New Frontiers In Functional Medicine

This episode is a little different from what we usually cover on New Frontiers, but it’s one I couldn’t wait to bring to you. I’ve been thinking a lot about how we—as clinicians—are supposed to keep up in this era of high-throughput technology. We’re swimming in data: labs, multi-omics, diet logs… and an ever-growing stream from wearables. There’s just so much coming at us, and too often, we’re awash in a sea of information without adequate interpretive power. That’s why this conversation with Dr. Rana el Kaliouby felt so important. She’s not just an AI scientist—she’s a visionary and a total badass. She’s building technology that doesn’t just process data, but actually helps us become better clinicians and better humans. We get into the ethics, the potential, the parenting implications—and yes, a personal story about a tragedy in my own hometown that made this all hit very close to home. This one’s powerful, and I hope it sparks the same questions and inspiration for you as it did for me. ~DrKF TRIGGER WAR

In many ways, the legal side of functional medicine can feel like the Wild West—uncertain, unregulated, and full of risks. The reality is, we all want to have our practices legally buttoned up, but navigating the legal landscape can feel overwhelming—and expensive. What Scott Rattigan, creator of Functional Lawyer, shares in this episode is a real game-changer. He not only breaks down the complexities of the legal side of things but also offers real solutions for us—solutions that can make sure we're covered without the stress and uncertainty that often comes with it. Whether you're just starting out or growing your established practice, you're going to get actionable insights on how to avoid common legal pitfalls, protect your practice, and actually move forward with confidence. It’s a topic that’s been an unmet need for so long, and I'm so excited to bring this to you. ~DrKF Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. EXCLUSIVE OFF

I’ve been looking forward to sharing this conversation with you because it’s one I’m truly passionate about. Today, we’re diving into the DunedinPACE epigenetic clock with one of its creators, the brilliant Dan Belsky. It’s a tool I use regularly with my patients, and one that’s transforming how we approach aging and interventions. While this show is a bit more technical than usual, the science is fascinating, and the real-world applications are incredibly valuable. This isn’t just about theory—it’s about practical insights that can change how we measure aging and track the effectiveness of the treatments we offer. Stick with us, and you’ll walk away with actionable knowledge that can make a difference in your practice. ~DrKF Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Daniel W Belsky, PhD Website: www.belskylab.com THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS DIAMOND DUTCH: https://dutchtest.com/for-providers Biotics Research: http

What if a human trial of over 1200 patients showed improved mobility and reduced pain in osteoarthritis (OA) patients using a natural combination of boswellia and celery seed extract? What if a second follow-up randomized, placebo-controlled human trial found that within 90 days, this same combination increased OA patients' ability to perform a walk test by over 50%, reduced markers of cartilage degeneration by half and increased markers of cartilage regeneration by half. This is what the research team at Calroy Health Sciences have discovered, putting a tremendous amount of work and financing into studying the effects of the uniquely-developed Cartigenix-HP. Not only that, increased joint space at the end of the trial was clearly visible via radiography, and 90% of the intervention group did not need any "rescue" pharmaceutical medication at the end of the 90 day period (compared with only 20% of the placebo group) and this effect was sustained beyond the end of the trial. I have to say, I am impressed and e

We’ve all had patients struggling with chronic conditions like long COVID, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and chronic fatigue. Despite all the tools in our functional medicine toolkit, there’s still something missing. How can we truly help them? I’m excited to have Ashok Gupta back on the New Frontiers podcast to offer a new take on healing from chronic illness. He explains that many chronic diseases stem from a malfunction in the brain's threat detection system, where the body overreacts to perceived threats, triggering immune, nervous system, or mood responses, creating a vicious cycle. Ashok shares how retraining the brain and calming the nervous system can reset the body’s response to chronic stress and presents the growing body of research supporting the Gupta Program, including new subjective measurements like CRP showing its impact. What excites me most is the potential for this approach to help some of my toughest-to-treat patients. With more studies emerging, I’m increasingly hopeful this could be a ga

What if the key to reversing chronic disease, slowing cognitive decline, and boosting energy lies in the tiny powerhouses inside your cells—and we’ve finally found a way to protect them? We know mitochondria power our cells, but did you know they also create oxidative stress as they generate energy? Protecting mitochondrial health is critical—but most antioxidants can't reach inside the mitochondria where protection is needed most—until now. MitoQ, a scientifically advanced, mitochondria-targeted antioxidant developed by visionary researchers in New Zealand penetrates mitochondria up to 90%, offering protection where it's needed most. In this episode with Dr. Siobhan Mitchell, we dive into how MitoQ is transforming the way we tackle chronic disease, inflammation, and cognitive decline. From improving heart health to supporting brain function, MitoQ is changing the game. It’s something I’m using personally and recommending to most of my patients. Listen in to discover how this powerful tool can help you supp

Join me for a fascinating conversation around an exciting breakthrough in dementia detection that’s offering real hope for early intervention. Dr. Hans Frykman, Chief Scientific Officer at Neurocode Laboratories, is here to share groundbreaking insights into cutting-edge biomarkers that can identify pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease before symptoms even appear. What’s even more fascinating is how these same tools are revealing neuroinflammation caused by infections, including COVID, Lyme disease, and mold exposure—issues that are incredibly relevant in functional medicine today. The assays Dr. Frykman and his team have developed, and continue to research, are transforming the way we think about diagnosing and addressing neurodegeneration. We’re talking about a potential game-changer that allows us to intervene earlier, reverse damage, and ultimately improve the trajectory of these conditions. This is an extraordinary time in science and medicine, and the work we’re discussing today is at the foref

We’re witnessing an exciting shift in how we understand gut health and disease—and it’s all thanks to the powerful metabolites produced by the microbiome, like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and secondary bile acids. In today’s episode, Dr. Tom Fabian shares groundbreaking insights into how these postbiotics influence intestinal barrier integrity, immune balance, and even muscle regeneration. These compounds are also connected to key processes like glucose metabolism and healthy aging. What’s truly fascinating is how this science is opening up new frontiers in treating IBS, metabolic conditions, and chronic gut issues. With the upcoming launch of Diagnostic Solution Laboratories’ StoolOMX test, an add-on to the GI-MAP, we now have a tool to measure these metabolites in clinical practice, making personalized and effective treatments more attainable. This is a pivotal moment in functional medicine that you don’t want to miss. ~DrKF FOLLOW ALONG WITH THE CONVERSATION! Get the Updated GI-MAP® Guide with StoolO

It’s very difficult (often impossible) to completely avoid many of the environmental toxins that can cause harm - like air pollution and forever chemicals that contaminate our water and food supply. But Drs. Bob and Rosalind Wright at Mount Sinai have a hopeful solution to this dilemma. They are pioneering the study of “resiliency factors,” not just “risk factors,” that can offset the risks of harmful exposures. It’s a fresh and welcome take on exposomics that I am very excited to share with you. For instance - did you know that omega-3 intake during pregnancy can protect against the development of asthma in the child, even if the child is exposed to known risk factors for asthma? Or that positive relationships (ones that create a sensitive, positive, caregiving environment) have been shown to potentially mitigate the effects of environmental toxins? As a practitioner, I am always looking to empower patients with real solutions to the health challenges we inevitably face and I hope you enjoy this conversatio

Join me and Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe, my brilliant friend, scientist, and the powerhouse CEO of Pendulum, for our deepest dive yet into all things Akkermansia. This free-flowing conversation will take your understanding of this extraordinary strain to a whole new level. We’ll explore Akkermansia’s pivotal role in metabolic health—think cravings, weight regulation, A1C—and why we’re deficient in the first place. Plus, we’ll discuss its connection to stress, anxiety, and even neurodegenerative diseases. We’ll also dive into the hotly debated topic of Akkermansia’s impact on MS, unpacking both sides of the controversy. And, we’ll touch on its promising influence on hormonal balance, from infertility to menopause. As someone who's deeply invested in science, I’m personally bullish on Akkermansia and trust Pendulum’s products as part of my own foundational health stack. With groundbreaking science and fresh insights, this episode will change the way you approach your practice. ~DrKF Check out the show notes at htt

For many struggling with depression, the message they often hear from traditional care is "just live with it" or "there’s nothing more we can do." In today’s episode, we’re challenging that narrative. I’m joined by Dr. Achina Stein and Silvia Covelli, the founders of the Healing Depression Project. Dr. Stein, a functional psychiatrist, and Silvia, who’s personally battled chronic depression, are offering a fresh approach to treatment-resistant depression. Their in-residence program, launching in March, takes a whole-person approach—integrating nutrition, lifestyle changes, trauma healing, and community support. And with research built into the program, they’re not just helping patients; they’re also paving the way to make this approach more accessible for everyone. If you’re ready to rethink depression treatment, this episode is for you. ~DrKF Check out the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/2t55s3y3 for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Dr. Achina Stein DO, IFMCP and Silvia Covelli, crea

We’re doing a deep dive into NAD, a molecule that has received a lot of attention but still confuses many of us, clinicians included. My guest today is able to unpack the complexities of NAD in a way you’ll find extremely illuminating and useful. I’m excited to have Dr. Greg Kelly Senior Director of Product Development at Qualia, back with us, explaining how NAD is foundational for energy, longevity, and overall cellular health. Dr. Kelly brings clarity to how NAD influences mitochondrial function, DNA repair, and pretty much all of the hallmarks of aging. Yet, problematically, it declines as we age. This episode will cover different NAD compounds, how deficiency might present clinically, and how to measure NAD reliably. Have a listen and get ready to expand your understanding around this essential compound. ~DrKF Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Dr. Greg Kelly greg@neurohacker.com Dr. Greg Kelly is Senior

After my conversation with Dr. Greg Fahy in August, I realized that I had additional questions that we didn't have time to address the first time around. Importantly, since here I am studying the effects of dietary and lifestyle interventions on aging, I wanted to know his thoughts on the dietary components of the TRIMM study and beyond. Dr. Fahy shares his thoughts on my question and some others on side effects on different medication and supplement interventions, the mechanism by which he thinks the restoration of hair color occurred in some of his study participants, and how to think about (and feel motivated about!) incorporating safe exercise. This brief bonus podcast episode is just right for squeezing into your holiday schedule. Enjoy! ~DrKF Missed the first conversation with Dr. Greg Fahy? Catch up on the original episode for key insights and context before diving into the follow-up! https://tinyurl.com/bdcwktbj Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast for the full

The brain’s ability to recover after trauma is astonishing—and often overlooked in conventional care. In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, I sit down with Dr. David Musnick, a long-time friend and brilliant clinician, to explore how we can unlock the brain’s full potential for healing. Dr. Musnick challenges the standard of care for traumatic brain injuries and post-concussion syndrome, introducing a functional medicine approach that integrates advanced tools like Frequency-Specific Microcurrent, targeted nutritional strategies, and personalized interventions. His insights into the stages of recovery, the importance of addressing neuroinflammation, and the role of the gut-brain connection were a true "aha" for me. We also dive into groundbreaking methods for reversing secondary brain damage, a concept that could change everything for patients and practitioners alike. This conversation is packed with actionable takeaways and hope for those navigating brain injuries, cognitive impairment,

For anyone who has been paying attention, you may already know that the takeaways related to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) from the original Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study have been completely overhauled. It’s about time! As a result, it’s not an understatement to say that we are in the midst of a total transformation in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and it’s essential that as providers we (1) get up to speed on the nuances of the new interpretations and (2) learn how to personalize the guidance we give. Dr. Allison Smith, from Precision Analytical, is really a bright, guiding light in this new era of hormone care. She joins me in this episode of New Frontiers to start to unpack some of those important considerations and share resources for where practitioners can learn more. She explains why more detailed hormone metabolite testing can provide answers to hormonal symptoms when standard serum measures of testosterone and estrogen are “normal.” She also shines a light on the need for understan

Talking with Dr. Julie Faitg was a powerful reminder of just how much we’re discovering about mitochondria and aging. When you pair an elite mitochondrial scientist with a breakthrough nutrient like Urolithin A, the insights go beyond what you’d expect. Julie gives us this incredible look into how we can actually change the course of aging at the cellular level. This conversation made me rethink what we know about supporting long-term health and resilience, and I think it will do the same for you. It’s one of those big-picture, eye-opening conversations that I can’t wait for you to hear. ~DrKF CHECK OUT THE SHOW NOTES AT https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for a full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Dr. Julie Faitg, PhD Email: jfaitg@timeline.com Dr. Julie Faitg is a leading expert in mitochondrial research, with over nine years of experience focusing on muscle and brain biology, and recently expanding her expertise to include skin health. Holding a PhD in Translational and Clinical R

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

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 conver

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

In this episode of New Frontiers, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits down with Dr. Valerie Gershenhorn, a leading expert in functional dermatology and a Clinical Team Member for Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, to explore the profound impact of the gut-skin axis and autonomic nervous system on chronic skin conditions like acne, eczema, and more. Dr. Gershenhorn shares her comprehensive approach, including the use of functional testing, targeted nutrition, and specific supplements to address the root causes of skin issues. Clinicians will gain valuable insights into how gut health influences skin conditions and practical strategies for discovering imbalances with GI-MAP testing, and how to correct these findings in clinical practice. This episode is a must-listen for those looking to deepen their understanding of the connection between gut and skin health. ~DrKF Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Valerie Gershenhorn, DO,