Is Functional Medicine Evidence-Based? A Nurse Practitioner’s Perspective
Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing – Learn more at fxnursing.com
Is functional medicine just “alternative” care—or is it truly rooted in science and evidence-based practice? It’s one of the most common (and controversial) questions nurses ask—and in this episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager, FNP and functional medicine educator, provides a grounded, clinical answer.
Drawing on her experience in both conventional and functional medicine, Brigitte explains how evidence-based nursing can look different when you're practicing root-cause care. She breaks down:
Why large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) often don’t reflect individualized care
How pharmaceutical influence in research shapes what gets studied—and what doesn’t
Why functional medicine relies on biochemistry, physiology, and patient outcomes
This episode reframes how nurses can apply science-based principles to support early intervention, prevention, and healing—well before a disease label is assigned.
Whether you're a nurse or nurse practitioner, this episode will help you feel confident navigating the intersection of holistic care and clinical evidence.
Ready to dive deeper into science-backed functional nursing?
Explore the Institute for Functional Nursing's education programs: https://www.fxnursing.com/learn
Insightful episodes exploring functional medicine, systems thinking, and the future of nursing - one bold conversation at a time
The content in these podcast episodes are for informational or educational purposes brought to you by a Functional Nurse Practitioner and does not substitute professional medical advice or one-on-one consultation with your personal healthcare practitioner. It is strongly recommended that you always consult your healthcare practitioner before undertaking any new healthcare regimen to discuss your personal health history and goals.
