Faith, Health, and Holistic Healing with Jennifer Ragazzo

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Finding balance in health, family, and faith can feel overwhelming for busy Christian women. We want to honor our bodies, care for our loved ones, and follow our calling, but life’s demands can often leave us feeling depleted. In a world where quick fixes abound, holistic wellness expert Jennifer Ragazzo encourages women to find true healing by embracing both physical and spiritual wellness.

Jennifer, a mom of three and founder of Vibrant Rise Functional Wellness, has spent over a decade helping women navigate the complex transitions of midlife, from hormonal shifts to spiritual growth. Through her unique blend of holistic wellness, functional medicine, and a deep commitment to faith, Jennifer provides a refreshing perspective on health and healing. Here are some highlights from our conversation, filled with inspiration, practical tips, and a call to care for ourselves as temples of God.

1. Discovering Holistic Health

Jennifer’s own health journey began at 19 when she faced a debilitating diagnosis of endometriosis. “I was thrust into chemical menopause, and at such a young age, my health spiraled,” she shares. Dealing with medications, anxiety, and multiple surgeries, she eventually discovered the impact of diet, lifestyle, and spiritual wellness on her health. For Jennifer, healing wasn't just about the body but included a transformational shift in mind, spirit, and lifestyle—a holistic approach that she now shares with her clients.

2. Seeing Health as a Spiritual Journey

Jennifer reminds us that physical and spiritual wellness are deeply intertwined. “God resides within us, and caring for our bodies honors Him,” she explains. Scripture invites us to view our bodies as temples and to tend to them with care. Embracing wellness as a faith-based journey helps women experience peace and joy even in the midst of health challenges. According to Jennifer, “It’s about going to God as the ultimate source of love and healing, and that begins with asking, ‘How do I care for this gift of a body?’”

3. Establishing Wellness Routines for Busy Families

For those with children or busy schedules, creating a family culture of wellness can be challenging. Jennifer shares her approach to involving kids in meal prep, educating them on healthy choices, and even using gardening as a way to teach about nutrition. “We would talk about what each food does for the body—how carrots are good for eyesight or how walnuts support brain health,” Jennifer says. She encourages parents to demonstrate healthy choices rather than just speaking about them. Her goal is for children to see wellness as an integral, joyful part of daily life.

4. The Role of Functional Medicine in Holistic Healing

Jennifer’s work is rooted in functional medicine, an approach that identifies and addresses the root causes of health issues rather than simply masking symptoms. “Each symptom tells a story,” she says. “Chronic fatigue, inflammation, and even emotional struggles can be pathways to understanding what the body needs.” With functional wellness, Jennifer integrates her faith with tools like mindful nutrition, stress management, and spiritual reflection, guiding clients to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

5. Faith-Based Tips for Physical and Spiritual Growth

Jennifer offers practical steps for women to incorporate faith-based wellness into their lives:

• Start with Morning Prayer and Meditation: Taking time in the morning to center yourself in prayer can set a positive tone for the day. Jennifer also encourages incorporating scripture into exercise routines, so the mind and body are simultaneously nurtured.

• Embrace “Micro Workouts” for Busy Schedules: Jennifer points to shorter, more frequent workouts as a way for busy moms to stay active without the time commitment of a lengthy session. This, she says, can be especially helpful for women balancing multiple roles.

• Practice Self-Compassion: As Jennifer points out, many women struggle with chronic people-pleasing, which leads to stress and burnout. “Loving ourselves as God loves us means setting boundaries and releasing ourselves from perfectionism,” she advises. Allowing yourself to feel God’s unconditional love is transformative for both body and soul.

6. Redefining Healing and Letting Go of Perfectionism

Jennifer shares that many Christian women feel the pressure of perfectionism. Yet, embracing a holistic approach to health means understanding that true healing is a journey. She encourages women to ask for God’s guidance in setting priorities and letting go of what doesn’t serve their well-being. “Healing isn’t about being flawless,” Jennifer says. “It’s about aligning ourselves with God’s purpose for our lives and embracing the peace and freedom He offers us.”

Final Thoughts: Embrace Holistic Wellness and Experience Freedom

Jennifer’s message is one of empowerment, reminding us that health is not a luxury but an essential part of our walk with God. She calls Christian women to invest in their well-being as an act of worship and stewardship. Whether it’s through healthy eating, gentle exercise, or simply creating quiet time with the Lord, each choice we make in our wellness journey is a step toward spiritual and physical freedom.

For more inspiration and resources, check out the Stronger Collective App, where you’ll find faith-centered fitness programs designed to fit into your busy life. As Jennifer’s story beautifully illustrates, true health isn’t just about the body; it’s a holistic journey that embraces every part of who we are, rooted in the love and grace of God.