Dr. Roshini Rajapaksa
Secrets to healthy living
Sri Lanka has a relaxed island vibe that always makes me happy when I visit
Q: As a gastroenterologist, author, media personality and entrepreneur, how do you structure your day to manage such a busy schedule?
A: The only way I can juggle all my responsibilities is by maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
I wake up early to fit in an hour at the gym before heading to work. My breakfast is consistent and nutritious – probiotic yogurt, fibre cereal, mixed berries with some flax and chia seeds thrown in.
For lunch, I often have salmon and vegetables. And for dinner, it’s chicken or chickpea pasta.
Sleep is a priority for me, so I wind down at night with my YayDay drink (which contains fibre, digestive enzymes and magnesium for sleep) and a good book. I’m usually fast asleep by 10 p.m.
Q: As someone who specialises in digestive health, what are your top three daily habits for maintaining a healthy gut?
A: My top tip is to increase your fibre intake – over 95 percent of Americans do not take the recommended daily amount. Knowing how crucial fibre is for both gut and overall health inspired me to create YayDay, a delicious fibre blend that also addresses the gut-mind connection.
Next, staying hydrated is essential, as fluids help your digestion works efficiently.
And finally, aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep. When we’re sleep deprived, our gut microbiomes can become imbalanced, which can lead to bothersome symptoms such as bloating, constipation, mood changes and food cravings.
Q: How do you balance the science of medicine with holistic wellness practices?
A: Having practiced medicine for over 20 years, I have come to realise that all our body systems are interconnected.
We can no longer simply treat a stomach issue or heart problem in isolation; we need to understand how our diet and lifestyle influence every aspect of our health. Personally, focussing on sleep, diet, exercise and stress management are the keys to staying healthy and youthful.
Recently, I have also developed a passion for healthy home design and completely renovated a summer house to create a Zen inspired oasis with Sri Lankan elements.
Q: One small lifestyle change you believe can have a big impact on long-term health…
A: Daily meditation. Chronic stress has been linked to many serious ailments including cancer, heart disease and even dementia.
Meditating every day (even for a short time) can reduce the stress hormones circulating in your body and reduce their harmful effects.
Q: You’ve often spoken about probiotics. How do you incorporate them into your own diet and skincare routines?
A: I aim to get at least 20 grams of prebiotic fibre very day. Prebiotics fuel the growth of our natural probiotics. I also take two probiotic supplements daily, for gut and vaginal health.
And of course – since I founded the probiotic skincare line TULA 11 years ago – I have exclusively used its products on my skin. Every product contains probiotic extracts, which have a soothing, nourishing effect as well as many anti-ageing benefits.
Q: How did you get involved in medical journalism? And what keeps you passionate about appearing on television?
A: During my medical training, I discovered that I truly enjoyed speaking to an audience – whether they’re fellow doctors or laymen – about medical research and cancer screening. I became the regular speaker on colon cancer at my hospital, so when a TV programme visited seeking a doctor to speak on the topic, I was the natural choice.
I loved the experience. One appearance led to another and I eventually built a robust second career in medical journalism. I love being able to reach a large audience and educate the public about important health issues through television.
Q: Do you see any similarities between Western wellness trends and traditional Sri Lankan health practices?
A: Western medicine is now recognising that ancient Eastern practices from places such as China, India and Sri Lanka offer a legitimate understanding of herbs and holistic connections throughout the body.
The rise of supplements and herbal remedies in the US reflects this trend.
Sri Lanka has a relaxed island vibe that always makes me happy when I visit. I tried to recreate that atmosphere in my summer house in the Hamptons – from the lush garden to the antique cane furniture reminiscent of the sofas in my grandmother’s Colombo home.