I Was Misinformed! The Importance of Evidence-Based Practices: Part 1

For years, I have been coaching people towards health and wellness using various methods and recommendations I learned from other “experts” in holistic and integrative medicine. Like many of you, I trusted these experts, believing their advice was evidence-based. I tried countless approaches, thinking they were grounded in solid research. It wasn’t until my graduate program that I truly grasped the importance of rigorous research and how to find high-quality studies to support recommendations we give. This realization changed everything for me.

In any “alternative” medicine approach, we're often scrutinized by conventional medicine—and rightly so. Many suggestions lack solid scientific evidence and can even be harmful. My graduate program emphasized the need to back every recommendation with high-quality research. This ensures the safety and efficacy of the advice we give and helps maintain trust and health.

What surprised me was discovering how many health recommendations aren't based on rigorous research, and how often a one-size-fits-all protocol is used, despite the fact that each of us is unique, including how disease presents in our bodies. They're often influenced by supplement and lab companies, which have a vested interest in promoting their products. These companies sponsor experts to push their products, creating a false sense of credibility. Unfortunately, the studies supporting these products are frequently non-existent or of poor quality.

During my training to become an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, I noticed that their training conferences were heavily sponsored by these companies. This creates a conflict of interest. If presenters rely on funding from these companies, they're less likely to critically examine the research, as it might reveal that many functional lab tests and supplements lack validation. This lack of scrutiny leads to recommendations that may not be scientifically proven or reliable, compromising client care.

Social media complicates things further. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are full of health trends, often with little to no scientific backing. Influencers promote the latest diets or supplements, making them seem like universally accepted truths. In reality, many are untested fads that can lead to ineffective or harmful health decisions.

I have to admit, I fell into this trap too. Before my graduate education, I trusted “experts” behind blogs and social media posts, believing their advice was credible. Looking back, I see how easily I was misled. Now, I seek out experts who back everything they say with high-quality research. I’ve learned that many experts jump on trends because their peers are doing so, assuming they're doing the research. It’s a cycle that needs to be broken, and I appreciate those in the field who are trying their best to do so.

To be clear, I value the education and insights I gained, and I believe in the potential of functional medicine. However, it’s concerning to see some practitioners and companies prioritize commercial interests over scientific rigor. This trend undermines the credibility of the field and the quality of care clients receive.

As someone committed to health and wellness, I believe it’s crucial for all of us—practitioners and clients alike—to critically evaluate the sources of health advice. By ensuring our recommendations are grounded in independent, high-quality research, we can provide safer, more effective guidance and genuinely support the well-being of those we serve. 

Coming up... what were the practices I fell into and what is the science behind them?