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

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.

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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.

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Better Broths and Healing Tonics book: https://tinyurl.com/3644mrfw

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: [email protected]

https://omegaquant.com/

https://www.faresinst.org/

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Younger You book: https://tinyurl.com/mr4d9tym

Better Broths and Healing Tonics book: https://tinyurl.com/3644mrfw

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 regulatory T cells support tissue repair and recovery. The conversation also highlights why variability in protein digestion matters and how evaluating gut function can help practitioners determine whether patients are positioned to benefit from higher protein intake.

Full show notes + references: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/

GUEST DETAILS

Tom Fabian, PhD, translates microbiome research into clinical insights for functional medicine. He is a science advisor with Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory and a Science Advisory Board member with Designs for Health.

Email: [email protected]

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory
Phone: 877-485-5336

Explore DSL’s advanced clinical testing and create your practitioner account at http://diagnosticsolutionslab.com/fxmedpodcast

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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

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 book: https://tinyurl.com/mr4d9tym
Better Broths and Healing Tonics book: https://tinyurl.com/3644mrfw

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 regulatory T cells support tissue repair and recovery. The conversation also highlights why variability in protein digestion matters and how evaluating gut function can help practitioners determine whether patients are positioned to benefit from higher protein intake.

Transcript, show notes, and a free Clinical Takeaways handout for a concise summary of key insights from this episode at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/

GUEST DETAILS

Tom Fabian, PhD, translates microbiome research into clinical insights for functional medicine. He is a science advisor with Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory and a Science Advisory Board member with Designs for Health.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

Diagnostic Solutions
Phone: 877-485-5336

Explore DSL’s advanced clinical testing and create your practitioner account at http://diagnosticsolutionslab.com/fxmedpodcast

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