Functional nutrition in integrative health: A systemic approach to chronic diseases

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic illnesses, currently account for nearly 75% of global deaths. These conditions include cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain lifestyle-related cancers. Their progression is strongly influenced by modifiable factors, particularly nutrition. Beyond simply providing energy, food acts as a source of biological information capable of modulating the gut microbiota, immunity, metabolism, and gene expression. Functional nutrition adopts a systemic and personalized approach aimed at identifying underlying imbalances (e.g., chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, or dysbiosis) and designing targeted interventions. Supported by robust clinical evidence (including the PREDIMED, DASH, and Ornish trials), it offers preventive and therapeutic strategies that complement conventional medicine. Embedded in a humanistic multidimensional vision of health, functional nutrition represents a powerful tool in addressing NCDs and contributes to the development of sustainable precision health care.