The Functional Medicine Triad: Healing at the Crossroads of Cost, Effort, and Evidence

In the world of functional and integrative medicine, we're constantly balancing cost, effort, and effectiveness. Over the last two decades, my approach has evolved through hands-on experience, academic training, and patient feedback. Today, I want to share a framework I use in my practice to guide patients toward healing—what I call the Functional Medicine Triad.

The Triad: Three Ways to Address Chronic Inflammation

This triad is based on two key factors: economic cost and patient effort. Each tier offers a different entry point for addressing chronic health issues, especially those rooted in inflammation and immune dysfunction.

1. Low Cost, High Effort: The Anti-Inflammatory Diet

The foundation of healing, in my opinion, is food. It's the cheapest, safest, and often the most effective medicine we have. My anti-inflammatory diet stems from the Duke University ketogenic protocol, with personal modifications based on my experience and evolving science.

I emphasize:

• Clean meats over processed ones

• Leafy greens and fibrous vegetables

• Occasional berries

• Low-carb principles to induce ketosis

Ketosis, as I’ve seen clinically, is one of the most anti-inflammatory states the body can enter. For patients on the go—even a boiled egg can serve as a ketosis-friendly option. For some, green juicing adds caloric restriction, boosting cellular recycling and repair.

It’s not always easy, especially at first. But over time, with habit and support, the effort diminishes and the benefits compound.

2. Moderate Cost, Easy Effort: Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

Next is a tool I often recommend for patients with autoimmune or neuro-immune conditions: low-dose naltrexone (LDN). At approximately $1 a day, it offers significant therapeutic benefits with minimal risk:

• Normalizes immune function

• Reduces neuroinflammation

• Supports chronic pain management

• Offers benefit in neuropathy and degenerative disease

Though not covered by all insurance plans, LDN remains accessible to many. And for those who struggle with affordability, we work together to find solutions.

3. High Cost, Variable Effectiveness: Supplements & IV Therapy

Supplements can be effective—but also expensive and overwhelming. I often see patients walking out with $100–$200 worth of pills, some with limited scientific backing. When recommending supplements, I focus on those supported by credible evidence—tools that target root causes without adding unnecessary burden.

IV nutrition, while trendy and popular in wellness circles, carries built-in risks, including rare but serious outbreaks of hepatitis from poorly managed clinics. Intravenous therapy also breaches the skin barrier, which inherently increases infection risk.

When patients ask me about IV drips, I encourage them to explore the evidence themselves—check PubMed or Google Scholar. For most, food and LDN offer a better balance of safety, effectiveness, and affordability.

A Personal Note

As a "Functional Nomad Doctor," my approach blends evidence-based medicine with adaptability and lived experience. From complexity theory to kitchen-table wisdom, I believe in empowering patients to start where they are—with tools that match their resources, effort, and goals.

Remember what Hippocrates said: First, do no harm. That’s our guiding principle.

Thank you for joining me today. If you have questions or thoughts, please leave them in the comments. This conversation will also be available as a blog post for easier reference and sharing.