Is Functional Medicine Evidence-Based? A Nurse Practitioner’s Perspective

Sponsored by the Institute for Functional Nursing – Learn more at fxnursing.com

Is functional medicine just “alternative” care—or is it truly rooted in science and evidence-based practice? It’s one of the most common (and controversial) questions nurses ask—and in this episode of The Functional Nurse Podcast, Brigitte Sager, FNP and functional medicine educator, provides a grounded, clinical answer.

Drawing on her experience in both conventional and functional medicine, Brigitte explains how evidence-based nursing can look different when you're practicing root-cause care. She breaks down:

• Why large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) often don’t reflect individualized care

• How pharmaceutical influence in research shapes what gets studied—and what doesn’t

• Why functional medicine relies on biochemistry, physiology, and patient outcomes

This episode reframes how nurses can apply science-based principles to support early intervention, prevention, and healing—well before a disease label is assigned.

Whether you're a nurse or nurse practitioner, this episode will help you feel confident navigating the intersection of holistic care and clinical evidence.

Ready to dive deeper into science-backed functional nursing?

Explore the Institute for Functional Nursing's education programs: https://www.fxnursing.com/learn