In today’s fast-paced world, it’s become disturbingly common to dismiss fatigue, gut bloating, inflammation, and a host of other health issues as “normal.” Many people accept the constant feeling of lethargy as a part of life, but let me tell you, it’s not supposed to be this way. We should not normalize feeling unwell. The root causes of these symptoms are often overlooked, and instead of resolving them, we tend to treat them as background noise.
After working with clients for 14 years as a functional medicine specialist, I’ve come to understand that our modern lifestyle plays a major role in this. We live in a world dominated by fake, processed foods that alter our hormonal balance and brain function. These foods influence neurotransmitters in such a way that they override our free will to make healthy choices.
Toxicity in our environment, in combination with poor nutrition, hijacks our biology, driving cravings and poor health decisions. It’s not a lack of discipline – your biology is literally running the show due to the toxicity overload.
But this doesn’t have to be your story. To truly reclaim your health, you need to go beyond merely suppressing symptoms; you need to treat the root cause.
Treat the Root Cause, Not the Symptom
Too often, conventional approaches to health focus on masking symptoms rather than addressing the deeper, underlying issues. Popping an antacid won’t heal your gut, and a sleeping pill won’t fix your circadian rhythm. These short-term solutions ignore the bigger picture and may even worsen your health over time.
I focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of these symptoms—whether it’s chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, gut dysbiosis, or adrenal fatigue. Only by tackling these underlying problems can we bring your body back into balance, restore energy, and allow you to feel truly well again.
Small, Consistent Changes Lead to Healing
Healing is possible, but it requires intention and commitment. The best way to start healing your body is by integrating small, consistent changes into your routine.
Here are the top 5 crucial lifestyle changes based on my experience that you can begin implementing starting tomorrow:
1. God and Prayer
At the core of true healing is spiritual alignment. When we fill the void in our lives with idols—whether it’s food, shopping, or digital distractions—these habits become coping mechanisms. Replace these with God. Prayer helps restore inner peace and balance, calming the nervous system and guiding you to better health.
2. Family and Playfulness
Don’t underestimate the power of connection and joy. Spending time with family and engaging in playful activities can be incredibly healing. Laughter releases endorphins and reduces stress, which can contribute to better digestion, lower inflammation, and balanced hormones.
3. Sun Exposure and Nature
Exposure to sunlight plays a crucial role in cellular rejuvenation and boosting our mitochondria (a powerhouse of the cell) in the human body. Obtaining Vitamin D from the sun is vital for regulating immune function, mood, and overall well-being. Outdoor activities can reduce stress levels and help align the body's internal clock. Even a short daily exposure to sunlight can reduce inflammation, improve sleep quality, and boost mental acuity.
4. Movement
Our bodies are designed to move, and regular exercise supports detoxification, hormonal balance, and gut health. Find a movement practice that you enjoy—whether it’s walking, yoga, or strength training. Movement boosts circulation, oxygenates your body, and enhances energy production.
5. Fasting Periods
Periodic fasting allows your body to rest and repair itself. By giving your digestive system a break, you reduce inflammation and promote cellular repair. Fasting also supports detoxification and can improve mental clarity by balancing blood sugar and reducing cravings.
6. Sleep Training and Circadian Rhythm
A proper sleep routine is essential for hormone regulation and cellular repair. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day. Avoid blue light from screens at night, and create a calming bedtime routine. Restoring your circadian rhythm improves digestion, reduces inflammation, and balances cortisol levels.
Start Small, Stay Disciplined
Healing your body takes time and patience, but the reward is worth it. Start with just one or two changes, and build from there. Consistency and discipline are key—each day is a step toward regaining control over your health and well-being.
Through years of working with clients, I’ve seen how small shifts in lifestyle, nutrition, and mindset can lead to profound transformations.
Remember, you have the power to break free from fatigue, bloating, and the cycle of poor health. Your body is designed to heal itself if given the right tools and environment.
Let’s reclaim your health together by treating the root cause, not just the symptoms, and restoring balance to your life.
Sending you all so much love
Jelena Petelinkar
Functional medicine specialist
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