​Stress triggers the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, prompting the liver to increase blood sugar levels—a survival mechanism for immediate energy needs. Chronic stress can disrupt insulin function, leading to prolonged high blood sugar and potential insulin resistance. Managing stress through regular exercise, mindfulness, and sufficient sleep is vital for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. ​

In the wellness world, food often takes the spotlight—but what if eating “perfectly” isn’t enough? In this post, I explore why true healing goes beyond the plate, and how sleep, stress, digestion, and blood sugar regulation work hand-in-hand with nutrition to create lasting wellness. If you've been doing all the “right” things with food and still feel stuck, this post is for you.

The body is designed to thrive when its core systems are supported. As a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner in training, I’ve learned that true wellness starts with the Five Foundations of Health: nutrient-dense diet, sleep, stress management, digestion, and blood sugar balance. When one is out of sync, the whole system feels it. In this post, I break down what each foundation means and how simple shifts in food and lifestyle can help you feel better from the inside out.

After 18 years in the corporate world, I felt a quiet but growing pull toward something deeper. I saw how many people—myself included—were pushing through burnout, ignoring symptoms, and disconnecting from their bodies. That whisper led me to nutritional therapy. Now, I'm studying to become an NTP and building Ashley Baber Wellness to help others heal from the inside out—through food, rest, and root-cause support. This is the story of why I walked away from stability to follow what truly matters.