Cindy Ross, Ph.D.

You may know me from my fitness center Bodies By Cindy or my functional medicine practice called Life Wellness Forever.

I combine hormone balancing, gut health, and nutritional changes to develop a treatment plan for these particularly complicated cases. Based on blood work and other test results processed by the referring physicians, Dr. Cindy collaborates with the medical doctors to adjust the patients’ diets, add natural supplements, and devise other strategies to get patients back on the road to better health.

My parents' early deaths from autoimmune diseases, such as Scleroderma and Type I Diabetes, inspired me to pursue a Ph.D. in Health Sciences. Despite our family's health challenges, like my battle with Rheumatoid Arthritis and my brother's loss to diabetes, I strive for higher education in their memory.

I have been through my fair share of sickness and death, so I'm passionate about helping people live their best lives. I'm very fortunate my journey led me to Health Sciences, which uses research to determine the root cause of symptoms to correct imbalances and find long-lasting healing that supports the body.

I was a youth tennis pro.

At the age of 17 years old, I turned pro and played the WTA circuit for a year. I trained at Harvard, Cambridge, and Nick Bollettieri’s Tennis Academy in Florida.

At 18 years old, I received a full scholarship to Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. Shortly after, I competed at the college level until I began experiencing excoriating pain in my wrists. The pain required a need for bilateral surgery in both of my hands, which resulted in months of recovery and rehab.

The sun had set on my very promising tennis career, casting shadows on my once bright dreams. With my diagnosis, everything changed drastically. Not only did my athletic aspirations come to an abrupt end, but my overall well-being was also thrown off balance, derailing the course of my life.

After losing my mother and brother, I felt lost and overwhelmed by sorrow and work stress. I turned to food for comfort, not realizing I was becoming addicted, trying to cope with my chaotic life. My illness had taken over my life, and when I realized this, I decided to take control and fight back.

We all have setbacks in life, some of us more than others, but you just have to pick yourself up and start believing that you can live your best life despite whatever you are facing.

I pulled myself out of despair and graduated from college with a BS in Exercise Science and have since built several fitness and wellness programs that are world-recognized. I earned a Doctorate in Natural Medicine and a Ph.D. in Health Sciences and became board-certified in Nutrition and Regenerative Medicine..

Celebrating a new milestone!

Never in a million years did I believe I would be able to lift weights again, but I’ve been proven wrong! I prove myself wrong with every elevated triceps dip I perform. With the right diet, supplements, and medication, my RA is under control, and I feel stronger than ever. I can and do accomplish my goals just as I did in my youth.

Now that I have competed for more than two years in Open & Master’s Figure bodybuilding competitions, I believe that having RA has made me a more determined person. I embrace the challenges that I know I’ll face every day.

Returned to school at the age of 40 and completed a master's Degree in Nutrition from the American College of Healthcare Sciences. I boldly decided to pursue further studies, ultimately earning a Doctorate in Natural Medicine and a Ph.D. in Natural Health Sciences. The path was not without its challenges, but at 45, I found myself face-to-face with my 16-year-old self once more. Despite the ups and downs, I stand resilient, wearing a grin that speaks of gratitude for each sunrise and the gift of a new day.

My legacy project is a non-profit 501c3 I created in 2016 called Changing Hearts Against Diversity, I use my education to provide humanitarian work of functional medicine along with nutrition counseling in underprivileged communities worldwide. I also have a chapter of Not Just Tourists in Orange Beach providing medical supplies in developing countries.

After traveling to over 87 countries and meeting all walks of life, I am now a passionate life coach dedicated to guiding individuals toward a life filled with peace, clarity, and fulfillment. With a focus on meditation and finding joy, I help clients cultivate inner tranquility, overcome challenges, and embrace a sober lifestyle. Through personalized coaching, I empower individuals to navigate life's ups and downs with resilience and grace, ultimately finding peace within themselves and their surroundings. Let's embark on this transformative journey together!