Category: philosophy

Fighting Toxins is a Full-Time Job

Published on by Nikken

Realistically, no matter how careful we are, we ingest some toxins every day through the food we eat, the water we drink or bathe in, the air we breathe and the personal care products we use. These toxins end up in our liver, kidneys, fatty tissue and lymphatic system. When too many toxins stay in the body and are not flushed out, we become incapable of absorbing and using the nutrients we need for Active Wellness.

Disorders from a sluggish liver are so common that the market is flooded with liver cleanses—some are natural, some are medicinal, some take a couple of days, some are long-term. What they have in common is that they’ll make you uncomfortable in various ways and involve complicated steps to take. You may need to drink gallons of multiple concoctions and stay close to a bathroom.

Whether you go to a health food store, drug store, supermarket or specialty juice shop, commercially sold liver cleanses are time consuming and expensive. You may need to purchase 20 or more herbal ingredients to mix and brew. Or chop, peel, grind and juice a dozen fruit and vegetables. You could choose the “grab and drink” cleanses but that’ll cost you even more. And once you’re done with those cleanse and detox routines, your body reverts back to whatever dysfunction it had: abdominal bloat, digestion problems, heartburn, itchy skin and unexplained weight gain.

Kenzen® Cleanse & Detox has bragging rights because it’s so easy to incorporate into a healthy regimen. It’s a gluten-free, organic nutritional supplement that lives up to its name by promoting a healthy way to help cleanse and detox the liver while assisting metabolism and supporting weight management.* Made with our Proprietary Synergistic Cleanse & Detox Complex, the NikkenWellness dietary supplement is 100 percent organic. It is naturally high in compounds that aid liver function* such as organic Roasted Chicory Root, Milk Thistle extract, Turmeric extract, Bupleurum extract, Shisandra and Ashwaghanda. Each of these organic ingredients serves multiple purposes on its own, but together, work synergistically to produce optimal results. Simply take three capsules every day 20 minutes before a meal. No fuss, no muss.

  • These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Are you earning money with Nikken?

Published on by Nikken

If you are a Nikken Independent Consultant, you have the potential to earn money. Whether you’re working your Nikken business part time or full time, you have the ability to generate income.

The formula for earning is simple. The more products you sell, the higher your sales volume and the more you earn. Unlike many other network marketing companies, with Nikken you’re not expected to personally purchase products in order to earn money. Our business model encourages you to sell at least 500 points worth of product to customers every month, develop at least three frontline entrepreneurs who do the same and duplicate the process. As your organization’s sales volume increases, you will naturally advance in rank and gain even more financial benefits.

When starting out, it’s not necessary to think about rank advancement if you stick to the simple formula. Sell at retail. Sell a lot. It’s not often that a company lowers prices substantially and Nikken did just that a couple of years ago to help Consultants move lots of product and earn retail profits.

The Nutrition, Personal Care and Magnetic Support products have the lowest prices so new prospects will be able to try Nikken quality for a small expenditure. They’re what are known as “door openers” by our industry. Once people experience their superb benefits, they‘ll naturally be interested in other products, as long as you do your job and follow up.

To make sure your monthly sales stay consistent and grow, get your Registered Customers to go on Autoship. That way they won’t run out of product, will receive a substantial price discount and are guaranteed a certain amount of sales every month. Each Registered Customer you have on Autoship just adds to your monthly volume. You can also think of Autoship as the easiest way to retain your customers. Again, you personally are not required to spend money on purchases.

As you continue to build a strong customer base, you should also be sponsoring people who want to earn an income instead of just consuming products. You should start them off right by explaining the merits of selling as many products at retail as possible and retaining their own customers by placing them on Autoship. Even if your sponsor or upline leader hasn’t taught you these easy ways to earn right away, you can start putting this formula into practice and teaching it to your new team members.

This may sound like facile training, but the truth of the matter is that keeping it simple is what makes it work. Think of it this way: You’re giving people a deal that shouldn’t be passed up—great products that help create Active Wellness and a more balanced lifestyle.

 

Nature’s Own Liver Supporter

Published on by Nikken

The U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have catalogued more than 400 scientific studies of Milk Thistle and its active compounds in their database. Milk Thistle is widely thought to be one of the most beneficial herbal remedies used globally.

Used for more than 2,000 years to support the liver naturally, Milk Thistle gets its name from the white fluid that comes from the plant’s leaves when they’re crushed. Over the past 40 years, intensive chemical, pharmacological and clinical research has confirmed the therapeutic value of Milk Thistle in a wide range of liver-related as well as non-liver-related conditions.

  • The active component in Milk Thistle is known as Silymarin, a flavonoid that is both an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, which may help decrease oxidative stress.* According to Web MD, Silymarin is sometimes used as a natural restorative for liver and gall bladder issues.
  • Milk Thistle is known to help protect the liver from toxins, including the effects of alcohol. In the EU, Milk Thistle is sometimes prescribed as medication.
  • The American Botanical Council published a study on August 16, 2004 showing that Milk Thistle exhibited promise for “stimulating cell regeneration in the kidneys.” Milk Thistle’s effect on kidney health is believed to “closely mirror the herb’s effects on the liver.”
  • The same study showed that Milk Thistle “appears to raise levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol and may also help reduce blood pressure.”
  • The renowned Mayo Clinic has published insights on Milk Thistle, including findings that show the herb “may improve blood sugar control.”
  • Milk Thistle even “appears to have neuroprotective properties.”1

Take a look at the label of Kenzen® Cleanse & Detox. The botanical you see is the Milk Thistle plant. It is an important ingredient of the Proprietary Synergistic Cleanse & Detox Complex.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

1          Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(11):2299-306.

 

How does Chicory Root help Cleanse & Detox?

Published on by Nikken

Our bodies simply do not function at 100 percent when it comes to absorbing good nutrients and expelling toxic or nontoxic waste. Retention of toxins can make us sick in various ways. Fatigue, headaches, indigestion, constipation, insomnia and “mystery” discomforts can all be attributed to toxins doing their evil work in our bodies. Even mental conditions such as depression, anxiety and an inability to focus may result from toxins trapped in the body. They can reside in the liver, kidneys, colon, lungs, skin and the entire lymphatic system.cleanse ans detox picture

Image courtesy of lifehack.org

No wonder many people go overboard with colon cleanses to detoxify and end up with even more problems. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Colon cleansing can sometimes be harmful. In fact, coffee enemas sometimes used in colon cleansing have been linked to several deaths. Colon cleansing can also cause less serious side effects, such as cramping, bloating, nausea and vomiting. Other concerns with colon cleansing are that it can increase your risk of dehydration, lead to bowel perforations, increase the risk of infection and cause changes in your electrolytes, which can be dangerous if you have kidney, heart disease or other health problems.”

A gentler and far more comfortable way to help the body cleanse and detoxify is to take an organic nutritional supplement, especially one that targets the liver, the organ that is key to the elimination of bodily wastes. Kenzen® Cleanse & Detox is a NikkenWellness proprietary blend with roasted organic Chicory Root as one key ingredient. Roasted organic Chicory Root helps support the breakdown of fats by increasing the flow of bile through the liver.* Chicory Root is high in antioxidant compounds, contains a soluble fiber that helps feed digestive flora in the intestines and is a mild laxative.*

Herbalists use Chicory Root as a natural protector of the liver. The ability of Chicory Root extract to protect against chemical-induced free radicals and possible toxicity to the liver was reviewed in a 2015 medical review. Subjects were divided into four groups, according to treatment type, levels of damage and antioxidants reviewed during the process. Pretreatment with Chicory Root extract significantly reduced oxidative stress and prevented cell damage, ultimately improving liver conditions due to toxicity.1

Chicory Root is also a natural prebiotic, which promotes gut health. Inulin is the substance found in Chicory Root that is considered a prebiotic fiber, because it is easily fermented and helps to promote the growth of probiotics in the digestive system. Pre- and probiotics work best in tandem.

The inulin in Chicory Root also helps to relieve constipation. The impact of daily consumption of 15 grams of chicory on elderly constipated volunteers was examined in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study over 28 days. Volunteers in the inulin group reported increased satisfaction with digestion and decreased constipation.2

We’ll be taking a look at other key ingredients in the Kenzen® Cleanse & Detox formulation in the next few weeks.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

  1. PLoS One. 2015 Mar 25;10(3):e0121549. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121549. eCollection 2015.
  2. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2011 Mar;62(2):164-70. doi: 10.3109/09637486.2010.527323. Epub 2010 Nov 23.

Cherries are delicious AND good for you!

Published on by Nikken

Who knew something so delicious would be so good for us? Cherries are one of nature’s gifts to mankind—beautifully dark red, juicy, sweet or tart—and full of antioxidants that are known to be good for our health! Here are just a few reasons to eat cherries:

  • In a study of more than 600 people with gout, those who ate a half cup serving of cherries (about 10 to 12 cherries) daily had 35 percent lower risk of a subsequent attack. Gout results from too much uric acid forming crystals in the joints, with pain as the body’s inflammatory response. 1
  • According to one study, women with osteoarthritis who drank tart cherry juice twice daily for three weeks had significant reductions in inflammation markers. The researchers noted that tart cherries may have the “highest anti-inflammatory content of any food.”2
  • Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant that helps calm excess inflammation and stress; however, it also plays a role in sleep and bodily regeneration. Cherries contain natural melatonin!
  • Athletes who consumed tart cherry juice prior to long-distance running experienced less discomfort than those who did not. It is believed that cherries have a protective effect that helps reduce muscle aches during strenuous exercise.3
  • Michigan is a world leader in the production of tart cherries, producing up to 75 percent of the U.S. crop. The state’s universities conduct ongoing studies. One study from the University of Michigan’s Cardiovascular Center found that rats that had a high-fat diet tended to gain less weight when tart cherry powder was added to their diets. Researchers believe this is evidence that switching less healthy foods for tart cherries may help in any weight management regimen.4
  • Central Michigan University researchers found that mice that ate cherries performed better in memory–related tests than those that did not. Researchers acknowledge that far more research needs to be done before concluding that cherries can slow neurodegenerative diseases but early signs are very promising.5

In the United States, cherry season ranges from early April/late May through August, with major growers in Michigan, Washington and California. Something we can all enjoy daily, regardless of season, is Active Wellness.

1          Arthritis & Rheumatism, Vol. 64, issue 10.

2          Medical News Today, June 1, 2012.

3          J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 2 010 May 7; 7:17.

4          Presented by E. Mitchell Seymour, M.S., Experimental Biology, 2008.

5          Gary Dunbar, Journal of Medicinal Food, 2012.

What’s Real and What’s Not

Published on by Nikken

We live in a world of blurred lines—between real and faux, natural and artificial, original and altered—and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Whether we choose to or not, chances are high that we’ve all ingested GMOs at some time.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as plants, animals or microorganisms with genetic material that has been altered in ways that are not natural (such as mating or natural recombination). The technology used in genetic modification is known as “modern biotechnology “ or “gene technology” and sometimes as “recombinant DNA technology” or “genetic engineering.”

The WHO cites that “one of the objectives for developing plants based on GMOs is to improve crop protection. The GM crops currently on the market are mainly aimed at an increased level of crop protection through the introduction of resistance against plant diseases caused by insects or viruses or through increased tolerance towards herbicides.”

GM foods also were developed to create food with greater nutritional value and durability as well as a lower price, thus enabling the world to feed the starving masses.

Unfortunately, this ideal has not become reality. There is some understanding of the purpose for creating GMOs but worries still run high, especially among consumers who conscientiously make healthy food choices when grocery shopping.

The three main issues concerning GMOs and human health are allergic reactions, gene transfer and outcrossing. Some questions remain unanswered.

  • What happens when genes from allergenic organisms are transferred to non-allergenic ones? According to the WHO, no known allergic reactions have been seen. Does that mean there will not be allergic reactions in the future?
  • What if the transferred genetic material adversely affects human health? What if antibiotic resistant genes, used as markers when creating GMOs were transferred? The probability of transfer is low, according to the WHO.
  • Outcrossing is the migration of genes from GM plants into conventional crops or related species in the wild. What are the direct and indirect effects on food safety? Cases have been reported where GM crops approved for animal feed or industrial use were detected at low levels in the products intended for human consumption.

Opponents of GM crops argue that sustainable agriculture and biodiversity benefit most from the use of a rich variety of crops. They fear that as a result of the interest of the chemical industry in seed markets, the strains used by farmers may be reduced mainly to GM crops. For example, with the development of crops that are resistant against insect pests and tolerant of certain herbicides, the exclusive use of herbicide-tolerant GM crops would make the farmer dependent on these chemicals, placing the control of agricultural development in the virtual hands of the chemical industry.

If you practice Active Wellness and want to stay away from GMOs, eat only fresh, whole, unprocessed foods marked “certified organic” or “USDA organic” and only consume organic nutritional supplements. There are no blurred lines with NikkenWellness products.

Go Mediterranean for Good Nutrition and Health

Published on by Nikken

March is National Nutrition Month®, a nutrition education and information campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to remind people to return to the basics of healthy eating. Although the right diet depends on each individual’s personal needs and state of health, the Mediterranean diet is one that is often recommended.

Eating Mediterranean style is actually easy and best of all, delicious. Here are 10 basics:

  1. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals and fiber. They have a lot of water content and help to provide a feeling of fullness. Preferably, eat locally grown fruits and vegetables that retain the highest nutrient content.
  2. Choose olive oil as your main source of added fat. It’s rich in vitamin E, beta-carotenes and monounsaturated fat.
  3. Incorporate healthful grains into your everyday diet. Carbohydrates have gotten a lot of bad press, but in the Mediterranean diet, moderate consumption of whole grains are a source of energy for a life of Active Wellness.
  4. Consume moderate amounts of dairy products, especially fermented ones such as yogurt, as it is known to contain live micro-organisms that can help improve the balance of good gut bacteria.
  5. Be sure to incorporate fish into your meal plans. Eat it at least once or twice a week. Cold water fish are known to contain omega fatty acids, beneficial for heart health.
  6. Eat eggs. They’re perfect alternatives to meat, high in quality proteins and fat. Once given a bad rap, eggs are now considered a complete food.
  7. Replace baked goods and other desserts with added sugar with fresh fruit. Eating fruit, such as dates, for dessert is common not only with Mediterranean cultures but also in Asian and African traditions.
  8. More than any other beverages, drink water. Water truly sustains healthy living. The Mediterranean diet also incorporates red wine as a healthful beverage, but only in moderation. Nutritionists recommend limiting consumption to no more than one portion daily for women and two for men.
  9. Eat red meat in moderation. If possible, use meat in combination with vegetables, such as in stews. Choose lean meats for their protein content and iron.
  10. Don’t eat processed foods. Processing removes valuable nutrients and enzymes, so you end up with empty calories.

With NikkenWellness organic nutritional supplements to fill in dietary gaps, it’s even easier to get back to the basics of healthy eating!

Sources: dietamediterranea.com, eatright.org

When do you eat your biggest meal of the day?

Published on by Nikken

In North America, there’s a good chance you eat your biggest meal at dinner. This habit is based on tradition where the family convenes after school and work to enjoy a hearty meal together. Unfortunately, this is not the healthiest way to eat. Here’s why. 

Katherine Tallmade, Registered Dietician and author of Diet Simple: 195 Mental Tricks, Substitutions, Habits & Inspirations, comments that “more and more research is confirming the importance of eating lighter at night and heavier during the day — for health, not just weight.”1 She goes on to explain that various studies have shown that even when the same number of calories are consumed, weight loss (or gain) may vary according to the time food is eaten. When more food is eaten during breakfast or lunch rather than at dinner, more weight is lost or a healthy weight is maintained.

Ms. Tallmade’s opinion is congruent with studies being presented by researchers in the field of nutrition as well as weight management/obesity. For example, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition contends that a body at rest overnight doesn’t need as many calories. Therefore, eating a big meal in the evening will result in fat storage. The researchers recommend eating a big breakfast and a medium lunch when a person is most active during the day so calories eaten will be used for energy. They also found that eating a substantial breakfast helped minimize impulsive snacking, helping to sustain a weight reduction program.2

John De Castro, psychology professor and researcher of eating habits, suggests that “intake in the morning of low-density foods is satiating and can reduce the amount ingested over the rest of the day to such an extent that the total amount ingested for the day is less overall. It appears that people who eat at least two thirds of their calories before dinner will consume less calories for the whole day than people who eat the majority of their calories at night.” 3

At Nikken, we help you embrace Active Wellness with organic nutritional supplements that enable you to stay on a healthy eating regimen over the long term. Isn’t your health worth it?

  1. http://katherinetallmadge.com
  2. Schlundt DG, Hill JO, Sbrocco JP, et al. The role of breakfast in the treatment of obesity: a randomized clinical trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 1992;55(3):645-651.
  3. De Castro JM. The time of day of food intake influences overall intake in humans. J Nutr. 2004;134(1):104-111.

 

The Healthiest Natural Sweetener

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With obesity at an all-time high, finding healthier alternatives to sugar has become an increasingly important priority for many people. The main concern is that sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners tend to be filled with harmful chemicals and ingredients, and some still contain calories.

According to famed nutritionist and chiropractor Dr. Josh Axe, “Monk fruit has been celebrated as a revolutionary way to sweeten foods and drinks without the harmful effects of traditional sugar and sugar substitutes.” 1

Here’s why: Monk fruit contains powerful antioxidants called mogrosides, which are metabolized differently by the body than natural sugars. In effect, monk fruit extract provides the sweet taste people crave but none of the typical side effects. That means no spike in blood sugar levels and therefore, no crash. For this reason, monk fruit is considered a zero-calorie fruit. This unusual characteristic makes monk fruit an ideal sugar replacement, especially since its compounds, when extracted, are 300 to 400 times sweeter than cane sugar. It’s practically a no-brainer that using monk fruit as a sweetener can help those already suffering from obesity and/or diabetes.

So why isn’t this healthy natural sweetener more commonly used in weight-management and diabetic-friendly products? Extraction of mogrosides is complicated, making it an expensive ingredient. In addition, monk fruit spoils very quickly after harvesting and is grown primarily in southern China. You won’t find it in supermarkets any time soon; however, you can find dried monk fruit for purchase in ethnic markets. The western world only discovered monk fruit in the 20th century, and it has only been in the last 20 years that major international attention has been drawn to it.

Where you will find monk fruit as a main ingredient is in the newly formulated Kenzen Vital Balance® Meal Replacement Mix in both vanilla and chocolate flavors. Nikken remains a pioneer in the industry and dedicated to using only the healthiest ingredients in our nutritional supplements designed for Active Wellness.

1          https://draxe.com/monk-fruit/

The Secret to Health and Longevity: “hara hachi bu”

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According to recent estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 80,000 centenarians in the United States, which equates to about 25 persons who are 100 years or older per 100,000 population. On the small island of Okinawa, centenarian ratios are considered to be most likely the world’s highest with 50 plus per 100,000. So what’s their secret?

Longevity is complex, but in a nutshell, good genes and healthy living are the prerequisites. Researchers who participated in the Okinawa Centenarian Study were able to identify so called “human longevity genes” but also isolated non-genetic advantages for the ideal combination. Non-genetic advantages include the traditional Okinawan dietary habits, physical activity, psychological and social aspects. Their study was not widely translated but in recent years, an increasing number of western scientists have taken an interest in the phenomenal longevity of the islanders, most specifically Dr. Bradley Willcox and Dr. Craig Willcox, co-principal investigators. Led by Dr. Makoto Suzuki, principal investigator, the Okinawa Centenarian Study is now in its 28th year, one of the longest running centenarian studies in the world.

We can’t change our genes but we can certainly emulate the Okinawan diet and lifestyle. The traditional Okinawan diet emphasizes vegetables, whole grains, fruits, legumes (soy) and fish, with limited amounts of lean meats and monounsaturated fats and omega 3s. There is a notable lack of processed or fast food and desserts.

Okinawans take this healthy eating a step further with the cultural habit of “hara hachi bu.” This means “eat until you are 80 percent full.” When you think about it, it is another way of implementing portion control. Since it takes about 20-30 minutes for the stomach to register that it’s full, if we eat to 100 percent fullness, we’ve actually overdone it. Many of us are too familiar with that uncomfortable feeling of being stuffed. This is the result of eating until the stomach is stretched to capacity. If we practice “hara hachi bu,” we would be giving our stomachs time to feel full.

Most of us want to live long lives, but how many of us are willing to exercise not only our bodies but our will power as well? It seems such a small price to pay for a long and healthy life of Active Wellness.