EPISODE · Mar 1, 2026 · 1H 35M
A Functional Medicine Guide To Longevity And Health Span
from Wellness Connection MD · host James McMinn, MD, Lindsay Matthews, RN, Certified Health Coach
Aging is universal — but how we age is anything but. In this powerful episode of Wellness Connection MD, Dr. Jim McMinn and Coach Lindsay Mathews welcome Dr. Jerry Kitchens to explore a functional medicine approach to longevity and healthspan.Dr. Kitchens, a Birmingham native and former general surgeon, practiced for 23 years before osteoarthritis in his hands led to early retirement. That turning point — combined with his father’s diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment progressing to Alzheimer’s — ignited a new professional passion. After completing rigorous Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) training, he launched Homewood Health and Wellness and now serves as Medical Director of Birmingham Longevity Clinic.Together, the team dives deep into the difference between lifespan and healthspan, chronological age versus biological age, and whether aging should be viewed as a disease process or a natural part of life. The discussion explores the foundational pillars of healthy aging — including nutrition, exercise, sleep, muscle mass, inflammation control, insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial health, gut health, toxin reduction, hormone optimization, and emotional well-being.They also tackle:The “5 Horsemen of Disease” and how to prevent or manage themThe critical role of muscle mass in predicting longevityHow the microbiome influences agingThe impact of inflammation and insulin resistanceFunctional lab testing: optimal vs. normal rangesKey biomarkers to track annuallyThe role of genetics and epigeneticsLoneliness, purpose, and social connection as determinants of healthspanPractical, actionable steps listeners can begin tomorrowThis episode moves beyond simply living longer — and focuses on living stronger, sharper, and more engaged for as many years as possible.If you’re interested in extending not just your lifespan but your healthspan, this conversation is packed with evidence-based, practical insights you won’t want to miss.Support the show Please CLICK ON THIS LINK to support the show.-Check out our website at https://mcminnmd.com for other IMPORTANT LINKS, including social media links. You can find these at the bottom of the main page under the heading "Helpful Links."-Click on the following link for our FULLSCRIPT dispensary for a 10% discount on physician-grade supplements: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jmcminn/signupFullScript Dispensary is an affiliate from which I receive a commission.Check out Dr. McMinn's Wellness MD Blog at https://mcminnmd.com/wellness-md-blog-1 Go to https://mcminnmd.com/reviews to see How to rate and review this podcast on an iPhoneYou can contact Dr. McMinn at [email protected] to leave comments or to make suggestions for future shows. Follow Dr. McMinn at:https://twitter.com/mcminnmdhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mcminnmd/https://www.instagram.com/mcminnmdhttps://www.facebook.com/mcminnmd
What this episode covers
Aging is universal — but how we age is anything but. In this powerful episode of Wellness Connection MD, Dr. Jim McMinn and Coach Lindsay Mathews welcome Dr. Jerry Kitchens to explore a functional medicine approach to longevity and healthspan. Dr. Kitchens, a Birmingham native and former general surgeon, practiced for 23 years before osteoarthritis in his hands led to early retirement. That turning point — combined with his father’s diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment progressing to Alzhei...
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A Functional Medicine Guide To Longevity And Health Span
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