Meet Isabella Sanz Rivero

We had the good fortune of connecting with Isabella Sanz Rivero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Isabella, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I come from a multicultural background—my family is Venezuelan, I was born in Scotland, and I grew up in both Mexico City and Miami. This diverse upbringing has shaped me in countless ways. Being immersed in different cultures from an early age allowed me to develop a deep appreciation for diversity, adaptability, and a global perspective. Growing up in Miami, in particular, strengthened my connection to my Latin roots, where celebrating life with friends and family is at the heart of everything we do. That vibrant, community-driven energy is something I carry into my work and every aspect of my life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In my late teens, I struggled with severe mood swings, chronic fatigue, persistent sadness, and a sense of being lost and unmotivated. I had a loving family, a stable home, and no significant trauma to explain why I felt this way. Yet, no matter how much I slept, I woke up exhausted. My body began manifesting signs of imbalance—eczema, facial rashes, skin discoloration, headaches, digestive issues, irregular periods, and more. I withdrew from my friends, my passions, and the life I once enjoyed, instead falling into a cycle of anxiety, mindless distractions, and unhealthy habits. I remember wondering, If I feel like this at 19, what do I have to look forward to in the future?

Everything changed when I discovered Functional Diagnostic Nutrition. Through this training, I finally had answers—my hormone levels were depleted, my gut was overrun with bacterial imbalances, and my body had accumulated cellular damage. But more importantly, I learned that these weren’t life sentences; they were imbalances that could be addressed. So, I took responsibility. I committed to nourishing my body, prioritizing rest, meditating, breathing intentionally, identifying limiting beliefs, and consistently integrating tools to elevate my well-being. The more I saw the results, the more motivated I became to keep going. My journey shifted from merely surviving to actively creating a life of health, harmony, and fulfillment.

This transformation ignited my passion for helping others reclaim their well-being. I’ve guided individuals in identifying their own unique healing opportunities, and my journey has now led me to Dallas to pursue a Doctorate in Chiropractic. My mission is to bridge the gap between mental and physical health, helping people understand that symptoms like anxiety, depression, and low energy aren’t just ‘in the mind’—they are deeply tied to gut health, hormone balance, detoxification, immunity, and the nervous system. When one area is out of sync, it affects the whole. My goal is to provide education, solutions, and connection—whether that means directly helping someone or guiding them to the right provider who can. I continue to work on my integrative approach—bridging functional medicine, nutrition, and chiropractic care to address health from the inside out. By looking at the body as an interconnected system, I aim to empower people to take charge of their health in a way that’s sustainable and deeply transformative.

Along the way, I’ve learned a few lessons:

-Success in any area of life requires the 3 P’s—Presence, Practice, and Patience.
-The biggest way to transform your life is by observing your daily habits—what you eat, think, and do—and nurturing the areas that need attention.
-No one else can make you healthy or happy—your well-being is your responsibility. Own it, advocate for yourself, and commit to being your best self.
-Your mind and body are deeply interconnected—your thoughts shape your physiology, and your physiology influences your mental state.
-Every challenge, doubt, or limitation is an opportunity for self-discovery and growth.

Ultimately, life is a series of choices. Every day, we make decisions that either align with the life we want to create or pull us further from it. The key is getting clear on what you truly want—and choosing accordingly.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d want to give them the full Dallas experience—great food and fun activities!

We’d kick things off with a delicious breakfast at Origin Cafe, where we’d fuel up with fresh orange juice and their incredible brisket chilaquiles. After that, we’d get moving with a bouldering session at Dallas Bouldering Project—such a fun and unique way to challenge ourselves! If climbing wasn’t the vibe that day, a mat Pilates class would be a great way to get the body moving. For dinner, we’d head to Louie’s, a classic Dallas spot, and order the crab claws and the gluten-free pizza topped with meatballs and garlic.

The next day, we’d slow things down with a morning walk around White Rock Lake, taking in the beautiful spring weather. For lunch, we’d stop at Goldie’s Dallas, where the menu never disappoints. Later, we’d indulge in an amazing Italian dinner at Via Triozzi, where the eggplant parmigiana is an absolute must!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I have to thank my family for their unwavering love and support. They are such a huge part of my life, and we’ve always shared a deep bond—celebrating each other’s wins, lifting each other up, and embracing every step of our individual journeys together.

I also want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my boyfriend, who has been my biggest supporter and tutor as I navigate graduate school. His encouragement and belief in me mean the world.

A special recognition goes to Reed Davis and the Functional Diagnostic Nutrition program. This program truly changed my life and, in turn, the lives of my family, loved ones, and clients. It was the first to introduce me to the idea that our bodies have an innate intelligence designed to keep us happy and healthy, and that symptoms are simply signals of imbalance—something that can be identified and addressed with the right approach.

I also want to acknowledge filmmaker and artist Ben Joseph Stewart and his show Limitless (on Gaia TV) for inspiring me to dive deeper into self-exploration, human potential, and the incredible capabilities of both the body and consciousness.

And of course, I can’t forget about my fur babies—Aleka, Baloo, Rocki, and Chewi. They are the sweetest, most loving dogs with the funniest personalities, and they bring so much joy and laughter into my life every single day!

Instagram: @isanzrivero

Image Credits
Isabella Sanz Rivero