Functional fashion might bring to mind dresses with pockets orfanny packs.
So it would only make sense that something called functional medicine would sound like pretty good news too.
But what exactlyisfunctional medicine, and what makes it unique?
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And more importantly: Is it a legit avenue for quality medical care?
What even is functional medicine?
It depends on how FM is used in a persons overall health care plan.
In Western medicine, we each specialize in a specific organ.
All of [your] symptoms are super vague, and all of [your] labs look normal.
What do [we] even do for this person?
But FM doesnt fully prohibit prescription meds.
Where did functional medicine come from, and why is everyone talking about it now?
Over the last five years, Google searches for functional medicine have steadily increased.
Specific curiosities like is functional medicine legit?
have been searched nine times as much in 2025 than in 2020.
Since then, its become increasingly accepted in what you might think of as traditional institutions of Western medicine.
The center has evolved over time, Dr. Carter says.
It makes another option seem enticing.
Medicine in general seems to be adopting more of this holistic mindset.
But I do believe this has changed significantly in the last few decades.
Thats pretty recent to just be the first study of its kind.
Prominent science writers have called FM quackery and pseudoscience.
(The AAFP declined to participate in this article, as did the American Medical Association.)
And of course, some supplements simply dont work either.
And it could be dangerous if youre being treated for other serious conditions already.
So should you ever try functional medicine?
As more respected institutions accept FM at some level, its hard to sayno oneshould try it.
In fact, that kind of rigid thinking may also be a barrier to good health care.
We should be willing to consider new information, Dr. Ballard says.
I would hope most patients could say, Here are my ongoing concerns.
Can you help me develop a plan to find out whats going on?
Its possible FM could be a safe add-on to your care with a quality provider.
Were really missing the mark in terms of helping people get better.
In conventional medicine, we give pharmaceuticals to treat disease.
But were not addressing this other side of the coin, which is creating health, Dr. Payrovi says.
ensure the practitioner you seek out has the relevant credentials for the care they claim to be offering.
Functional medicine providers should be board-certified in traditional Western medicine, Dr. Ballard says.
Then, find someone with lots of experience treating people with similar symptoms as yours.
So you want to look for someone who is testing deliberately, Dr. Carter says.
Watch out also for FM providers who sell their own supplements and other products.
If you are told to take supplements, youll want those to be legit too.
I recommend brands and products that have been third-party tested, Dr. Payrovi says.
Look for supplements with seals that sayUSPorNSF, which are two organizations that independently test supplements for quality.
Your provider should also clearly define the parameters for experimenting with a supplement.
In general, its important to listen carefully and critically to what a provider is offering you.
Especially in this age of mis- and disinformation, some skepticism is appropriate, she says.
