6 Things You’ll Never See Me Do as a Doctor Who Understands Functional Medicine
In functional and integrative medicine, prevention isn’t just about avoiding disease—it’s about aligning with the body’s original design. Over the years, I’ve made small but powerful lifestyle choices that support mitochondrial health, hormonal balance, and the body’s innate intelligence.
Here are six things you’ll never see me do—and why they matter for long-term health.
1. Wear Sunscreen
That’s right—you’ll never see me wearing conventional sunscreen. Decades of public health messaging have convinced people that all sun exposure is dangerous, but this is an oversimplification that ignores both biology and chemistry.
Many commercial sunscreens contain chemical UV filters, some of which (like oxybenzone and avobenzone) break down in sunlight and form reactive compounds. Others contain benzene, a known carcinogen that has been found in numerous sunscreen products. Ironically, the very products designed to “protect” us may be increasing the body’s toxic burden and potentially contributing to cancer risk.
On the other hand, sunlight is profoundly therapeutic when experienced intelligently. Regular, moderate exposure to natural light:
- Stimulates vitamin D synthesis, which supports immune and bone health.
- Enhances mitochondrial function—near-infrared wavelengths from sunlight penetrate deep into tissues, improving ATP production and cellular repair.
- Increases nitric oxide release, improving blood flow and vascular function.
- Regulates circadian rhythms, balancing cortisol and melatonin.
- Improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.
Rather than blocking sunlight, I focus on building a healthy solar relationship: gradual exposure, seeking shade when needed, wearing protective clothing during extreme midday hours, and avoiding sunburn. Sunlight, in the right dose, is medicine—not a toxin.
2. Sleep with My Cell Phone in the Room
Phones and Wi-Fi routers emit electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) that can disrupt cellular function and the nervous system. While the science is still evolving, I take a precautionary approach. I charge my phone in another room and keep my sleep space as digitally quiet as possible.
Why? Deep, restorative sleep is one of the most powerful anti-cancer therapies we have. By minimizing nighttime EMF exposure and blue light, I support my body’s natural repair cycles.
3. Cook with Industrial Seed Oils
You won’t find canola, soybean, corn, sunflower, or safflower oil in my kitchen. These industrial seed oils are high in unstable polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) that oxidize easily when heated, creating harmful aldehydes that damage mitochondria and cell membranes.
Instead, I cook with stable, traditional fats—like coconut oil, grass-fed butter, ghee, tallow, and cold-pressed olive oil. These fats support metabolic flexibility, brain function, and hormonal balance.
4. Eat Products Containing Carrageenan or Added Gums
Carrageenan, guar gum, and xanthan gum are common additives in plant milks, sauces, and “health” foods—but they’re not as benign as they seem. Carrageenan is actually used in research to induce inflammation, and has been linked to gut irritation and colon cancer in animal studies.
I keep my gut lining healthy by choosing minimally processed foods without these emulsifiers. A healthy gut equals a strong immune system, balanced mood, and lower inflammation.
5. Microwave Food in Plastic
Heating plastic releases xenoestrogens—synthetic chemicals that mimic estrogen and interfere with hormone receptors. Over time, these compounds have been linked to reproductive issues, endocrine disruption, and cancer.
I keep things simple: I reheat food in glass or ceramic containers. It’s a small daily habit that significantly reduces my toxic load over time.
6. Doom Scroll Before Bed
Nighttime is when the body regenerates. Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin and increases cortisol, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. On top of that, scrolling through negative or emotionally charged content keeps the nervous system in a state of alert—just when we should be winding down.
I shut down screens at least an hour before bed, dim the lights, and allow my mind to decompress. This simple habit improves my sleep quality more than any supplement ever could.
Final Thoughts
Functional medicine is about living in alignment with human biology—not fighting against it. These aren’t rigid rules—they’re intentional choices that reduce daily exposures, support natural rhythms, and create conditions where the body can thrive.
You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Start with one or two of these habits and notice how your energy, sleep, and clarity shift. Small, consistent actions lead to lasting change.
Interested in working with me to personalize your functional medicine plan?
👉 Schedule a consultation to begin your journey toward root-cause healing.
👉 Check out my book Everyday Medicine to explore ancient practices for modern wellness.
