---
title: "I Was Misinformed! The Importance of Evidence-Based Practices: Part 1"
description: Discover why true health isn't found in a bottle of supplements or medications. Learn how functional medicine focuses on addressing root causes for long-term health and wellness.
---

[Empowering You on Your Journey to Holistic Wellness](https://nextlevelhw.com/blog)

# [I Was Misinformed! The Importance of Evidence-Based Practices: Part 1](https://nextlevelhw.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-a-dietician-and-a-nutritionist-0-0-0)

 Written by [Heidi Stimpson](https://nextlevelhw.com/blog/author/heidi-stimpson) | Sep 16, 2024 10:48:20 PM

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?

 

[View full post](https://nextlevelhw.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-a-dietician-and-a-nutritionist-0-0-0)

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