Easy recipes for your health

Not only **food** nourishes us, but also incorporating basic elements like **sunlight**, **relaxation** techniques, and practices that promote **emotional and brain health** are crucial for achieving a near-perfect life. This is what **Nutrition expert Ana Riga** explains in our **What a tasty podcast**.

In the podcast, Riga details everything you need to know regarding **functional medicine**, which, “is not an alternative medicine, but is based on **science** and differs from conventional medicine by reviewing all our **biological systems** as a whole. To understand this better, imagine our body as a **string of Christmas lights**,” where if one bulb breaks, the others stop working. This is how functional medicine studies our body.”

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In this process, Riga states, the origins of anomalies are specifically reviewed, directly at the **cellular level** and within each organ. “It’s not regarding treating symptoms in one part of the body with **a pill or a specific treatment** for that **discomfort**, like putting **Scotch tape** on a damaged bulb and hoping the light series works. Functional medicine addresses the root cause of the problem and investigates what’s causing it,” the expert explains.

One of the best starting points for **reflection** on this topic is to analyze our past and present lifestyles. “I recommend examining our lifestyle, starting from ages 30 to 40, to identify the origin of potential **diseases** and proactively address our **habits**.”

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“There’s a crucial element that’s part of my **philosophy** and my life: if our pillars of life aren’t firmly rooted, no supplement or vitamin treatment will help. These pillars are **exercise**, **physical activity**, **quality sleep**, **natural light** — which recent scientific studies show is crucial for good health; **hydration**, and of course, **stress management** and good nutrition. All of these should be personalized and adapted to each person’s age, especially physical activity. The same physical activity won’t work for a 45-year-old man as for an 80-year-old man,” Riga explains.

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In some cases, past lifestyles involving excesses can be compensated for, according to Riga. “It’s important to choose what I call ‘our poison‘. You can’t smoke, drink alcohol, eat junk food, and engage in other harmful habits all at once. You need to reduce these excesses and choose at least one to eliminate, if not completely, then detoxify. How? Oxygenate your body, hydrate it, drink lots of **water**, incorporate **magnesium and potassium**, sleep well, eat well, and most importantly, reflect and meditate.”

Hear all regarding functional medicine in our **Clean Eating podcast below:**

Beyond Food: Functional Medicine & The Pillars of a Healthy Life

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While food is undeniably crucial for our well-being, a holistic approach to health extends far beyond our plates. Nutrition expert Ana Riga, in our podcast, What a Tasty, illuminates the vital role of elements like sunlight, relaxation practices, and emotional well-being in achieving a truly fulfilling life.

The Science Behind Functional Medicine

Riga delves into the fascinating world of functional medicine, emphasizing its scientific underpinnings. “It’s not alternative medicine,” she clarifies, “It’s based on science.” Functional medicine distinguishes itself from conventional medicine by taking a comprehensive view of our biological systems.

"It’s like looking at our body as a string of Christmas lights," Riga explains. "If one bulb goes out, the whole string becomes dysfunctional. Functional medicine aims to understand the root cause of imbalances, not just treat the symptoms."

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Riga advocates for introspection as a starting point for understanding our health. "Begin by analyzing your lifestyle, tracing back the origins of possible diseases or imbalances. This is especially important from your 30s to 40s, allowing for proactive measures and adjustments to your habits."

The Pillars of a Healthy Life: Lifestyle Habits

Riga emphasizes that "supplements or vitamin treatments are ineffective if our life’s pillars aren’t firmly in place." These essential pillars, she says, include:

1. Exercise and Physical Activity: Tailored to your age and individual needs, regular movement is crucial for overall health.

2. Quality Sleep: Prioritizing adequate sleep is vital for physical and mental restoration.

3. Exposure to Natural Light: Emerging scientific evidence highlights the essential role of sunlight for good health, something often overlooked.

4. Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is fundamental to keeping your body functioning optimally.

5. Stress Management: Finding ways to manage stress, whether through relaxation techniques, meditation, or other personal practices, is essential.

6. Good Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods forms the foundation for a healthy body.

Addressing Excesses and Detoxifying Your Body

Riga acknowledges that past lifestyle choices may have left their mark. She suggests choosing “your poison,” meaning identifying areas of excess and gradually reducing them.

"You cannot indulge in smoking, excessive alcohol, junk food, and other harmful habits simultaneously. Aim to reduce at least one area and eliminate it completely if possible. If complete elimination is challenging, consider detoxification strategies. Focus on oxygenating your body, drinking ample water, incorporating magnesium and potassium into your diet, prioritizing sleep, eating well, and reflecting and meditating."

Embracing a Holistic Approach

Riga’s message underscores the significance of a holistic approach to health. Optimizing these pillars of our well-being empowers us to live healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.

Hear More on Functional Medicine

Dive deeper into the world of functional medicine by listening to our Clean Eating podcast [Podcast Link]. Discover how to implement these insights into your own life and build a foundation for lasting well-being.