When to See a Primary Care Doctor vs. an Integrative or Functional Medicine Doctor — Or Both
It’s one of our top questions: when should I see a primary care doctor vs. when should I go to an integrative medicine or a functional medicine doctor? Ultimately, the right choice depends on goals, current concerns, and personal preferences. Each clinician type brings unique strengths. Yet in many cases, they work best together to […]
Why academic studies in integrative medicine often seem less rigorous
After more than two decades in emergency medicine and having published hundreds of academic papers, I’ve seen firsthand how the medical establishment evaluates scientific evidence. Now, as I transition into delivering care as an integrative medicine physician (our practice is in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia), I am faced with a fundamental tension: the most effective treatment […]
5 Wellness Trends That Lack Sufficient Scientific Evidence
Many wellness trends are driven by a desire to take an active role in health and well-being. There is a plethora of products and practices, sometimes driven by social media and directed advertising to wellness enthusiasts. But not everything out there is backed by science. Some popular trends have little to no evidence behind them. […]
Summer Insomnia Troubles? Here Are 10 Ways To Sleep Better
Some people have no trouble sleeping on winter nights. But when summer hits, sleep troubles start. This phenomenon is called “summer insomnia”. It’s like regular insomnia — defined as difficulty falling or staying asleep three nights a week for at least three months plus next-day fatigue. Yet summer insomnia is triggered by seasonal forces: the extra daylight, […]
Is Whole Body MRI Worth It? Here’s What The Research Says
Can a one-hour scan offer peace of mind — and maybe save your life? That’s the promise behind whole body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is now being marketed directly to health-conscious consumers by digital health startups. Through Prenuvo, for example, you can undergo a radiation-free scan from head to thigh and receive a full […]
Aging Is Inevitable. Physical Decline Isn’t
Every day in emergency departments around the world, the toll of aging is evident: falls, fractures, strokes, and heart attacks in older adults. Even when patients survive the initial event, hospital stays are often prolonged. Rehabilitation may follow, but in many cases, the result is a permanent loss of independence. These outcomes are frequently the […]
Could Mitochondria Be The Missing Link In Mental Illness?
here’s a quiet revolution underway in psychiatry—one that doesn’t start and end with a prescription pad. On a recent episode of the Huberman Lab podcast, Harvard psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Chris Palmer made a compelling case that may reshape the current understanding of mental illness. The common thread is something we all learned about in high school biology: it’s […]
Peter Attia’s Centenarian Decathlon: A Plan For Living Better, Longer
Longevity is measured in years lived. But what truly matters is healthspan—how long we maintain strength, mobility, and independence. That’s the foundation of physician, author and popular podcaster Dr. Peter Attia’s Centenarian Decathlon, a deliberate approach to fitness that trains for the future, ensuring we not only live longer but better. What is Peter Attia’s Centenarian […]
The Surprising Link Between Exercise And Sleep. Here’s What To Know
A good night’s sleep is essential for health and well-being. Many sleep hygiene practices that don’t involve taking medication help with restorative rest. For example, maintaining a consistent bedtime, optimizing the sleep environment (i.e. keeping it cool, minimizing light & noise, avoiding cell phones), limiting caffeine, and getting natural light exposure are effective strategies. Physical activity is […]
5 Conditions Where Integrative Medicine Is Transforming Healthcare
Integrative medicine is increasingly gaining recognition as a valuable approach to healthcare, blending conventional treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies. Unlike traditional medicine, which often focuses on treating symptoms, integrative medicine emphasizes whole-person health—considering physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. According to industry research, the market for integrative medicine and complementary approaches is expected to grow by […]