What is the Difference Between Functional, Integrative, and Lifestyle Medicine?

In this episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager, DNP, breaks down the key differences between functional medicine, lifestyle medicine, and integrative medicine. Each of these approaches to health offers distinct methodologies, and understanding them can help nurses and practitioners better navigate their roles within the healthcare system. Brigitte shares insights into how these methods differ from traditional allopathic (Western) medicine, focusing on their unique applications in patient care, prevention, and root cause analysis.

Key Topics:

The differences between functional medicine, lifestyle medicine, and integrative medicine. How functional medicine uncovers root causes of illness and uses a personalized, biochemistry-based approach.

Why integrative medicine works well in settings where patients seek quick fixes or are not ready for lifestyle changes.

How lifestyle medicine focuses on prevention and uses six pillars of health: diet, exercise, sleep, stress, relationships, and avoiding risky substances.

 

Hosted by Brigitte Sager, NP, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, nurse coach, and an RN and NP FM educator.

To learn more about the Functional Medicine for Nurses course offered through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy INCA in partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine IFM, click here.

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Be well!