Complementary Medicine: A Best Practice Approach

Robert Duhaney, MD

If you’ve ever searched online for answers to a vague symptom—like fatigue, brain fog, or digestive issues—you know the internet offers no shortage of opinions. From supplements and detoxes to TikTok influencers and Reddit threads, it’s easy to go down a rabbit hole. But here’s the real question I hear often from patients:"Can I combine standard medical care with alternative medicine?"

The short answer is: yes—but do it thoughtfully. In fact, when used wisely and with the right guidance, complementary and alternative approaches can enhance your overall health. But it’s important to stay grounded, science-informed, and honest about what’s most helpful in your specific situation.

When Alternative and Functional Medicine Can Be Most Helpful

In my experience, functional medicine and holistic health approaches are most helpful after we’ve ruled out serious disease—but symptoms persist. This includes things like:

• Abdominal bloating or discomfort

• Chronic fatigue or low energy

• Mild anxiety or brain fog

• Poor sleep despite basic troubleshooting

• Subtle inflammatory issues

At that point, a more nuanced look at nutrition, gut health, stress levels, hormone balance, and lifestyle can often yield real benefit. But we have to make sure we’re not missing anything serious first.

Covering the Basics First: The Most Powerful “Alternative” Medicine Is Often Just... Lifestyle

Before diving into expensive tests, exotic supplements, or a stack of podcasts, it’s worth asking: Are the basics in place?

Here’s what I recommend we address first:

• Sleep hygiene – Are you getting 7–9 hours of high-quality, consistent sleep?

• Nutrition and hydration – Are you eating whole foods regularly and drinking enough water?

• Limit alcohol – Is alcohol affecting your sleep, mood, or digestion more than you realize?

• Movement – Are you exercising regularly—not just for fitness, but for mental clarity and gut health?

• Healthy relationships – Do you have connection, support, and boundaries in your life?

Often, the source of vague symptoms is not mysterious at all, but a mix of stress, burnout, relationship strain, or undernourishment—physically or emotionally.

The Caution: Don’t Go It Alone (or Down the Rabbit Hole)

There’s more health content out there today than ever before:

• Wellness podcasts

• Influencer videos

• Reddit threads

• Self-guided lab panels

• ChatGPT articles

• Endless “functional medicine” checklists

Some of it is excellent. Some is questionable. Much of it is overwhelming. And very little of it is personalized to you.

That’s why it’s essential to have a trusted, understanding, and empathetic medical provider help put things in context. Sometimes a medicine can help but sometimes we want to try othetr things first. You deserve a provider who listens to your story, understands the science, and can walk with you—not against you—on your health journey. I know many medical professionals roll their eyes when patients bring up things they found to research their symptoms. As a profession, we do need to do a better job of listening and understanding.

Our approach at One Medical is not ridiculing people for investigating their symptoms, but rather parternig with patients on their health. If you’re worried something is “off,” let’s talk through it. Sometimes it is a nutritional issue or gut dysbiosis. But sometimes, it’s work stress, poor sleep, family tension, and too much caffeine or alcohol—and no amount of imaging or specialty lab testing will fix what lifestyle change and emotional support can address.

A Grounded Approach to Healing

Here’s the framework I like to use:

1. Start with a comprehensive but focused medical workup – Let’s rule out the concerning causes first.

2. Prioritize evidence-based lifestyle changes – Small, consistent changes often make a huge difference.

3. Layer in alternative approaches thoughtfully – Acupuncture, mindfulness, magnesium, adaptogens—there’s a place for these, especially if symptoms persist.

4. Stay curious—but stay anchored – Let’s explore together without falling into fear-based or one-size-fits-all approaches.

   
   

Bottom Line

Complementary and alternative medicine has real value—as does an aggressive preventative approach - especially when it is supported by a well-rounded, evidence-informed care plan. However, it works best when paired with wisdom, context, and professional guidance.

Let’s partner to make sure your path to healing is not only holistic but grounded, thoughtful, and centered on what matters most: your long-term health, peace of mind, and well-being.