Live Longer & Reverse Aging
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Live Longer & Reverse Aging

Live Longer & Reverse Aging

With: Dr. Kara Fitzgerald

About the Episode

Stay younger for longer.

Join Dr. Kara Fitzgerald, leading voice in the intersection of nutrition, epigenetics, and aging, as she discusses her research in the realm of biological aging. She offers an inside look into the science behind aging, how DNA methylation affects biological aging, and what you can do to prolong life and prevent aging.

Listen now to start living a longer, healthier life!

What We Discuss

Imbalanced DNA methylation is happening in many chronic, acute, and infectious diseases, blocking protective genes from turning on or expressing genes that are harmful. When you look at the impact your lifestyle choices have on DNA methylation, there are extraordinary tools that can you can use to support the right methylation through a functional medicine lens.

When Dr. Kara first started in this field of study, there was almost no evidence biological age could be reversed. However, she was confident she and her team were favorable in changing epigenetics. Looking at DNA methylation and gene expression in chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, etc, the predictable patterns of aging overlap with these diseases.

Day-to-Day Impact on Results

Healthy living only works when it becomes a habit, yet we underestimate the impact of accountability. Ed and Wendie encourage all their patients to see their staff nutritionist on a regular basis. Not just to learn about nutrition, but to create accountability. Knowing they’regoing to be talking to someone about your diet and nutrition helps keep their patients on track. Dr. Kara implements a similar strategy in her practice and she’s never once had a patient express that working with a nutritionist was a waste of their time.

There’s also a huge distinction between small bursts of stress, such as the stress before an exam or from exercise, and chronic stress. Short instances of stress can actually be very strengthening and empowering. But chronic stress is profoundly aging and one of the biggest variables impacting our day-to-day lives. In fact, 25% of the Multi-Tissue Age Predictor developed by S. Horvath to estimate DNA methylation age is influenced by the stress response. Stress is a huge issue many people aren’t receptive to talking about. But it’s physiologically incredibly toxic and we need to have that conversation.

What You Can Do Today

We know that we can change gene expression relatively quickly. In some instances, such as exposure to pollution, this change can happen in a matter of a few hours. We can also see how a single exercise or mediation event can favorably change gene expression. So the more you practice a habit, the more likely you are to spread that expression to generations of cells.

Pets, diet, lifestyle, and community, can all prolong longevity. Professionals also recommend a minimum of seven hours of sleep per day, so going to bed on time to get sufficient sleep is very important. It’s extraordinary how beneficial exercise is to prolonging life and preventing disease.

Listen now to learn how to prolong life and minimize aging!

Guest Bio

Kara Fitzgerald, ND, IFMCP, is the first-ever recipient of the Emerging Leadership Award from the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute in recognition of her work on DNA methylation. As a leading voice in the intersection of nutrition, epigenetics, and aging, her work has been featured in media outlets such as Prevention, Fast Company, MSN, Everyday Health, and many more. Receiving her doctorate from National University of Natural Medicine, she is on the faculty at the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) and is an IFM Certified Practitioner with a clinical practice in Newtown, Connecticut.

Links

Books
amazon.com/Younger-You-Reverse-Age_and-Longer/dp/0306924838
amazon.com/Better-Broths-Healing-Tonics-Broth-Based-ebook/dp/B09N3DPCRF

Social
facebook.com/pages/Dr-Kara-Fitzgerald/456050207744238
twitter.com/kfitzgeraldnd
youtube.com/channel/UC7jYgG7WMnqPeC4uwslqdfQ
linkedin.com/pub/kara-n-fitzgerald/b/265/b77
pinterest.com/DrKFitzgerald/
instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald/

Website
youngeryouprogram.com/
drkarafitzgerald.com/

Podcast
drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/
RadioLab Episode: Inheritance: https://radiolab.org/episodes/inheritance-2204
DNA Tests:
https://trudiagnostic.com/
https://trume-labs.myshopify.com/
https://www.mydnage.com/

Our Providers
Quick Links
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Live Longer & Reverse Aging
Live Longer & Reverse Aging

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test looks for the inappropriate presence of bacteria in the small intestine known as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth or “SIBO”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Live Longer & Reverse Aging
Live Longer & Reverse Aging

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Live Longer & Reverse Aging
Live Longer & Reverse Aging

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Live Longer & Reverse Aging
Live Longer & Reverse Aging

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Live Longer & Reverse Aging
Live Longer & Reverse Aging

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$299

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Live Longer & Reverse Aging
Live Longer & Reverse Aging

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Live Longer & Reverse Aging
Live Longer & Reverse Aging

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Live Longer & Reverse Aging
Live Longer & Reverse Aging

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Live Longer & Reverse Aging
Live Longer & Reverse Aging

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$179 – $400

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Live Longer & Reverse Aging
Live Longer & Reverse Aging

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$425 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Live Longer & Reverse Aging
Live Longer & Reverse Aging

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Live Longer & Reverse Aging
Live Longer & Reverse Aging

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Live Longer & Reverse Aging
Live Longer & Reverse Aging

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Live Longer & Reverse Aging
Live Longer & Reverse Aging

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Live Longer & Reverse Aging
Live Longer & Reverse Aging

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted