insights for functional medicine practitioners. Full show notes + references: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ GUEST DETAILS Dr. Brad Currier is Manager of Clinical Trials at Timeline, a Swiss biotech company at the forefront of longevity science for over 15 years. With a background in elite athletics, he went on to earn a PhD in muscle physiology, where his research focused on how exercise and nutrition influence aging and performance. Brad has led numerous clinical trials conducted around the world and published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. He is also the lead author of the American College of Sports Medicine’s new position stand on resistance training prescription, helping shape global guidelines for strength training and healthy aging. THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR TIMELINE: http://Pro.timeline.com At the core of Timeline is Mitopure®, a pure and patented form of Urolithin A, shown to improve mitochondrial dysfunction. Learn more & Sign up for a Healthcare Practitioner account at http://Pro.timeline.com Email: care@timeline.com CONNECT with DrKF Want more? Join our newsletter here: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/newsletter/ Or take our pop quiz and test your BioAge! https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/bioagequiz YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/hjpc8daz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKaraFitzgerald/ DrKF Clinic: Patient consults with DrKF physicians including Younger You Concierge: https://tinyurl.com/yx4fjhkb Younger You Practitioner Training Program: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/trainingyyi/ Younger You book: https://tinyurl.com/mr4d9tym Better Broths and Healing Tonics book: https://tinyurl.com/3644mrfw

    What New Science Says About Building Muscle | Brad Currier, PhD

  5. May 26

    The Infection Driving Chronic Illness | Dr. Richard Horowitz

    In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Richard Horowitz joins Kara Fitzgerald to explore the connection between persistent infections, inflammation, and chronic disease. The discussion highlights emerging research linking Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) to amyloid production and Alzheimer’s biomarkers, along with the clinical implications of Dr. Horowitz’s MSIDS model. Topics include biofilm persistence, co-infections, treatment resistance, and multi-targeted strategies for addressing complex, chronic conditions such as Lyme disease, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and long COVID. This episode offers clinicians a more integrated framework for evaluating and managing treatment-resistant patients. Full show notes + references: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ GUEST DETAILS Richard Horowitz is a board-certified internist and founder of the Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center. For more than 40 years, he has treated over 13,000 patients with Lyme disease and complex chronic illness using both conventional and integrative approaches. Dr. Horowitz is the developer of dapsone combination therapy and author of the New York Times bestsellers Why Can’t I Get Better? and How Can I Get Better? His newest book, Ending Chronic Illness, explores how his MSIDS model may apply to many chronic diseases beyond Lyme, offering a broader systems-based framework for diagnosis and treatment. https://cangetbetter.com/ THANKS TO OUR DIAMOND SPONSORS Time—Line Nutrition: http://pro.timeline.com/ DUTCH: https://dutchtest.com/for-providers Biotics Research: https://www.bioticsresearch.com/ THANKS TO OUR GOLD SPONSORS Equelle: http://equelle.com Fullscript Journeys: http://www.fullscript.com/journeys-kara CONNECT with DrKF Want more? Join our newsletter here: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/newsletter/ Or take our pop quiz and test your BioAge! https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/bioagequiz YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/hjpc8daz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKaraFitzgerald/ DrKF Clinic: Patient consults with DrKF physicians including Younger You Concierge: https://tinyurl.com/yx4fjhkb Younger You Practitioner Training Program: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/trainingyyi/ Younger You book: https://tinyurl.com/mr4d9tym Better Broths and Healing Tonics book: https://tinyurl.com/3644mrfw

    The Infection Driving Chronic Illness | Dr. Richard Horowitz

  6. May 15

    How He Reversed MS & Beat a Stroke | Montel Williams

    Montel Williams joins Dr. Kara Fitzgerald to share his decades-long journey with multiple sclerosis (MS), including early neurological symptoms that preceded his diagnosis by years and his recovery following a hemorrhagic stroke. In this episode, created in partnership with MitoQ, the conversation explores MS through a functional medicine lens, with a focus on neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction as key drivers of fatigue, cognitive decline, and disease progression. Clinicians and health-focused listeners will gain insight into how mitochondrial dysfunction impacts energy, recovery, and brain function, along with practical strategies for differentiating emotional lability from depression in MS. The episode also highlights how mitoquinone (MitoQ) may support mitochondrial health as part of a broader, mechanism-based approach to managing MS and other neuroinflammatory conditions. Full show notes + references: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ GUEST DETAILS Montel Williams is an Emmy Award–winning television host, New York Times bestselling author, and health and wellness advocate. A U.S. Navy veteran, he has spent decades educating and inspiring audiences around resilience, longevity, and living well with chronic illness. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1999, Montel adopted a disciplined, science-informed approach to health, emphasizing daily movement, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and integrative care. In addition to his media and writing career, he is actively involved in advancing innovative healthcare solutions, including neuromodulation and trauma-focused therapies. THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR This episode is in partnership with MitoQ, a mitochondrial antioxidant designed to support energy production and reduce oxidative stress at the cellular level. Backed by 20+ years of research, MitoQ is formulated to work directly within the mitochondria. Visit https://www.mitoq.com/ and use code DRKARA15 for 15% off your first order. CONNECT with DrKF Want more? Join our newsletter here: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/newsletter/ Or take our pop quiz and test your BioAge! https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/bioagequiz YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/hjpc8daz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKaraFitzgerald/ DrKF Clinic: Patient consults with DrKF physicians including Younger You Concierge: https://tinyurl.com/yx4fjhkb Younger You Practitioner Training Program: www.drkarafitzgerald.com/trainingyyi/ Younger You book: https://tinyurl.com/mr4d9tym Better Broths and Healing Tonics book: https://tinyurl.com/3644mrfw

    How He Reversed MS & Beat a Stroke | Montel Williams

  7. May 5

    The Estrogen Effect Nobody Talks About | Kiran Krishnan

    Cardiovascular health and longevity are deeply influenced by aging, perimenopause, and systemic changes that extend far beyond cholesterol markers alone. In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits down with Kiran Krishnan to explore the biology of vascular aging, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic changes that emerge in midlife and beyond. As estrogen declines during perimenopause, patients often experience shifts in lipid metabolism, weight regulation, and overall metabolic resilience—driving increased cardiovascular risk. This conversation dives into the critical role of the endothelial glycocalyx, nitric oxide signaling, and the gut microbiome in maintaining vascular integrity and systemic health. Dr. Fitzgerald and Kiran connect the dots between gut health, cardiovascular disease, joint degeneration, and systemic inflammation, offering a systems biology approach that is highly relevant for functional medicine practitioners. You’ll also hear how targeted interventions—specifically Arterosil, Vascanox, and Cartigenix—can be used synergistically to support endothelial health, nitric oxide production, microbial balance, and joint integrity. Topics covered include: - Endothelial glycocalyx dysfunction and cardiovascular risk - Nitric oxide signaling and vascular health - Perimenopause, estrogen decline, and metabolic changes - Gut microbiome influence on cardiovascular and joint health - Anabolic vs catabolic balance in aging - Clinical applications for Arterosil, Vascanox, and Cartigenix - Moving beyond LDL: a systems-based approach to heart health This episode provides a clinically grounded, functional medicine perspective on aging, cardiovascular disease prevention, and whole-body resilience. Full show notes + references: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ GUEST DETAILS Kiran Krishnan is a research microbiologist and health expert with over 20 years of experience in the microbiome and human health space. He is the co-founder of Microbiome Labs, a leading microbiome therapeutics company focused on supporting healthcare professionals. Kiran has conducted and published research in scientific journals, contributed to academic textbooks, and holds multiple global patents. He is a widely recognized speaker known for translating complex microbiome science into practical, clinically relevant insights. THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR Calroy From circulation to cognition, heart health to joint mobility, Calroy develops clinically validated supplements with patented ingredients that restore and protect the body’s foundations.* Head to http://calroy.com/drkf to learn more about resources and discounts. *This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CONNECT with DrKF Want more? Join our newsletter here: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/newsletter/ Or take our pop quiz and test your BioAge! https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/bioagequiz YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/hjpc8daz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKaraFitzgerald/ DrKF Clinic: Patient consults with DrKF physicians including Younger You Concierge: https://tinyurl.com/yx4fjhkb Younger You Practitioner Training Program: www.drkarafitzgerald.com/trainingyyi/ Younger You book: https://tinyurl.com/mr4d9tym Better Broths and Healing Tonics book: https://tinyurl.com/3644mrfw

    The Estrogen Effect Nobody Talks About | Kiran Krishnan

  8. Apr 21

    Seed Oils vs Science: What the Data Shows | Dr. Bill Harris

    Fatty acids remain one of the most debated areas in clinical nutrition, yet many widely held beliefs may not align with current evidence. In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits down with Bill Harris, PhD, Founder of OmegaQuant Analytics and co-inventor of the Omega-3 Index, to examine the role of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in cardiovascular risk and clinical decision-making. Learn how to use the Omega-3 Index as a biomarker, interpret atrial fibrillation risk in the context of omega-3 intake, and differentiate between pharmaceutical and dietary interventions. The conversation also explores emerging data on linoleic acid, challenges simplified “good vs bad fat” models, and highlights the complexity of fatty acid metabolism—offering practical guidance for evaluating labs and refining nutrition strategies in practice. Full show notes + references: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ GUEST DETAILS Dr. Bill Harris, PhD is a leading omega-3 researcher with over 40 years of experience and more than 400 publications on fatty acids and health. He is the co-inventor of the Omega-3 Index and founder of OmegaQuant Analytics. Dr. Harris has held faculty positions at three medical schools, received NIH funding for omega-3 research, and co-authored American Heart Association statements on fatty acids and heart health. He is ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide for research impact. Email: wsh@faresinst.com https://omegaquant.com/ https://www.faresinst.org/ THANKS TO OUR DIAMOND SPONSORS Biotics Research: https://www.bioticsresearch.com/ Time—Line Nutrition: http://pro.timeline.com/ DUTCH: https://dutchtest.com/for-providers CONNECT with DrKF Want more? Join our newsletter here: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/newsletter/ Or take our pop quiz and test your BioAge! https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/bioagequiz YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/hjpc8daz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKaraFitzgerald/ DrKF Clinic: Patient consults with DrKF physicians including Younger You Concierge: https://tinyurl.com/yx4fjhkb Younger You Practitioner Training Program: www.drkarafitzgerald.com/trainingyyi/ Younger You book: https://tinyurl.com/mr4d9tym Better Broths and Healing Tonics book: https://tinyurl.com/3644mrfw

    Seed Oils vs Science: What the Data Shows | Dr. Bill Harris
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About

Welcome to New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Longevity & Epigenetics™ where I interview the best minds in functional medicine to discuss the science and research behind medicine, longevity, epigenetics, and so much more. Expect thought-provoking ideas, new research, lots of clinical pearls for practitioners, and step-change information for clinicians and patients. Join us! ~DrKF Copyright © 2025 by KF Education and Consulting, LLC All Rights Reserved

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