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

Have you been wondering what you should really do with the 23andme genetic data that you’ve gathered? Wondering if you should even take the test at all? Or wondering what the future of genetic/epigenetic medicine is? This podcast is for you. I am especially excited to bring you this conversation with epigenetic legend, Dr. Moshe Szyf. The study of epigenetics is continually breaking new ground in understanding how our environment dramatically influences our gene expression. With myriad published research studies and his ongoing work, Dr. Szyf is at the forefront in shaping this evolution. The power of epigenetics to alter the course of our health is compelling, and I hope you will enjoy the discussion we had, which I hope will be one of many.

Thanks to Dr. Susan Blum, functional medicine has even more to offer for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). She shares new insights about RA’s underlying causes, details what goes missed in treatment plans, and gives practical tips for mining data from stool tests, utilizing functional blood markers, and combining herbs and probiotics to reverse processes that other practitioners may think are permanent

Fibromyalgia can be a particularly difficult condition to address conventionally, but Functional Medicine really has a lot to offer here. In this podcast, we mine the wealth of information that Dr. David Brady brings to the table on this important topic, including: · The signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia and how it is diagnosed (previously-defined tender points are no longer used!) – see also Dr. Brady’s questionnaire at www.fibrofix.com · What other mimicking conditions need to be considered or ruled out · How fibromyalgia differs from chronic fatigue syndrome—vastly different disorders that are commonly confused · Why not all pain is driven by inflammation · How not to fall into the trap of only looking at mitochondrial dysfunction · Organic acids, catecholamines, food reactivity and other relevant labs for assessment and tracking · Childhood and adult stress patterns in (especially female-dominated) fibromyalgia, and how that factors into interventions · Additional intervention options such as sleep support, energy pathways, detox, exercise, diet, immune balancing to reset metabolic patterns and promote recovery

Dr. Cabeca is a wealth of information and inspiration when it comes to women’s health. I am delighted to share my conversation with her this month, in which you’ll learn about: - How Dr. Cabeca transitioned from performing multiple surgeries per week, to only needing to recommend a handful per year with a functional medicine approach - The best lab tests and specimens for hormone assessment - The importance of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry for serum free testosterone measures - Factors to be aware of that can confound hormone testing results - Estrogen metabolites and the importance of methylation assessment - The sweet spot of keto-alkaline status for sex hormone balance, cortisol management, mental clarity, insulin sensitivity and weight loss (target pH of 7, and some ketones 3+ days per week) - The benefits of vaginal testosterone and DHEA for tissue repair and incontinence - Watching out for behavior change with testosterone to ensure appropriate dosing and saving marriages! - Addressing vaginal dryness with safe oils and DHEA, diet and lifestyle

Everyone is abuzz with Functional Medicine these days- the IFM Certification process is humming along, and record numbers of clinicians are making the transition to this amazing and satisfying practice. But what about the business of FxMed? Ahhhh! Daunting! Arguably, the establishment of a financially successful FxMed practice is a top concern on many of our minds. How do we make our practices grow and thrive without blowing out our HPA axis? This month’s podcast is with Dr. Dan Kalish, CEO and founder of the Kalish Institute. Dan is a world-renown clinician and highly successful businessman who assists many doctors in the transition to a lucrative practice. A podcast full of pearls and ideas, Dan message is: Jump in, the water’s fine. You’ve got this!

Dr. Alschuler is a world-renowned expert in integrative oncology. Lise is well-versed in the current literature and has done a remarkable job in translating findings into actionable steps (listen for her approach to the five key bodily pathways in oncogenesis and how to address them). A teacher to her core, Lise a mentor to many of us, myself included. This is a jam-packed discussion on cancer prevention and management, from the soul-searching demands of a cancer diagnosis to highly practical treatment approaches.

Dr. Seyfried's research suggests that cancer is a disruption of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, not a genetic disease. Transitioning cells to ketones, targeting glucose and glutamine, and using hyperbaric oxygen therapy are potential strategies to combat cancer. The podcast also explores the use of the calorie-restricted ketogenic diet as a therapeutic approach, the potential use of D beta hydroxybutyrate as a ketone therapy, and the role of diet and nutrition in cancer prevention.

The Art of Medicine: A Soul-Stirring Chat with Sidney Baker, MD

Science has demonstrated for over a century that fat simply isn’t the macronutrient villain it’s been made out to be. Join me and Dr. Mark Hyman as we spend some time discussing his new NYT best-selling book Eat Fat, Get Thin. We drill down into the research that has been published over the years demonstrating the largely beneficial aspects of most fatty acids.

The oral-systemic disease connection has long been established (recall older recommendations for prophylactic antibiotics before dental work in individuals with endocarditis or joint implants), but with the emerging data on the oral microbiome, new attention is being paid to oral health and the prevention of diseases ranging from cardiovascular to autoimmune and more. A transient bacteremia is the normal course after brushing, but when there is a breakdown in oral health and alterations to the oral microbiome, this transient bacteremia leads to chronic, systemic inflammation, contributing to the course of systemic disease. There is much we can do to support our patients in correcting this inflammation, not the least of which includes a healthy, sugar-free diet; regular cleanings and appropriate brushing techniques. Ideally, the dentist is a part of the functional medicine team. Disordered sleep breathing is a wide-spread, underappreciated problem in children and adults. Once thought to be primarily stress or trauma related, bruxism is now understood to be evidence of disordered breathing (see reference link below). Additionally, a scalloped or fissured tongue (macroglossia) also contribute to disordered sleep breathing.