How One Functional Endocrinologist Embodies the Science of Living Better, Longer
By: Graciella Davi / Lennard Goetze, Ed.D - Fact Checked by: Carmen Regallo
“Live what you teach”—that’s more than a motto for Dr. Angela Mazza. As a board-certified endocrinologist and respected leader in integrative hormone
health, Dr. Mazza embodies the same principles she shares with her patients. Rather than waiting for health crises to emerge, she focuses on proactive longevity—nurturing vitality from the inside out.
Through what she calls “Longevity Lifestyling,” Dr. Mazza integrates science-based strategies into her everyday life. She sees aging not as decline, but as an opportunity to optimize. Her daily routine revolves around four central health pillars: movement, nutrient-rich nourishment, mental clarity, and quality rest. And she approaches each with both intention and scientific insight.
Movement Over Medicine (The MOM Theory)
Physical activity isn’t an afterthought in Dr. Mazza’s life—it’s foundational. “Coming from a family with diabetes, I’ve seen how inactivity affects long-term health,” she shares. “Movement is how I stay ahead of it.”
Rather than focusing on long workout sessions alone, she emphasizes frequent, low-intensity movement throughout the day. These “movement snacks,” as she calls them, might include walking the dog, taking the stairs, or short stretches between appointments. “You don’t need an hour at the gym. You need consistency—small bursts of movement keep your circulation and energy flowing.”
This approach reflects emerging research showing that sedentary behavior—long periods of sitting or physical inactivity—contributes to metabolic and cognitive decline. Dr. Mazza counters this risk with a lifestyle that favors mobility, flexibility, and functional strength. “We’re not meant to be still all day. Every cell in our body benefits from motion.”
Hydration and Nutrition: Foundations of Energy and Repair
Dr. Mazza begins each morning with a simple ritual: a glass of lemon water. It’s a reminder that hydration is the first form of self-care. “Water is the vehicle for every metabolic process. When you’re tired, foggy, or sluggish, dehydration is often the culprit.”
Throughout the day, she drinks steadily and eats meals that emphasize whole, nutrient-dense foods. Her plates are colorful, loaded with greens, clean proteins, and healthy fats. “I’m a big believer in the Mediterranean model of eating—it’s delicious, sustainable, and deeply healing.” One of her favorite practices? A daily shot of high-quality olive oil. “It’s rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and supports brain and heart health. For me, it’s a daily tonic.”
She also emphasizes balance over restriction. “I don’t count calories—I count nutrients. I look at how my meals support hormone balance, blood sugar, gut health, and brain function.”
Mental Balance: Crochet, Cortisol, and the Power of Purpose
Longevity isn’t only about what happens in the body—it’s also about how we support the mind. For Dr. Mazza, one of her most restorative daily practices is surprisingly tactile: crocheting.
Science supports her experience. Engaging in focused handwork like crocheting has been shown to lower stress hormones, enhance focus, and even improve mood by triggering the brain’s parasympathetic “relaxation” response.
She also practices short mindfulness breaks to reset during stressful days. Whether through breathing techniques or a walk in nature, these habits reflect her belief that mental recovery is just as important as physical rest.
Restorative Sleep: The Unsung Hormone Hero
By evening, Dr. Mazza prioritizes winding down—no emails, no devices, no stimulation. She embraces a screen-free wind-down routine that helps signal the body to transition into rest mode. “Sleep isn’t optional for health—it’s how we repair, regenerate, and reset our hormone systems,” she explains. “When you sleep poorly, everything from your thyroid to your insulin response suffers.”
Her nightly routine includes herbal tea, dim lighting, and often journaling—especially noting wins or gratitude. This sets the stage for deep, uninterrupted sleep, which she calls “the most underrated longevity strategy we have.”
Her Lifestyle, Her Message
What makes Dr. Mazza’s approach powerful isn’t just that it’s informed by science—it’s that it’s doable. Every element of her day—motion, meals, mindfulness, and rest—is within reach for patients and practitioners alike. She doesn’t promise quick fixes or fads. Instead, she advocates for small, consistent changes that add up to real transformation.
“I live this way not out of discipline, but out of love for life,” she says. “My message is simple: You have more power than you think to shape your future health.”
About Dr. Angela Mazza
Dr. Angela Mazza is a board-certified endocrinologist, functional medicine expert, and founder of the Metabolic Center for Wellness. Known for her integrative approach to thyroid disorders, midlife health, and metabolic resilience, she is a national educator and featured speaker at A4M, IFM, and other longevity-focused symposiums. Her work empowers patients to align lifestyle choices with science-backed wellness strategies.
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AFTERTHOUGHT
In the world of medical diagnostics, I often see the effects of poor lifestyle choices long before symptoms appear. As a radiologist specializing in cancer imaging, I’ve spent decades identifying tumors, organ inflammation, and vascular damage—many of which are rooted in preventable conditions like obesity, chronic inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. Patients who lead sedentary lives, carry excess weight, or ignore stress often find themselves facing serious disease without warning.
That’s why I believe the most powerful form of medicine is prevention. And prevention begins with education and lifestyle strategy.
Functional medicine isn’t a trend—it’s the future. Dr. Mazza’s approach offers readers a clear path to reclaiming control over their health. Her day-to-day life demonstrates how small, intentional choices can yield profound long-term benefits.
This article isn’t just a peek into her routine—it’s a reminder that longevity is earned, one decision at a time.
DR. ROBERT L. BARD : Medical Director, BardDiagnostics
Fellow, American College of Radiology
Board-Certified in Diagnostic Imaging & Oncology Technologies
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