Category: Detox

Do You Know About Magnets and Acupressure Points?

Published on by Nikken

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

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

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

Published on by Nikken

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.

How Does Water Affect Gut Health?

Published on by Nikken

The gut microbiome, comprising trillions of microorganisms, plays a crucial role in overall health—not just in digestion but also in immune function and mental well-being. Research suggests that integrating sufficient water intake as part of a balanced diet may contribute to shaping a healthy gut microbiome.1

The gut is responsible for intestinal secretions and movements as well as waste removal. One of the basic functions of water in the gut is to lubricate the digestive tract. If you drew a map of the digestive process, the path would start from the mouth, where saliva starts the breakdown of food. Once swallowed, the food particles move from the esophagus to the stomach and down to the intestines.

A properly hydrated system would ensure the food particles have a smooth journey. Without enough hydration, the food particles would not be digested efficiently and the nutrients would not get absorbed into the bloodstream. Poor digestion can result in dietary deficiencies and any variety of stomach issues.

Drinking water with meals can help with overall digestion, but staying hydrated throughout the day is also important. How much hydration is necessary depends on each person’s particular physiology as well as living environment. People living in hot climates where a lot of sweating occurs may need more hydration than those living in cooler zones. By the same token, people who exercise strenuously and perspire more, will need more hydration than those less active.

What happens when the body doesn’t have a sufficient amount of water? The body will automatically use whatever water it has for critical functions, such as supporting the vital organs that maintain blood pressure and respiration. The digestive system is then left “dry” and discomforts such as constipation and stomach aches can occur.

Being dehydrated can cause an imbalance of electrolytes, which in turn can slow down the muscle contractions in the digestive tract that help push food particles through the system—causing bloating and other discomforts.

The general guideline for adequate hydration is about eight to 10 cups of water per day, which equates to approximately 64-80 ounces or 1.9-2.4 liters. This includes food rich in water content, not just plain water.2

Drink water—to your health!

1, 2 https://www.austingastro.com/2024/05/17/hydration-and-digestion-why-water-is-essential-for-a-healthy-gut/

Drinking Water Comes in Different Forms

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Not all drinking water is created equally. Some types of water taste better. Some supply more minerals. Some water, such as PiMag® water, is alkaline. Some water can even make you sick, when it’s contaminated with bacteria and/or other microbes. Here’s a look at the variety of water considered potable, that is, drinkable, for health and hydration.

Tap water comes from a piped public water supply. In the U.S. and Canada, tap water is generally considered safe to drink, because there are industry regulations that keep harmful substances out of the water supply. Nonetheless, this decontamination is not always effective, as evidenced in the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. In recent years, microplastics in North American water systems, as well as globally, pose unknown risks to health. To allay any concerns about tap water, the solution is simple: Use a PiMag Waterfall® filtration system—keep refilling it with tap water, and remember to replace the filter every three to six months or every 900 liters/238 gallons.

Mineral water is obtained from a mineral spring, where sulfur, magnesium, calcium among others, are naturally plentiful. It definitely has a different taste from tap water, and personal preference would determine whether you drink it or not. Because it contains minerals that can be beneficial, the price may be on the high end. An alternative to reaping the benefits of mineral water without constantly repurchasing is to filter tap water with the PiMag Waterfall®, which comes with mineral stones that contain copper particles. These copper particles produce positive ions that effectively destroy bacteria, mold spores, harmful microbes and algae, while the stones impart minerals continuously. Just remember to replace the mineral stones each year.

Purified water is usually tap or groundwater which has been treated to remove harmful substances like bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Purified water has had chemicals and contaminants removed, but it may still contain minerals.1 It’s an option, especially in countries where the tap water is not potable without boiling.

Distilled water is boiled and the steam is collected and condensed back into a liquid. Like purified water, it is a good option when the tap water supply is contaminated or possibly could be.However, unlike purified water, there are no vitamins and minerals in distilled water, and other than quenching thirst, has no proven health benefits.2

Spring or glacial water claims to be bottled at the source, in other words, where the water flows from, either a spring or glacier. These types of water contain minerals that are similar to the ones found in mineral water. Although in theory these types of water should be clean, it may be raw, unfiltered and untested, which could pose potential health risks.3

Sparkling water is sometimes referred to as carbonated water or soda water. Sparkling water is infused with carbon dioxide gas while under pressure and tends to be a bit mineralized.4 Readily available in a multitude of brands, it can be expensive when compared to other types of bottled water.

Well water comes straight from the ground. It is raw, untreated water and therefore has potential risks. To benefit from fresh well water, it should be tested for bacteria, nitrates and pH levels.5 Well water can also be filtered with a PiMag Waterfall® to help lower its risks.

Regardless of your preferences, the key is to stay hydrated for your health. Water is more hydrating than virtually any other beverage and it’s calorie-free!

1, 2 https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-drink-distilled-water#distilled-water-vs-purified-water

3, 4, 5 https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/nine-types-of-drinking-water

Are You Hydrated?

Published on by Nikken

Did you know that the 60% of the human body’s overall weight is from water?1 That’s one of the reasons it’s so important to stay hydrated in order to function well. Even the act of breathing throughout the day causes the body to lose water bit by bit. When fully active and perspiring, such as during strenuous exercise, the body loses a lot more water and needs to be continually replenished to keep the overall system in balance with adequate electrolytes.

As people age, their hydration needs change. For example, the elderly are more apt to become dehydrated.2 This is in part due to changes in body composition. Older people tend to eat and drink less. The mechanism that tells the body “I am thirsty” is slower to kick in, leading to a higher risk of dehydration. Since people require sodium and potassium levels to be in balance to keep the body’s cells working optimally, drinking enough water before feeling critically thirsty is key to staying hydrated.

Healthy hydration helps you maintain overall health by:

•          Helping to regulate body temperature.

•          Keeping joints lubricated for smooth movement.

•          Transporting nutrients.

•          Supporting digestion.

•          Removing waste from the body.

•          Promoting cognitive function.

•          Improving memory and mood.

•          Preventing urinary tract infections.

•          Supporting renal functions.

•          Reinforcing blood circulation for cardiovascular health.

•          Preventing low blood pressure and dizziness.

Staying hydrated is essential to good health, but how do you know whether you’re drinking enough water for your personal needs? The fastest way to take measure of your state of hydration is to check the color of your urine. If it’s pale yellow or even clear, you’re doing well. If it’s dark yellow or a dark honey color, you’re either dehydrated or need to hydrate soon. Other signs of dehydration include confusion, crankiness, anxiety, muscle cramps, fatigue or weakness, dizziness, dry mouth, lips and eyes, chills, flushed or dry skin, loss of coordination, headache, difficulty urinating, and lacking the ability to focus or concentrate.3

Staying hydrated is easier than having to drink water non-stop. Many nutritious fruit and vegetables are composed of high-water content, so when you eat them, you’re hydrating. These include vegetables such as cucumbers, lettuce, celery and radishes. High-water content fruit include watermelon, tomatoes, berries, assorted citrus (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, pomelos, etc.), and all types of melons (honeydew, casaba, cantaloupe, canary, crenshaw, hami and more). In fact, you can obtain about 20% of your daily fluid intake from food rather than beverages.

Not all beverages are equal, and water is ideal for hydration. Beverages such as coffee, tea and soda are being studied to determine whether they contribute to excessive urine output. So far, researchers have found that drinking them in moderation is not harmful but once you get to six cups or more, the dehydrating effects become noticeable.

Because caffeine and alcohol tend to increase urine output, energy drinks, beer, wine and other liquors are all known to increase the risk of dehydration. Taurine, a compound with diuretic effects, is commonly added to energy drinks. 4

Drinking water consistently throughout the day can help you stay hydrated. Drinking alkaline PiMag® water will help you reduce acidity and increase absorption. The PiMag Waterfall® is now imbued with copper particles in the filtration column as well as in the mineral stones, which turn into ions that effectively combat microbes and other contaminants upon contact. You can taste the PiMag® difference!

1, 2, 3 https://www.kendal-crosslands.org/blog/the-importance-of-hydration/gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAtYy9BhBcEiwANWQQL1TODUw

4 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dehydrating-drinks#bottom-line

How Do You Manage Your Stress?

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How Do You Manage Your Stress?

Stress has become the reason people cite for just about every negative occurrence in contemporary lifestyles. In reality, some stress is necessary for people to function productively. Getting rid of stress often involves doing good work in a timely way, obtaining positive results and moving on. Nonetheless, too much stress is proven to be detrimental to your health, so how do you manage when it seems overwhelming?

Everyone is different, so each person copes with stress in diverse ways, but pinpointing your triggers is essential—if you don’t know what makes you stressed out, you won’t be able to avoid or conquer it! Ask yourself, what makes you nervous, anxious, queasy or upset? Make a list, write it down, study it and be honest with yourself. Take baby steps in your daily life to overcome those feelings and see how your stress levels lessen.

Here are a few ways to help minimize the effects of stress in your life:

•          Don’t use not having enough time to relax as an excuse. Make the time to de-stress from work, family duties, self-imposed criticisms and whatever triggers your anxiety. Making time can simply be small breaks throughout the day, as even 15 minutes of emptying your mind, deep breathing, stretching or a brief walk can do wonders to lower stress levels.

•          Talk to someone you feel close to. Talk to a new acquaintance. Talk to your dog or cat! The key is to create and feel a connection. Even talking to yourself can be helpful, but make sure to keep it upbeat. Too often people judge themselves too harshly. In a nutshell, don’t be a recluse.

•          Quit smoking or vaping—tobacco or anything else. It does more harm to your body than you feel on a daily basis, and by the time you actually feel the detrimental effects, you could have done irreversible damage. Try chewing gum or keeping your hands busy with worry-beads.

•          Drink alcohol only sparingly. It’s estimated that, on average, one alcohol-impaired-driving death occurred every 39 minutes in 2022.1 The Centers for Disease Control consider two drinks or fewer for men and one drink or fewer for women per day to be “moderate.”2

•          Do you have expired medications/prescriptions? Resist the temptation to take them. Also, do not take medications prescribed to friends and family members. Take the time to ask your physician if you feel the need for any kind of medication, and stay true to regular appointments with physicians and screenings/tests.

•          Get enough sleep. Going to bed on a consistent schedule and waking at the same time daily is believed to help you sleep better. Having a comfortable sleep environment is crucial, so try the Kenko Sleep System with magnetic and ceramic reflective technologies. Take advantage of 30% off the Kenko Naturest® Fit mattress topper and Kenko Naturest® Cozy Throw today and tomorrow!

•          Eat healthy food that is nutrient-dense—all kinds of colorful fruits and veggies, lean proteins and beneficial fats. If you feel a lack in any area, be sure to supplement with Kenzen® nutritional supplements.

Stress is largely about your state of mind, so remind yourself to focus on the abundance in your life rather than what is lacking. Cultivate a positive attitude, and spread a little sunshine to those around you. Their pleasure will have the effect of easing your stress!

1, 2 https://www.cdc.gov/drink-less-be-your-best/drinking-less-matters/index.html

Clean Air for a Better Life

Published on by Nikken

“To breathe is to live.” That is one of the basic facts of life; however, not all air is the same. Did you know that air pollution is the largest external threat to human health worldwide? That means air pollution kills more people than tobacco and shortens average life expectancy by 2.2. years. It’s also the second leading cause of death in young children, with malnutrition being the first.1

Breathing is the process of “gas exchange.” When you inhale, air enters your lungs and oxygen moves to your bloodstream. When you exhale, carbon dioxide, otherwise known as waste gas, moves from the blood to the lungs to be expelled.2 What you breathe in makes a big difference to your health. Invisible particles in the air can penetrate the cells and organs of your body—not only the lungs but also the heart, bloodstream and brain. Air pollution is a major risk factor, and the World Health Organization estimates that 99% of people globally breathe air that exceeds their guideline limits for pollutants.3

Exposure to air pollutants, cigarette smoke and microplastics can damage the airways. Whereas clean air supplies the necessary oxygen to the lungs and is transported throughout the entire body, constantly breathing in polluted air can have dire consequences. Bad air not only causes a host of physical ailments but also poses major threats to the global economy. Simply put, people call out sick from work with respiratory issues more often than virtually any other complaint. The World Bank estimates that the health damage caused by air pollution costs $8.1 trillion a year, equivalent to 6.1% of global GDP, or 1.2 billion lost work days.4

Although you may not be in control of the outdoor air that you breathe, some countries are taking air pollution seriously and implementing healthy measures. For example, China has adopted a range of clean air measures since 2014. Researchers contend these changes have cut their air pollution in half, and attribute the regaining of two years of average life expectancy and a dramatic reduction in stillbirths in recent years to the improved air quality.5

Nikken has contributed to the betterment of indoor air for years with the HEPA 13 multi-stage filtration system known as the KenkoAir Purifier®. Simply replace the filters every six months and keep the reusable pre-filter/mesh filter clean. It makes sense to have them wherever you live, especially if you have babies or the elderly living with you, as they are most susceptible to the negative effects of polluted air.

1, 3, 4, 5 https://www.cleanairfund.org/theme/facts-and-stats/

2 https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/lungs#:~:text=When%20you%20inhale%20(breathe%20in,exchange%2C%20is%20essential%20to%20life.

When Are the Best Times to Hydrate?

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By the time you actually feel thirsty, your body is already past the point where it would have been ideal to hydrate. Proper hydration can actually be scheduled, so that you maintain  balanced levels throughout the day. You probably already drink water at certain times because of your daily routine, but here are a few reminders!

When you wake up in the morning, your body has been through a long fast from both food and water. So, first thing in the morning is a great time to start hydrating. If you can start with a glass of PiMag® water, that would be ideal, because coffee is a diuretic more than a hydrator. Many swear by a squeeze of fresh lemon in the water to jumpstart the day; Nikken aficionados like to add their first serving of Jade Greenzymes® powder to water first thing in the morning or to swallow the capsules with a full glass.

If you are someone who perspires a lot, you need to drink more water to compensate for the loss. If you relax in a sauna or steam room, remember to drink water afterwards. Since exercise generally induces sweat, always drink water before and after you work out. In fact, you should take small breaks throughout your exercise routine to hydrate before continuing on.

Staying well hydrated may help people lose weight or maintain a healthy one. Many times, people will eat when they’re not actually hungry, because the brain recognizes hunger and thirst in similar ways. Try drinking a glass of water when you “think” you are hungry, and see if that satisfies the so-called hunger pangs.

Drinking water before each meal also may help with weight control. A small study tested people who drank 500 milliliters or a little over 16 ounces of water about 30 minutes before mealtimes over 12 weeks. They lost almost 3 pounds more than those who didn’t follow the protocol.1 Another study with 50 overweight girls who drank two cups of water half an hour before breakfast, lunch and dinner, found they lost weight and lowered their body mass index after eight weeks. Researchers explain that water speeds up the body’s process of burning fat for energy.2

When you need to get blood drawn for a test, or if you are someone who donates blood, be sure to drink water before your appointment. Hydration opens up your veins, increases blood flow and makes it easier on both you and the tech or nurse. If you can remember to drink 64 ounces at least 24 hours before your appointment, that should help the process.

When you’re under the weather, especially during cold and flu season, drink as much water as you can. Stay away from caffeinated drinks and alcoholic beverages, as those will dehydrate you. Staying hydrated will help you recover more quickly.

Dehydration can cause headaches and trigger migraines. If you are susceptible to headaches or dizziness, be sure to prevent them by sipping water throughout the day. Even a slight dip in fluid levels can bring on a nasty headache, so keep sipping consistently and develop the water-drinking habit!

Are you someone who experiences an afternoon slump? Do you feel like you need a nap? Instead of hitting the coffee pot, try drinking a tall cool glass of PiMag® water and see if you feel energized. According to the British Journal of Nutrition, your state of hydration directly affects your mood, memory and visual perception.3

This year, commit to drinking more water and help your entire family create the healthy habit of hydration!

You only have two days left to take advantage of the 20% discount on select PiMag® and KenkoAir filters, so be sure to order your spares right away!

1, 2, 3 https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-best-times-drink-water