“Your genetics load the gun. Your lifestyle pulls the trigger.”- Dr. Mehmet Oz
It was a privilege to sit down with Dr. Phylicia Harris, DNP, FNP-C, FMACP, an expert in Functional Medicine and founder of Functionally Balanced Health, on the All One Nurse podcast episode, “Understanding Functional Medicine and Supporting Black Women with Autoimmune Conditions“. Unraveling the complexities of Autoimmune Conditions and how a holistic approach can transform patient care.
Autoimmune disease can feel like a mystery- one day your body is thriving, and the next it’s fighting against itself. Traditional medicine often focuses on symptom management. However, functional medicine digs deeper, aiming to uncover the root cause. Dr. Harris emphasizes that understanding lifestyle factors, nutrition, and underlying imbalances can empower patients to take control of their health. Learn more about autoimmune conditions here A-Z Autoimmune Disease List.
The Disproportionate Impact on Black Women
According to the Society for Womens Health Research (SWHR), approximately 80% of individuals diagnosed with autoimmune diseases are women, though the gender distribution varies depending on the specific condition. One of the most eye-opening discussions in this All One Nurse episode was about health disparities. Black women face higher rates of autoimmune conditions and often struggle to receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatment. This leads to more aggressive symptoms and poorer outcomes than with their white counterparts. For instance, African American women are three times more likely to develop lupus than white women and frequently experience more severe symptoms and complications (SWHR.org, 2024). Dr. Harris breaks down the why behind these disparities and how advocacy in healthcare can bridge this gap.
Key Takeaways of Dr. Harris’s Interview on the All One Nurse podcast include,
- Dispelling myths–what functional medicine is and isn’t.
- Addressing everyday stressors experienced as normalcy in black women.
- Gut health and the immune system, and why it matters.
- How nurses can support patients seeking alternative treatment options.
- The power of knowledge: why understanding your body is the first step toward healing.
- Functional medicine is a science-based approach that can complement traditional medical practices.
Final Thoughts
This conversation is a must-listen for nurses, students, and anyone passionate about comprehensive patient care. If you’ve ever wondered how functional medicine can shift the healthcare landscape, this episode is for you.
🎙 Catch the full conversation here :
🟣On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/understanding-functional-medicine-supporting-black/id1755700754?i=1000710555302
🟢On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/66Uk93uNiPJdayWM3TriKJ?si=kmpmO95vSiiwfUrwQAWKIw
🔴On YouTube: https://youtu.be/uF-hJwrqXOY?si=Ek93TSnXRSLIKqF3
What’s your take on functional medicine in nursing?
What has your experience been like with patients with autoimmune conditions?
Which of these barriers resonates with your experiences? Mistrust in healthcare among Black women, limited access to quality care, gaps in education, or cultural incompetence in medical practice?
Please leave a comment and share your thoughts!
Meet Dr. Phylicia Harris
Dr. Phylicia Harris, DNP, FNP-C, FMACP, is a doctorally-prepared Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner with nearly 15 years of healthcare experience. She specializes in helping women struggling with debilitating autoimmune symptoms, guiding them toward relief through root-cause medicine. Her practice, Functionally Balanced Health, focuses on gut health, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions to restore well-being.
Dr. Harris’s mission is simple yet powerful: Autoimmune conditions don’t have to define your life. Through functional medicine, she empowers women to reclaim their health and vitality.
Connect with Dr. Harris
🌐 Website: Functionally Balanced Health 📍 Location: Virtually serving clients in the TN and FL area 📧 Email: info@functionallybalancedhealth.com 📱 Instagram: @functionallybalancedhealth 📘 Facebook: Functionally Balanced Health
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At All One Nurse, our mission extends beyond insightful conversations—we’re here to mentor, uplift, and empower nursing students and new nurses through faith-driven support practical guidance. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of clinical rotations, the nursing program, preparing for the NextGen NCLEX, or seeking career clarity, our mentorship programs and All One Nurse podcast offer a space to learn, grow, and connect.
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