What is Functional Nutrition? A Holistic Approach to Chronic Health Issues

By: Dr. BB Beba, Sage Practitioner

Functional nutrition, the core of functional health, is a personalized and systems-based approach to health and wellness. It focuses on discovering and addressing chronic health problems rather than managing symptoms. As a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition educated in functional health principles, I’d like to explain the principles of functional nutrition and how they differ from conventional care.

So what is it? It is a nutrition-based approach that considers the whole person, not just the disease. The systems in the body operate like a set of gears working in harmony with each other. When there’s an issue in one system, it usually does not stay isolated in that system but impacts -some directly, some indirectly- multiple systems. The body usually tries to compensate using its inner resources. However, when the problems increase or multiple external threats are present, the symptoms lead to the diseased state. Functional nutrition strives to understand the root cause, how system interactions are compromised, and uses food as medicine to improve nutrients and optimize bodily functions. Why is it important? Chronic conditions like digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune diseases often require a deeper understanding of impacted systems and their interactions. When correct nutrients are introduced together with lifestyle modifications, we see a significant impact on overall health.

The core principles of functional nutrition are:
Personalization: Every individual’s body, lifestyle, and health history are unique. One diet plan, supplement, or herbal protocol does not work for all, and each individual needs a customized plan for optimal health. Our personalized nutritional treatment plans are developed based on one’s health history, available labs, lifestyle, and current health status.

Systems-Based Care: The body is an interconnected system - a set of gears- rather than isolated organs. Improving gut health can benefit hormonal balance and mental clarity; managing blood sugar can impact sleep quality, overall energy levels, cardiovascular health, and such.

Food-as-Medicine: At the core of functional health lies functional nutrition, since nutrients from food ensure that the body is getting the needed fuel for all its functions. Functional nutrition uses nutrient-dense foods to heal and restore balance. At Sage, we rely on targeted herbals to support this medicinal approach as well. From anti-inflammatory diets for auto-immune conditions to precise probiotics or herbal protocols for certain gut problems, food is our main tool in personalized treatment plans.

Functional nutrition also vastly differs from conventional approaches. Conventional medicine often focuses on treating symptoms with medications or isolated interventions for a specific organ or a system. It also puts less emphasis on diet and lifestyle as primary treatment tools. Whereas, functional nutrition focuses on root cause resolution, prevention, and empowering patients with dietary strategies. For example in the case of heartburn, we investigate potential food triggers or digestive enzyme deficiencies.

With personalized care, addressing root causes, and using food as a healing tool, functional nutrition is a proactive approach to managing chronic health issues. If you’re ready to take a deeper dive into your health, contact us at Sage Integrative Health for a consultation.