In this engaging episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts welcomes Adriana Shuman, an expert in functional medicine, to dive deep into health and wellness from a root-cause perspective. Together, they explore how the symptoms our bodies exhibit are not merely nuisances but valuable signals guiding us toward better health choices. Adriana discusses her transition from traditional pharmacy to functional medicine as she sought more effective solutions beyond merely treating symptoms with medication. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the human body and delving into natural and functional treatments to achieve true healing. In addition to discussing the intricacies of functional medicine, Adriana highlights the critical role of lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, and exercise on our overall well-being. By breaking down her "Live Well" methodology, Adriana outlines the four pillars of health: managing one's inner and outer environments, prioritizing nutritious foods, ensuring restful sleep, and maintaining physical activity. The episode underscores the significance of connecting mind and body, adopting a holistic viewpoint, and creating a vibrant life. This episode inspires listeners to rethink their health habits and to embrace symptoms as opportunities for growth and healing. About the Guest: Adriana Shuman is a distinguished pharmacist with a degree obtained from the Pharmaceutical University in Slovakia, where she grew up. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the realm of functional medicine and takes a holistic approach to health by focusing on understanding the root causes of diseases. Having witnessed significant suffering within her own family from illnesses such as cancer, Adriana has made it her mission to educate people on creating an environment for their bodies to thrive. She is also an accomplished health coach and author of the upcoming book "Live Well," which aims to guide individuals towards creating genuine wellness in their lives. Key Takeaways: Functional medicine focuses on uncovering and addressing the root cause of health issues rather than masking symptoms with medications. Symptoms should be seen as gifts, signaling our bodies' needs for attention and care, prompting us to discover underlying issues. The "Live Well" book and methodology outline four critical pillars of health: environmental awareness, nutrition, sleep, and movement. One's mindset and mental environment are integral to physical health, underscoring the need for introspection and emotional processing. Sustainable change is driven by understanding, commitment, and patient progression towards personal health goals. Notable Quotes: "Symptoms are a gift. They are knocking on your door, asking you to pay attention." – Adriana Shuman "Whatever we put in our mouth is either fueling health or disease." – Adriana Shuman "Our bodies are amazing at adapting, but over time, not listening can lead to bigger issues." – Adriana Shuman "For me, it's all about going back to nature and understanding why you have the problems you have." – Adriana Shuman "If people understand, they feel empowered and can make choices that will serve them." – Adriana Shuman Resources: Adriana Shuman's Website: Your Wellness Made Simple Pre-order Adriana's book, "Live Well," for a comprehensive guide to healthier living. Follow Adriana Shuman on her Instagram for ongoing health tips and updates. Sign up for Adriana's weekly newsletter for practical health advice and simple lifestyle adjustments. Listeners are invited to delve into this insightful conversation, which is brimming with practical wisdom and transformative ideas to embark on their journey towards a healthier, more meaningful life. Stay tuned for more inspiring content from the "Crafting a Meaningful Life" podcast. Key Takeaways: Functional medicine focuses on uncovering and addressing the root cause of health issues rather than masking symptoms with medications. Symptoms should be seen as gifts, signaling our bodies' needs for attention and care, prompting us to discover underlying issues. The "Live Well" book and methodology outline four critical pillars of health: environmental awareness, nutrition, sleep, and movement. One's mindset and mental environment are integral to physical health, underscoring the need for introspection and emotional processing. Sustainable change is driven by understanding, commitment, and patient progression towards personal health goals. Resources: Adriana Shuman's Website: Your Wellness Made Simple Pre-order Adriana's book, "Live Well," for a comprehensive guide to healthier living. Follow Adriana Shuman on her Instagram for ongoing health tips and updates. Sign up for Adriana's weekly newsletter for practical health advice and simple lifestyle adjustments. Follow Mary Crafts at MaryCraftsInc.com