Sharing my review of the Canopy shower filter. You can check it out here and use the code FITNESSISTA15 for 15% off site wide!

Hi friends! How are you? I hope you’re having an amazing week so far. We had to drag our mattress downstairs to sleep on the living room floor while they work upstairs, so sleep has been a little interesting lol, but other than that all is well here.

We’re making some huge improvements around the house for aesthetic and health purposes. When I found out our sofa and carpet both had mold, it was time for them to go. Water filtration is something that you can easily do for your health – I can do a post about my favorite filters for drinking! – but it’s easy to forget about the water you and your family use to bathe.

For today’s post, I wanted to talk about why you might want to filter your shower and bath water, and the best home shower filter that I’ve found: Canopy!

Why should you filter your shower and bath water?

When we shower, the water we use is absorbed into our skin, and we’re also breathing in the vapors of this water, often in an enclosed space. You can check out the quality of your local tap water here. (Tucson’s is horrible.)

Filtering bath and shower water offers several benefits for skin, hair, and overall health, including:

Skin Irritation Reduction: Chlorine and chloramines, commonly used in municipal water supplies, can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, itchiness, and irritation. Filtering these chemicals can reduce the risk of these issues, leaving the skin feeling softer and more comfortable.

Mineral Deposits Reduction: Hard water, containing high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can leave deposits on the skin, causing it to feel dry and rough. Hard water also contains various dissolved metals, like aluminum, barium, strontium, iron, zinc, and manganese. Filtering hard water can prevent these mineral deposits, resulting in smoother, more hydrated skin.

Hair Health Improvement: Hard water can also leave mineral deposits on the hair, making it appear dull and lifeless. Filtering the water can help maintain the hair’s natural shine and vitality.

Eczema and Psoriasis Relief: For those with eczema or psoriasis, which can be exacerbated by exposure to certain chemicals and minerals in water, filtering the water can help alleviate symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

Reduced Risk of Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be sensitive to chemical

Sharing how I got back to wearing makeup after being diagnosed with dry eye, blepharitis and MGD, as well as my favorite brands. This is not medical advice; I’m just sharing my experience!

Hi friends! How are you? I hope you’re having a wonderful morning! We’re finishing up Rodeo break (wah) so the kids are back to school and it’s back to the swing of things around here. I hope you have a great day!

For today’s post, I wanted to do a reader’s request after a comment I received last week. Ever since I posted about my eye issues, I’ve been overwhelmed by amazing messages and comments, but also saddened to hear that so many of you have found yourselves in a similar boat with sudden flares, autoimmune issues, and painful, red eyes. While I was in the depths of all of this last year, I was so frustrated and sad. I couldn’t see myself ever wearing contacts or eye makeup again. (I have no foresight whatsoever, so in my mind, what is happening now means it will be happening forever.)

I couldn’t wear makeup for many months and slowly made my way back to contacts and eye makeup. It’s taken a lot of work and healing – I’ll share more on my healing journey and everything I’ve done to decrease my histamine responses and inflammation in an upcoming post – but *knock on wood* I can finally make it through the day without constantly thinking about my eyes. Just putting that hope out there for my dry eye friends — it can and will get better. This won’t be forever. Hang in there, friends.

Please remember that I’m not a doctor and this isn’t medical advice. At the same time, many traditional eye doctors were mystified by my situation and didn’t know how to help me. I was determined to get to the root cause and improve the issue, and have done a lot of research and experiments on myself along the way. Shout out to my beloved dry eye specialist who gave me some answers and guidance! Also shout out to the beauty of functional testing, because I learned so much about how stress was affecting me, my gut imbalances, toxicities, and deficiencies.

wearing makeup with blepharitis, dry eye, and MGD

Here’s t

Sharing some of my favorite herbs for PMS. 

Hi friends! How are you? Happy Valentine’s Day!! I hope you’re having a lovely morning. I’m looking forward to mass with the kids (it’s also Ash Wednesday) and family fancy dinner tonight. I hope you have a great day, too.

For today, let’s talk about PMS and some herbs that may help!

For many women, the days leading up to menstruation can bring about a slew of uncomfortable symptoms, collectively known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). While managing these symptoms may feel like an uphill battle, nature offers a plethora of remedies in the form of medicinal herbs. In this blog post, I’m going to share some popular herbal solutions for PMS, exploring the benefits, usage, and considerations that may help you find relief naturally.

It’s also to remember that while PMS is common, it’s not *normal*. It is possible to have a completely uneventful cycle, but it takes some lifestyle changes, nervous system resetting, and dialed-in nutrition. While herbs can be a helpful complement to your routine, they can’t makeup for your lifestyle or daily habits.

the best herbs for PMS

Understanding PMS and Herbal Remedies

Premenstrual syndrome encompasses a range of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days preceding menstruation. From bloating and mood swings to headaches and fatigue, these symptoms can significantly impact daily life. Herbal remedies offer a holistic approach to managing PMS by addressing the underlying hormonal imbalances and supporting overall well-being.

Herbs for PMS Relief

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus):

Chasteberry is renowned for its ability to balance hormones, particularly by increasing progesterone levels. This can alleviate symptoms such as irritability, breast tenderness, and bloating.

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis):

Dong Quai is a traditional Chinese herb known for its regulatory effects on the menstrual cycle. It can help alleviate menstrual cramps, promote blood flow, and regulate hormonal fluctuations.

Evening Primrose Oil:

Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), evening primrose oil is prized for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce breast tenderness, bloating, and mood swings associated with PMS.

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa):

Black cohosh is beneficial for relieving menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and mood swings. It may also help alleviate PMS symptoms such as irritability and anxiety.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale):

Ginger is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a valuable ally in combating menstrual cramps and digestive discomfort associated with PMS.

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus):

As the name suggests, cramp bark is highly effective in relieving menstrual cramps and muscle tension. It works by relaxing the uterine muscles, easing pain and discomfort.

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa):

Wild yam contains compounds that mimic natural progesterone, making it beneficial for hormonal balance. It can alleviate PMS symptoms such as mood swings, breast tenderness, and bloating. Wild yam should ideally be used in the luteal phase

(and not just because I’m salty about my results)

Hi friends! How are you? Did you have a good weekend? What did you do for the Super Bowl? We went to an amazing event – I’ll share details in Friday Faves – and the fam came over to watch the Usher concert.. I mean the football game. 😉

For today’s post, I’m finally ready to talk about my MyDNAge test results. It took me a while to marinate on my thoughts because at first, I was a little salty. I’ll share why below, in addition to how this test works. I’m not including a referral link because I’m not quite sure if I recommend this one. I had a much better experience and feel like I got more useful data from InsideTracker. 

I really feel like at-home lab testing is the future, and we’re going to see more advanced methods and data in the future, which is very exciting! In the era of personalized health, understanding our genetic makeup has become a powerful tool for optimizing wellness. MyDNAge takes this concept to the next level by providing insights into the very fabric of our being – our DNA.

 why I didn’t like the MyDNAge test

How MyDNAge Works

MyDNAge utilizes advanced technology to analyze specific markers within your DNA associated with the aging process. The science behind this process lies in the examination of specific regions known as epigenetic markers. These markers provide a unique snapshot of how your genes are expressing themselves over time, offering a glimpse into the biological age of your cells.

The process involves:

DNA Collection:

MyDNAge requires a blood sample, through an at-home fingerpick. (More on this under Cons lol)

Epigenetic Analysis:

The collected DNA is then subjected to sophisticated epigenetic analysis. This involves examining specific chemical modifications to the DNA molecule, known as methyl groups, which play a crucial role in regulating gene activity.

Age Determination:

By analyzing the epigenetic markers, MyDNAge estimates the biological age of your cells. This information provides a personalized and data-driven perspective on how your body is aging at a cellular level.

Read more

Sharing my experience with Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis and my results.

Hi friends! How are ya? I hope you’re enjoying the day so far. Today is admin stuff, plus a home strength training workout and breakfast for dinner tonight.

For today’s post, I wanted to share my experience with HTMA as one of the testing tools I’ve been using. I shared more about my food sensivity test here, and will do another post on my Candida, Metabolic, and Vitamins test. It’s been really incredible to get insights about imbalances, especially with the eye and autoimmune stuff I’ve experienced in the past year.

At first glance, HTMA seems like a *simple* test, but there’s so much that goes into it, and SO much that it can tell you. It’s a snapshot of how your body is responding to stress. When we’re stressed, we burn through our minerals more quickly, which can leave us depleted and exhausted. This can also be a very helpful postpartum tool, as babies use nutrients from the mom. The minerals work in pairs, so it’s important to examine the relationships between the minerals, and try to find balance. There will never be a *perfect* HTMA test result; it’s more about seeing improvements in your body over time.

Embarking on a journey to understand your body’s unique needs and intricacies is a powerful step towards holistic well-being. Today I’m going to share what this test entails, its benefits, the process, and my personal experience.

Note: This information is based on personal experience and education. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. This test does not dianose, prevent, treat, or cure illness or disease. It’s simply an informational tool for your unique body. 

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) Test review

What is HTMA and What Can It Tell You?

HTMA is a diagnostic tool that analyzes mineral content in your hair tissue. As our hair reflects the mineral composition of our body, this non-invasive test offers a window into the past 90 days of mineral imbalances, heavy metal exposure, and potential nutritional deficiencies. It goes beyond surface-level symptoms, and can help uncover root causes of various health issues. Minerals are essential for our entire body and are the “spark plugs.”

Pros and Benefits:

HTMA provides a holistic perspective on your mineral status, aiding in the identification of imbalances that may contribute to health challenges. It can also give insight into your nervous system, adrenal function, thyroid function, and absorption.

Early Detection: Detecting mineral imbalances early allows for proactive adjustments to prevent potential health issues

Tailored Nutrition: With insights from HTMA, personalized nutrition plans can be crafted to address spe