09. Is Functional Medicine Addicted to Labs? Our Hot Take

Functionally Speaking

Are you running too many labs and missing what really matters?

In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re unpacking a hot topic in functional medicine: testing fatigue. We’re both pro-labs and pro-thinking, and this conversation is all about striking that balance. We share the most common mistakes we see with overtesting, how we approach lab work in our own practices, and why clinical thinking, client readiness, and strong intake forms matter just as much—if not more—than what a lab says.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re leaning too hard on lab work—or felt overwhelmed by all the “must-have” tests—this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• 02:11 Why over-testing is a real problem in functional medicine
• 03:04 What targeted testing actually looks like (and why it matters)
• 03:50 Why conventional testing often misses the full picture
• 04:24 What makes a comprehensive health assessment actually comprehensive
• 06:43 How to assess client capacity before you run anything
• 07:29 The cost, stress, and supplement burden of unnecessary labs
• 12:59 Why clinical intuition gets stronger with experience (and fewer tests)

Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:

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Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com

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Connect with Laura Ligos:

Website: https://thesassydietitian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian

Connect with Danielle Kepics:

Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co

Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics

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