Integrative nutrition, sometimes referred to as functional nutrition or holistic nutrition, is a branch of nutrition that emphasizes the interconnectedness of various systems within the body and how dietary choices impact overall health and well-being. It focuses on using food as medicine and tailoring dietary recommendations to individual needs.

Integrative nutrition practitioners look beyond just macronutrient and calorie intake and consider factors such as nutrient density, food quality, gut health, food sensitivities, hormonal balance, and how food interacts with genetic predispositions. They assess the whole person, including lifestyle, stress levels, sleep patterns, and physical activity, to create personalized nutrition plans.

The approach often involves identifying and addressing underlying imbalances and deficiencies in the body, supporting the body's natural healing processes, and promoting optimal nutrition for specific health conditions or goals.

As someone who has personally reaped the benefits of integrative medicine practices while healing from chronic Lyme disease, I am passionate about bringing integrative nutrition principles into my practice at Sky’s Rooted Nutrition. I aim to empower individuals to take an active role in their health and well-being while working in conjunction with conventional medical treatments when necessary.

Integrative or functional medicine and nutrition often receive a lot of skepticism from those who are unfamiliar with the practice or hold their own preconceived biases. There are several reasons why some people may have reservations or negative views about integrative medicine. It's important to note that these concerns can vary from person to person and may not apply to everyone.

Critics of integrative medicine argue that some complementary and alternative therapies lack rigorous scientific evidence to support their effectiveness and safety. Without strong research and clinical trials, it can be challenging to determine the true benefits and potential risks of certain treatments. However, it’s important to consider why there may not be strong research and clinical trials in this arena, such as lack of funding resources for healing modalities that address the root cause and are often considered preventative medicine.

Integrative medicine encompasses a wide range of practices, some of which may lack proper regulation and quality control. As a result, there is a risk of misinformation and false claims about the efficacy of certain therapies, leading to confusion and potential harm. I always like to remind patients and clients to do their due diligence and background research related to who their integrative or functional medicine practitioner is. Just like there are “not-so-great” western medicine practitioners, there are also “not-so-great” integrative or functional medicine practitioners.

Integrative medicine sometimes involves combining conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies. In some cases, there may be concerns about the potential for interactions or conflicts between treatments, which could compromise the effectiveness of conventional medical interventions. This is another reason why it’s really important to work with a integrative or functional medicine practitioner who is trained in both conventional medicine and alternative medicine.

Integrative medicine often includes therapies not covered by health insurance plans, which can lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses for individuals seeking these services. The financial component of integrative medicine hits home. When I was a patient dealing with chronic Lyme disease, the only thing covered by my insurance at the time was general lab work, such as CBCs, CMPs, and assessing certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies. None of my treatments, speciality labs, or visits with my Lyme literate MD were covered. We have a long way to go on the policy side related to making integrative and functional medicine more accessible for the general population, so I absolutely understand when cost is a major barrier for patients and clients.

It is essential to remember that integrative medicine encompasses a broad spectrum of therapies and practices, and not all integrative approaches face the same criticisms or concerns. Many people find value in integrative medicine when it is approached with a critical and evidence-based perspective, used as a complement to conventional medicine, and guided by qualified healthcare professionals. As with any healthcare decision, it's crucial for individuals to research and consult with reputable practitioners to make informed choices about their health and well-being.