Why Do Western Medicine & Functional Medicine Dislike Each Other? (When They Should Be Working Together)

It’s the battle that in my opinion shouldn’t exist: Western medicine vs. functional (/holistic/natural) medicine. Both sides claim to have the best approach and yet… we are seeing a larger and larger divide each day.

If you’ve ever been caught in the crossfire, maybe your doctor rolled their eyes when you mentioned nutrition, or a functional medicine practitioner told you that it’s never okay to take medication, you know how intense the divide can be.

But why does this fight even exist? And more importantly, is there a way forward?

Where It All Started

The tension between these two approaches isn’t new. It probably goes back to the early 1900s when medicine became more standardized.

In 1910, a report called the Flexner Report changed a lot. It pushed for “evidence-based, scientifically rigorous medical education” - something that was helpful in many ways. But in the process, it also wiped out a lot of traditional healing practices, like herbalism, homeopathy, and holistic approaches. Medicine became more reductionist - meaning doctors focused on diseases and symptoms rather than whole-body health.

At the same time, functional medicine (which has roots in naturopathy, nutrition, and systems biology) took a different approach. It asked: Why are people getting sick in the first place? Instead of treating disease after it happens, functional medicine focuses on prevention, lifestyle, and uncovering the root cause of symptoms.

Two very different approaches. One became mainstream in the Western world.

Why the Conflict Exists

So why do these two sides act like rival high schools?

I’d propose a few reasons:

1. They See Health Differently

   • Western medicine: Treat the disease once it appears.

   • Functional medicine: Prevent the disease before it happens, assess the root.

   • Both approaches may matter, but because they focus on different stages of health, they often dismiss each other.

2. The Science Debate

   • Conventional medicine relies on large, randomized controlled trials (which are great for drug testing BUT doesn’t always capture individualized care!).

   • Functional medicine focuses on biochemical individuality - meaning what works for one person might not work for another, which makes large-scale studies harder to conduct.

   • Because functional medicine is so personalized, it doesn’t always fit neatly into double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. But that’s not because it isn’t working - it’s most likely because when you treat individuals, not averages, you can’t always study them like a pharmaceutical intervention. Does that mean it’s invalid? Or does it mean we need a better way to measure success? Millions of patients have seen real, measurable improvements (including myself!). That matters, too…

3. Money & Power

   • Let’s be real: the modern healthcare system is deeply tied to pharmaceutical companies and insurance models. Functional medicine disrupts that by emphasizing lifestyle, nutrition, and testing that isn’t always covered by insurance. That makes it harder to fit into the current system.

4. Skepticism & Misinformation

   • Some functional medicine practitioners make big promises without enough science to back them up, or make claims that might be harmful.

   • Some conventional doctors completely dismiss lifestyle & nutrition interventions, even when research supports them.

   • Both sides have valid points. Both sides also have their fair share of misinformation.

5. Fear of Change

   • Doctors and healthcare practitioners in the Western space spend years training in a highly structured system. If they start acknowledging the value of functional medicine, it can feel like admitting that something was missing in their education. That’s a tough pill to swallow (pun intended). I have felt this way!

Why the Tension?

At this point, it sometimes seems the fight has become less about what actually works and more about who’s right. It has also become political.

• Conventional doctors might see pieces of holistic medicine as “woo-woo”.

• Functional & holistic medicine practitioners might see conventional practices as close-minded and stuck in a broken system.

The internet is only fueling the fire.

So… What’s the Solution?

In my opinion the truth is, maybe we need both.

• If you break a bone or have an infection? Western medicine is a lifesaver.

• If you’re dealing with chronic fatigue or pain, gut issues, or hormone imbalances? Functional medicine shines.

Maybe the future of healthcare isn’t about choosing one side, it’s about integration and being open-minded.

We’re already seeing progress. More doctors are getting trained in functional medicine. More hospitals are offering integrative care. More patients are demanding a both/and approach instead of an either/or fight.

At the end of the day, both sides want the same thing: healthier people. The sooner we stop arguing and start working together, the better off we’ll all be. :)

The Amazing Benefits of Pharmacogenomics: A Personalized Approach to Medicine

Introduction to Pharmacogenomics

Imagine if your doctor could prescribe the perfect medication for you without any guesswork—one that works with YOUR body. This is the promise of pharmacogenomics, a field that blends pharmacology (the study of drugs) with genomics (the study of genes) to create treatments that meet your genetic makeup.

Pharmacogenomics has come a long way from its origins in the mid-1900s to becoming a cornerstone of personalized medicine. With advances in genetic testing and data analysis, we’re now able to predict how different people will respond to specific medications. This not only saves time and resources but can also save lives.

How Pharmacogenomics Works

At its core, pharmacogenomics deciphers how your genes affect the way your body processes medications. Our DNA contains instructions for enzymes and proteins that metabolize drugs. Variations in these genes mean that one person might metabolize a drug quickly, rendering it ineffective, while another might process it slowly, increasing the risk of side effects.

The process starts with a simple genetic test, often involving a cheek swab (rarely a blood sample). Once your genetic information is analyzed, we can use this data to predict your response to various medications, from painkillers to cancer treatments.

Improved Drug Efficacy

It’s frustrating when medications don’t work as expected, but it’s a reality many patients face. Pharmacogenomics changes the game by ensuring the drugs prescribed are the best match for your DNA. This means fewer “trial-and-error” prescriptions and better outcomes.

Take cancer treatment, for example. Targeted therapies, such as HER2 inhibitors for certain breast cancer patients, are designed to attack specific genetic markers in tumors. This approach not only improves efficacy but also spares patients from unnecessary treatments that may not work.

Fewer Adverse Drug Reactions

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a significant issue in healthcare, causing thousands of hospitalizations annually. These reactions often stem from genetic differences in how people process medications.

For instance, the blood thinner clopidogrel doesn’t work effectively for individuals with certain variations of genes like the CYP2C19 gene.

Pharmacogenomic testing can identify these variations, allowing doctors to prescribe alternative treatments and avoid complications. This personalized approach protects patients and builds confidence in their treatment plans.

Customized Drug Dosage

Ever wonder why one person can take a medication without issue, while another experiences severe side effects? It often comes down to dosage. Pharmacogenomics helps doctors pinpoint the right dose for each individual, reducing the risk of under- or overmedication.

For example, the blood thinner warfarin has a narrow therapeutic range, meaning too much can cause bleeding, and too little can fail to prevent clots. Genetic testing identifies variations in genes like VKORC1 and CYP2C9, which influence how patients metabolize warfarin, leading to safer and more effective dosing.

Saving Money in the Long Run

Yes, pharmacogenomic testing has an upfront cost, but it’s a classic case of “spend now, save later.” By eliminating trial-and-error prescriptions and preventing adverse reactions, patients and healthcare systems save money. Reduced hospital stays, fewer unnecessary tests, and faster recovery times all add up to significant cost savings over time.

Game-Changing Applications for Chronic Conditions

Chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease benefit immensely from pharmacogenomics. Consider cancer treatments that target specific genetic mutations. These therapies are more effective and have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

In diabetes care, genetic testing can guide the choice of medications that best regulate blood sugar, improving patients’ quality of life and reducing complications. Similarly, in cardiovascular health, pharmacogenomics ensures patients receive the most effective statins and blood pressure medications for their genetic profiles.

Revolutionizing Mental Health Treatment

Mental health treatments are notoriously hit-or-miss, often requiring patients to try multiple medications before finding one that works. Pharmacogenomics streamlines this process by identifying genetic markers that influence responses to antidepressants and antipsychotics.

For example, genes like the CYP2D6 gene affects how individuals metabolize many psychiatric drugs. Testing for this gene allows doctors to predict whether a patient will benefit from a medication or suffer adverse effects. This reduces frustration for patients and leads to quicker, more effective treatment.

Safer Treatments for Children

Children aren’t just small adults; their bodies process drugs differently, making safety a major concern. Pharmacogenomics helps doctors tailor treatments for pediatric patients, ensuring they receive the right medication at the right dose.

One example is the use of tamoxifen in young cancer patients. Genetic testing ensures that only those who can effectively metabolize the drug receive it, reducing the risk of ineffective treatment and harmful side effects.

Ethical and Privacy Considerations

Of course, with great power comes great responsibility. In our practice, robust privacy laws and informed consent practices are used. Patients should always know how their data will be used and have the ability to opt-out of sharing sensitive information.

The Future of Pharmacogenomics

As genomic research advances, we’re likely to see even more targeted treatments for rare diseases and complex conditions, bringing us closer to a future where medicine is truly personalized.

FAQs

1. What is pharmacogenomics?
It’s the study of how your genetic makeup affects your response to medications, enabling personalized treatments.

2. Who can benefit from pharmacogenomics?
Anyone taking medication, or thinking of taking any in the future, especially for chronic or complex conditions, can benefit from genetic testing.

3. Is pharmacogenomic testing expensive?
While it has upfront costs, sometimes insurance can be used but again it often saves money by reducing ineffective treatments and adverse reactions.

4. Can pharmacogenomics help with mental health issues?
Absolutely. It’s especially useful for selecting antidepressants and antipsychotics that work best for each patient.

5. How is genetic data protected?
Strict privacy laws and informed consent practices are in place to safeguard your genetic information.

6. Where can I get pharmacogenomic testing?
Through us!

Conclusion

Pharmacogenomics is revolutionizing healthcare by making treatments safer, more effective, and tailored to each individual. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or simply want to avoid adverse drug reactions, pharmacogenomics offers a smarter, more personalized approach to medicine. With continued advancements, the future of healthcare is undoubtedly brighter—and more personalized—than ever before.

The Crucial Role of Pre-Diagnosis Genetic Testing in Proactive Health Management

In an era where preventive healthcare is gaining more recognition, genetic testing before a diagnosis emerges as a cornerstone of proactive health management. This revolutionary approach enables individuals to understand their genetic predispositions to various conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's, long before symptoms may appear. Here's why embracing genetic testing early on is not just a choice but a crucial step towards a healthier future.

Understanding Your Genetic Blueprint

Your genes carry the blueprint of your health, holding information about your susceptibility to certain diseases. Early genetic testing provides a clear picture of this blueprint, allowing you and healthcare professionals to interpret how your genetics can influence your health outcomes. This knowledge is empowering, enabling you to make informed decisions about your lifestyle, diet, and health management strategies.

Tailoring Preventive Strategies to Your Genetic Profile

One of the most significant advantages of pre-diagnosis genetic testing is the ability to tailor preventive strategies to your unique genetic profile. Whether it's a predisposition to heart disease, cancer, or Alzheimer's, knowing your risks can lead to personalized prevention plans. These plans might include nutritional guidelines, lifestyle adjustments, and regular screenings, all designed to mitigate your specific risks.

The Power of Early Intervention

Early intervention can be a game-changer, especially for conditions like cancer, where early detection can dramatically increase treatment success rates. Genetic testing before any diagnosis can identify individuals at high risk, prompting early surveillance and interventions that can prevent diseases from developing or catch them at their most treatable stages.

Reducing Anxiety and Empowering Individuals

The uncertainty surrounding one’s health can be a significant source of anxiety. Pre-diagnosis genetic testing offers clarity, reducing anxiety by replacing fear of the unknown with actionable insights. Empowered with information about their genetic predispositions, individuals can take proactive steps towards managing their health, leading to a more controlled and positive outlook on their future well-being.

Contributing to a Culture of Preventive Healthcare

By embracing pre-diagnosis genetic testing, we contribute to a broader cultural shift towards preventive healthcare. This shift encourages a more proactive, rather than reactive, approach to health management, emphasizing the importance of prevention over treatment. It signifies a move away from the traditional disease-centered model of healthcare towards a more patient-centered, preventive approach.

Conclusion

The importance of genetic testing before a diagnosis cannot be overstated. It offers a proactive approach to managing health, tailored prevention strategies, and the power of early intervention. As we navigate our health journeys, the knowledge gained from such testing empowers us to make informed decisions, reduce anxiety, and ultimately lead healthier, more proactive lives.

In a world where preventive health measures are increasingly recognized for their value, pre-diagnosis genetic testing stands out as a critical tool in our health management arsenal. It's not just about living longer; it's about living better, with the power of genetics lighting the way to a healthier future.