Author: Nikken

How Important is Movement for Physical Well-Being?

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Most of us acknowledge that staying mobile is a necessary part of an active and empowered lifestyle. But can movement also improve overall physical well-being? In reality, movement can help us feel good every day. And best of all, it doesn’t take a gym membership or strenuous exercise—small daily movements, as long as they’re done consistently, may increase mobility and contribute to overall health.

Here’s how movement can positively impact six crucial parts of the body:

•          Muscles: More than 600 muscles in the body make up 40% of the human body’s weight. Movement helps strengthen those muscles, which help the body to maintain stability, balance and coordination.1

•          Bones: Movement helps build more durable, denser bones. Whether you choose resistance training, jogging, walking, hiking or balance training, such as Pilates and yoga, movement supports bone density.2 Movement and exercise may offer protection against osteoporosis and age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, also known as sarcopenia. Improved physical function can reduce the risk of falls and likelihood of serious injury if there is a fall.3

•          Joints: Flexibility and range-of-motion are important to keep the joints functioning smoothly. Stretching and being mindful of posture and how daily tasks are performed can help increase coordination and balance.

•          Brain: Researchers have made the connection between brain power and movement. As some people age and lose mobility, their cognitive functions deteriorate as well. Daily movement helps rejuvenate the structures within the brain that are linked to cognition. In rehab facilities, even those who are wheelchair bound are provided ways to “cycle” their arms, because movement is not limited to the legs!

•          Heart: Keep the heart pumping at optimal levels by moving every day. It used to be called aerobics and now it’s cardio. Increasing your heartrate through any form of cardiovascular activity done daily can help lower blood pressure, boost levels of good cholesterol and improve blood flow (circulation).4

•          Lungs: To breathe is to live, so keeping the lungs healthy is critical to physical well-being. Movement helps the lungs to improve cardiorespiratory endurance. Walking at a brisk pace is an easy way to help the lungs. And, mindfully inhaling and exhaling deeply is a small but healthy movement in and of itself!

Movement can help you feel better, look better and live better—it’s a natural way to lift your mood and spirits, to sleep better and to connect with nature and the people around you!

1, 2 https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/fitness/blog/blogs-just-move–the-six-benefits-of-everyday-movement

3 https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/health-benefits-exercise-and-physical-activity

4 https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/why-is-physical-activity-so-important-for-health-and-wellbeing

Can Magnets Support Mental Health?

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Overall well-being includes mental health, not just physical health. When it comes to physical health, much of the science is black and white; whereas with mental health, there are more gray areas. While medication and psychotherapy are often seen as the end-all-be-all treatments for depression and other mental health conditions, magnets can serve as alternative ways to regulate neural activity: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an advanced method of relieving erratic brain activity that can cause poor mental health.1

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), TMS usually is used only when other depression treatments haven’t been effective. The FDA also approved TMS for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), migraines and to help people stop smoking when standard treatments haven’t worked well. Research continues into other potential uses for TMS, including epilepsy.2

When used for depression, OCD and to stop smoking, this treatment involves delivering repeated magnetic pulses, so it’s called repetitive TMS or rTMS. During an rTMS session for depression, an electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp of the head. This coil delivers magnetic pulses that stimulate nerve cells in the region of the brain involved in mood control and depression. It’s thought to activate regions of the brain that have decreased activity during depression.3

The difference between rTMS and deep TMS has to do with the type of coil used. The deep TMS coil stimulates deeper and wider areas of the brain, compared with rTMS. Deep TMS coils have been FDA-approved for OCD and to stop smoking. Although the biology of why TMS works isn’t completely understood, the stimulation appears to affect how the brain is working. It seems to ease depression symptoms and improve mood.4

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the recipient of TMS is fully aware of what’s happening during the entire treatment and can talk, read or nap. The coil delivers stimulation for approximately four seconds, then stops for 15 seconds and then resumes. This is repeated about 75 times per session. During the stimulation, the patient may hear a tapping sound as well as feel the sensation of being tapped on the scalp. Phase one can be time-consuming, with 30 treatments being recommended over a six-week period of time. During the second or maintenance phase, the frequency decreases according to each case, varying from once every other week to once a month or every two months.5

Magnets and magnetic fields are part of nature, and nature continues to be a primary source of solutions for overall well-being. The more we learn, the more we can practice empowered living.

1 https://www.brainsway.com/knowledge-center/the-truth-about-magnet-therapy-aka-tms-therapy/

2, 3, 4 https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625 5 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/cant-conquer-depression-how-magnets-can-help

Do You Practice Empowered Living?

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At Nikken, our mission is to empower individuals with the means to create a naturally healthy life while reaching financial stability. We believe the key to physical, mental and financial well-being is “empowered living.”

Empowered living entails making good choices and decisions and then taking action. Doing so consistently and mindfully leads to personal growth and prosperity. The next step is to contribute positively to local communities, then to society at large. Empowered living is a pathway for individuals to connect not only to their immediate environments but also to the world.

Achieve a balanced lifestyle that is full of vitality with empowered living. Put in the simplest terms, our ongoing goal is to feel good every day. We believe feeling good every day is attainable with these five key principles:

•          Enhance your mindset.

•          Boost your vitality.

•          Strengthen your relationships.

•          Make a contribution and serve others.

•          Diversify your sources of income.

These principles are akin to living with purpose. In Japanese, “ikigai” actually means living with purpose. To know our purpose in order to be of value to families and communities, we must know what fulfills us and gives us joy, and then to pursue it.

Here are 10 behaviors to put into motion for ikigai or empowered living:

1.         Awaken your consciousness. Increase your level of awareness to improve your lifestyle. Be open to learning new things.

2.         Connect with your purpose: Understand and pursue the meaning and value you bring to your life.

3.         Choose joy: Choose to be happy and savor each moment. Be grateful.

4.         Move your body: Incorporate activities that motivate you to move naturally, every day. Stay active in one way or another. Get in shape and stay in shape.

5.         Recharge your batteries: Increase energy levels by ensuring restful sleep, connecting with nature and breathing consciously. When you increase your vital energy, you naturally decrease stress.

6.         Practice smart hydration: Consume pure, high-quality water.

7.         Practice smart nutrition: Eat natural, organic and nutritious foods. Don’t eat too much, leave a little room for optimal digestion!

8          Nurture your relationships: Foster love, shared goals, mutual support and connection. Surround yourself with friends and positive thinkers.

9.         Transform your environment: Connect with communities, understand their needs and offer help.

10.       Diversify your finances: Explore various income sources and manage your finances wisely.

Empowered living means consciously living your best life, one day at a time, resulting in not just a long life, but a well-lived life of purpose and meaning.

Do You Know About Magnets and Acupressure Points?

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Our bodies have naturally-occurring magnetic and electric fields, that is, all of the molecules in our bodies that make up cells have a small amount of magnetic energy in them. Ions such as calcium and potassium help the cells communicate with each other by creating and sending electrical signals. When we feel spasms or muscle contractions, we are experiencing our nerves sending signals! Therefore, when the body’s magnetic and electric fields are out of balance, a host of issues can arise.

Those who study magnetic field therapy believe that these imbalances can be normalized when the body is exposed to a magnetic field. How is this done? In general, different types of magnets may be applied to specific acupuncture/acupressure points.1 These areas are called energy pathways or channels. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also describes these special acupressure points as “meridians” in the body.

Used for thousands of years in China to promote relaxation and wellness, the goal of acupressure and acupuncture is to restore health and balance to the body’s energy channels by regulating the opposing forces of negative and positive energies. TCM posits that a vital life force known as qi (ch’i) flows through these invisible channels where 12 major meridians connect a specific network of organs that operates a communication system throughout the body. The meridians begin at the fingertips, connect to the brain, and then connect to an organ associated with a certain meridian. According to this theory, when one of these meridians is blocked or out of balance, physical challenges can occur.2

Magnetic field therapy takes TCM’s theory of energy channels and partners it with magnets. When magnets are placed on the acupressure points within the energy channels, the affect is similar to acupuncture, but without needles. The magnets create a magnetic field, which promotes more optimal functioning of the circulatory system, while enhancing the nervous system’s innate abilities to refresh and restore balance.3

Alternative modalities may help you experience Empowered Living the Nikken way! They can help us take control of our lives in order to feel good every day by practicing health and wellness through mindful intention.

1, 2, 3 https://www.webmd.com/balance/acupressure-points-and-massage-treatment

Magnets are Important in Our Daily Lives

Published on by Nikken

Magnets play crucial roles in various industries and in the devices we use every day. From computers and electronics to health and medicine, magnets power our daily lives. We don’t always think of magnets as key components in making our households run smoothly, but the fact is, they do.

From vacuum cleaners to doorbells, washing machines and telephones—they all require magnets. So do credit cards, MRI machines and electric vehicles and computer data storage on hard drives. Magnets help alter the direction of the magnetic material on the hard disk to represent computer data. Additionally, magnets are present in small speakers, USB cables, radios, televisions, and other electronic gadgets we rely on daily.1

Magnets in electric generators turn mechanical energy into electricity, while some motors flip that, turning electricity back into motion. Electromagnets play a vital role in recycling by grabbing large metal pieces. Moreover, magnetic drums are used in mines to separate metallic ores from crushed rock. Food processing units also utilize magnets to remove small metal pieces from grains and other food items.2

There are three main types of magnets:

•          Permanent magnets retain their magnetic properties. Examples of permanent magnets include neodymium, ferrite and alnico. Nikken products most often contain either neodymium or ferrite magnets. Although neodymium magnets are considered the strongest and most expensive, ferrite magnets offer the most corrosion resistance.

•          Temporary magnets are made out of soft metals that become magnetic when close to a magnetic field or electrical current. Examples include common use items such as iron nails, paper clips and refrigerator magnets. These items lose their magnetism when they are removed from the magnetic field.

•          Electromagnets are created by running an electrical current through a coil with a metal core. The energized coil creates a magnetic field. When the current is shut off, the magnetic field disappears.Electromagnets are used for applications that require strength, such as rail road tracks, motor engines, MRI machines and cranes.3 

Magnets are indispensable and make our lives easier and more efficient. At Nikken, magnets are incorporated into many of our products. For example, neodymium magnets are incorporated in the Kenko Precision Set’s sphere and wand. Our Kenko mSteps® and Kenko mStrides® are insoles with patented DynaFlux® magnetic technology. Even our jewelry— necklaces, bracelets and earrings—incorporate magnets. 

Have you seen how dogs turn around in circles before they find the perfect spot to relax in? They instinctively know how to access the natural magnetic energy in their changing environment. Humans are less in tune with planet Earth, but since contemporary lifestyles cannot function smoothly without magnets, learning about them and reaping the most benefits from them can make daily living so much more enjoyable!

1, 2 https://neomagnets.net/6-main-uses-of-magnets-in-our-daily-life/ 3 https://learning-center.homesciencetools.com/article/magnet-types-science-lesson/#:~:text=The%20three%20types%20of%20magnets,by%20their%20source%20of%20magnetism.

Daily Habits Can Influence Overall Mental Well-Being

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Many factors play a part in mental health, some of which we can’t control, such as genetics, life experiences, and family history. Nonetheless, there are many things we can consciously do every day to create overall well-being.

What we think about and how we we approach our thoughts can impact everything in our lives. Our ability to handle the twists and turns of life affect our mental health, and building good habits can make a difference. Common sense dictates many of these positive behaviors, but staying consistent is both the key and the challenge to making them work.

Sleep is necessary to maintain good physical health, but it also is crucial for mental health. One study from 2021 included 273,695 adults in the United States. The researchers found that people who averaged six hours of sleep or less per night were about 2.5 times more likely to report frequent mental distress than those who averaged more than six hours of sleep.1 The researchers also found that the quality of sleep matters, as disrupted sleep can add to mental health issues. So, maintain a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and getting up at the same time daily and reap the benefits.

Another area that impacts mental health is “keeping up with the Joneses.” No matter how well you are doing, there will always be others doing better. This constant comparison with others can produce feelings of inadequacy. The advent of social media has multiplied these comparisons a hundred-fold, and psychologists report that feelings of low self-worth are an inevitable byproduct of constantly consuming information about other people’s lives. The solution is to cut back on social media. Stop scrolling on the phone, day and night, keep your phone out of reach during sleep hours, turn off notifications and only keep social apps that are absolutely necessary.2 Hit delete, delete, delete.

Staying out of the business of people we don’t know can be a relief, but staying in touch with people we do know, can be truly transformative. In other words, friends and family deserve attention and even when the effort to strengthen these relationships can be taxing, they’re worth it. These are the people who ultimately lend meaning to our lives. Instead of keeping up with the latest gossip about so-and-so, why not take the time to call mom, son, cousin, old friend, new friend, etc.? Better yet, make it a point to catch up by actually meeting for walks, tea, or a laugh-together session!

Exercise isn’t a magic bullet for physical and mental health, but it comes close. Next time you’re feeling down, go outside and move around. Walk, jog, stretch, do some head rolls—it doesn’t matter what you do as long as you do it regularly. For mental well-being, it doesn’t have to be vigorous or strenuous. In fact, it should be whatever you are comfortable with, even if it’s chair exercises. Again, be consistent—start slowly and build up stamina.

What we eat and drink also affects our state of mind. Certain foods are known as “mood-boosters.” These include berries, bananas, salmon, beans, salmon and whole grains. Staying hydrated by drinking water throughout the day can be beneficial. According to nutritionists, dehydration denies the brain and body the nutrients required to operate at optimal levels. Certain foods and drinks, including alcohol, caffeinated beverages, refined carbs and foods with added sugars, may actually increase anxiety. A nutrient-dense diet is something to stay on for a lifetime, so developing good eating habits is essential for healthy longevity.

Good habits take time to create, so start gradually and empower yourself. May is mental health awareness month, the perfect time to start or add to your daily regimen of empowered living! Develop one good habit at a time, and build on it. You may be surprised how much better you feel both mentally and physically!

1, 2 https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/habits-to-improve-mental-health

Stress Awareness: Sometimes a Hug Does the Trick

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We all experience stress at some point every day; however, if we’re aware of it, we can actually do something about it. Some of the signs that stress levels are too high include: pain or tension in the head, chest, stomach or muscles, digestive issues, fluctuating heart rate and blood pressure, poor sleep, jaw pain, appetite changes, mood swings, difficulty focusing and feeling overwhelmed.1

Exercise, healthier eating, and getting enough sleep all have health benefits. One benefit is fewer symptoms of stress. Doing things you enjoy can help balance out stressful times. Mental Health America says that laughter, as well as positive feelings from your activities or relationships, helps beat stress.2

Talking to someone you trust helps lower stress levels. Keeping it bottled up can lead to increasing stress. Simple actions like petting a dog or going for a walk outdoors can help decrease stress. This is because cortisol levels are heightened during times of stress, and lowering them has a calming effect. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone.

A hug is a sign of affection and a way to transmit positive feelings. One study, published in the journal PLOS One, demonstrated that there are actual health benefits to hugging, including reduced blood pressure, decreased inflammation, lower risk of infection and better overall well-being.3

Just as cortisol levels increase when we are under stress, oxytocin, the feel-good hormone, is released when we receive or give a hug. Cortisol decreases during a hug. But how long does a hug have to be to have beneficial effects?

A 2021 study investigated how people reacted to both the duration of hugs and how the hugs transpired (either criss-crossed with arms or neck-waist style). The results were published in the peer-reviewed journal Acta Psychologica, showing that hugs lasting five to 10 seconds were felt to be more favorable than hugs lasting only a second.4 The researchers inferred that longer hugs are more pleasant than very short ones, and criss-cross hugs are more common than neck-waist embraces.

Those who have been with Nikken for a long time may have been fortunate enough to have met our Founder Isamu Masuda. Mr. Masuda was known for his humility and affection for everyone, and often hugged people upon meeting and departing. His hugs were of the criss-cross version, and known as “heart-to-heart.” Over the years, this became known as the “Masuda Hug.” The Masuda Hug continues on everywhere there is a Nikken event or celebration. It has become a cherished part of the Nikken feel-good lifestyle.

The next time you’re aware that stress is getting to you, try to be kind to yourself. See if you can find someone to hug! You might be able to reap the benefits within 10 seconds!

1 https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-level-too-high

2 https://drexelmedicine.org/blog/overview/stress-relief-tips-for-stress-awareness-month-and-beyond/

3, 4 https://apple.news/A08s2oe2ZSVSbwbzJveGY0A

Each of Us Can Play a Part in Earth’s Planetary Health

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Planetary health is a relatively new concept that has gained traction in recent years due to the urgent need to address the health of our planet and its inhabitants. It refers to the interdependent health of both humans and the environment, recognizing that the two are inseparable and that the health of one is intricately linked to the health of the other.1

Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth led to environmental degradation and climate change in this era. These factors have profound implications for human health, with climate change and extreme weather events exacerbating existing health problems. Air and water pollution as well as toxic chemicals are additional environmental factors that lead to health issues. By promoting sustainable development and protecting the planet’s health and inhabitants, we can ensure a healthy future for generations.2

Here are a few things we can do to to help Earth sustain its positive energy for the well-being of flora, fauna, humans and the planet as a whole:

•          Reduce food waste. Although there are so many on planet Earth who suffer from malnutrition and food deficit, there is an unconscionable amount of food that is wasted. To better understand how food waste occurs in your own kitchen, write down what gets thrown in the trash throughout the week, including the reason why. Did it go bad? Did you buy too much? Were you unsure of how to save it safely? Use this personal research to determine how best to reduce your waste. Perhaps you simply need to buy less, or learn better strategies for freezing or re-using leftovers.3

•          Learn how to compost. It is a great way to use food scraps such as fruit rinds or vegetable discards. The composting process converts food into stable soil carbon, rather than methane (which is what happens to food at a landfill).

•          Be mindful of how you use water. The average American household uses 98 gallons of water each day, more than other families around the globe.4 Assess your daily activities that involve water —bathing, cleaning, washing dishes, laundry, the toilet, cooking, watering the lawn —and see how you can cut down. For example, don’t let the faucet run while you’re brushing your teeth! Use a basin of water to rinse your dishes rather than running the tap on each item. Accumulate a whole load before using the dishwasher or doing laundry. Make sure you don’t have any leaky plumbing.

•          Consider solar power. It is a good choice for reducing carbon emissions. Personal rooftop solar panels are becoming less expensive and more widely used every year. And, it will likely decrease your electricity bills, if not completely wipe them out.

•          Eat less meat and more plant-based food. Forests are destroyed to make room for grazing, fertilizers produce nitrous oxide, and cows emit the greenhouse gas methane as they graze. Most climate change experts agree that reducing meat consumption is one of the most important tasks we have as a global community. In addition to being more eco-friendly, plant-rich diets may also reduce risk of some chronic diseases and add years to your life.5 Why not try a three-bean chili or a grilled portabella mushroom burger? 

•          Reduce, Reuse & Recycle: Reduce your usage of waste-producing items, such as single-use plastic bottles. Reuse whenever possible to minimize purchases. Recycle to lower your carbon footprint.

The World Health Organization (WHO) introduced planetary health as one of the core terms in its “Health Promotion Glossary of Terms 2021″.6 When we recognize the interdependence between Earth’s natural ecosystems and human health, we can all commit to doing our part to sustaining Earth’s vital energies!

Celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd and treat yourself and your loved ones to fresh air with the KenkoAir Purifier® at 20% off the regular price! To breathe is to live and to breathe KenkoAir is to live healthy!

1, 2,6 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11107315/

3, 4, 5 https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/10-things-you-can-do-planetary-health

Breathe Easier: How Air Ionizers Can Be Beneficial

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We often don’t think about the air we breathe, but it can be filled with allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust, and mold—often invisible to the eye but affecting our health. These particles can be particularly troublesome for people with allergies or asthma. But there’s good news: air ionizers can help reduce allergens in the air, creating a healthier home.

An air ionizer works by releasing negatively charged ions into the air. These ions attach to positively charged particles, causing them to clump together and become heavy enough to settle out of the air or more easily captured by filters.

Why Should You Consider Using an Air Ionizer?

If you’re struggling with allergy symptoms or just want cleaner air in your home, an air ionizer could make a big difference. Here’s how:

  1. Reduces Allergens
    Air ionizers help reduce the presence of common allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust from the air, which can help ease allergy symptoms and make breathing easier.
  2. Better Sleep Quality
    An air ionizer can help remove airborne allergens that could disrupt your rest, promoting a more restful sleep.
  3. Creates a Healthier Environment
    Even if you don’t suffer from allergies, cleaner air improves the overall atmosphere in your home, making it fresher and more comfortable for everyone.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Air Ionizer

To ensure you’re getting the most benefit from your air ionizer:

  • Place it strategically in a central area where the air circulates throughout the room.
  • Clean your home regularly to prevent allergens from settling back into the air.
  • Maintain the ionizer by following the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance.

Empower Your Environment with Cleaner Air

Air ionizers are a simple yet effective way to help improve your indoor air quality. By reducing allergens and pollutants in the air, they help you create a healthier, more comfortable living space, allowing you to breathe easier and feel your best. To further enhance your air quality, combine an air ionizer with an air purifier!

Sources:

  1. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. “Air Purifiers and Their Effectiveness.” www.aaaai.org.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Indoor Air Quality.” www.cdc.gov.

About the Author

Stephanie Rosado is a journalist and marketing professional with a global perspective. She studied journalism abroad at DMJX in Denmark and Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia, and earned her degree from San Francisco State University. With over five years of experience in marketing, Stephanie specializes in social media strategy and creative writing, blending storytelling and strategy to connect with audiences in meaningful ways.

Gut Health Matters: Supporting Your Gut Barrier for Overall Wellness

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An Educational Look at Gut Permeability and Why It’s Worth Your Attention

Imagine pouring a glass of water from your tap and seeing it cloudy with debris. Would you drink it? Most of us wouldn’t. Instead, many rely on advanced water filtration systems to purify and enhance the quality of what we consume.

Now, think of your gut barrier as a filtration system for your body. It plays a key role in supporting digestion and overall wellness by selectively allowing nutrients to pass into your bloodstream while helping regulate exposure to other particles. Some researchers suggest that when this system is under stress, it may become more permeable—an area of growing scientific interest. While the term “leaky gut” is sometimes used to describe this phenomenon, it is not a recognized medical condition. Instead, ongoing research is exploring how gut permeability may be influenced by lifestyle factors and how maintaining gut health may contribute to overall well-being.

Just as you wouldn’t compromise on clean water, supporting your gut barrier could be a proactive step toward feeling your best.

What Influences Gut Barrier Health?

Think of your gut barrier as a tightly woven mesh, composed of specialized cells that regulate what enters the bloodstream. When functioning optimally, this barrier allows properly digested nutrients to be absorbed while maintaining balance in the digestive system. However, certain lifestyle factors may challenge this balance, according to some studies:

•Diets high in processed foods or unhealthy fats

•Ongoing stress or poor sleep quality

•Frequent use of antibiotics or certain medications

•High intake of alcohol or sugar

Some research suggests that these factors may affect proteins (such as Claudin-3 and Zonulin-1) that help maintain the gut lining’s integrity, potentially leading to increased permeability. While more studies are needed, maintaining a balanced diet and adopting healthy lifestyle habits may support gut function and digestive wellness.

Signs Your Gut Might Need Support

Gut health plays a vital role in overall well-being, but subtle signs of imbalance can sometimes go unnoticed. Consider the following:

Do you experience occasional bloating or digestive discomfort? Do you sometimes feel fatigued or experience brain fog? Are you finding it challenging to maintain energy levels and a balanced metabolism?

If you answered yes to any of these, your gut may benefit from extra care. While maintaining gut health through diet, lifestyle, and possibly supplements may help, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Final Thoughts: Caring for Your Gut Like You Care for Your Water

Would you knowingly drink unfiltered, contaminated water? Probably not. Similarly, prioritizing gut health may contribute to overall wellness, as it plays a vital role in nutrient absorption and digestion.

While research continues to explore gut permeability and its broader implications, one thing remains clear—a balanced diet, stress management, and mindful lifestyle choices can all contribute to gut health.

Explore ways to support your gut health today—because just as you wouldn’t compromise on clean drinking water, nurturing your gut barrier is a step toward feeling your best.

Suggested Further Reading: · Groschwitz KR, Hogan SP (July 2009). “Intestinal barrier function: molecular regulation and disease pathogenesis”. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 124 (1): 3–20, quiz 21–2.

· Bischoff SC, Barbara G, Buurman W, Ockhuizen T, Schulzke JD, Serino M, Tilg H, Watson A, Wells JM (Nov 18, 2014). “Intestinal permeability–a new target for disease prevention and therapy”. BMC Gastroenterology (Review). 14: 189. · Canakis, Andrew; Haroon, Mustafa; Weber, H. Christian (2020). “Irritable bowel syndrome and gut microbiota”. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Obesity. 27: 28–35.

· Tsung-Ru Wu et al., 2019. Gut commensal Parabacteroides goldsteinii plays a predominant role in the anti-obesity effects of polysaccharides isolated from Hirsutella sinensis. Gut, 68(2):248-262

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The information provided does not constitute medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

About the Author:

Dr. Rob is a nutrition and fitness expert with a PhD from The Ohio State University. He has led innovation in dietary supplements and functional foods for top wellness brands and now serves as Chief Science Officer for TCI BIOTECH US & Americas. An author of four books and over 100 research papers, he works globally with athletes and health professionals to optimize performance and well-being.