Podcasts about cnme

Five years after the signing of the Abraham Accords, the Middle East looks very different—defined by both extraordinary cooperation and unprecedented challenges. In this episode, we unpack how Israel's defensive war on seven fronts affected regional partnerships, why Abraham Accords nations have stood by the Jewish state, and what expanded normalization could look like as countries like Saudi Arabia and others weigh making such monumental decisions.   We also explore the growing importance of humanitarian coordination, people-to-people diplomacy, and the critical role AJC is playing in supporting deeper regional collaboration. From shifting narratives to new economic and security opportunities, we chart what the next five years could mean for peace, stability, and integration across the region. *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views or position of AJC. This episode is up-to-date as of November 25, 2025. Read the transcript: Building What's Next | Architects of Peace - Episode 6 | AJC Resources: AJC.org/ArchitectsofPeace - Tune in weekly for new episodes. The Abraham Accords, Explained AJC.org/CNME - Find more from AJC's Center for a New Middle East Listen – AJC Podcasts: The Forgotten Exodus  People of the Pod Follow Architects of Peace on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/ArchitectsofPeace You can reach us at: podcasts@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Transcript: ANNE DREAZEN: One thing that I have learned from my many years at the Department of Defense is that military instruments of power are not sufficient to really build longlasting peace and stability.  The importance of trade, of economic development, of people-to-people ties, is so essential to what we think of as an enduring or a lasting peace. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: In September 2020, the world saw what had been years–decades–in the making. Landmark peace agreements dubbed the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel and two Arabian Gulf States, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain.  Later, in December, they were joined by the Kingdom of Morocco. Five years later, AJC is pulling back the curtain to meet key individuals who built the trust that led to these breakthroughs and build bonds that would last. Introducing: the Architects of Peace. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: It has been five years since Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain signed the Abraham Accords on the South Lawn of the White House. In those five years, Russia invaded Ukraine, sparking a massive refugee crisis. The U.S. elected one president then re-elected his predecessor who had ushered in the Abraham Accords in the first place.  And amid news that Saudi Arabia might be next to join the Accords, the Hamas terror group breached the border between Israel and Gaza, murdered more than 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 more. Israel suddenly found itself fighting an existential war against Iran and its terror proxies on multiple fronts – Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and Iran itself. At the same time, Israel also fought a worldwide war of public opinion – as Hamas elevated the death toll in Gaza by using Palestinian civilians as human shields and activists waged a war of disinformation on social media that turned international public perception against the Jewish state. Through it all, the Abraham Accords held. ALI RASHID AL NUAIMI: There are those who work hard to undermine what we are doing. And this is where many question: 'How come the UAE is still part of the Abraham Accords?'  MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi is a leading parliamentarian and educator in the United Arab Emirates. He has served as the Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University and the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge. He currently serves as the Chairman of the International Steering Board of Hedayah, The International Center of Excellence for Countering Extremism and Violent Extremism. The center is based in Abu Dhabi.  He was one of the first to go on Israeli and Arab media to talk to the general public about the Abraham Accords and was known for correcting news anchors and other interview subjects, that the UAE had not simply agreed to live in peace with the Jewish state. It had agreed to actively engage with the Israeli people. ALI RASHID AL NUAIMI: We saw the importance of engaging with both sides. We saw the importance of talking to the Israeli general public. We saw the importance of dialogue with the government in Israel, the Knesset, the NGO, the academician, businessman. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: That engagement started almost immediately with flights back and forth, musical collaborations, culinary exchanges, academic partnerships, business arrangements–much of which came to a halt on October 7, 2023. But that simply meant the nature of the engagement changed. Since the start of the Israel-Hamas War, the UAE has provided extensive humanitarian aid to Gaza, delivering more than 100,000 tons of food, medical supplies, tents, and clothing, by land, air and sea—about 46% of the total assistance that entered Gaza. It established six desalination plants with a combined capacity of two million gallons per day.  And, in addition to operating field and floating hospitals that treated 73,000 patients, the UAE also provided five ambulances, facilitated a polio vaccination campaign, and evacuated 2,785 patients for treatment in the UAE. From Dr. Al-Nuami's point of view, the Abraham Accords made all of that humanitarian aid possible. ALI RASHID AL NUAIMI: This is why we were able to have these hospitals in Gaza, we were able to do these water solutions for the Palestinians, and we did so many things because there is a trust between us and the Israelis. That they allowed us to go and save the Palestinian people in Gaza.  So there were so many challenges, but because we have the right leadership, who have the courage to make the right decision, who believe in the Abraham Accords principles, the vision, and who's working hard to transform the region. Where every everyone will enjoy security, stability, and prosperity without, you know, excluding anyone. Why the UAE didn't pull out of the Abraham Accords? My answer is this. It's not with the government, our engagement. The government will be there for two, three, four years, and they will change.  Our Abraham Accords is with Israel as a nation, with the people, who will stay. Who are, we believe their root is here, and there is a history and there is a future that we have to share together. And this is where we have to work on what I call people to people diplomacy. This is sustainable peace. This is where you really build the bridges of trust, respect, partnership, and a shared responsibility about the whole region. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: On October 9, two years and two days after the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, the White House announced a ceasefire would take effect, the first step in a 20-point peace plan proposed for the region. Four days later, President Donald Trump joined the presidents of Egypt and Turkey, and the Emir of Qatar to announce a multilateral agreement to work toward a comprehensive and durable peace in Gaza. Since then, all but the remains of three hostages have been returned home, including Lt. Hadar Goldin, whose remains had been held since 2014, ending the longest hostage ordeal in Israel's history. Finally, the prospect of peace and progress seems to be re-emerging. But what is next for the Abraham Accords? Will they continue to hold and once again offer the possibilities that were promised on the White House Lawn in September 2020? Will they expand? And which countries will be next to sign on to the historic pact, setting aside decades of rejection to finally formalize full diplomatic relations with the Jewish state? The opportunities seem endless, just as they did in September 2020 when the Abraham Accords expanded the scope of what was suddenly possible in government, trade, and so much more.  ANNE DREAZEN: The Abraham Accords really opened up lots of opportunities for us in the Department of Defense to really expand cooperation between Israel and its partners in the security sphere.  MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN:  Anne Dreazen spent the last 18 years as a civil servant in the U.S. Department of Defense. For most of that time, she worked on Middle East national security and defense policy, focusing on Iran, Iraq and Lebanon. And most recently serving as the principal director for Middle East policy, the senior civil service job overseeing the entire Middle East office. She was working at the Pentagon when the Abraham Accords were signed under the first Trump administration and immediately saw a shift in the region. ANNE DREAZEN: So, one thing that we saw at the very end of the first Trump administration, and it was made possible in part because of the success of the Abraham Accords, was the decision to move Israel from U.S. European Command into U.S. Central Command. And for many decades, it had been thought that that wouldn't be feasible because you wouldn't have any Middle East countries in CENTCOM that would really be willing to engage with Israel, even in very discreet minimal channels.  But after the Abraham Accords, I think that led us policymakers and military leaders to sort of rethink that proposition, and it became very clear that, it would be better to increase cooperation between Israel and the other Gulf partners, because in many cases, they have similar security interests, specifically concerns about Iran and Iranian proxies and Iranian malign activity throughout the region. And so I think the Abraham Accords was one item that sort of laid the groundwork and really enabled and encouraged us to think creatively about ways through which we could, in the security and defense sphere, improve cooperation between Israel and other partners in the region. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: But sustaining peace in the region is more than a matter of maintaining security. Making sure young people can fulfill their dreams, make a contribution, build relationships and friendships across borders, and transcend religion and ideologies – even those in the security sphere know those are the necessary ingredients for peace and prosperity across the region.  Despite the efforts of Hamas and other Iran-backed terror proxies to derail the Abraham Accords, the U.S., Arab, and Israeli leaders had continued to pursue plans for an Israeli-Saudi peace agreement and to explore a new security architecture to fight common threats. This spirit of optimism and determination led AJC to launch the Center for a New Middle East in June 2024. In October, Anne joined AJC to lead that initiative. ANNE DREAZEN: One thing that I have learned from my many years at the Department of Defense is that military instruments of power are not sufficient to really build long lasting peace and stability. The importance of trade, of economic development, of people-to-people ties is so essential to what we think of as an enduring or a lasting peace.  And so at AJC, we're actually focused on those aspects of trying to advance normalization. Really trying to put more meat on the bones, in the case of where we already have agreements in place. So for example, with Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, the UAE and Morocco, trying to really build out what more can be done in terms of building economic ties, building people-to-people ties, and advancing those agreements. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: Of course, that work had already begun prior to Anne's arrival. Just two years after the Abraham Accords, Retired Ambassador to Oman Marc Sievers became director of AJC Abu Dhabi: The Sidney Lerner Center for Arab-Jewish Understanding, the first and only Jewish agency office in an Arab and Islamic country.  After more than 30 years as a U.S. diplomat serving across the Middle East and North Africa, Marc has witnessed a number of false starts between Arab nations and Israel. While the Abraham Accords introduced an unprecedented approach, they didn't suddenly stabilize the region.  Marc's four years in Abu Dhabi have been fraught. In January 2022, Houthis in north Yemen launched a drone and missile attack on Abu Dhabi, killing three civilians and injuring six others. In 2023, the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel, Israel's retaliation, and Israel's war on seven fronts dimmed Emiratis' public perception of Jews. As recently as this past August, the U.S. Mission to the UAE issued a dire warning to Israeli diplomats and Jewish institutions in Abu Dhabi – a threat that was taken seriously given the kidnapping and murder of a Chabad rabbi in 2024.  But just as the UAE stood by its commitment to Israel, Marc and AJC stood by their commitment to the UAE and Arab neighbors, working to advance Arab-Jewish and Muslim-Jewish dialogue; combat regional antisemitism and extremism; and invigorate Jewish life across the region. From Marc's vantage point, the Abraham Accords revolutionized the concept of normalization, inspiring a level of loyalty he's never before seen.  It's worth noting the precursor to the Abraham Accords: the Peace to Prosperity Summit. For decades, diplomats had frowned on the idea of an economic peace preceding a two-state solution.  MARC SIEVERS: That idea's been out there for a long time. …It was just never embraced by those who thought, you know, first you have a two-state solution. You have a Palestinian state, and then other things will follow. This approach is kind of the opposite. You create an environment in which people feel they have an incentive, they have something to gain from cooperation, and that then can lead to a different political environment. I happen to think that's quite an interesting approach, because the other approach was tried for years and years, and it didn't succeed. Rather than a confrontational approach, this is a constructive approach that everyone benefits from. The Prosperity to Peace Conference was a very important step in that direction. It was harshly criticized by a lot of people, but I think it actually was a very kind of visionary approach to changing how things are done. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: The conference Marc is referring to took place in June 2019 –  a two-day workshop in Bahrain's capital city of Manama, where the Trump administration began rolling out the economic portion of its peace plan, titled "Peace to Prosperity."  The workshop's host Bahrain, as well as Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the Emirates participated, to varying degrees.  The plan called for large scale investment, mostly by other countries in the Gulf and Europe, to advance the Palestinian economy, to integrate the Palestinian and Israelis' economies and establish a small but functional Palestinian state.  Angered by Trump's recognition of Jerusalem, Palestinian leadership rejected the plan before ever seeing its details. But as former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman pointed out in an earlier episode of this series, that was expected. The plan enabled Israel to demonstrate that it was open to cooperation. It enabled the Trump administration to illustrate the opportunities missed if countries in the region continued to let Palestinian leadership call the shots. It was economic diplomacy at its finest. And it worked.  MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN:  Benjamin Rogers, AJC's Director for Middle East and North Africa Initiatives, who also serves as Deputy Director of the Center for a New Middle East, said the Center has focused heavily on expanding private sector engagement. Israelis and Arab entrepreneurs have quietly traveled to the U.S. as part of the Center's budding business collectives.  BENJAMIN ROGERS: So people who are focused on med tech, people who are focused on agri tech, people who are focused on tourism. And what we do is we say, 'Hey, we want to talk about the Middle East. No, we do not want to talk about violence. No, we don't want to talk about death and destruction. Not because these issues are not important, but because we're here today to talk about innovation, and we're here to talk about the next generation, and what can we do?' And when you say, like, food security for example, how can Israelis and Arabs work together in a way that helps provide more food for the entire world? That's powerful. How can the Israelis and Arabs working together with the United States help combat cancer, help find solutions to new diseases?  If you really want to get at the essence of the Abraham Accords – the ability to do better and work together, to your average person on the street, that's meaningful. And so one of the initiatives is, hey, let's bring together these innovators, these business leaders, private sector, and let's showcase to Arabs, Israelis, non-Jewish community, what the Middle East can be about. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: People-to-people connections. That's what AJC has done for decades, traveling to the region since 1950 to build bridges and relationships. But providing a platform to help facilitate business ventures? That's a new strategy, which is why AJC partnered with Blue Laurel Advisors. The firm has offices in Tel Aviv, Dubai, and Washington, D.C.. It specializes in helping companies navigate the geopolitics of doing business in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Israel.  At AJC Global Forum in April, founder and Managing Director Tally Zingher told an audience that the Abraham Accords, which effectively lifted the UAE's ban on business with Israel, brought already existing deals above the radar. TALLY ZINGHER: We've been wowed by what the Center for a New Middle East has been able to do and put forth in the very short time that it's been incubated and Blue Laurel Advisors are really delighted to be part of this project and we're really aligned with its mission and its vision. It's quite simple in the region because the region is really driven by national agendas. I think it's no surprise that the appendix to the Abraham Accords was a direct parallel to the Abu Dhabi national vision. It's the key areas of growth in UAE and Saudi Arabia that are now really well aligned with Israeli strength.  We're talking about the diversification efforts of the UAE and of Saudi Arabia. At Blue Laurel, we're quite focused on Saudi Arabia because of the real growth story underway there created by the diversification efforts. But they're focused on water, energy, renewable energy, healthy cyber security, tourism. Ten years ago when you were doing this work, 15 years ago there wasn't as much complementarity between Israel and the start-up innovation ecosystem and what was going on. The region is really ready and ripe to have Israeli innovation be a part of its growth trajectory. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: Benjy said there's another advantage to building bridges in the business world – continuity. BENJAMIN ROGERS:Out of the three sectors that we're focused on – diplomatic, business, and civil society – business relations are the most resistant to political conflict. There's this element of self interest in it, which I'm not saying is a bad thing, but when you tie the relationship to your own worth and your own value, you're much more likely to go through kind of the ebbs and flows of the political.  Whereas, if you're a civil society, you're really at the mercy of populations. And if the timing is not right, it's not impossible to work together, but it's so much more difficult. Business is even more resistant than political engagement, because if political engagement is bad, the business relationship can still be good, because there's an element of self interest, and that element of we have to work together for the betterment of each other. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: The economic diplomacy complements AJC's partnership with civil society groups, other non-profits that work to bring people together to experience and embody each other's realities in the Middle East. The Center also has continued AJC's trademark traditional diplomacy to expand the circle of peace. Though Marc prefers to call it the circle of productivity.  MARC SIEVERS: I think it achieved new relations for Israel that were perhaps different from what had happened with Egypt and Jordan, where we have long standing peace agreements, but very little contact between people, and very little engagement other than through very specific official channels. The Abraham Accords were different because there was a people-to-people element. The UAE in particular was flooded with Israeli tourists almost immediately after the Accords were signed, Bahrain less so, but there have been some. And not as many going the other way, but still, the human contacts were very much there.  I think it was also building on this idea that economic engagement, joint partnerships, investment, build a kind of circle of productive relations that gradually hopefully expand and include broader parts of the region or the world that have been either in conflict with Israel or have refused to recognize Israel as a sovereign Jewish state. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: It being all of those things explains why the potential for expansion is all over the map. So where will the Abraham Accords likely go next? The Trump administration recently announced the addition of Kazakhstan. But as the Central Asian country already had diplomatic relations with Israel, the move was more of an endorsement of the Accords rather than an expansion. In November 2025, all eyes were on the White House when Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman paid a visit. In addition to the customary Oval Office meeting, President Trump also hosted the Saudi royal at a black-tie dinner. ANNE DREAZEN: Right now, everyone is really talking about and thinking, of course, about Saudi Arabia, and certainly I think there's a lot of promise now with the ceasefire having been achieved. That sort of lays a better groundwork to be able to think about whether we can, whether the United States can play an important role in bringing Saudi Arabia and Israel to the table to move forward on normalization. Certainly from the Saudis have have made they've cautioned that one of their prerequisites is a viable path toward Palestinian statehood. And we've known that, that's in President Trump's 20-point plan. So I think it remains to be seen whether or not Israel and Saudi Arabia can come to a mutually agreed upon way of addressing that key concern for Saudi Arabia. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: But there are also countries who only a year ago never would have considered a relationship with Israel. With Hezbollah diminished and a moderate and forward-leaning Lebanese government in place, quiet conversations are taking place that could lead to a significant diplomatic achievement, even if not as ambitious as the Abraham Accords. The same in Syria, where Ahmed al-Sharaa is sending positive signals that he would at least be willing to consider security arrangements. ANNE DREAZEN: Even if you don't have a Syrian Embassy opening up in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv,  even if you don't have an Israeli embassy opening up in Damascus, there could be other arrangements made, short of a full diplomatic peace accord that would lay the groundwork for some understandings on security, on borders. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: Marc said it remains to be seen whether Oman, his final diplomatic post, will join the Accords. Two years before the signing of the Accords, while serving as ambassador, there was a glimmer of hope. Well, more than a glimmer really. MARC SIEVERS: In Oman, the late Sultan Qaboos, a good, almost two years before the Abraham Accords, invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to visit him in his royal palace in Muscat. Netanyahu came with his wife, Sarah, but also with a lot of the top senior leadership. Certainly his military secretary, the head of the Mossad, a few other people. As soon as Netanyahu landed in Israel, the Omanis put it all over the media, and there were some wonderful videos of the Sultan giving Netanyahu a tour of the palace and a choir of children who came and sang, and some other things that the Sultan liked to do when he had important guests.  And it was quite an interesting moment, and that was two years before. And that was not initiated by the United States. Unlike the Abraham Accords process, that was an Omani initiative, but again, other than the meeting itself, nothing really came of it. The Omanis took a lot of pride in what they had done, and then they backed away. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: Instead, Marc points to the country with the largest Muslim population in the world: Indonesia – especially following recent remarks to the United Nations General Assembly by Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto. PRABOWO SUBIANTO: We must have an independent Palestine, but we must also recognize, we must also respect, and we must also guarantee the safety and security of Israel. Only then can we have real peace. Real peace and no longer hate and no longer suspicion. The only solution is the two-state solution. The descendants of Abraham must live in reconciliation, peace, and harmony. Arabs, Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, all religions. We must live as one human family. Indonesia is committed to being part of making this vision a reality. MARC SIEVERS: We've heard that, you know, Indonesia needs some time to consider this, which makes a lot of sense. It's not something to be done lightly, and yet that would be a huge achievement. Obviously, Indonesia has never been a party to the conflict directly, but they also have never had relations with Israel, and they are the most populous Muslim country. Should that happen, it's a different kind of development than Saudi Arabia, but in some ways, it kind of internationalizes or broadens beyond the Middle East, the circle of peace. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: But in addition to adding signatories, Anne said AJC's Center for a New Middle East will work to strengthen the current relationships with countries that stayed committed during Israel's war against Hamas, despite public apprehensions. Anne recently traveled to Bahrain and the UAE with AJC's Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer Jason Isaacson, who has long led AJC's Middle East outreach. There, Anne discovered a significant slowdown in the momentum she witnessed when the Accords debuted. ANNE DREAZEN: I saw a real hesitancy during my travels in the region for politicians to publicly acknowledge and to publicly celebrate the Abraham Accords. They were much more likely to talk about peaceful coexistence and tolerance in what they characterize as a non-political way, meaning not tied to any sort of diplomatic agreements. So I saw that as a big impediment.  I do think that among the leadership of a lot of these countries, though, there is a sense that they have to be more pragmatic than ever before in trying to establish, in time to sustain the ceasefire, and establish a more enduring stability in the region. So there's a bit of a disconnect, I think, between where a lot of the publics lie on this issue.  But a lot of the political leaders recognize the importance of maintaining ties with Israel, and want to lay the groundwork for greater stability. We are very interested now in doing what we can as CNME, as the Center for New Middle East, to help rebuild those connections and help reinvigorate those relationships. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: This is especially the case in Bahrain, which has not seen the same economic dividends as the UAE. ANNE DREAZEN: Bahrain is a much smaller country than the UAE, and their key industries – they have less of a developed startup tech ecosystem than the UAE. And frankly, many of Bahrain's sectors don't overlap as neatly with some of Israel's emerging tech sectors, as is the case with the UAE. So, for example, Bahrain is very heavy on steel and aluminum manufacturing, on logistics. Manufacturing is a big part of the sector.  Israeli tech doesn't really, in general, provide that many jobs in that type of sector. Tourism is another area where Bahrain is trying to develop as a top priority. This obviously was really challenged during the Abraham Accords, especially when direct flights stopped over Gulf air. So tourism was not a natural one, especially after October 7.  Bahrain has really prioritized training their youth workforce to be able to take on jobs in IT and financial services, and this is one area we want to look into more and see what can be done. Bahrain is really prioritizing trying to build relationships in areas that can provide jobs to some of their youth. It is not as wealthy a country as the UAE, but it has a very educated young workforce. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: Again, fulfilling dreams, giving youth an opportunity to contribute. That's the necessary narrative to make the Abraham Accords a success.  ALI RASHID AL NUAIMI: It's very important to focus on the youth, and how to create a narrative that will gain the heart and the mind of all youth in the region, the Israeli, the Palestinian, the Arabs, the Muslims. And this is where it is very important to counter hate that comes from both sides. Unfortunately, we still see some hate narratives that come from those far-right extremists who serve the extremists on the Arab side, taking advantage of what they are saying, what they are doing. From the beginning, I convey this message to many Israelis: please don't put the Palestinian people in one basket with Hamas, because if you do so, you will be saving Hamas. Hamas will take advantage of that.  This is where it's very important to show the Palestinian people that we care about them. You know, we see them as human beings. We want a better future for them. We want to end their suffering. We want them to fulfill their dream within the region, that where everybody will feel safe, will feel respected, and that we all will live as neighbors, caring about each other's security and peace.  We have to engage, have a dialogue, show others that we care about them, you see, and try to empower all those who believe in peace who believe that Israeli and Palestinian have to live together in peace and harmony. And it will take time, yes, but we don't have other options. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: But Dr. Al Nuaimi emphasizes that it can't be just a dialogue. It must be a conversation that includes the American voice. The UAE has been clear with the Israeli public on two occasions that attempts by Israel to unilaterally annex the West Bank would be a red line for the relationship between their two countries. But even as the five-year anniversary of the Abraham Accords approached, a milestone that should've been a reminder of the countries' mutual commitments, it took U.S. intervention for Israel to heed that warning. Anne Dreazen agrees that the U.S. plays an important role. She said Israel must continue to defend itself against threats. But in order to create a safe space for Israel in the long term, the U.S., the American Jewish community in particular, can help bridge connections and overcome cultural differences. That will keep the Accords moving in the right direction. ALI RASHID AL NUAIMI: I believe many Arab and Muslim leaders are eager to join it, but you know, they have to do their internal calculation within their people. We have to help them, not only us, but the Israelis. They are looking for a way, a path, to have them as neighbors, and to have a solution that the Palestinian will fulfill their dreams, but the Israeli also will be secure. I think having such a narrative that will take us to the next level by bringing other Arab countries and Muslim country to join the Abraham Accords. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: Thank you for listening. Atara Lakritz is our producer. T.K. Broderick is our sound engineer. Special thanks to Jason Isaacson, Sean Savage, and the entire AJC team for making this series possible.  You can subscribe to Architects of Peace on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and you can learn more at AJC.org/ArchitectsofPeace. The views and opinions of our guests don't necessarily reflect the positions of AJC. You can reach us at podcasts@ajc.org. If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to spread the word, and hop onto Apple Podcasts or Spotify to rate us and write a review to help more listeners find us. Music Credits: Middle East : ID: 279780040; Composer: Eric Sutherland Inspired Middle East: ID: 241884108; Composer: iCENTURY Mystical Middle East: ID: 212471911; Composer: Vicher

Mark Forker from Burtonport currently works as journalist; he is the editor of CNME magazine based in Dubai. A lot of his background is linked to soccer, he played over 100 matches for Ballybofey based club Finn Harps from 2008 to 2014, and to this day still helps out at the club as a coach of their underage teams. Before his move to Finn Park, Mark got a professional contract as a teenager himself with Hearts in Scotland, we talk about a lot of his soccer experiences which include Mark just finishing off the season having lined out for his local team Keadue Rovers in the Donegal Premier Division. So much else is covered in the interview, including Finn Harps current day, and we talk about how the season ended cross channel as well in Scotland and England. Hope you enjoy the interview!Support the Show.

Kara Fitzgerald, ND received her doctorate of naturopathic medicine from National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. She completed the first CNME-accredited post-doctorate position in nutritional biochemistry and laboratory science at Metametrix (now Genova) Clinical Laboratory under the direction of Richard Lord, Ph.D. Her residency was completed at Progressive Medical Center, a large, integrative medical practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Fitzgerald is the lead author and editor of Case Studies in Integrative and Functional Medicine and is a contributing author to Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine and the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)'s Textbook for Functional Medicine. With the Helfgott Research Institute, Dr. Fitzgerald is actively engaged in clinical research on the DNA methylome using a diet and lifestyle intervention developed in her practice. The first publication from the study focuses on reversal of biological aging and was published 04-12-2021 in the journal Aging. A consumer book and application-based program with DNA methylation assessment are scheduled for release 01-2022. Dr. Fitzgerald is on faculty at the Institute for Functional Medicine, and is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. She regularly lectures internationally and is in private practice in Sandy Hook, Connecticut.

So honored to speak to Dr. Kara Fitzgerald this Thursday!!! She is the author of an amazing book called, “Younger You”! Can't wait to learn how we can stay young forever! https://www.amazon.com/Younger-You-Reverse-Age_and-Longer Dr. Kara Fitzgerald received her doctorate of naturopathic medicine from National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Fitzgerald is actively engaged in clinical research on the DNA methylome using a diet and lifestyle intervention developed in her practice. The first publication from the study focuses on reversal of biological aging and was published 04-12-2021 in the journal Aging. Dr. Fitzgerald received her doctorate of naturopathic medicine from National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. She completed the first CNME-accredited post-doctorate position in nutritional biochemistry and laboratory science at Metametrix (now Genova) Clinical Laboratory under the direction of Richard Lord, Ph.D. Her residency was completed at Progressive Medical Center, a large, integrative medical practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Fitzgerald is the lead author and editor of Case Studies in Integrative and Functional Medicine and is a contributing author to Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine and the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)'s Textbook for Functional Medicine. With the Helfgott Research Institute, Dr. Fitzgerald is actively engaged in clinical research on the DNA methylome using a diet and lifestyle intervention developed in her practice. The first publication from the study focuses on reversal of biological aging and was published 04-12-2021 in the journal Aging. A consumer book and application-based program with DNA methylation assessment are scheduled for release 01-2022. Dr. Fitzgerald is on faculty at the Institute for Functional Medicine, and is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. She regularly lectures internationally and is in private practice in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. Learn more: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/

Dr. Kara Fitzgerald received her doctorate of naturopathic medicine from National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. She completed the first CNME-accredited post-doctorate position in nutritional biochemistry and laboratory science at Metametrix (now Genova) Clinical Laboratory under the direction of Richard Lord, Ph.D. Her residency was completed at Progressive Medical Center, a large, integrative medical practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Fitzgerald is on faculty at the Institute for Functional Medicine, and is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. She regularly lectures internationally and is in private practice in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. She is the author of ‘Younger You: Reduce Your Bio Age and Live Longer, Better' Topics covered in this episode: • The difference between chronological age and biological age. • What is aging? • The effects of exercise. • Gene expression. • What is making us older? • Is inflammation causing aging? • DNA methylation • 3YY Program Referenced in the episode: • The Lindsey Elmore Show Ep. 25 | So what do pharmacists actually do? | Lara Zakaria and Connie Grauds. • The Lindsey Elmore Show Ep. 68 & 156 | Dr. Sara Gottfried. • The Lindsey Elmore Show Ep. 165 | Live, Love & Sleep | Zeke Medina To learn more about Dr. Kara Fitzgerald and her work, head over to www.drkarafitzgerald.com www.youngeryouprogram.com IG @drkarafitzgerald __________________________________________________________ Amare Happy Juice Pack – includes: - Amare EDGE : Mood. Motivation. Metabolism. The game changer that will transform your everyday life. - MentaBiotics: The most comprehensive combination of unique strains of probiotics, prebiotics, and phytobiotics that have been scientifically shown to improve mental wellness. - Energy+ (Sugar and Caffeine-Free): A next-generation mental energy product that delivers rapid improvements in brain and physical performance, without the jitters or crashes you might get from many high-stimulant or high-sugar energy drinks. Head over to www.lindseyelmore.com/happyjuice ... save $10 off your first order and 10% when you subscribe and save. __________________________________________________________ Eaton Hemp Organic Hemp Food - Nature's most nutrient-dense superfood. Head to www.eatonhemp.com/lindseyelmoreshow and save 25% on all Eaton Hemp products… with a full money back guarantee! __________________________________________________________ We hope you enjoyed this episode. Come check us out at www.lindseyelmore.com/podcast.

Cancer was the second leading cause of death in 2020 and outside of chemotherapy and radiation there still are few options conventionally. In this episode we talk about how prognosis and quality of life are improved when combining Naturopathic and conventional medicine. IN THIS EPISODE: I interview an esteemed colleague, Dr. Gurdev Parmar. Dr. Gurdev Parmar is co-founder and medical director of the largest integrated health care facility in Canada, the Integrated Health Clinic (IHC). He is licensed in both British Columbia, Canada and Washington State, USA. IHC was chosen as one of seven original clinics to participate in the Canadian and U.S. Integrative Oncology Study (CUSIOS), an ongoing, multi-clinic, prospective trial. Dr. Parmar has also completed an eight-year retrospective study on his treatment approach, which has been presented internationally, and has recently been published by Cambridge Scholars. Dr. Parmar is residency director and primary teaching supervisor of a naturopathic oncology residency at IHC, a CNME-approved post-doctoral training facility for Bastyr University. Dr. Parmar established locoregional hyperthermia treatment in Canada in 2009, and in 2018, he was nominated President of the International Clinical Hyperthermia Society (ICHS). He has served on numerous boards over the years, including the OncANP Delphi Panel, with the resulting document published in Integrative Cancer Therapies. Dr. Parmar writes and lectures internationally on a wide variety of topics, including clinical hyperthermia, the tumour microenvironment, and integrative cancer care. He has served on the editorial board of several medical journals and is the Lead Author and Editor-in-Chief of the Textbook of Naturopathic Oncology: A Desktop Guide to Integrative Oncology, as well as the Pearlz Clinical eBook Series. WHERE CAN YOU FIND DR. PARMAR? - www.integratedhealthclinic.com - https://textbookofnaturopathiconcology.com - www.pearlz.info - IG: @drgparmar BERKEY FILTER DISCOUNT CODE: - https://www.berkeyfilters.com/ - Discount code: drhanisha WHERE CAN YOU FIND ME? Schedule a complimentary consult with me here: Mahan Health Subscribe to my newsletter for recipes, blog posts, and updates! Subscribe to my YouTube channel Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Connect with me on LinkedIn *This podcast is not meant to serve as medical advice. Please speak to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your own personal health. Sponsorships: off for this episode

In this episode Dr. MIranda LaBant shares with us her journey to Naturopathic Medicine including her experience in Belize, her journey to Naturopathic Oncology, some of her favorite Integrative Oncology treatments, and so much more. Follow along with Dr. Miranda; IG-@drlabant https://thesantecenter.com BIO: Dr. Miranda LaBant, ND Dr. Miranda LaBant, ND graduated from National University of Health Sciences in Illinois. After receiving her doctorate in naturopathic medicine she moved to Kailua Kona, Hawaii and completed a CNME accredited residency in integrative oncology under the direction of Dr. Michael Traub, ND. Integrative and Individualized Primary care Dr. LaBant's practice combines the best of both naturopathic philosophy and conventional medicine to help her patients achieve and maintain optimal health safely and naturally. She believes in the key principle of naturopathic medicine—the body has the innate ability to health and self-regulate when given the right direction. It is this mentality that she puts forth when working together with patients and empowering them to realize better health. Using clinical expertise and focused laboratory data, Dr. LaBant is determined to uncover the underlying factors contributing to illness and help patients re-establish health and function on all levels rather than just suppressing symptoms. Integrative Oncology Integrative oncology includes well researched measures to increase the effectiveness of conventional therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation while also reducing the incidence of common side effects. Dr. LaBant incorporates evidence-based natural therapies with the intention of improving the prognosis and quality of life of those with a cancer diagnosis. Digestive Health Optimal digestion is vital to our health. Dr. LaBant treats a variety of digestive disorders including: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Crohn's/Ulcerative colitis, leaky gut, celiac disease, food intolerances/sensitivities, food allergies and more. Many patients suffer from digestive issues with seemingly benign symptoms like gas, bloating, heartburn, or changes in bowel habits. An impaired or damaged digestive tract can lead to many symptoms caused by inflammation, infections, build up of waste products and chronic stress. Dr. LaBant works diligently with patients to optimize and restore digestive health. Endocrine Health and Hormone Balance Dr. LaBant is also passionate about balancing hormones and optimizing metabolism. Stress, aging, and chronic conditions can all impact our hormones in dramatic ways – subtle and not always so subtle. An imbalance in hormones caused by a compromised endocrine system can produce symptoms ranging from panic disorder, depression, brain fog, fatigue, and much more. Whether dealing with a thyroid condition, preparing to bring a healthy child into the world, or transitioning into the wise menopausal years, Dr. LaBant is happy to work with you to meet your goals. Dr. LaBant utilizes individualized nutrition, targeted supplementation, intravenous nutrient therapy, botanical medicine, classical and complex homeopathy, gentle biotherapeutic drainage, and lifestyle approaches to help patients reach their goals and achieve optimal wellness. When not seeing patients, Miranda can be found exploring and hiking the many landscapes of New England, weight training, or cooking up nutrient dense and delicious meals for friends and family.

Many think they're interchangeable, but mold allergies and mold illness are actually different things! They affect the body in different ways, as my guest today will explain. My guest today, Dr. Kasey Holland, is a licensed Naturopathic doctor. She earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle, WA through a four-year CNME accredited program. While there she completed specialty rotations in environmental medicine, immune wellness, oncology, IV therapy, Parkinson's disease, emergency medicine and mind body medicine. After this, she worked in an Integrative health clinic that incorporated functional medicine during her residency. This has provided her with exposure to a wide variety of pathologies and patient care in order to serve you better. She has always been passionate about helping people overcome mystery and chronic illnesses. This was further solidified after her own health obstacles. Dr. Kasey's specialties include the toxic trio: chronic EBV, Lyme disease, mold exposure. Join us as we talk about mold allergies and mold illness. Are you allergic to mold? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: How common is mold in the home? Mold illness vs. mold allergy How can mold cause mold illness? Is mold illness connected to fungal organisms (like candida)? Can mold suppress the immune system? Is mold illness a lifelong condition? Quotes “According to OSHA, approximately one in four homes can have water damage that has promoted mold that could cause harm to their health.” [1:11] “Mold illness is when you've actually been exposed to mold and the mycotoxins, and it's affecting your system on a much deeper level.” [2:35] Links Find Dr. Kasey online Healthy Skin Show ep. 150: Understanding Epstein-Barr Virus + Skin Rashes w/ Dr. Kasey Holland Healthy Skin Show ep. 134: Dealing with Mold & Opening Detox Pathways w/ Toréa Rodriguez, FDN-P Dr. Shoemaker's mold lab test list Follow Dr. Kasey on Instagram

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is commonly known as mono or the kissing disease. EBV can cause a host of problems in the body, including the skin. Today's guest is here to explain all about EBV. My guest today, Dr. Kasey Holland, is a licensed Naturopathic doctor. She earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle, WA through a four-year CNME accredited program. While there she completed specialty rotations in environmental medicine, immune wellness, oncology, IV therapy, Parkinson's disease, emergency medicine and mind body medicine. After this, she worked in an Integrative health clinic that incorporated functional medicine during her residency. This has provided her with exposure to a wide variety of pathologies and patient care in order to serve you better. She has always been passionate about helping people overcome mystery and chronic illnesses. This was further solidified after her own health obstacles. Dr. Kasey's specialties include the toxic trio: chronic EBV, Lyme disease, mold exposure. Join us as we talk about EBV: What it is, what causes it to reactivate, and how to get tested. Have you experienced reactivating Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: What is Epstein-Barr Virus? How and why does Epstein-Barr reactivate? Classic, and unusual, symptoms of EBV How to get tested for EBV Relationship between EBV and candida How does EBV affect the skin? Is there a link between reactivated EBV and shingles? Quotes “Epstein-Barr virus is commonly known as mono and the kissing disease. That's what we always think of it as. So, usually, you get it when you're a child, sometimes it's later in high school or college. You might not ever know that you've had it because it can be extremely mild and self-limiting.” [2:34] “When EBV is reactivated, it definitely does cause problems. No doubt about it. It has pathways that it turns on that are extremely inflammatory, that are linked to autoimmune conditions, cancers, all sorts of scary things. But hardly ever would I say that it's just Epstein-Barr virus reactivating that's leading to people with symptoms.” [5:58] Links Find Dr. Kasey online Follow Dr. Kasey on Instagram

Dr. Kasey Holland, ND is a Naturopathic doctor. She chose to go into Naturopathic medicine because she believes that health is made up of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual components. She is passionately driven to provide her clients with a complete holistic approach to their health concerns no matter how simple or complex they may be. Dr. Holland’s goal for each client is to unveil the root cause of their ailments. She understands that the key to achieving optimal wellness and being free of chronic disease is multi – dimensional and different for each individual. Part of this comes from her own experience with health obstacles. After graduating from Montana State University with her Bachelor’s of Science in Cell Biology and Neuroscience with an emphasis on biomedical sciences, Dr. Holland earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle, WA through a four year CNME accredited program. While there she completed specialty rotations in environmental medicine, immune wellness, oncology, IV therapy, Parkinson’s disease, emergency medicine and mind body medicine. After this she worked in an Integrative health clinic that incorporated functional medicine during her residency. This has provided her with exposure to a wide variety of pathologies and patient care in order to serve you better. While enjoying working with any client’s health concerns, ranging from hormones to gastrointestinal health, some of her specialties include chronic EBV, Lyme disease, mold exposure, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Holland maintains her license in Washington state. She is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Her passion is to bring Naturopathic medicine to all communities and provide people with options that fit their needs. In order to support this mission she takes action with the Institute for Natural Medicine and Global Lyme Alliance. Where to Find Dr. Kasey: https://www.instagram.com/drkaseyholland/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1357150437752106/ http://drkaseyholland.com/ Resources: https://www.survivingmold.com/diagnosis/lab-tests The Wahl's Protocol: https://www.amazon.com/Wahls-Protocol-Autoimmune-Conditions-Principles/dp/1583335544 Break the Mold: https://www.amazon.com/Break-Mold-Tools-Conquer-Health-ebook/dp/B07HM4JQMG

Dr. Patrick Fox is a licensed Naturopathic physician and owner of Constellation Naturopathic in Seattle, WA. He graduated from Bastyr University, one of the world’s preeminent universities for natural medicine and completed a rigorous two-year CNME (council on naturopathic medicine education) certified residency afterward to hone his clinical skills.   His clinical approach integrates a variety of medical systems in diagnosing and treating chronic and acute diseases including chronic Lyme disease, mold biotoxin illness, autoimmune disease, metabolic disease, hormone imbalances, as well as improving wellness in those who are healthy.   Find out more at:https://www.patrickfoxnd.com  Follow Patrick’s journey on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drpatrickfox

Today I’m chatting with Dr. Grace Chang, who is a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist practicing in Seattle, Washington. Trained in both Western and Eastern medicine, she blends the two worlds to empower her patients to take charge of their health. She completed her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Exercise Biology at the University of California, Davis and received her medical degree from Bastyr University in Washington. Since then, she has completed a CNME accredited, two-year residency focused on IV therapy and primary care. Dr. Grace rallies for wellness and preventative health care, applying evidence-based medicine and natural modalities to restore balance between the body, mind, and spirit. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: How she blends Eastern & Western Medicine How the entire body is connected examples of IBS and C-Section scars The manifestation of physical symptoms in connection with trauma (physical and/or emotional) She acknowledges that although a medical professional, she doesn’t have the answers for everything How we are in charge of our own health – she invites people to not be a victim and provides tools that empower them Her original pursuit of physical therapy what initially drew her to it & what ultimately lead her to […] The post LPP #94 Empowered Healthcare, Naturopathy, Acupuncture, & Restoring Balance with Dr. Grace Chang appeared first on Liveng Proof.

Today I’m chatting with Dr. Grace Chang, who is a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist practicing in Seattle, Washington. Trained in both Western and Eastern medicine, she blends the two worlds to empower her patients to take charge of their health. She completed her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Exercise Biology at the University of California, Davis and received her medical degree from Bastyr University in Washington. Since then, she has completed a CNME accredited, two-year residency focused on IV therapy and primary care. Dr. Grace rallies for wellness and preventative health care, applying evidence-based medicine and natural modalities to restore balance between the body, mind, and spirit. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: How she blends Eastern & Western Medicine How the entire body is connected examples of IBS and C-Section scars The manifestation of physical symptoms in connection with trauma (physical and/or emotional) She acknowledges that although a medical professional, she doesn’t have the answers for everything How we are in charge of our own health – she invites people to not be a victim and provides tools that empower them Her original pursuit of physical therapy what initially drew her to it & what ultimately lead her to […] The post LPP #94 Empowered Healthcare, Naturopathy, Acupuncture, & Restoring Balance with Dr. Grace Chang appeared first on Liveng Proof.

Website: drkarafitzgerald.com Support the Learn True Health Podcast on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/learntruehealth patreon.com/learntruehealth   Understanding Epigenetics http://learntruehealth.com/epigenetics Epigenetics and gene methylation are two essential components to our health. Symptoms can only warn us at a certain extent, but epigenetics and gene methylation enable us to understand why our body is working the way it is.  To help us understand epigenetics and gene methylation and how it affects us, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald is on the show today to explain why. Early Training Dr. Kara Fitzgerald shares that she did some did training after medical school, after which she took on a post-doctorate position in Nutritional Biochemistry at a chemistry lab that was pretty advanced. Together with a team, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald analyzed things like organic acids and toxins.  “We were looking at evidence of how genes were functioning in our bodies by looking at various things that were products of gene activation,” said Dr. Kara Fitzgerald. “We eventually started analyzing the microbiome using PCR and DNA analysis. Incidentally, we were the first lab to offer it clinically. So in a way, we were early adaptors.” Then, after some time, the whole idea of methylation became popular. Many people started inquiring about data. According to Dr. Kara Fitzgerald, it was exciting, but her background is working in the laboratory keeps her rooted in research.  What Is Methylation Dr. Kara Fitzgerald explains that methylation is a massive multi-factorial process that happens in the body. But simply put, a methyl group is just carbon with three hydrogens. “We can then take that methyl group and stick it on to compounds in the body and then pop it off as compounds,” said Dr. Kara Fitzgerald. “So, we’re forever putting methyl groups on to things and taking it off of things.”  She adds, “So it’s difficult to pin down what symptoms are associated with methylation. Because it is fundamental, and it is happening all over the place. To date, over two hundred enzymes are using that methyl group in humans.” Discovering Epigenetic Methylation Some years ago, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald came in contact with epigenetic methylation. DNA methylation is a fundamental epigenetic piece. The hypermethylation of a gene generally turns it off while the hypomethylation of a gene generally allows it to be expressed. Dr. Kara Fitzgerald says because of that, it can have a profound influence on health or the expression of disease. Tumor suppressor genes can be hypermethylated and turned off. Hypomethylation will allow a gene to be expressed. It is also here where you can see the hypomethylation patterns in cancer and other chronic diseases. “The gene that’s going to promote the development of cancer could be hypomethylated and therefore turned on. As I dove into the literature, I thought that perhaps we were pushing methylation too far and influencing negatively epigenetic methylation,” said Dr. Kara Fitzgerald.  She adds, “We want to pay attention to what’s coming down the scientific pipe. Think about it being applicable and likewise ask if we are doing something that we need to change. The world of epigenetic methylation is a huge a-ha moment for me, ultimately changing the way I think and practice medicine.” Methylation Goals Dr. Kara Fitzgerald reveals that people should aim for balanced methylation of the epigenome. We must also be able to allow the body to make the decision points on how our epigenome is methylated. There are demethylating drugs that are used in cancer therapy, and they do widespread demethylation of the epigenome. But while they are helpful, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald says they are not specific. But it looks like nutrients can be a little bit more specific around allowing balanced methylation expression in the epigenome. Dr. Kara Fitzgerald primarily uses diet to optimize methylation expression or epigenetic expression in the body. “The research in epigenetics prompted me to pause and not just push methylation forward because we see a genetic mutation in somebody,” explains Dr. Kara Fitzgerald. “Be mindful around the fact that pushing methylation reactions forward with high dose B vitamins will probably prove that it’s not the best way.”  She adds, “In the short term if you got somebody who has a profound B-12 or folate deficiency and has anemia because of it, that might not be the answer. There may also be anxiety or imbalance in their transmitters that could change moods.” But Dr. Kara Fitzgerald says that the bigger question to ask is why we are methylating genes that we don’t want to methylate. Another point to ponder on is gauging whether we are shutting off tumor suppressor genes that we otherwise wish to function well. Furthermore, if we don’t have enough methylation nutrients in our body, we must figure out if we allow the expression of genes we don’t want to express. Another factor to think about is seeing whether we cause our epigenetic methylation patterns to be off.  Epigenetic Clock One area that Dr. Kara Fitzgerald is interested in is cancer. She says some of the detox genes can be methylated and turned off. The other piece she’s interested in is aging. “Aging itself is a process where we stop methylating as well. As we age, we see regions of the gene hypomethylating. But you can still have regions of hypermethylation that you don’t want,” Dr. Kara Fitzgerald said. “Dr. Steve Horvath from UCLA designed an epigenetic clock. There are over 300 methylation sites on the genome that is associated with aging.” In Dr. Kara Fitzgerald’s program, people’s epigenetic clock is changed. The program involves dietary changes, meditation, tracking sleep, and exercise. Dr. Kara Fitzgerald further reveals that the program changes the protein produced by the genome through altering the epigenome that creates a better environment, which ultimately is a better way for us to respond to stress. “There are all sorts of methylation patterns associated with stress and depression. Sometimes, we can inherit it from our parents, or we can develop these imbalanced patterns from childhood. We can also get them as adults during extremely stressful periods,” said Dr. Kara Fitzgerald. Dr. Kara Fitzgerald says sleep quality also influences epigenetic expression. We also know that diet has a massive influence on epigenetic expressions as well. Under her program, they help people transition from a standard American diet to a diet that’s very rich in methyl nutrients through food. Ongoing Research There are many ongoing research studies to understand epigenetics and gene methylation better. Dr. Kara Fitzgerald shares that research today demonstrates that healthy food does have a protective effect. We have a robust methyl donor-rich diet, but we also have foods called methylation adaptogens to finesse methylation. Dr. Kara Fitzgerald also reveals that studies are looking at inflammatory or anti-inflammatory genes. The first thing to figure out is whether or not the pro-inflammatory genes are turned on. And then at the end of the study, researchers look into possibilities whether or not we can inhibit them. Research Results Dr. Kara Fitzgerald also shares that a lot of the current research we have on epigenetics is limited to animal studies. But more studies are coming out in humans. “We can’t do a one-on-one extrapolation, but there’s research that deprives animals of one night of good sleep. It’s not just the next night that they are messed up. It lasts till the next day,” said Dr. Kara Fitzgerald. Therefore, you can imagine the lasting damage that can happen on the epigenome, altering the genetic expression if you get poor quality sleep. Dr. Kara Fitzgerald likewise reveals that there are epigenetic marks that aren’t going to be changed by diet and lifestyle. Plus, there are regions of the epigenome that are more vulnerable to these changes. “There are many differential methylation patterns in many autoimmunity conditions. Autism incidentally is a huge one,” said Dr. Kara Fitzgerald. “Neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s has imbalanced methylation patterns as well.” Furthermore, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald says there’s a higher incident of autism in moms with autoimmunity. Having heavy metals and toxins in the body also affects the methylation process. Adaptogenic Foods Dr. Kara Fitzgerald advises eating food that are methyl donors and food containing folate, vitamin B-12, beets, and minerals. Ultimately, she says we need a good, rich body of methylation donors to keep that happening. Incidentally, a Functional Medicine doctor, Dr. Michael Stone from Oregon, coined the term methylation adaptogens. Methylation adaptogens are compounds in fruits and vegetables. Dr. Kara Fitzgerald describes them as active constituents that augment methylation behavior. One of Dr. Kara Fitzgerald’s favorite form of nutrition is green tea because of EGCG, which stands for epigallocatechin gallate.  It is a polyphenol with health benefits against diseases like obesity, insulin resistance, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and high blood pressure. Rosemary is also a powerful epigenetic modulator, and the same goes for curcumin, blueberries, and turmeric. Good fatty acids are recommended, and Dr. Kara Fitzgerald says there are also some probiotics that appear to be able to promote folate production. Ultimately, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald encourages a food first approach before taking any medicine.  A good healthy gut is essential as well as getting enough exercise.  One big thing that can help is minimizing toxin exposures. Additional Resources For additional information on methylation, check out Dr. Kara Fitzgerald’s website.  You’ll be able to find links to her e-book, Clinical Development Programs, Functional Nutrition Residency Program as well as contact information of her clinic. There’s also a link to her FXMED podcast and a collection of recipes that are easy to make.  Her online store also has products to help improve methylation and an assortment of supplements.  Bio Dr. Kara Fitzgerald received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. She completed the first CNME-accredited post-Doctorate position in Nutritional Biochemistry and laboratory science at Metametrix (now Genova) Clinical Laboratory under the direction of Richard Lord, Ph.D.  Dr. Kara Fitzgerald’s residency was completed at Progressive Medical Center, an extensive, integrative medical practice in Atlanta, Georgia. She is the lead author and editor of Case Studies in Integrative and Functional Medicine, a contributing author to Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine and the Institute for Functional Medicine’s updated Textbook for Functional Medicine.  Dr. Kara Fitzgerald has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals. She is on the faculty at the Institute for Functional Medicine and is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. She was formerly on faculty at the University of Bridgeport in the School of Human Nutrition and the School of Naturopathic Medicine.  Dr. Kara Fitzgerald is a clinician-researcher for The Institute for Therapeutic Discovery. She regularly lectures internationally for several organizations and is in private practice in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. Get Connected With Dr. Kara Fitzgerald: Official Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest LinkedIn Sound Cloud Books by Dr. Kara Fitzgerald Methylation Diet And Lifestyle – Ebook Dr. Kara Fitzgerald’s Publications Recommended Readings: The Wahls Protocol   Recommended Links: Hormones Balance ************************************ Become A Health Coach-Learn More About The Institute for Integrative Nutrition's Health Coaching Certification Program by checking out these four resources: 1) Integrative Nutrition's Curriculum Guide: http://geti.in/2cmUMxb 2) The IIN Curriculum Syllabus: http://geti.in/2miXTej 3) Module One of the IIN curriculum: http://geti.in/2cmWPl8 4) Get three free chapters of Joshua Rosenthal's book: http://geti.in/2cksU87 Watch my little video on how to become a Certified Health Coach! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDDnofnSldI ************************************ Do You Have Anxiety? End Anxiety Now! Learn Two Powerful Mind Tricks for Removing Anxiety, Ending Worry, & Controlling Fear So It Stops Controlling You! Attend my FREE Webinar that Will Teach You How! Click Here! http://FreeYourAnxiety.com/webinar ************************************ Do you have a blood sugar issue? I can help you achieve healthy, normal and balanced blood sugar naturally! Visit BloodSugarCoach.com for your free 30min coaching call with Ashley James! http://www.BloodSugarCoach.com ************************************ If this episode made a difference in your life, please leave me a tip in the virtual tip jar by giving my podcast a great rating and review in iTunes! http://bit.ly/learntruehealth-itunes Thank you! Ashley James http://bit.ly/learntruehealth-itunes ************************************ Enjoyed this podcast episode? Visit my website Learn True Health with Ashley James so you can gain access to all of my episodes and more! LearnTrueHealth.com http://learntruehealth.com ************************************ Need Help Ordering The Right Supplements For You? Visit TakeYourSupplements.com, and a FREE health coach will help you! http://takeyoursupplements.com ************************************ Learn How To Achieve Optimal Health From Naturopathic Doctors! Get Learn True Health's Seven-Day Course For FREE! Visit go.learntruehealth.com http://go.learntruehealth.com/gw-oi ************************************ I made a low-carb, gluten-free cookbook just for you! Download your FREE copy today! Visit learntruehealth.com/free-health-cookbook http://learntruehealth.com/free-health-cookbook ************************************ Join Learn True Health's Facebook community group! Visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/LearnTrueHealth or search Learn True Health on Facebook! ************************************ Follow the Learn True Health podcast on social media! Share with your friends and spread the word! Let's all get healthier & happier together! Learn True Health - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2LearnTrueHealth Learn True Health - Twitter: https://twitter.com/learntruehealth Learn True Health - Medium: https://medium.com/@unstoppable_ashley Learn True Health - Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/healthpodcast Learn True Health - YouTube: http://bit.ly/LTH-YouTube-Subscribe ************************************ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2LearnTrueHealth Twitter: https://twitter.com/learntruehealth Medium: https://medium.com/@unstoppable_ashley Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/healthpodcast YouTube: http://bit.ly/LTH-YouTube-Subscribe

Dana Laake and her special guest Dr. Shavon Jackson-Michel will discuss curcumin as a comprehensive health and wellness remedy. Dr. Shavon Jackson-Michel, ND, is a CNME-board certified graduate of the University of Bridgeport, College of Naturopathic Medicine, with a degree in biomedical engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. After graduation, Dr. Shavon put the principle of "doctor as teacher" into practice, consulting with patients in private practice while teaching in academia. As the Medical & Scientific Affairs Advisor at DolCas-Biotech, LLC, a branded natural ingredients firm in northern New Jersey, Dr. Shavon acts as a liaison between researchers, medical professionals, and marketing and sales teams.

In this episode we go into what is methylation, why it’s so important for every function of our body, why it’s gained so much more attention in recent years and how we can create a methylation balance that will help us prevent and reverse ailments such as cancer, autism, thyroid issues, autoimmunity and heart conditions. The concept of methylation is truly fascinating and this is an episode you will want to share with all your loved ones. We previously talked about methylation on the show with Dr. William Walsh.   What is methylation? The process of methylation in the body is so fundamental. It is happening all the time. A methyl group, is a carbon with 3 hydrogens. A small little player that is moving all the time, changing the metabolism. Listen in to hear Dr. Fitzgerald talk about the effects it has on our body. It’s important for fetal development and touches every bodily function.   Why is there an increasing focus on methylation in the last several years? Epigenetics is booming right now. There is a lot of research surrounding the effect of methylation on cancer, so it’s going to gain a lot of attention. If you have a condition such as cancer, autism, heart disease, thyroid issues, autoimmunity, fertility issues…having a methylation panel is probably a good idea. What can we do to achieve methylation balance? There are many things we can do on a daily basis to achieve methylation balance. We are not “stuck” with the genes we were born with. We can make changes in our lifestyle to alter our genes’ behavior. Exercise- this has a massive effect on methylation balance. It gets the liver up and running and it’s anti-aging! This doesn’t mean beat yourself up with a crazy exercise protocol. It’s about doing what is good for your body, and turning it up over time. No overdoing it. Sleep- There is more and more research coming out on this. Everything gets compromised with just a little bit of sleep deprivation. Our ability to think well and react, our health, our waistline, etc. That’s not even acute sleep deprivation. And when we get “caught up” on sleep, we don’t immediately reverse the effects of sleep deprivation. So we need to constantly manage our sleep. Stress- Nothing depletes methylation like dumping out a bunch of adrenaline. Heightened stress response. Medications- certain medications also damage methylation and inhibit methyl absorption. Acid blockers are a huge one and a large majority of Americans are taking these. We can help our acid reflux with a change in our diets. Gut Microbiome- Probiotics, specially bifida bacteria. Although, diet is our biggest and best probiotic. Nutrition- Studies show that we can reverse negative methylation when we eat right and have enough methyl nutrients in our diet. High folate rich veggies- all greens, spinach, kale, asparagus, broccoli, collard greens, turnip greens, etc. A pound of veggies a day. Beets are an absolutely healthy methyl superfood! Eggs- full of choline Seeds- sunflower, sesame, pumpkin, etc. Nuts Meat- grass fed, organic meats, B12 Beans and legumes- methyl nutrient minerals Methylation adaptogens finesse the methylation balance: flavonoids in fruits and veggies turmeric curcumin- anti-cancer green tea- potentially anti-cancer tomatoes- lycopene vitamin D- sun vitamin A To learn more and get some great recipes to balance methylation, check out Dr. Fitzgerald’s book: The Methylation Diet & Lifestyle, including an explanation of the functions of methylation in the body, description of the clinical problems surrounding methylation, comprehensive discussion of the pros and cons of supplemental methylation nutrients , how to approach methylation assessment in a more comprehensive manner, what foods provide safe forms of methylation-related nutrients, how lifestyle factors impact methylation, 7-day menu plans (one gluten- and dairy-free, one Paleo) and practitioner checklists for assessment and intervention options.  She’s offering a generous 15% discount to FSL listeners, using code FSLModern15. Check out the testimonials, and download the preface and table of contents for free! We had Jason Seib on the podcast earlier this year and his message is very similar to Dr. Fitzgerald’s. We discussed primarily fat loss with him, but his message is that you can’t achieve fat loss without having all 4 pillars of health in order: stress, sleep, exercise and nutrition. Check out the 4 part series we recorded with him to go more in depth into each pillar: Stress Management Prioritizing Your Zzzs Nutrition Exercise   Dr. Fitzgerald’s 3 Habits to Ensure Her Health Journey: One pound of veggies a day. Lots of water- she drinks 1/2 her weight in ounces of clean liquids per day. Exercise the brain- engage in life’s activities that make her happy.   Dr. Fitzgerald’s Morning Routine Wake up early and easy. No stress, slow wake. Quite time, spiritual practice with her higher power. Cook her lunch, her largest meal of the day. Supplement protocol. Gym most days: spin class, weightlifting and stretching. Or rides, her bike outdoors.   15 Day Fat Loss Kick Start Ebook Download your FREE copy here!! DOWNLOAD!   Check your email. You will receive access for instant downloading. We respect your privacy- We will not rent, spam or sell your email.   Dr. Kara Fitzgerald’s Bio: Dr. Fitzgerald received her doctorate of naturopathic medicine from National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. She completed the first CNME-accredited post-doctorate position in nutritional biochemistry and laboratory science at Metametrix (now Genova) Clinical Laboratory under the direction of Richard Lord, Ph.D. Her residency was completed at Progressive Medical Center, a large, integrative medical practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Fitzgerald is lead author and editor of Case Studies in Integrative and Functional Medicine, a contributing author to Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine and the Institute for Functional Medicine’s updated Textbook for Functional Medicine. She has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Fitzgerald is on faculty at the Institute for Functional Medicine, and is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. She was formerly on faculty at University of Bridgeport in the School of Human Nutrition and the School of Naturopathic Medicine. She is a clinician researcher for The Institute for Therapeutic Discovery. Dr. Fitzgerald regularly lectures internationally for several organizations and is in private practice in Sandy Hook, Connecticut.   Links and Resources Find Dr. Kara Fitzgerald’s website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter Look through her testimonials, recipes and consumer blog for a ton of methylation information. Dr. Fitzgerald’s Favorite Music for pushing harder, when feeling blue and to sooth: Marvin Gaye Al Green Earth, Wind & Fire Bruno Mars Dr. Fitzgerald’s Recommended Books: The Methylation Diet & Lifestyle The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles Dr. Fitzgerald’s Recommended Digital Source: Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker 15-Day Fat Loss Kick-Start Ebook Free Download If you missed it, our 4 part series of interviews with Jason Seib, which reiterates Dr. Kara Fitzgerald’s message: Stress Management Prioritizing Your Zzzs Nutrition Exercise Listen in on our interview with Dr. William Walsh, also about methylation. If you missed it, our last podcast episode with Sarah Doyle was all about building up our self confidence and learning to love ourselves once and for all. She has a challenge for us too!

[Originally published on July 22nd, 2013] KARA FITZGERALD, ND, received her doctorate of naturopathic medicine from National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. She completed the first CNME-accredited post-doctorate position in nutritional biochemistry and laboratory science at Metametrix Clinical Laboratory under the direction of Richard Lord, Ph.D. Her residency was completed at Progressive Medical Center, a large, integrative medical practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Fitzgerald is a lead author and co-editor with J. Alexander Bralley, Ph.D. of The Metametrix Institute's Case Studies in Integrative and Functional Medicine, a contributing author to Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine and the Institute for Functional Medicine's updated Textbook for Functional Medicine. Dr. Fitzgerald lectures globally on functional medicine, most recently in India, Hong Kong and the UK. She is on faculty and at the Institute for Functional Medicine and maintains a private practice in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. What are allergies? What is the origin of allergies? Why is allergic disease so widespread now? What is the role of the gut in relation to allergies? Tell us about elevated Histamine levels, HistaDao and Dunwoody Lab testing? What are the key nutrients that are needed to address allergies? What can we do to prevent allergic disease Tell us about a few difficult case stories all along, are there any others you'd like to share? What is your opinion on allergy shots and sublingual immune therapy? Connect with Dr. Myers: Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/ Connect with Dr. Fitzgerald: Website: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKaraFitzgerald/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald/

Luister nu naar deel 2!In de Natuurtuinen Jekerdal van het CNME zoemen zo'n half miljoen bezige bijen vrolijk door de lucht op zoek naar bloemetjes. Deze drukte van jewelste wordt geregisseerd door de ervaren imker Huub Gilissen.Heel relaxed en zonder enige vorm van bescherming verzorgt hij de kasten van de bijen. Maastricht Moet Je Horen! neemt een kijkje in het leven van een imker.Huub woont in Maastricht en praat graag over zijn passie. We staan ook stil bij het feit dat steeds meer bijen verdwijnen en welke impact dit heeft op de mens.Klik hier om te luisteren!30 juli 2012 / 20 min / Deel 1.(mp3)Klik hier om te luisteren!30 juli 2012 / 20 min / Deel 2.(mp3)Klik hier voor de in het interview genoemde Tuinwild website van Cor Evers. Foto hierboven: sommige bijensoorten zijn behaard. Het zou ook een hommel kunnen zijn. Hommels worden beschouwd als grotere en sterker behaarde bijen. Hieronder, Huub in actie. Dit interview wordt gesponsord door:CNMEDe bloemenfoto is gemaakt door Laurens Bouvrie van Maastricht Aktueel.