How Functional Medicine Takes the Guesswork Out of Your Health
By Svetlana Kogan, M.D.
Thirty years ago, when I was in medical school, supplements weren’t even part of the conversation. Sure, a few vitamin stores were starting to pop up in strip malls, and the word “multivitamin” was slowly making its way into everyday vocabulary. But for the most part, the world of medicine was still firmly rooted in the realm of prescription drugs. If you weren’t feeling well, you went to your doctor, got a diagnosis, and walked out with a prescription. That was the norm.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape has changed dramatically. It seems like everyone has a cabinet—or in many cases, an entire drawer—dedicated to supplements. We’re bombarded with ads promising better health in a bottle. There are influencers touting the latest detox powder, fitness enthusiasts showing off stacks of supplements on social media, and even grocery stores with entire aisles dedicated to wellness products.
But let me be very clear: just because something is marketed as “natural supplement” doesn’t mean it’s safe, effective, or even necessary.
The reality is that randomly taking supplements—whether vitamins, minerals, or herbal remedies—can be just as risky as mixing prescription drugs without supervision. One of the biggest issues is that the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements the same way it regulates pharmaceuticals. That means there’s very little oversight in terms of how they’re manufactured, where they come from, or what’s actually in them. In fact, many of the supplements sold in the U.S. today are manufactured overseas, and unlike imported prescription drugs, they don’t undergo the same rigorous quality checks.
This lack of oversight has led to numerous cases of contamination. Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic have been found in so-called “natural” supplements. Others are made in unsanitary conditions.
There’s also the issue of toxicity and unintended side effects. Take vitamin D, for example. It’s one of the most commonly taken supplements today.
But what most people don’t realize is that vitamin D is actually a hormone, not a simple vitamin. And because it’s fat-soluble, it can accumulate in the body, leading to toxicity if taken in excess. I’ve seen patients come in with dangerously high levels of vitamin D—all because they were taking megadose without knowing whether they were deficient in the first place.
Even something as seemingly harmless as vitamin C can pose risks. High doses of vitamin C can cause iron overload in people with certain genetic conditions like hemochromatosis. And if you struggle with gastritis or acid reflux, large doses of ascorbic acid can irritate your stomach lining, making symptoms worse instead of better.
Then there are the additives. Many mass-market supplements contain a laundry list of fillers, binders, preservatives, colorants, and artificial ingredients. Ever wonder how a multivitamin holds its shape? Ingredients like gelatin or magnesium stearate are often used as binders—but they may also interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption. Your body ends up working harder to eliminate unnecessary substances, which defeats the whole purpose of taking supplements in the first place.
Herbal supplements carry their own set of dangers. They can interact with prescription medications in ways that reduce their effectiveness—or worse, cause serious side effects. St. John’s Wort, for example, can render birth control pills or HIV medications ineffective. Even green tea extract—found in thousands of weight-loss and energy supplements—has been known to trigger heart arrhythmias in sensitive individuals.
So how do you safely navigate this overwhelming world of supplements?
That’s where functional medicine comes in. As a functional medicine doctor, I take a highly personalized, science-based approach. Functional testing allows us to look under the hood, so to speak—to identify exactly what your body needs and what it doesn’t. We use comprehensive lab testing to assess vitamin and mineral deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, and even your genetic predispositions to help determine the most effective supplements for you. No more guessing. No more hopping on the latest wellness trend just because it’s trending on social media.
It’s also about quality. In my practice, I’ve researched and vetted hundreds of supplement brands. I only recommend professional-grade products that are third-party tested for purity, potency, and safety. That’s because your health is too important to gamble with.
At the end of the day, your supplement routine should be just as personalized and carefully managed as any other aspect of your healthcare. If you’re going to invest in your wellness, do it the right way—based on real data, expert guidance, and a deep understanding of your unique body.
Because your health isn’t a guessing game—and neither should your supplements be.
Svetlana Kogan, M.D.
The author of ‘Diet Slave No More!’, Svetlana Kogan, MD is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine, Holistic & Functional Medical Doctor with 25 years of experience. She has appeared as a health expert on prime-time TV and radio stations and has authored hundreds of holistic health articles for internet and print. She moved her Concierge Practice from Manhattan NYC to Naples in 2019. Her Functional Medicine Primary Care Practice is focused on prevention and holistic approach to illness, and longevity.
720 Fifth Ave S, Unit 209, Naples , FL 34102
Phone: (239) 676-6883
www.customlongevity.com