Living With GERD (GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease)

It hasn't been a year since I had gallbladder surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy) to remove my gallstones and just few months ago I complained of severe heartburn and was diagnosed with GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease). GERD is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach.

My gastroenterologist prescribed proton pump inhibitors (medicines that reduce the amount of stomach acid made by glands in the lining of the stomach) that I took for a week but to no avail so I requested to undergo endoscopy (a non-surgical procedure used to examine a person's digestive tract) and found out that I have H Pylori (a bacteria that enter your body and live in your digestive tract) in my stomach. I was advised to take proton pump inhibitors again and antibiotics for a month to kill the bacteria.

Quite frankly, my doctor told me that I have to live with Gerd for the rest of my life so I have to be watchful of my diet. Gerd sucks bigtime. Most people get envious whenever I tell them that I don't gain weight because I don't get hungry often but little did they know is that I am suffering from a digestive disorder that I have to be picky with what I eat because if I don't, I will suffer the consequences for eating the wrong food. Comfort food for the most part, is nothing but a discomfort to me like fast food, ice cream or just anything high on fat leaving a burning sensation on my tummy that extends all the way to my lower back.

I wonder why doctors always tell you that there is nothing to avoid when it comes to food, like everything is normal when they know for sure that anything could go wrong anytime. I guess it really is pay back time because when I was young I wasn't careful of what I feed my system. I consumed junk 90% of the time especially when I started working because I love food so much and I eat anything that makes me happy. I've been working for 12 years, I've gained some and lose some weight but I took the big leap 4 years ago when I decided to take control of my body and lose an incredible amount of weight. It seriously felt good being able to fit my old clothes again and started living healthy. However, it was still too late to save my gallbladder because my gallstone has been living inside my body for 10 years and I only found out about it last year. I guess I just have to get used to this whole Gerd thing. I don't want to be careful but if I want to live long, I have to. Sigh.

A Dose of "Berry Me"

Product in review:  "Berry Me" by Dose Of Colors

I guess I'm addicted to liquid-matte lipsticks recently I've been comparing which brand is the matte-iest of them all. When Limecrime popularized 'vegan and cruelty free' makeup (vegan meaning they use minerals and plant based/organic ingredients and cruelty free or not tested on animals), a lot of new and cheaper, cosmetic brands came out with the same claim which is good because this simply means that more women are opting for environment and animal friendly cosmetics. 

I stumbled upon Dose Of Colors while browsing Instagram photos from some makeup artists that I've been following. I've never owned any velvet colored lipstick in the past so why not try something like "Berry Me"? According to their website, their products are vegan free, cruelty free, gluten free (allergen free) and paraben free (paraben are cosmetic preservatives). This shade look a little like a mixture of pink and purple on their website so I was a little surprised when I opened the bottle because it's almost fuschia pink to me, just a little bit darker. I was a little disappointed at first and I'm not sure if I can even pull off such strong color but after applying and letting it dry for a few seconds, I realized that it wasn't so bad after all, it's kinda cute actually. The bottle is more decent compared to LA Splash, well it has to be since it is more expensive too. I like the lip applicator better as well, it's not as messy so it's easier to manage the amount of liquid that you will put on your lips. The website suggested to exfoliate lips before use since this will really leave your lips dry just like any other matte lipstick. True to their word, it is long wearing. I think this shade is perfect if you want to highlight your lips and go easy on your eyes. 

Berry, Berry Me!

Dose of Colors is a good brand and of good quality but have limited colors to choose from. I hope in the future they'll come up with more unique colors. I think Pretty Zombie Cosmetics is a good alternative if you are looking for almost similar shades but cheaper.          

Product Description:

Our liquid lipstick is a velvety high-fashion matte finish which envelops lips in a rich color. Glides on smoothly and stays put throughout the day.

• Vegan

• Cruelty Free 

• Gluten Free 

• Paraben Free

Tips: Exfoliate lips before use. Avoid greasy food.

Ingredients:

Isododecane Synthetic Beeswax VP/Hexadecene Copolymer Octyldodecanol Cyclopentasiloxane C18-36 Acid Triglyceride Disteardimonium Hectorite Phenoxyethanol Alcohol denatured Ethylhexylglycerin MAY CONTAIN: ± D&C Red No.28 Aluminum Lake (CI 45410) FD&C Red No.40 Aluminum Lake (CI 16035) Titanium dioxide (CI 77891) FD&C Yellow No 5 Lake (CI 19140) Aluminum Oxide Red 6 Lake (CI 15850) D&C Red 27 Lake (CI 45410) FD&C Red 7 Calcium Lake (CI 15850:1) Iron Oxides (CI 77499) FD&C Blue No.1 Aluminum Lake (CI 42090).