Holistic hype: Is RFK Jr. the new Gwyneth Paltrow?
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
“We could see a massive spike in supplement use, fueled by antipharmaceutical rhetoric, regulatory rollbacks, and a general erosion of trust in traditional medicine.” - Kavelle Christie, MsC, a health policy and advocacy expert
“The medical system has been made into almost a conveyor belt system and that doesn't work well for many people,” - Daniel Landau, MD, , an oncologist and hematologist
Find more of your peers' perspectives and insights below.
There’ve always been public figures who’ve touted a more natural, holistic lifestyle. In 2008, Gweneth Paltrow became the face of holistic health and wellness when she launched goop as a weekly newsletter.[] Today, RFK Jr. leads the movement as he inches closer to becoming the new Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Related: Experts weigh in: Are Gwyneth Paltrow's strict eating habits and use of rectal ozone therapy healthy?One symptom of having public figures who promote herbal and dietary supplements? More people may become interested in them.
Holistic medicine has been around for centuries. For many cultures and communities, holistic treatments like herbal medicine, midwifery, and acupuncture are primary forms of care that have been passed down through generations, says Kavelle Christie, MsC, a health policy and advocacy expert.
A growing trend
In recent years, there’s been a sharp increase in alternative treatment options. According to Daniel Landau, MD, an oncologist, hematologist, and contributor to The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com, many people who’ve been suffering with chronic conditions for years haven’t received satisfactory treatment. “The medical system has been made into almost a conveyor belt system and that doesn't work well for many people,” he says. Medications and treatments are often expensive, and health insurance providers make it difficult for people to access the care they need.
Christie says that medical mistrust among Black, Indigenous, and immigrant communities stems from historical abuses, forced sterilizations, and ongoing biases in treatment. Research shows, for example, that Black patients’ pain is more frequently dismissed and taken less seriously than that of White patients, she adds.[]
Such systemic failures have driven more people to explore holistic health practices. “When people feel unheard, they naturally turn to healing practices that align with their values and lived experiences,” Christie says.
Might we see more people turn to holistic medicine if RFK Jr. becomes HHS Secretary? Yes, says Christie, but not necessarily in a good way. “We could see a massive spike in supplement use, fueled by antipharmaceutical rhetoric, regulatory rollbacks, and a general erosion of trust in traditional medicine,” she tells MDLinx.
The impact on health care workers
How might this affect healthcare providers? Well, they should expect to see more patients inquiring about alternative treatment options and be prepared to guide them toward trusted resources.
It’s crucial to know everything that a patient is taking to help them weigh the risks and benefits and determine whether any of their medications may have contraindication, Dr. Landau says. "It is important that physicians understand all the providers that their patients are working with and have a complete understanding of what patients are taking, whether it is prescribed or over-the-counter,” he tells MDLinx.
According to Christie, awareness alone isn’t enough. “Doctors need to change how they talk to patients about alternative medicine,” she says. Studies have found that patients don’t tell their doctors about the supplements they’re taking because they don’t think it’s relevant or worry about being judged.[] As such, healthcare providers should prioritize creating “an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing all aspects of their health, including alternative medicine,” Christie says.
She encourages doctors to have open, nonjudgmental conversations with patients about traditional healing practices—and to guide them toward safe, informed choices. “The growing reliance on alternative medicine isn’t about rejecting science; it’s about meeting healthcare needs in a way that feels safe, culturally aligned, and accessible,” Christie says.