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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...
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....
Dr. Kara Fitzgerald and Kiran Krishnan delve into the often-overlooked "estrogen effect" on women's health, particularly focusing on the intricate biology of vascular aging and metabolic shifts in midlife. They discuss the critical roles of the endothelial glycocalyx and nitric oxide, alongside the gut microbiome's influence on systemic inflammation and the anabolic-catabolic balance. The conversation also details the synergistic application of Arterosil, Vascanox, and Cartigenix to support endothelial health, joint integrity, and overall resilience, even for patients on GLP-1 medications.
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 fibril...
In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald speaks with Tom Fabian, PhD, Senior Educator and Research Specialist at Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, about why higher protein intake doesn’t always lead to better muscle outcomes. Emerging research shows that digestion, microbiome balance, and immune signaling all influence how effectively the body utilizes dietary protein. Dr. Fabian explores the gut–muscle axis and explains how microbiome-derived metabolites and r...
As more patients present with digestive sensitivity and increasingly restricted diets, restoring gut resilience has become a central clinical challenge. In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald speaks with Colleen Cutcliffe, PhD, CEO and co-founder of Pendulum Therapeutics, about emerging microbiome science and practical strategies for supporting microbial balance, dietary tolerance, and metabolic health. The discussion explores next-generation probiotic strai...
In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald speaks with Dr. Robert Lustig about the new USDA dietary guidelines and the broader forces shaping nutrition and metabolic health. Dr. Lustig brings a characteristically direct and nuanced perspective on sugar, ultra-processed foods, and food policy—raising important questions about what drives real change. It’s a thoughtful conversation that challenges assumptions and invites deeper reflection. Full show notes + refere...
Bone loss doesn’t start when fractures happen — it begins years earlier. In this episode, we explore how bone aging accelerates during menopause and the emerging role of the gut microbiome as a driver of skeletal decline. Dr. Kara Fitzgerald speaks with research scientists from Sōlaria biō, the company behind Bōndia, about their work studying plant-derived microbes, microbial synergies, and the connections between gut health, inflammation, and bone loss in peri- and postmenopausal women. We also...
The continued release of the Epstein files has sparked difficult but necessary conversations across the medical, longevity, and wellness communities. In this candid and deeply reflective episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits down with Dr. Sara Szal and Dr. Brad Jacobs to explore what this moment calls forward from clinicians — ethically, professionally, and personally. Together, they discuss: • Medical accountability and the responsibility that comes with infl...
Dr. Kara Fitzgerald and Dr. Gabrielle Lyon discuss why aging and metabolic dysfunction may originate in muscle, not fat tissue, introducing the concept of Muscle-Centric Medicine. They explore intramuscular adipose tissue, optimal protein intake for different life stages and activity levels, and the critical role of skeletal muscle as an endocrine organ in overall health, including insights on fatty liver disease and personalized training.
Exosomes are becoming one of the most talked-about tools in regenerative medicine, but not all exosomes are created equal. In this episode of New Frontiers, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald talks with Alisa Lask, CEO of Plated Skin, about the science behind platelet-derived exosomes and why their signaling pathways matter for repair, renewal, and changes in skin appearance. We explore how discoveries in cardiology led to this technology, what early clinical studies are showing, and why source and preparation...
This episode explores the crucial link between oral health and whole-body wellness, highlighting how the oral microbiome influences systemic inflammation, fertility, and chronic disease risk. Dr. Staci Whitman, a functional pediatric dentist, shares her journey and insights on the oral-systemic connection, emphasizing the importance of upstream interventions, hormonal impacts, airway health, and appropriate diagnostic testing. The discussion provides actionable insights for clinicians to integrate oral health into their comprehensive patient care frameworks.
Beta-glucans might be one of the most overlooked levers in immune resilience, and that has major implications for longevity. Talking with my long-time friends and colleagues Drs. Bob Rountree and Chris D’Adamo reminded me just how powerful this molecule truly is. The clinical reach here is stunning, from immune aging and cancer support to vaccine response, gut–brain effects, and overall resilience. What struck me most is how beta-glucans help the innate immune system respond more effectively ove...
In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits down with hormone and women’s health expert Dr. Carrie Jones to explore the powerful connection between mitochondrial health and women’s hormones. Together, they unpack how mitochondrial function influences hormone balance, metabolism, energy, mood, and resilience, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Jones shares practical, evidence-based strategies to support mitochondrial health for optimal hormona...
Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits down with Dr. Brooke Stubbs, an internal and lifestyle medicine physician who transitioned from hospital medicine to a concierge model focused on prevention and personalization. Together, they discuss how to design a practice that supports both patients and practitioners, from efficient systems and appropriate pricing to functional lab integration. Dr. Stubbs explains how Vibrant Wellness helps streamline diagnostics and ensure consistent, high-quality care, offering rea...
Dr. Kara Fitzgerald talks with Sergey Young, founder of the Longevity Vision Fund and XPRIZE board member, about the future of aging medicine. Hear how AI, wearables, new diagnostics, and early screening are making longevity solutions more practical, affordable, and clinically relevant for functional medicine practitioners. Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Sergey Young is a longevity investor, auth...
Hair loss is more than cosmetic. In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald explores new research on the OS-01 peptide and its role in targeting senescent cells. Learn how peptide therapy compares to minoxidil, and how hormones, thyroid health, stress, UV exposure, and the scalp microbiome all play a role in thinning hair. Carolina Reis Oliveira, PhD, co-founder of OneSkin, shares insights on how polyphenols, prebiotics, and integrative strategies can support he...
Have you ever struggled to understand why some patients just don’t respond as expected, even when you’re following all the usual gut protocols? In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Tom Fabian, who breaks down the latest insights from StoolOMX and GI-MAP testing and shows us how to put them into practice for our most complex cases. We dive into how identifying specific types of inflammation, bile acid patterns, and microbial imbalances can guide more precise interventions, whether it’s introducin...
Can functional medicine unlock the secrets to healthy aging? In this special preview of the Functional Medicine is Longevity Medicine™ Masterclass happening on September 17- September 19, 2025, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits down with three leading voices in medicine and research: - Dr. Bob Rountree: functional medicine pioneer in integrative approaches to health - Dr. Dale Bredesen: internationally recognized expert on Alzheimer’s prevention and reversal - Dr. Charles Serhan: Harvard researcher on in...
It was a pleasure to sit down with Dr. Nir Barzilai for a conversation that turned out to be both lively and thought-provoking. His decades of research on centenarians, biological age, and the hallmarks of aging have shaped how we think about longevity—and what’s possible when we start targeting aging itself, not just individual diseases. We get into the science behind why some people live 20–30 years longer and healthier, and what it means to measure the biological age of individual organs. But...
I’ve been watching the science behind Calocurb evolve over the last year, and I have to say—this is one of the most exciting clinical tools I’ve seen emerge in the metabolic space in quite some time. A hops-derived compound that stimulates endogenous GLP-1, CCK, and PYY—without a prescription or injection? That’s a big deal, especially for patients struggling with appetite regulation, weight plateaus, or the aftermath of GLP-1 discontinuation. In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Kennedy, foun...
In this very special episode, I have the privilege of turning the tables on Dr. Kara Fitzgerald as we celebrate 10 years of the New Frontiers podcast. I’ve been honored to walk alongside Kara on much of this journey—as a colleague, a collaborator, a mentee, and a friend—and it’s been incredible to witness the evolution of both her work and the field itself. Together, we reflect on the stories, science, and people who have shaped this podcast—and the remarkable growth of epigenetics, personalized...
This is a really exciting conversation with Dr. Davide D’Amico from Timeline, where we’re taking a closer look at Urolithin A and heart health. It should come as no surprise that this mitochondrial wonderkin of a nutrient is showing promise here—especially when you consider that 40% of the heart’s weight is mitochondria. That’s an extraordinary factoid, and one that really shifts how we think about aging in the cardiovascular system. What’s particularly compelling in this new preclinical researc...
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 D...
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 ...
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—...
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 resear...
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 percei...
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-targete...
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, ...
