TODAY'S AJENDA #98

We’re taught that water is the one thing we can inherently trust. 

It’s what our bodies are made of. It’s what we’re told to drink more of when we’re pregnant, exhausted, sick, or trying to “glow.” But there’s a widening gap between what we expect from our water and what the system actually delivers. 

An Old Water Infrastructure System 

The backbone of US water safety, the Safe Drinking Water Act, was passed in 1974. While it was a triumph for public health at the time, that infrastructure system was not designed to address the contaminants we’re now aware of. 

From “forever chemicals” (PFAS) to microplastics, our water is now filled with thousands of contaminants. These contaminants act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with our hormones, even at very low levels. 

• Zoom In: There are currently no federal standards that limit PFAs or microplastics in either tap or bottled water. 

To be clear, municipal water utilities aren’t the “bad guys.” They do the best they can with the tools they have. But they’re often constrained by aging infrastructure, limited funding, and outdated regulations. 

The Bottled Water Paradox

“What if I just stick to bottled water?” While bottled water is regulated differently (and in some cases less stringently than municipal tap water!), brands are not legally required to test for many of these contaminants. As a result, many simply don’t.

If a company wants to use terms like “spring,” “artesian,” or “natural,” they are legally limited in how much they can purify the water. The appeal is in the “naturalness,” but that also means they can’t filter out everything. 

And since these sources are subject to changes in rainfall, geology, and surrounding land use, even the best springs can carry naturally occurring trace contaminants from season to season. 

On the other hand, if a company does go the purification route, it won’t get credit for its source. This means most purified waters start with municipal tap water, then rely on filtration to improve quality and consistency.

“What about modern filtration?” It helps…but it isn’t magic. Modern membrane systems are effective at reducing many contaminants, yet no single method addresses everything under all conditions. The quality of the starting source still matters.

Bottled Water Container: Glass vs. Plastic

Then there’s the container. Glass used to be the standard for bottled water. The industry moved away from it because glass is heavy, more expensive, and slower to run through a bottling line. Plastic lines run faster. Aluminum cans run even faster.

Today, most bottled water is packaged in some form of plastic, whether that’s PET bottles, plastic-lined aluminum cans, or cartons lined with plastic. Under normal supply chain conditions, including heat, storage time, and transport, those materials can degrade.

None of this means our water is universally unsafe. But it does mean that consumers are often operating with incomplete information about something they consume every single day.

What Changed My Thinking 

After months of reading studies and reviewing test results, I came to a conclusion. Truly clean, consistent water depends on both a high-quality source and equally high-quality filtration, mineralization, and bottling practices.

That realization is what led me to invest in Loonen. I met the founder, Clara Sieg, last year, and spent a lot of time speaking with her, hearing the evolution of how Loonen was developed, and looking into the world of bottled water myself. I was not only impressed with Loonen, but I felt compelled to help them with their mission and their launch, and to help them get their story out about the ways in which they are different. 

The Loonen Way: 

1. Loonen starts with pristine spring water – not municipal water – and then uses a non-chemical, physical membrane filtration process to further purify the water.

2. Then they remineralize using the highest-quality, lab-tested minerals (like Celtic sea salt instead of refined table salt) to restore a balanced taste and hydration profile. It’s crisp and refreshing.

3. All Loonen water is transported in stainless steel tankers and piping to avoid exposure to plastic along the way. Then, they bottle exclusively in glass with microplastic-free caps/seals.

4. Most importantly, Loonen tests every batch for microplastics, forever chemicals, and hundreds of other contaminants. The results are third-party certified, shared publicly, and available via QR code on every single bottle. 

It’s slower, harder, and more expensive. But in comparison to the other few brands of “clean” water, Loonen is a fraction of the cost and has already sold out during its debut on Amazon! 

And yes, hydration really does help you glow and is good for your body from your brain to your kidneys. I can confirm this after aggressively testing the theory on myself. And as you probably know about me by now, I don’t recommend anything to my friends, patients, followers, readers, or viewers that I don’t do, wouldn’t do, or haven’t done myself. 

You can now find Loonen in retailers throughout California and nationwide on Amazon.  

Being told to "just take a deep breath" can feel a bit patronizing, can’t it? But intentional breathing is a direct remote control to your nervous system. I’m making breathwork a major focus of mine in 2026, and I’d love for you to join me. 

Between caregiving, work, and unpredictable hormonal shifts, we often get stuck in the sympathetic drive: that “always-on” state of high alert. Our goal is to shift towards a parasympathetic state. This is the branch of your nervous system that focuses on rest, digestion, and sleep. 

Breathwork helps us make that shift. Here’s how: 

The Physiology in Plain English

Think of your heart, lungs, and brain as being in constant conversation through the vagus nerve. When you breathe slowly and extend your exhale, you’re sending a “calm down” message to that nerve. This signal tells your heart to relax and reassures your brain that your environment is safe. 

• Zoom In: You can actually measure this through Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which tracks how regulated your nervous system is. 

Breathing at about six breaths per minute (roughly a 4-second inhale and a 6-second exhale) is the “sweet spot.” This rhythm, called Resonance Frequency Breathing, can increase cardiac vagal activity and improve HRV.

How Breathwork Combats Stress and Anxiety 

When you’re anxious, your breathing becomes shallow and fast, triggering your sympathetic system. Slow breathing helps disrupt that pattern and get you back to a calm state. 

• Science Says: A Stanford study found that just five minutes of daily breathwork significantly reduced anxiety, improved mood, and was an effective stress management exercise. 

The Beginner’s Guide to Breathwork

Start here:

• Sit comfortably with your feet on the floor

• Inhale gently through your nose for 4 seconds

• Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds

• Repeat for 3–5 minutes

That’s about 6 breaths per minute. If you prefer to go by feel, think: longer exhale than inhale. It should feel soft and easy (if you’re dizzy, that’s not good!). 

“When should I do this?” Whenever works best for you! I like to do this first thing in the morning while watching the sunrise, but you can do it before bed, meals (which can improve digestion), after a stressful day, or even in the middle of the night if you wake up wired. 

Are There Any Cons to Breathwork? 

Most people feel calmer after breathwork, but it’s not for everyone. If you have panic disorder, fixating on your breath can feel uncomfortable. Start with just 30 seconds and work up gradually. 

And if you breathe too forcefully, you may feel lightheaded. It's not dangerous, but your body is telling you to breathe more gently. 

Some people find that movement-based stress relief works better for them, and that's completely fine. 

How To Stick To Breathwork 

You don’t need a meditation cushion or a timer. You need a cue. Many women find it easiest to link this to something they already do: brushing teeth, getting into bed, waiting for coffee to brew. For me, it’s right after waking up. 

Three to five minutes. That’s it.

The North Star Takeaway

You don’t have to outthink stress. You can outbreathe it.

Slow breathing is one of the rare tools that is simple, evidence-based, and under your control. For women over 50, who often feel pulled in a dozen directions, it’s a way to reclaim a sense of internal steadiness without adding another rule.

If you have time to spiral, you have time to exhale.

Last week, I shared on Instagram that olive oil is my go-to body moisturizer of choice, and received hundreds of questions! It seems we’re all looking for ways to navigate skincare as we age without needing a chemistry degree or second mortgage.  

This is one of those things that requires a mix of science, skincare, shopping savvy, and common sense to decide if or how to incorporate it into your daily routine. But to start, here’s a miniature guide to using cooking oils on your skin.

How Skin Changes After 50 

After 50, our skin becomes thinner, drier, and far less forgiving. This is why I’ve spent the last 20 years recommending three simple, budget-friendly staples: olive oil, coconut oil, and good old baby oil. 

While they’re all straightforward, they actually behave quite differently on the skin. 

My journey with this started in 2004, when I read a book written by a wonderful Ayurvedic physician. One of the basic principles of Ayurvedic health is: “don’t use anything on your skin that is not pure enough to eat.” 

While it’s a sweeping generalization, the point is a valid one. As our body’s largest organ, our skin absorbs what we give it into our bloodstream, so choose wisely. This saying is one I’ve never forgotten. 

Olive Oil: The Kitchen Staple That Behaves Like Skincare

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols. These act as a natural emollient to soften and smooth the skin by filling in microscopic gaps between skin cells. It’s a wonderful, minimally processed option that’s free from the fragrance and preservatives found in most lotions. 

Cons

• Heavy or greasy if overapplied

• Not ideal for acne-prone areas like the chest or back

• Some studies suggest it may disrupt the skin barrier in people with eczema or very sensitive skin if used excessively

• It definitely has a “salad” smell initially, but I find it rapidly dissipates within minutes.

Best use: damp skin after a shower, a small amount warmed in your hands and pressed in, not rubbed aggressively. I use it on my hair (ends only) too.

Coconut Oil: The Tropical Favorite With Mixed Reviews

Coconut oil is a rich emollient with a unique fatty acid profile. Unlike olive oil, it contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties. It forms a thicker, more occlusive layer on the skin, which is great for trapping moisture in stubborn areas like shins, elbows, and feet. 

But it’s also more comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores for some people. Many dermatologists caution against using coconut oil on the face or upper chest for this reason.

Coconut oil can also be used as a vaginal lubricant (internally and externally), as can olive oil, but coconut oil tends to be slightly more optimal because of the lack of smell.

Cons

• Can clog pores and trigger breakouts

• Feels heavy in warm weather

• Can stain clothing or sheets if overused

Best use: targeted application to dry areas, especially in winter.

Baby Oil: The Misunderstood Classic

Baby oil is typically mineral oil with fragrance. Mineral oil is an occlusive, meaning it forms a barrier on the skin that prevents water loss. Unlike olive or coconut oil, it doesn’t nourish the skin with fats or antioxidants. Mineral oil is also non-comedogenic and very stable, which is why it’s long been used in dermatology. 

Cons

• Contains fragrance unless you buy fragrance-free

• Does not provide nutrients to the skin

• Feels slippery and can transfer to fabrics

Best use: immediately after showering, on damp skin, in small amounts.

Bottom Line: Which Oil Is Right For You? 

Dry skin at this stage of life is often more about a weakened barrier from low estrogen, not lack of moisture. Emollients (olive and coconut oil) add softness. Occlusives (baby oil) seal water. But honestly, the “best” oil matters less than how you use it. 

The secret is just a small amount, applied to damp skin consistently. This beats a large amount applied sporadically every time. 

None are glamorous, but they all work. And they’re MUCH less expensive than a typical body lotion and more pure, due to the lack of other chemical ingredients. 

Subscribe to my paid newsletter, Off Duty, where I step away from the doctor’s desk and television sets and share the info from my real life that nobody else has access to.

Did you enjoy Today’s Ajenda? It would mean the world if you left us a testimonial!

ABOUT DR. JEN

In her former roles as chief medical correspondent for ABC News and on-air cohost of “GMA3: What You Need to Know,” Dr. Jennifer Ashton—”Dr. Jen”—has shared the latest health news and information with millions of viewers nationwide. As an OB-GYN, nutritionist, and board-certified obesity medicine specialist, she is passionate about promoting optimal health for “the whole woman.” She has authored several books, including the national best-seller, The Self-Care Solution: A Year of Becoming Happier, Healthier & Fitter—One Month at a Time. And she has gone through menopause…

Forwarded this email?

Missed the last issue?

*Note: This newsletter includes affiliate links. Sponsors may earn a commission if you purchase.

^{This material is provided solely for informational purposes and is not providing or undertaking to provide any medical, nutritional, behavioral or other advice or recommendation in or by virtue of this material.  This newsletter is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this newsletter or materials linked from this newsletter is at the user’s own risk. The content of this newsletter is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.}