Celebrating 25 Years of PiMag® Water Technology

PiMag® water technology is based on the discovery of Japanese scientists in the 1970s. They found that water from an isolated hillside had a remarkable effect on plant life in that area. Searching for the cause of such abundant growth, they unearthed magnetite and calcium in the hillside. Moreover, the water flowed over silicates, the same material that naturally forms crystals. This clean, naturally alkaline water contains beneficial minerals.

PiMag® water products are designed to convert tap water into spring-like naturally-sourced water that is ionized and alkaline. That means PiMag® water is in the pH range of 8.5-9.5, which helps reduce excess acidity in the body. Ionized water has antioxidant properties, which may help offset the oxidizing effect of some negative elements in the contemporary diet and polluted environment. The decreased oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) helps to slow down cellular damage. In addition, the use of magnetic technology in the PiMag® filtration process helps to improve hydration and absorption.

Multi-stage filtration in the PiMag Waterfall® helps to reduce bacteria and contaminants. The four processes are: 1. Prefiltering for sediments 2. Filtering for heavy metals 3. Adding trace minerals via the mineral stones and 4. Declustering by magnets in the tap to prevent molecular clumping, making the water more absorbable.

In a natural environment, spring water is filtered, purified and filled with minerals that are essential for maintaining optimal functions in our body. Mimicking this natural composition generates an exceptional source of the ideal water that every cell in our body needs for smart hydration. The PiMag® water systems exemplify biomimicry, from its magnetic filtration to its alkalinity and the mineral stones that are added to the PiMag Waterfall® system. Advanced ionic filtration is achieved by embedding nanoparticles of copper metal into the activated charcoal in the filter column. When harmful microbes interact with the copper metal, it triggers the production of copper ions, which are doubly charged positive ions that are effective at destroying the unwanted bacteria.

We generally think of exposure to toxins in water by drinking from impure sources; however, we also absorb contaminants through the pores of our skin. Each time we bathe or shower, our skin is absorbing both the cleansing parts of water as well as the impurities. The PiMag® Shower Filter addresses this by helping to reduce chlorine exposure, odors, iron oxide, dirt and sediments. The shower filter contains copper and zinc to neutralize chlorine—when free chlorine comes in contact with the filtration media, it is changed into water-soluble chloride, which is not only harmless but also helps prevent drying out of hair and skin.

PiMag® water technology is designed for smart hydration. In addition, PiMag® water systems are made with recyclable and biodegradable materials to help reduce plastic waste. Plastic takes 400 years to degrade and about eight million metric tons ends up in the oceans each year!1 Due to the pandemic years, more single-use packaging was used than ever, adding to the plastic waste.2

PiMag® water technology is a great way to obtain smart hydration and smart cleansing, but it is also a helpful way to help decrease plastic waste on planet Earth. Nikken proudly celebrates 25 years of PiMag® water technology!

1 https://www.dw.com/en/there-are-83-billion-tons-of-plastic-in-the-world/a-39765670

2 https://www.forbes.com/sites/larrylight/2021/01/04/2021-the-year-of-the-package/?sh=2198c4654cd1

Prebiotics and Probiotics Work in Synergy for Gut Health

Everyone’s gut is semi-permeable, which means the gut allows some liquids or gases to pass through. The mucous lining of human intestines is designed to absorb water and nutrients into the bloodstream. The intestinal lining is supposed to act as a barrier to bacteria and other infectious particles inside the gut, but if the barrier does not function properly, it can allow toxins into the bloodstream.

The gut barrier function is a multi-layer system made up of a physical barrier which prevents bacteria from adhering to the intestines, and a deep functional barrier that is able to discriminate between pathogens and harmless microorganisms that may actually be beneficial. Made up of three main components—Biological barrier, immune barrier and mechanical barrier—the barriers allow essential nutrients and fluids to be absorbed while preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream.

Probiotics and prebiotics are two parts of food that may support gut health. Probiotics are specific living microorganisms, most often bacteria or yeast that help the body digest food or help with symptoms of certain illnesses. They are naturally found in fermented foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut.1

Probiotic supplements add to the existing supply of friendly microbes in the body. They function to fight off the less friendly or toxic microbes while also supporting the body’s immunity against infections. When working properly, probiotic supplements can help restore an imbalance or a deficit of beneficial microbes in the gut.

Prebiotics are parts of food the body doesn’t digest but that may be used by microorganisms. Prebiotics mainly are in high-fiber foods,2 which enhance the probiotics by promoting the growth of good bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. In a nutshell, prebiotics augment the good work that probiotics do. When mixed, probiotics and prebiotics are called synbiotics.

The introduction of healthy bacteria to your gut may lead to some benefits, including better digestion, improved absorption of nutrients, reduced inflammation, and an increased balance between good and bad bacteria.3 On the other hand, when prebiotics help boost the growth of good bacteria, it can lead to different health benefits, such as decreasing constipation, keeping the gut lining healthy and helping with calcium absorption.4

Some tips for empowered living through smart nutrition that promotes a balanced microbiome include:

•          Maintaining a fiber-rich diet. The more types of food you eat, the more diverse your microbiome becomes. A well-rounded diet can help feed all the different species of bacteria in your GI tract.5 Try to incorporate high-fiber fruits and vegetables, such as raspberries, artichokes, beans and whole grains.

•          Sleep well. Stress levels skyrocket when you don’t get enough sleep. Stress affects the gut and the brain in negative ways, so establish a set bedtime routine and stick to it as well as you can.

•          Studies suggest that regular exercise can affect gut health in good ways, as movement promote healthy digestion and may even help increase the amount of beneficial microbes in your gut! You don’t need to run a marathon to achieve noticeable effects—even a leisurely walk daily can produce positive changes to your gut health.

•          Whether you like listening to calming music, playing an instrument, meditating or doing yoga, just choose what soothes you and do it on a regular basis. Why? Because it will prevent your stress levels from rising. High stress levels disturb gut health. Many of the microbes in your intestines can impact brain function, and too much stress threatens the balance of your microbiome,6 so prevention is best!

Try our Golden Gut Formula to support your gut health. Our special formula delivers both pre- and probiotics, and thanks to our innovative three-layer encapsulation technology, the beneficial bacteria are protected from stomach acid, ensuring they reach your intestines where they’re needed most. Our effervescent formula dissolves rapidly in liquid, bypassing the typical breakdown process of capsules and tablets, ensuring that the vital nutrients and probiotics are readily available to your gut, for maximum effectiveness.

1, 2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/probiotics/faq-20058065

3, 4, 5, 6 https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/prebiotic-and-probiotic/

The Water-Gut Connection

Water is critical for the smooth operations of various bodily functions. These functions include temperature regulation, the transport and distribution of nutrients and the elimination of waste and toxins. Water is also one of the primary ingredients for healthy digestion. In other words, hydration and efficient digestion make perfect partners.

Water is required for digestion, acting as a lubricant that facilitates the movement of food along the digestive tract. From the moment food enters the mouth, saliva, which is primarily water, begins to break down complex carbohydrates. As the food travels through the digestive system, it needs adequate water to maintain the right consistency for smooth movement. In the stomach, water combines with stomach acids to help break down proteins and aid in the digestive process. Water helps prevent constipation and promotes regular bowel movements.In a nutshell, the digestive processes that require water include the following2:

• Saliva production—Saliva is primarily water and contains enzymes that begin the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth.

• Gastric juices—Water is the main component of the gastric juices that in the stomach that help break down food.

• Enzyme function–Many digestive enzymes require a watery environment to efficiently break down food.

Proper hydration is essential for optimal nutrient absorption in the digestive system, since water moves the nutrients from the digestive tract into the bloodstream. When well hydrated, the body can efficiently absorb vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.3

Digestive disorders occur when the body is dehydrated. This is because when the body doesn’t have enough water, it takes whatever water is available for critical functions such as maintaining blood pressure and supporting vital organs.4 When this happens, the digestive system may not receive enough water, leading to constipation and other discomforts.

To keep your gut healthy, remember to drink water throughout the day. The more active you are, the more water you will need to stay adequately hydrated. Caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics, so be mindful of fluid loss and dehydration and increase the volume of water you drink to help compensate. Since many fruits and vegetables are full of water, incorporate them into your daily regimen and obtain not only the benefits of hydration but also essential vitamins and minerals. Watermelon, cucumbers, oranges and berries are examples of produce abundant in water and vitamins.

Some simple daily habits for healthy digestion are:

• Starting your day with a glass of water. This helps kickstart your metabolism and the digestive system first thing in the morning,
• Drink water consistently throughout the day. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty, because by then you are probably already somewhat dehydrated. Keep a water bottle with you as a reminder to drink!

• Drink water before, during and after exercise. Physical activity of any sort can lead to fluid loss, and staying hydrated helps support your muscles and digestive system.

Remember, for the entire month of this July, you receive 20% off select filter replacements. That includes filters for our PiMag Waterfall® that helps you hydrate with alkaline water inspired by nature.

1 https://bgapc.com/hydration-and-digestion-gut-health/

2, 3, 4 https://patialaheart.com/blog/the-link-between-dehydration-and-digestion-how-water-affects-your-gut-health/

Why is PiMag® Water Better for Hydration?

Water is a basic nutrient of the human body and critical to human life, yet between 65-75% of us are typically dehydrated, because it’s often overlooked and also because the thirst mechanism can be suppressed or misinterpreted.

Dehydration occurs when our body loses more water than is taken in. It can also affect our body’s mineral salt or electrolyte balance. We lose approximately 68 to 101 fluid ounces (two to three liters) of water a day through every day basic functions such as breathing, perspiring and eliminating waste. 

The human body is composed of about 66 percent water. Our bones are composed of 22 percent water, muscles are 76 percent and blood is 83 percent. Lungs are 90 percent, and our brains are actually 95 percent water. Is it any wonder that water and hydration play such a critical role in a total wellness lifestyle?

Smart Hydration is the practice of enhancing the quality of water to improve mineral absorption, while maintaining optimal pH levels and overall well-being. Our bodies function best when properly hydrated. Inspired by the need to hydrate wherever we are and the desire to help decrease single-use plastic waste, PiMag® water is like naturally alkaline spring water.

PiMag water is based on a discovery in the 1970s by Japanese scientists. Water from an isolated hillside was having a remarkable effect on the growth of local plant life. They studied the environment and found magnetite and calcium in the hillside. Also, the water flowed over silicates, which naturally formed crystals. Replicating the Earth’s magnetic field in natural surroundings where spring water is found, PiMag® water not only purifies but also contains neodymium magnets, the strongest in the family of rare earth magnets.

PiMag water products are designed to convert tap water into spring-like naturally-sourced water that is ionized and alkaline. PiMag watertechnology uses a multi-stage filtration system based on natural materials to purify water by helping to reduce bacteria and contaminants without chemicals.

Spring water is rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium and other trace minerals. In the PiMag Waterfall®, the addition of mineral stones imbued with copper ions, replicates what is found in natural spring water. Magnetic technology and ceramic elements help improve hydration and absorption. And, PiMag technology is incorporated into our shower systems to help remove chlorine and other contaminants.

Drinking PiMag® water not only helps us to maintain good hydration and therefore, overall well-being, it also helps planet Earth—when we drink filtered water from a PiMag Waterfall®, we decrease and hopefully can eliminate our reliance on single-use plastic-bottled water.

Now through the end of the month, get select PiMag® replacement filters at 20% off! Drink to your health and the health of our planet!

Source: https://www.sagora.com/making-mental-health-a-priority-hydration/

How Does Exercise Enhance Gut Health?

We know that eating a healthy diet contributes to optimal gut health. Now clinical nutritionists and gastroenterologists are finding definitive proof that exercise can support gut health, too. The combination of healthy diet and exercise reigns supreme, but the discovery that exercise plays such a big role in gut physiology may help many couch potatoes to get moving!

“Exercise is one of the most powerful ways you can boost your gut microbiome. Your digestive tract is a muscle, and moving your body is good for all muscles, gut included. When we are physically inactive, the muscles in our gut also become less active. Over time, they lose their natural coordination and strength,” explains gastroenterologist Christine Lee, MD.1

Regular exercise helps the gut find its ideal digestive pace. Each gut has its natural rhythm that keeps things moving. If it’s too fast, you might get the runs. If it’s too slow, you might be constipated, bloated or nauseated. Exercise helps the gut stay “just right” in terms of gut motility, that is, the movement within the gut.

During movement, especially exercise of a cardiovascular nature, the heart pumps harder in order to deliver blood and oxygen to the muscles. Part of that extra blood and oxygen goes straight to the gut. In other words, exercise improves circulation in the whole body, and that includes the gut, which helps the digestive tract work better to maintain the right balance of healthy bacteria.2

Gut muscles react to exercise the same way our visible outer muscles do. Biceps, quadriceps and abdominals visibly get more toned with regular exercise. What you don’t see are the internal gut muscles getting more toned. Even though not visibly more toned, improved regularity is proof that your exercise is paying off by helping waste process out of the body more effectively so your gut simply feels good every day.

Different types of exercise are being researched for their impact on the gut microbiome. There is evidence that low intensity exercise can help reduce the amount of time it takes food to travel through the digestive tract and be successfully pushed out as waste. This is important because this allows the gut microbiome to perform multiple functions effectively, including converting non-digestive parts of food into energy.3

In contrast, higher intensity exercise allows more oxygen to reach the brain and bloodstream. The brain and the gut are connected by the vagus nerve, as well as through molecules secreted into the bloodstream from the gut microbes and immune cells that travel from the gut to the rest of the body.4 The brain and gut are therefore in constant communication and regular periods of high intensity exercise enhance that interaction.

There’s no better time than the summer months to start or add to your exercise regimen. And, regular exercise helps the body crave healthy foods; healthy foods fuel your body for better performance during exercise!

Nikken launched Golden Gut Formula, loaded with both pre- and probiotics, so you not only help increase your beneficial bacteria but you’re nourishing them so they can multiply more rapidly. Adding Golden Gut Formula to a healthy diet and exercising daily may help accelerate your ongoing quest for empowered living! 

1, 2 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/gut-health-workout#:~:text=Your%20metabolism%20is%20your%20body’s,%2C%E2%80%9D%20explains%20Dr.%20Lee.

3 https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/new-microbiome-research-reveals-exercise-may-impact-gut

4 https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/03/gut-brain-connection-long-covid-anxiety-parkinsons.html#:~:text=Through%20direct%20signals%20from%20the,tracts%20are%20in%20constant%20communication.

Magnets are Important in Our Daily Lives

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.

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.

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

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

Drinking Water Comes in Different Forms

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?

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?

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