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Intentional Living Newsletter

This newsletter will offer periodic health updates, suggestions and research alongside my own challenges, joys and struggles. I will offer advice regarding fun practical ideas for lifestyle changes, proper nutrition, supplementation and mindful living as we seek to live our precious lives as healthfully as possible.

Featured Post

Your Body Listens to Your Environment

We often think about health as the supplements we take, the foods we eat, or how much we exercise but our everyday environment matters too. New research published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that exposure to PFAS (“forever chemicals”) during childhood may negatively impact bone development during adolescence. These chemicals are commonly found in drinking water, food packaging, nonstick cookware, stain-resistant materials, and many everyday products. The study is another...

With sunny days ahead, sunscreen becomes a daily essential but not all sunscreens are created equal. The two main types you’ll see are mineral (physical) and chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide to sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb into the skin and use ingredients like Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, and Octinoxate to absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat. While both can be...

Magnesium is one of the most commonly recommended supplements but not all forms work the same. If you’ve ever taken magnesium and thought “this didn’t do anything”… you may not have been taking the right type for your goal or symptom. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you choose intentionally: My go-to favorites? Magnesium glycinate for calming the body and supporting restful sleep, magnesium threonate for brain health and mental clarity, or my absolute favorite Tri-blend Magnesium, a blend...

Have you ever wondered why a medication works well for one person but not for another? This is where pharmacogenomics comes in. Pharmacogenomics looks at how your unique genetic makeup influences the way your body processes medications. In simple terms, it helps answer questions like: Could this medication be a good option for me? Will I need a higher or lower dose? Am I more likely to experience side effects? Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, pharmacogenomic testing gives us a more...

Hi Friends, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. A reminder to pause and look at how we’re truly feeling, not just emotionally, but physically as well. One of the most overlooked aspects of mental health is what’s happening beneath the surface. Nutrient depletions, often caused by stress, medications, poor sleep, or diet, can quietly impact mood, focus, and energy. Things like low magnesium, B vitamins, omega-3s, or vitamin D can contribute to anxiety, brain fog, irritability, and fatigue....

Hi Friends, Spring is here! And while it brings longer days and fresh energy, it also means allergy season for millions. If you’re dealing with sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes, histamine is likely at the root. While traditional antihistamines can help manage symptoms, they don’t always address why your body is reacting in the first place. A more proactive approach focuses on calming the body’s response before symptoms take over. Nutrients like Quercetin help stabilize mast cells (reducing...

In this week’s episode of the Intentional Living with Emlah Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Miller to uncover how your mouth is directly connected to your overall health. We dive into: How the oral microbiome impacts inflammation and chronic disease Why dental care should start as early as age one The surprising connection between oral health, sleep, stress, and conditions like TMJ, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s This conversation will completely shift how you think about brushing,...

We spend time decluttering our homes this season, but what about our health? Spring is the perfect time to let go of what’s no longer serving you, whether that’s expired supplements, unnecessary routines, or habits that feel overwhelming. Health doesn’t have to be complicated. This is your reminder to simplify and reset in a way that feels sustainable. Clear the Clutter: Brain Fog Isn’t Normal If you’ve been feeling off, unfocused, or like you’re moving through your day in a fog, it’s not...

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and this year, the conversation feels different and more urgent. While colorectal cancer has traditionally been thought of as a disease affecting older adults, we are seeing a steady rise in cases among younger individuals. Stories like these are no longer rare headlines, rather they are becoming part of a broader and concerning trend. Let’s start with the big picture. The majority of colorectal cancer cases and deaths still occur in adults...

When most people hear “hormone replacement therapy,” they immediately think of estrogen. Occasionally progesterone enters the conversation. But there is another hormone that plays a meaningful role in women’s health, one that is often overlooked. Testosterone. Yes, women produce testosterone too. And for many women in midlife, declining testosterone levels can contribute to symptoms that are commonly dismissed as “just aging.” Things like: Low libido Reduced motivation or drive Decreased...