Often, it’s not until something is gone that we realize just how important it is. Your health affects every part of your life—your energy, motivation, mood, and ability to reach your full potential. When you feel unwell, everything becomes harder, and life starts feeling like an uphill battle.
When “Normal” Isn’t Normal Anymore
For years, my health gradually deteriorated. By my late 20s, I had an ever-growing list of frustrating symptoms—fatigue, brain fog, acne, sore muscles, insomnia, frequent colds, and ear infections. I chalked it up to aging at first, but as time went on, I realized this wasn’t normal.
Doctor visits offered no answers. According to my lab work, I was “healthy.” I was even gaslighted into thinking my symptoms were all in my head! The truth is, most conventional doctors do their best, but they work within a system that prioritizes symptom management over root cause resolution. They are trained to prescribe medications, not to optimize health.
What I needed wasn’t another prescription—it was a deeper understanding of what was going on inside my body. That’s when I turned to functional testing, specifically gut microbiome testing and Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) for nutritional balancing and heavy metal screening.
And that’s when everything changed.
The Power of Functional Testing: What’s Really Going On Inside You?
Traditional blood tests often fail to detect deeper imbalances because they only provide a snapshot of what’s happening at a single moment in time. But gut microbiome and HTMA testing look beneath the surface, revealing hidden dysfunctions that could be sabotaging your health.
1. Gut Microbiome Testing: The Key to Digestion, Immunity & Mood
Your gut is the foundation of your health. When your gut is out of balance, everything suffers—your digestion, immune system, energy levels, skin, hormones, and even your mental health. Up to 90% of serotonin (your “happiness” hormone) is made in the gut!
A gut microbiome test analyzes the bacteria, fungi, and parasites living in your digestive tract. It can reveal:
✅ Dysbiosis (imbalances in good vs. bad bacteria)
✅ Leaky gut markers (linked to food sensitivities and autoimmune conditions)
✅ Pathogens & parasites (hidden infections draining your energy)
✅ Inflammation levels (chronic inflammation leads to disease)
✅ Enzyme activity (how well you’re breaking down food and absorbing nutrients)
How to Improve Gut Health After Testing:
✔ Remove gut irritants like processed foods, sugar, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners
✔ Repopulate with probiotics & fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and coconut yogurt
✔ Repair the gut lining with collagen, bone broth, and glutamine
✔ Rebalance with fiber-rich, prebiotic foods like garlic, onions, and bananas
2. HTMA: Nutritional Balancing & Heavy Metal Screening
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a powerful, non-invasive test that reveals mineral imbalances and toxic heavy metal exposure. Unlike blood tests, which fluctuate daily, HTMA provides a long-term view of your body’s mineral status.
HTMA can uncover:
✅ Mineral deficiencies (like magnesium, zinc, and selenium) that contribute to fatigue and anxiety
✅ Heavy metal toxicity (lead, mercury, arsenic, aluminum) linked to brain fog, hormone imbalances, and chronic illness
✅ Adrenal function & stress levels (cortisol, energy production, and burnout markers)
✅ Thyroid imbalances that could be keeping you stuck in low energy and weight gain
How to Balance Minerals & Detox Heavy Metals After Testing:
✔ Increase key minerals like magnesium, zinc, and selenium through whole foods and supplementation
✔ Detox heavy metals naturally using chlorella, spirulina, and cilantro
✔ Support your liver & lymphatic system with dandelion tea, dry brushing, and sweating (saunas & exercise)
✔ Reduce environmental exposure by swapping conventional products for non-toxic alternatives
The Results? More Energy, Clearer Thinking & A Stronger You
Today, as I near my 40s, I feel better than ever—even with three young children! I have more energy, clearer skin, better sleep, and a stronger immune system than I did in my 20s. Taking control of my health changed my life.
If you’re struggling with low energy, brain fog, or persistent symptoms that doctors can’t explain, it’s time to stop guessing. A gut microbiome test and HTMA analysis could be the missing pieces of your health puzzle.
No One Will Save You—It’s Time to Take Control
No one will care about your health more than you do. You are your own best advocate. If you’re tired of feeling exhausted, unheard, and unwell, know this: there are answers, and there is hope.
By understanding your gut health, balancing your minerals, and detoxing from heavy metals, you can reclaim your energy, restore your vitality, and start feeling like yourself again.