Understanding the Difference Between Nutritional and Functional Health Issues
By Dr. David L. Pollack
I'd like to talk about the differences between what we call a nutritional issue versus a functional issue. When addressing health concerns, it's easy to assume that a simple dietary change—like eliminating gluten, dairy, soy or artificial additives—will solve the problem. While nutrition plays a crucial role in overall well-being, many individuals find that their health issues persist despite careful dietary adjustments. That’s because, in many cases, the root cause goes beyond nutrition—it’s a functional issue.
A functional issue occurs when an organ or gland isn’t operating as it should. For example, the digestive system may not be breaking down food properly, or a hormonal imbalance may be affecting overall health. While poor nutrition can certainly aggravate these conditions, simply eating a clean diet doesn’t always restore optimal function, especially when genetic factors or long-term damage are involved.
Now, I want to be clear—I am certainly not advocating for anyone to eat junk. Maintaining a clean and healthy diet for the majority of the time is extremely important for long-term health and overall well-being. However, even the healthiest diet on its own doesn’t necessarily repair functional deficits that have developed over time.
Take celiac disease, for example. Many of my patients have strictly avoided gluten for years, yet they still struggle with digestive issues and other symptoms. Initially, eliminating gluten provides dramatic relief, but over time, some find that their digestion begins to decline again, almost as if they never made the dietary change. This raises an important question: If gluten sensitivity appears seemingly overnight, could it also be possible for the body to become more tolerant again?
In my practice, I’ve seen that it is possible. About half of my celiac patients, after targeted treatment, are able to consume small amounts of gluten again without severe reactions. Some no longer experience the debilitating effects of being “glutened” at all. How? It all comes down to supporting the body’s natural processes.
Gluten, at its core, is just a protein. The body is meant to break it down into amino acids—the essential building blocks of protein—which are not harmful. If we enhance the digestive system’s ability to properly process gluten, we may reduce or even eliminate the immune response associated with celiac disease. The same concept applies to many other digestive disorders, including colitis. If we improve the way food is broken down early in the digestive process, the lower bowel is exposed to smaller, more easily absorbed particles, reducing irritation and inflammation.
This principle isn’t limited to digestion. When we support the body’s ability to perform its natural functions, we create the opportunity for healing and restoration. By reducing inflammation and improving efficiency, the body can work toward repairing itself—helping individuals feel better, function better, and regain a sense of normalcy in their health journey.
Pollack Wellness is located at 66 Commack Rd., #204, in Commack, NY. For more information, call 631-861-HEAL (4325) or visit PollackWellness.com.
