144 The Case of Premature Aging: How Lifestyle Changes and DNA Methylation Lead to Big Breakthrough with Dr. Kara Fitzgerald

144 The Case of Premature Aging: How Lifestyle Changes and DNA Methylation Lead to Big Breakthrough with Dr. Kara Fitzgerald

The Case:

  • Laura has thyroid issues causing her to feel overweight and her constantly dry skin made her feel like she was aging too fast.
  • She suspected that her issues might be genetic so she did a DNA test which revealed that she had the MTHFR gene.
  • She tried biohacking; taking high doses of B vitamins and a cocktail of other supplements but nothing got her the results she was looking for.

Investigation
My suspicions were that her various supplements might not be right for her. I also wanted to take a closer look at her diet and lifestyle.
Because I suspected that the answers were going to be found at the intersection of genetics, diet, and lifestyle I knew that Dr. Kara Fitzgerald would be the perfect person to consult with since she is an expert in epigenetics, nutrition, and aging. She is the author of two incredible books, Younger You: Reduce Your Bio Age and Live Longer, Better and Better Broths & Healing Tonics: 75 Bone Broth and Vegetarian Broth-Based Recipes for Everyone.
Unveiling the Power of Epigenetics
We often associate our health, thyroid function, and immune system with genetics and autoimmunity. However, as Dr. Kara explains, it is not our genes alone that determine our level of health, immune system function, or even our age. Instead, it is our epigenetics that play a significant role. I know there's a lot of confusion surrounding this topic, and in this episode, Dr. Kara shed some light on it.
She explains that in the early 2000s, scientists successfully deciphered the human genome. They discovered that we possess a little over 23,000 genes, and many believed that this knowledge would provide a clear roadmap to understanding and treating diseases. However, the reality turned out to be quite different. In over 90% of cases, genes alone do not determine our health outcomes. For most of us, the key lies in how our genes are being turned on and off—a fascinating field known as epigenetics that we’ve covered before in episode 143.
Unleashing the Potential of Epigenetic Expression
Epigenetics emerged as a prominent field of study after the completion of the Human Genome Project. It explores the factors that influence gene expression, such as our diet, exposure to toxins, stress levels, social connections, and exercise habits. Simply put, we have the power to determine which genes are activated and which ones remain dormant. Ideally, we want to activate the genes associated with health, longevity, and overall well-being while silencing those that contribute to disease progression.
This realization is particularly empowering for individuals like Laura, who believed that her family history of Hashimoto's meant she was destined to follow the same path. However, epigenetics shows us that we are not bound by our genetic heritage alone.
Lifestyle and Nutrition: The Epigenetic Keys
Dr. Kara dives into the exciting realm of lifestyle and nutrition, revealing some of the most significant factors that influence gene expression. Understanding these keys can help us unlock the potential for anti-aging, detoxification, and disease prevention.
1. Diet Program: Dr. Kara shares insights from a groundbreaking study on biological aging, which focused on DNA methylation—a marker of aging and gene expression changes. The study participants followed a specific diet program designed to optimize gene expression. The key elements of this diet program include:

  • Veggies and Greens: Emphasizing a plant-rich diet with an abundance of greens and cruciferous vegetables, cooked to support thyroid health.
  • Low-Glycemic and Fruit-Dense: Opting for low-glycemic vegetables and incorporating dark berries rich in polyphenols.
  • Smart Protein Choices: Eggs and liver (if open to consuming them) are excellent gene whispering foods, while seeds, nuts, and fatty fish provide essential nutrients.
  • Healthy Oils: Including extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil in cooking.
  • Vitamin D and Mushrooms: Ensuring sufficient vitamin D intake and recognizing the gene-regulating properties of mushrooms, such as shiitake and maitake.

2. Herbs and Spices: Dr. Kara highlights the impact of polyphenols found in various herbs and spices. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, curcumin, turmeric, quercetin, and resveratrol are just a few examples of potent gene regulators.

It's important to note that while we may inherit some gene expression patterns from our parents and ancestors, we still hold the reins and have the power to influence our health destiny. Understanding this gives us the opportunity to make informed choices and take control of our well-being.

Dr. Kara emphasizes the vital connection between epigenetics, aging, and thyroid disease. Aging acts as a primary driver for various chronic conditions, including hypothyroidism, Graves' disease, and subclinical hypothyroidism. Exploring the changes in epigenetic expression and DNA methylation provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of these conditions. Epigenetic Lifestyle: A Holistic Approach to Optimal Health

Dr. Kara uses her study and others as examples to showcase that it's not just about individual foods but a synergistic combination that maximizes the effects on gene expression. She explains that her program incorporates low glycemic choices, intermittent fasting, exercise, and other crucial lifestyle factors. The Power of Simple Lifestyle Changes

Dr. Kara says the key to success is by making simple, doable lifestyle changes to improve our health and slow down the aging process. She emphasizes that the goal is not to engage in extreme measures but rather to focus on sustainable habits that can positively impact our overall well-being. That was the motivation behind her research team’s design of a program called "Younger You" that aimed to create meaningful changes in participants' health. The program included a simple exercise prescription, prioritized quality sleep, incorporated basic meditation practices, and recommended the use of a greens powder and probiotic supplement.

The results she shared were truly astonishing to me. Understanding the Role of DNA Methylation

DNA methylation plays a crucial role in gene expression and epigenetics. We’ve talked about this before (on this episode about the MTHFR gene) but it’s important to go beyond that. Methylation is involved in numerous essential processes in the body, from metabolizing hormones and neurotransmitters to maintaining optimal cell function. Methylation is influenced by various factors, including nutrients, gut health, and the microbiome.

Comprehensive testing is needed to assess methylation status and overall metabolic function. This involves looking at biomarkers such as homocysteine and methylation cycle intermediates. A functional medicine approach goes beyond the methylation cycle and explores other metabolic aspects, including gut health and individual nutrient needs. By understanding each person's unique metabolic profile, personalized interventions can be implemented to o...

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173 Secrets to Beating Brain Fog with Hashimoto's and Thyroid issues with Michael Antonelli

173 Secrets to Beating Brain Fog with Hashimoto's and Thyroid issues with Michael Antonelli

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172 Solving the SIBO Mystery in Hashimoto's Patients

172 Solving the SIBO Mystery in Hashimoto's Patients

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171 From Overwhelmed to Energized: Hashimoto’s Transformation with Beth Mosher

171 From Overwhelmed to Energized: Hashimoto’s Transformation with Beth Mosher

It Feels Like You’re Handling Stress but Your Body Tells a Different StoryJump to the FULL SHOW NOTES HERE:The Case: Judy is a super busy mom successfully juggling family and her career on Wall StreetSuddenly she started to feel tired all the time. When time off didn’t help, a doctor diagnosed her with Hashimoto’s.Doctors told her to take medication and continue to rest but it didn’t work. Judy’s is such a common case. So many conventional doctors don’t do much more than tell the patient to rest and let the medication get to work. But, when it doesn’t - and you’re used to being unstoppable - the outlook becomes unacceptable. This was the case for Judy. The medication didn’t seem to help. She found herself struggling with simple tasks, unable to spend quality time with her kids, and feeling like life was passing her by. That’s when I met Judy and I knew we needed to dig deeper to solve her health mystery. So what is the Role of the Immune System in Hashimoto's?To help me unravel Judy's complex symptoms, I invited Beth Mosher to join the conversation. Beth is a brilliant board-certified nutrition specialist and has worked with me in my practice for 13 years. Together, we’ve been solving various thyroid and health mysteries. Press play to find out:How Does Stress Impact Hashimoto’s?andWhat Are the Best Ways to Manage Stress and Promote Healing in Hashimoto's?

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170 [Ask Inna] Why Your Thyroid Medication May Not Be Working and What To Do About It

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20 Juni 202425min

169 Anti-aging with Hashimoto's:  What’s Safe and What to Avoid

169 Anti-aging with Hashimoto's:  What’s Safe and What to Avoid

How to Age Gracefully and Naturally without Triggering a Hashimoto’s Flare-UpJump to the FULL SHOW NOTES HERE:Anti-Wrinkle and Anti-Aging Options for Hashimoto’sI’ve received countless questions about safe and effective anti-aging techniques for those of us with Hashimoto’s. I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to navigate these concerns. As someone who’s passionate about natural living but also loves looking and feeling my best, I’ve tried and tested various methods to find what truly works without compromising my health.In this episode, I share what’s worked for me and what I think those with Hashimoto’s should avoid.For more visit: THYROID MYSTERY SOLVED PODCASTA real, case-based, top rated podcast that is helping tens of thousands find answers to their frustrating thyroid, Hashimoto’s and autoimmunity issues and see that they are not alone in their health struggles.Inna speaks from a wealth of her own experience as well as with some of the best minds in functional medicine to get to the root of each mystery. She shares these life altering stories and inspires and educates you to take action and see things from every angle.

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168 How to Color Your Hair Without Worsening Hashimoto's Symptoms, Dryness, or Hair Loss with Jay Small

168 How to Color Your Hair Without Worsening Hashimoto's Symptoms, Dryness, or Hair Loss with Jay Small

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23 Maj 202445min

167 Did Hashimoto’s Cause Your Gut Issues or The Other Way Around? (How to Improve Both with Josh Dech)

167 Did Hashimoto’s Cause Your Gut Issues or The Other Way Around? (How to Improve Both with Josh Dech)

Jump to the complete episode #167 show notes HERE.The Case: Beth had Hashimoto’s and has been dealing with weight gain and digestive issues.She fluctuated from constipation to diarrhea and always feels gassy, bloated and uncomfortable. She’d also been diagnosed with IBS but none of her health care providers offered any solutions beyond medication. When I met Beth in my Hashimoto’s program, she was overwhelmed trying to research the connection between her gut and Hashimoto’s. She was frustrated that her traditional doctors weren’t offering any solutions beyond treating the symptoms and wanted to reclaim power over her own health journey. That started with her joining the Thyroid Mystery Solved program where she discovered that she didn’t have to figure it all out on her own. I knew exactly where to start to get to the bottom of her thyroid mystery. Press play to find out the role Hashimoto's might be playing with your gut health.

9 Maj 202457min

166 Hashimoto's Disease and Mold Exposure: Symptoms, Testing & Solutions with Jason Earle

166 Hashimoto's Disease and Mold Exposure: Symptoms, Testing & Solutions with Jason Earle

Jump to the complete show notes here:https://innatopiler.com/podcasts/hashimotos-disease-and-mold-exposure-symptoms-testing-solutions-with-jason-earle/The Case: Bonnie has Hashimoto’s and is experiencing brain fog, fatigue, and respiratory issuesShe joined my Thyroid Mystery Solved program to get to the bottom of these symptomsWe worked on her immune triggers but something still wasn’t adding up.After we started to address her immune triggers, Bonnie wondered if maybe mold might be the culprit but wasn’t sure how to figure it out. I knew exactly where to start. In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome back Jason Earle. We last chatted with him in episodes 117 and 118. Jason is an indoor air quality crusader and is so informed about all things mold. He’s the founder & CEO of 1-800-GOT-MOLD and MycoLab USA. He even created the GOT MOLD?® Test Kit so I knew he’d be able to shed some light on where Bonnie could start in investigating the potential link between her Hashimoto’s issues and mold. Press play to find out how mold may be affecting your health, how to find it and how to get rid of it.

25 Apr 202443min

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