Today we’d like to introduce you to Rylin Rossano
Hi Rylin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a passion for health and wellness, but my journey started early on when I was diagnosed with chronic asthma as a child. Learning to manage my condition taught me how important it was to care for my body. During the pandemic, I found an opportunity to accelerate my education through online learning, which led to me graduating high school at just 15 years old. Around the same time, I became a certified yoga instructor and fell in love with nutrition—something that has been a lifelong passion of mine because I’ve always enjoyed cooking. My mom Colleen has been my rock throughout all of this, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her support.
At 15, I contracted mononucleosis, which drastically changed my life. After months of symptoms and uncertainty, I was eventually diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), a form of dysautonomia. Dysautonomia affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. For me, this meant that even standing up or walking could cause my heart rate to spike, leaving me dizzy, fatigued, or faint. It took a year to figure out the diagnosis, and that year was emotionally and physically exhausting. This journey led me to learn more about the body and deepen my passion for health in new ways.
Despite these challenges, I continued to push forward. Now, at almost 18 years old, I’m on the path to becoming a registered dietitian. Along the way, I’ve learned the importance of mental health and how crucial it is to care for your body holistically. That’s why I started my podcast, *Take Care of Your Body by Ry*, where I discuss everything from healing, mental wellness, and physical health to growth and overcoming challenges.
On the podcast, I also dive into important health topics with doctors and experts, discussing proteins, nutrition, and what it means to truly take care of yourself. I talk about practical advice for managing health conditions like mine and offer tips on everything from food and exercise to mindfulness and self-compassion. My goal is to help others navigate their own health journeys by sharing both the medical advice I’ve learned and the emotional support we all need when dealing with health challenges.
So whether I’m sharing insights from my own journey or having a conversation with a medical professional, everything I do is focused on helping others understand their bodies and take care of themselves—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey to creating my platform and starting my podcast wasn’t just about sharing recipes or wellness tips—it became a reflection of my own struggles, growth, and healing. My story isn’t one of overnight success or smooth sailing, but one filled with moments of deep pain and transformation.
Growing up with chronic asthma already taught me a lot about limitation. But that was just the beginning. At 15, I contracted mononucleosis, which unexpectedly spiraled into a diagnosis of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and dysautonomia. It took a year just to figure out what was wrong with me. Imagine living in a body you can’t trust, where even standing up becomes a challenge. That year drained me both physically and emotionally. There were days when I didn’t recognize myself anymore—feeling defeated, helpless, and unsure if I’d ever get back to who I was.
And yet, it was in those moments of uncertainty that I found my deepest strength. I accelerated through online learning, graduating high school early during the pandemic at just 15 years old, while also becoming a certified yoga instructor. I fell in love with nutrition, driven by a desire not just to heal myself but to help others who might feel lost in their own struggles. I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of my mom, who stood by me through everything.
But grief has its way of sneaking up on you. Not just the grief of losing your health, but the grief of losing loved ones and who you once thought you’d be. I had to let go of the vision I had of a life without illness. And it hurt. Every single day. Yet, in that grief, I found a new mission: to inspire, to create, and to educate. My podcast, *Take Care of Your Body by Ry*, isn’t just a platform—it’s a space where I speak to doctors, explore health topics, and talk about mental health, all while emphasizing the importance of caring for yourself in every aspect.
What I’ve learned is that healing isn’t linear. Some days, you can feel on top of the world, and other days, you’re barely hanging on. But I’ve realized that feeling everything—pain, sadness, confusion—is part of being alive. It’s not something to shy away from.
My journey has been about more than just overcoming illness—it’s been about embracing vulnerability, connecting with others through shared experiences, and learning that even in the darkest moments, there’s always room for growth. I’m almost 18 now, and I’m ready to keep inspiring, creating, and helping others take care of themselves, no matter what obstacles they’re facing.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: Life may knock you down, but it’s in those moments you discover your true strength. And through all the challenges, you keep going, not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work is a reflection of my passion for wellness, healing, and helping others. As a future registered dietitian and certified yoga instructor, I specialize in holistic health, focusing on nutrition, mindful movement, and mental well-being. Through my platform, *RecipesByRy*, I share gluten-free and healthy recipes, combining my love for cooking with my dedication to helping others nurture their bodies. My podcast, *Take Care of Your Body by Ry*, dives deeper into these themes, discussing everything from health challenges and chronic illness to emotional well-being and self-care.
What sets me apart is my personal journey. Having grown up with chronic asthma and later being diagnosed with POTS and dysautonomia, I’ve learned firsthand the importance of resilience, self-compassion, and adapting to life’s unpredictable challenges. My experiences give me a unique perspective on health and wellness because I’m not just speaking from a textbook—I’m speaking from experience. I know what it’s like to feel limited by your body, and I’m passionate about empowering others to take control of their health, no matter what they’re going through.
One of the things I’m most proud of is being able to connect with others on a deeply personal level. Through my podcast and platform, I’ve created a space for people to feel heard, seen, and understood. It’s not just about recipes or yoga poses; it’s about fostering real connections and providing support for those who need it most. I’ve had people reach out to me, thanking me for helping them through their own struggles, and that’s what drives me—knowing that my work has a real impact on people’s lives.
What sets me apart from others in this space is my vulnerability. I don’t shy away from talking about the hard stuff—the pain, the setbacks, the grief. I believe that sharing those parts of our lives is what brings us together. I’m not here to present a perfect version of myself or my life. I’m here to be real, to show that healing is messy, and that it’s okay to not have it all figured out. That authenticity is what I hope resonates with people and what I believe makes my work truly impactful.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
**Who Deserves Credit for My Journey**
There’s no way I could be where I am today without the incredible people who have supported, guided, and uplifted me throughout my journey. First and foremost, my mom Colleen has been my rock. She’s been there for me through the hardest times, constantly encouraging me to keep pushing forward even when I felt like giving up. My sister Susan has been a huge source of strength as well, offering endless love and encouragement, even when things got tough.
My medical team has played a pivotal role in my life, particularly my cardiologist, Dr. Ralph Levy, who helped me navigate the complexities of POTS and dysautonomia. His dedication to my care has been life-changing, as has the support from my endocrinologist, Dr. Robin Nemery, who helped me with my chronic illness journey. These doctors have done more than just treat me—they’ve empowered me to better understand my own body and manage my health.
I can’t forget my Aunt Susan, who has been a constant source of wisdom and love. She’s been there every step of the way, cheering me on and offering advice when I’ve needed it the most.
My health and wellness community, including friends who’ve supported me, and the people I’ve met through my platforms, have been instrumental as well. Every comment, message, and connection has made me feel less alone in my journey and given me the strength to continue sharing my story. My supporters—whether they’re people I know personally or those who’ve followed my journey online—are the reason I do what I do. They remind me that I’m not just healing for myself, but for others who may be going through similar struggles.
Every one of these people has played an essential role in my success, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love, support, and guidance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/take-care-of-your-body-by-ry/id1732373945
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recipesbyry?igsh=MXN6NXVlYW1vbDhoaQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1mbvREUQbKe0mRGt8Sdcrx?si=Dc7J9VCbQXKCpK7MB8x1eg
