Functional nutrition is more than just eating for calories—it’s about using food strategically to support your body’s unique needs, improve health, and prevent disease. Here’s a breakdown of what it is, the role of functional foods, and over 30 resources you can use (whether you’re a dietitian, health professional, or simply someone wanting to improve your lifestyle).
What Is Functional Nutrition?
Functional nutrition is a personalized approach to health that considers your unique biochemistry, lifestyle, environment, and health history. Instead of a one-size-fits-all diet, it looks at the root causes of health concerns and uses food as part of the solution.
Functional Foods
Functional Foods Definition
Functional foods are foods that provide benefits beyond basic nutrition—they may improve health, reduce disease risk, or support specific body systems.
Conventional Functional Foods
Naturally nutrient-rich foods such as:
- Oats (cholesterol-lowering beta-glucans)
- Fatty fish like salmon (omega-3s for heart and brain health)
- Blueberries (antioxidants for cell protection)
- Yogurt with live cultures (probiotics for gut health)
Modified Functional Foods
Foods fortified or enhanced with extra nutrients:
- Orange juice with added calcium
- Vitamin D-fortified milk
- Probiotic supplements or enriched dairy drinks
- Protein-fortified snacks
How to Get Started with Functional Nutrition
- Identify your health goals – energy, digestion, weight, inflammation, etc.
- Keep a food & symptom journal – note how certain foods affect your body.
- Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods – colorful plants, lean proteins, healthy fats.
- Experiment mindfully – try elimination diets, gut-friendly foods, or anti-inflammatory eating.
- Seek professional support – work with a registered dietitian for tailored guidance.
Functional Nutrition vs. Functional Medicine
They are related but not the same:
- Functional Nutrition → food-first approach to support the body.
- Functional Medicine → a broader system that may include nutrition, labs, supplements, and other integrative treatments.
30+ Functional Nutrition Resources
Whether you’re a dietitian, nutritionist, or simply interested in health, these tools can help:
The Wahls Protocol by Dr. Terry Wahls
A groundbreaking book on using diet to reverse autoimmune conditions, inspired by the author’s own journey with multiple sclerosis.
The UltraMind Solution by Dr. Mark Hyman
Explores how food and lifestyle affect brain health, and how functional nutrition can restore mental clarity.
The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan
A deep dive into food systems, showing how our food choices affect our health and the environment.
How Not to Die by Dr. Michael Greger
Science-backed strategies on preventing and reversing disease through the power of nutrition.
Food Fix by Dr. Mark Hyman
Explores how our food system impacts health, the planet, and society, offering solutions for sustainable change.
Eat to Beat Disease by Dr. William Li
Explains how specific foods can help activate the body’s natural defense systems to prevent illness.
Fiber Fueled by Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
A gut health guide that emphasizes plant diversity and fiber as the foundation of a healthy microbiome.
The Paleo Cure by Chris Kresser
Discusses how a whole-food, ancestral-style diet can help heal chronic conditions and optimize well-being.
The Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Action Plans by Dorothy Calimeris
Offers practical meal plans and recipes designed to help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
A classic exploration of how traditional diets support health compared to modern, processed foods.
The Doctor’s Farmacy (Dr. Mark Hyman)
A podcast featuring conversations with leading experts on food, medicine, and sustainable wellness.
The Model Health Show (Shawn Stevenson)
Covers nutrition, fitness, and holistic health in an engaging and educational way.
The Ultimate Health Podcast
Focuses on wellness, nutrition, and functional living through interviews with global health experts.
The Genius Life (Max Lugavere)
Explores the link between food, brain health, longevity, and lifestyle choices.
Feel Better, Live More (Dr. Rangan Chatterjee)
Provides practical, science-based advice on improving health and happiness through daily habits.
Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)
The world’s leading organization for functional medicine education, training, and research.
Chris Kresser’s Blog — chriskresser
Delivers evidence-based insights on nutrition, ancestral health, and functional medicine.
Dr. Hyman’s Blog — drhyman
Features educational resources and articles about food as medicine and holistic wellness.
Dr. Axe — draxe
Offers natural health remedies, nutrition tips, and functional food guides.
NutritionFacts — nutritionfacts
A nonprofit platform by Dr. Michael Greger that provides science-backed videos and research summaries.
Cronometer
A precise nutrition-tracking app that breaks down both macro and micronutrients for detailed analysis.
MyFitnessPal
A popular calorie and food tracking app, ideal for beginners starting their health journey.
Yuka
Scans product barcodes to reveal the health impact of foods and cosmetics, promoting mindful choices.
Fooducate
Analyzes and grades food products while educating users on making healthier eating decisions.
Wholesome
A nutrition-tracking app that helps plan balanced meals and monitor key nutrients.
Functional Nutrition Alliance (FNLP Program by Andrea Nakayama)
Professional-level practitioner training in functional nutrition and clinical practice.
Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN)
A global leader in holistic health coaching and nutrition education.
Kresser Institute for Functional & Evolutionary Medicine
Chris Kresser’s practitioner training programs combining ancestral and functional medicine.
Precision Nutrition Coaching Program
Evidence-based coaching designed for health professionals and nutrition enthusiasts.
AFMCP (Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice by IFM)
The flagship IFM training for healthcare professionals integrating functional medicine.Journal of Functional Foods
Publishes peer-reviewed studies on bioactive compounds in food and their impact on human health.
Nutrition Journal
Focuses on human nutrition research, dietary interventions, and public health nutrition.
Advances in Nutrition
Features comprehensive reviews of emerging research and global nutrition science.
Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine
Covers integrative approaches to healing, including diet, herbal medicine, and lifestyle.
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
Examines how nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices prevent and manage chronic disease.
Final Thought:
These resources provide a complete toolkit for Functional Nutrition – covering education, research, clinical practice, and lifestyle application. Whether you are a student, a practitioner, or simply a health enthusiast, this list will guide you toward trusted, science-based knowledge and tools.