What is meant by 'Functional Nutrition' in the FDN context?

Functional Nutrition in the context of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) refers to personalized dietary strategies based on comprehensive assessments of an individual's unique health status, lifestyle, and needs. This approach recognizes that each person is different and requires a tailored nutritional plan to address their specific health concerns and goals.

The emphasis on personalized strategies is grounded in an understanding of how various factors—such as genetics, environment, and personal health history—interact to influence overall health and nutritional requirements. By conducting thorough assessments, practitioners can identify imbalances or deficiencies that may be impacting a client's health and create customized dietary recommendations that support healing and optimal functioning.

Standardized diets do not take into account the individual variability and can lead to ineffective or even counterproductive outcomes. A focus solely on supplements neglects the broader picture of nutrition, which includes whole foods and lifestyle factors. Furthermore, temporary diet plans do not promote long-term health and sustainable habits, which are key in functional nutrition practices.