Category: promotion

Stretch Your Way to Increased Mobility and Balance

Published on by Nikken

Stretching should be just as important as strength and cardiovascular exercise. Flexibility and balance are essential components of fitness and can have a positive impact on your overall activity level.

Stretching doesn’t have to be only before or after a workout. You can stretch when you arise in the morning, before you go to bed at night, and throughout the day when you take breaks. You can choose which parts of the body you want to stretch and put yourself on a rotating schedule, or even intersperse different stretches throughout the day. Spend a couple of minutes on one or two muscles groups and repeat it two or three times a week, or daily.

Consistency is key to making progress, so make stretching a habit. The more consistent you are at adding stretching to your daily routine, the more you’ll notice the difference. The effects of stretching are cumulative, but over time, you are sure to notice being more limber.

In day-to-day living, it’s easy to take for granted the little actions that can make life pleasant or arduous. For example, sitting all day results in tight hamstrings in the back of the thigh. This tightness can make it difficult to extend your legs or straighten your knees. Another example is when tight muscles are suddenly called upon to perform a motion that stretches them—such as playing tennis—they can be hurt from the sudden stretching. One thing leads to another, and injured muscles may not be strong enough to support the joints, which then can result in a joint injury.

In addition to being a great way to prevent injuries, here are some reasons to include stretching as part of your fitness routine:

•          Mobility, flexibility and agility: Mobility decreases over time. Look at how a baby seems to made of pliable rubber, bending in every direction with ease. By the time that baby is a teenager, flexibility decreases. If you don’t stretch, the natural process of aging can be unking as you become stiffer and less mobile. Regular stretching can help you stay mobile, flexible and agile.

•          Health joints: Joints determine your range of motion. Stretching helps keep joints functioning optimally to provide freedom of motion.

•          Warm muscles: As mentioned above, when muscles are tight and suddenly asked to perform a motion that requires a stretch, it can hurt. Warm muscles, on the other hand, allow for better transitions from no activity to a high activity level. That’s why professional athletes incorporate stretching as a warmup preceding their workouts and again, as a way to cool down from intense activities. Stretching is a safe and gentle way to gear up for your workout and to cool down from them.

•          Increased blood flow: Poor circulation is often the cause of cold hands and feet. It’s also the culprit sometimes for tight, inflexible muscles. Stretching helps increase blood flow throughout the body, and even helps the nutrients you take in, to do their job in powering recovery and regeneration.

•          Good posture: Tight muscles can cause an imbalance in your fait and poor posture. Regular stretching helps strengthen muscles and spine to help maintain an erect posture, which in turn helps your skeletal structure stay young and resilient.

•          Faster recovery: If you’re already injured or feeling strained, stretching can be crucial to recovery. Because it works to strengthen the core and back muscles, stretching may reduce the risk of strain to both muscles and joints.

•          Stress release: Is your neck and shoulder sore? Tightness in the neck, should and back are signs that your body is holding onto stress. Stretching those areas consistently can help release stress and when done daily, can actually prevent achiness.

As the Summer Challenge continues with Nikken now through August 31, 2023, you may want to add stretching to your daily regimens!

Break the Junk Food Habit

Published on by Nikken

Certain foods — particularly processed foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat — don’t just taste good, they also can be addictive, said scientists at a UC San Francisco symposium on food and addiction. 1 The good news is that we can break free of our cravings for junk food with a bit of discipline and a positive mindset.

Follow these tips to cut down on sugar and break the junk food habit:

•          Identify the triggers: Finding out what sets us off on a bad eating binge is key to nipping it in the bud. According to Kerri Boutelle, a UC San Diego professor of pediatrics and psychology, we have to control triggers as soon as possible.2

•          Learn to tolerate cravings: Professor Boutelle also says that cravings, such as those for sugar, are a learned response and people can be trained to extinguish that response and learn to ignore the cravings. The key is to realize that the cravings will eventually decrease. Cravings might last 10 minutes, and Boutelle’s research has found that people can gain more control over their favorite foods by looking at, smelling and only taking a small taste of them.

•    Plan meals ahead of time: Having a healthy meal prepared in advance may help us avoid unhealthy choices. Prepare meals that are limited in added sugar and saturated fat, contain little salt, and include many fruits, vegetables and whole grains. In fact, we can eat a great deal of healthy food without gaining weight and feel more satisfied than when eating junk food. Often a junk food binge results in plenty of stomach discomfort (and emotional guilt) afterwards. In other words, you will reduce the “food cue reactivity.” This is what researchers call our susceptibility to being influenced by the food smells, advertisements, and conversations surrounding us every day.3 Some recommended food to prepare in batches and to store in the refrigerator or freezer include brown rice, beans, stir-fried or roasted vegetables, or cold salads.

•          Choose healthy foods that are enjoyable: If we set unrealistic boundaries on eating, we are setting ourselves up for failure. To get rid of junk food, we need to replace them with foods we love. For example, we can eat a lot of watermelon to satisfy a sweet tooth. We can replace a milk chocolate bar with a small square of dark chocolate, full of antioxidants and minerals.

•          Be a good role model: Kids may be more prone to junk food than adults, so parents should limit their exposure to products with added sugar in their first years of life. Improper eating habits at a young age sets up children for possibly a lifelong battle with maintaining a healthy food regimen. No single factor is predictive, but genetics play a role, as does someone’s environment. The earlier and the more we are exposed to sugar and other addictive substances, the more likely we are to become trapped into desiring them.

•          Reduce intake of foods with added sugar: “The average amount of added sugar in the American diet is more than 20 teaspoons per day,” said Pat Crawford, senior director of research for UC’s Nutrition Policy Institute. “Since about half of this sugar comes in the form of beverages, we have to rethink our beverage choices. Water should be the beverage of choice.”4

•          Manage stress: “Stress changes how we metabolize food,” says Elissa Epel, Director of the UCSF Center for Obesity Assessment, Study, and Treatment and co-organizer of the food and addiction symposium.5  Eat mindfully, meditate and exercise, as exercise is a huge stressbuster. Under stress, people commonly turn to comfort foods high in sugar and fat. Highly stressed people who eat a lot of high-sugar, high-fat food also are more prone to health risks than low-stress people who eat the same amount of unhealthy food.

•          Expect some days to be better than others: Nobody’s perfect, so when we have a relapse, we simply need to move on to the next day and do better. If we take an all-or-nothing approach, it’s not realistic. Abstinence is not an option when it comes to eating. However, gradual abstinence from the craved junk food is actually the goal in total wellness.

Food manufacturers often create foods with the goal of igniting that craving sensation in consumers. They aim for the “bliss point” in a product. This is the point at which the eater experiences the ultimate pleasure, with not too much and not too little salty, sweet, and fatty flavors. These combinations are particularly hard to resist.6

When we know exactly which junk foods we want to eliminate, we can shop for replacements that are healthy alternatives, including snacks. Since the texture of food plays into our cravings, for example, some of us like crispy, crunchy junk food, while others may crave smooth, creamy items, finding healthy replacements with a similar feel makes it easier to switch over.

Seasonal fruits make great snacks that are easy to grab and go. Fruit has sugar, but it has a lot of vitamins, antioxidants, and water, too. It also contains fiber, which slows and balances out the effects on blood sugar. This prevents the sugar crash.7 Once we wean off of manufactured sugar, fruit will taste a lot sweeter and more satisfying. Fruits like apples, bananas, oranges pack in the nutrients and are easy to take anywhere. Use small containers or bags for cherries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. And, during the summer months, watermelon is a sweet and crunchy delight that nutritionists recommend even for diabetic regimens, because it’s full of hydrating water content.

One great way to start dumping junk food is to eat plenty of healthy fats. Our bodies need fat and our palates crave fat, because they’re flavorful. We need to avoid or limit trans fats and saturated fats, but heart-healthy fats help us stay on the path of good nutrition. Nuts and avocado are high in healthy fats as are fatty fish, such as salmon. By the same token, protein helps us feel full, so incorporating healthy sources also help diminish junk food cravings. When we feel full, there’s generally less desire for junk food.

It’s generally believed that it takes about three months to form a habit that we can adhere to for a long time, even a lifetime. In that same way, our bodies and palates will grow accustomed to a junk food-free diet. We will actually evolve to prefer healthy foods such as fresh vegetables, fruit, grains and proteins. And because these healthy foods are nutrient-dense rather than empty calories, our bodies will start feeling more satisfied and eventually the junk food cravings will decrease and even go away.

Summer happens to be an excellent time to ditch the junk food and start on a lifetime of healthy eating. At Nikken, we have a Summer Challenge that goes through the end of August. Everyone can choose their own personal challenge—whether it’s to exercise more, hydrate consistently, quit the junk food diet, sleep better or all of the above.

Nikken is offering a Summer Challenge Pack with special pricing: one tub of Kenzen Vital Balance® Meal Replacement Mix that’s full of plant-based protein to help us feel full and is useful as a meal replacement or snack, one bottle of Kenzen® Digestion Complex 4-20 to provide digestive and enzymatic support, and one box of delicious Kenzen Jade GreenZymes® Citrus with 30 premeasured packets of organic young barley grass and organic inulin for prebiotic and overall nutritional aid. (US item code 4472/ CAN item code 4473)

1, 2, 4, 5 https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/how-break-junk-food-habit

3, 6, 7 https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/how-to-stop-eating-junk-food

Why Filter Potable Tap Water?

Published on by Nikken

We often take water for granted, especially when we live in areas with free-running tap water 24/7. Then the unthinkable happens and we become more aware. For example, in 2014, there was a water crisis in Flint, Michigan, due to lead contamination. It’s been nine years and the people who live there are still dealing with the after effects. And, as recently as last year, the residents of Jackson, Mississippi, were left without potable water and that problem is ongoing. Even in Canada, a country that has multitudes of lakes, is home to First Nations people who continue to have to boil water to decontaminate it.

What’s going on? Why is potable tap water not the “safe” and convenient choice even in North America and parts of Europe? We’ve long known not to drink tap water in many countries when we travel, and that has added to the rampant use of single-use bottled water.

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates public tap water used for drinking. The EPA sets limits on how much of an element that may be harmful to human health is allowed in the water supply. Limits are based on the amount deemed safe for human consumption and how much the water treatment facilities are capable of removing.

According to Sarah Grady, a science analyst at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), “There’s a gap between what is legal and what is safe.”1 She explains that many regulations are based on “old science” and therefore are insufficient to keep current water supplies safe. In other words, even when tap water is considered potable, it might not be completely safe. The EWG therefore maintains their own tap water database with stricter limits determined by peer-reviewed studies, research from state agencies and their own scientists.

Drinking tap water can be risky, not just when traveling to so-called third-world countries.

•          In the United States, about 90% of the population obtain tap water from a public water system. This water comes from a lake, reservoir, river or aquifer, which is piped into a water treatment facility. The “treatment” involves adding chemicals that bind to pollutants that may be in the natural water, so that they can be sifted out.2 This process makes it drinkable, but  the water contains chemicals.

•          The chemicals added to the water are disinfectants such as chlorine and chloramine. These chemicals are known to help kill pathogens in the water as well as any that might be contained in the water pipes themselves.3

•          Water treatment facilities vary in their capabilities, depending on location and funding. A study published in 2018 cites that 21 million people were exposed to tap water that violated federal guidelines in 2015. According to Maura Allaire, a water quality expert at the University of California in Irvine, the most common sources of the violations stemmed from unsafe levels of bacteria and viruses, nitrates, arsenic and harmful byproducts from the disinfectants themselves.4 It’s a catch-22 in that disinfectants are added to address contaminants but they create a whole different set of potentially harmful aspects.

•          Studies conducted on drinking water have shown that PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are commonly found throughout the U.S. These chemicals have been found in our blood and are linked to serious health issues, including cancer. PFAS are pollutants that are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they last in the environment for so many years. The EPA just this year has proposed rules to address PFAS at the federal level in order to try and remove these toxins. Meanwhile, PFAS have been contaminating water supplies for decades.4

•          The EPA has identified and regulates 90 water contaminants. There are many more that are identified and not yet regulated. They include 66 chemicals, 12 microbes and all PFAS, six of which were recently named as specific ones to limit.5 The gap between identifying toxins, providing substantiated proof of harm, proposing regulations, and finding funding to enact the rules is unfortunately huge. Meanwhile, people continue drinking the so-called potable tap water.

Nikken has been a vocal champion of hydration and clean drinking water for decades and now more than ever, our Global Wellness Community is at the forefront of the movement to filter potable tap water for our health and that of our children. The PiMag Waterfall® and PiMag® Sport Bottle are simple to use and help make potable tap water cleaner and better tasting. They provide convenience at home and when traveling.

Now through the end of the month, get PiMag® replacement filters at 20% off!  The PiMag Waterfall filters 900 liters or 238 gallons before replacement is needed, and the PiMag Sport Bottle filters 40 gallons or 151 liters per cartridge. You benefit from clean alkaline water, and help decrease plastic waste!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 National Geographic, Is tap wate rsafe to drink?, Sarah Gibbens, March 20, 2023.

Food for Action, Food for Thought

Published on by Nikken

Just as a car needs fuel, whether it’s electric or gas, both our bodies and minds need the proper nutrition to keep them functioning at full speed. Eating nutritious food may help us live longer and healthier lives, but it is also a way to be role models for future generations. Children who develop good eating habits have a better chance of succeeding in multiple aspects of their lives.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that in the U.S., fewer than one in 10 people eat the recommended daily amount of vegetables. Fewer than one in 7 adults and four in 10 children eat enough fruit!1 These sad numbers underscore the importance of re-evaluating our daily diets and committing to improving our eating habits.

Eating nutritious foods not only increases the chances of longevity, but it also helps keep skin, teeth and eyes healthy, supports muscles and bones, enhances the immune and cardiovascular systems, aids digestive system functions and combined with exercise, even helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight.2   Knowing how to eat right is not enough: we need to practice what we know.

The upside of an improved nutritional status is an increase in energy, better concentration and more restful sleep patterns. Outward signs of improved nutritional status include clearer skin, firmer muscle tone, shiny hair, and looking less stressed—mainly because sugar and junk food are companions to stress!

Even people who generally eat the right foods may not eat enough of them, or simply are running on an empty tank in today’s hectic world. We might miss a meal here or there because there’s no time to stop and eat during work hours. We may not have time to meal-prep nutritious food. That’s one of the reasons Kenzen Vital Balance® Meal Replacement Mix is so convenient—”two scoops and you’re ready to go.” Convenience is handy but the nutrients in “KVB” make it exceptional.

Many drink or shake mixes contain protein from various sources but also may include other ingredients such as added sugars, artificial flavoring, thickeners and preservatives to prolong shelf life. Kenzen Vital Balance® Meal Replacement Mix does not contain any “fillers,” artificial flavoring, preservatives or animal proteins. In fact, it is gluten-free, does not have saturated fats, added sugars, dairy or salt.

What KVB does have sets it apart from commercial brands!

• The “food for thought” aspect of KVB derives from the inclusion of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) derived from coconut milk. MCTs are known as “brain food” because they support cognition and contain properties that help burn fat as well as support metabolic processes.*

• The naturally-sourced protein comes mainly from organic pea, organic rice and organic moringa, which are completely plant-based.

• The formula combines an enzyme-probiotic blend to support the digestive and immune systems.*

• The subtle sweetness comes from zero-calorie organic monkfruit and organic stevia. These expensive natural sweeteners are not commonly found in commercial brands.

*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.

A well-rounded diet requires nutrients from all seven food groups: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and water. Once you mix KVB with the liquid of your choice, you have all seven!

We encourage everyone to be a reader of ingredient lists. Ingredients are listed with the highest percentage first, ending with the lowest. With KVB, it is notable that organic pea protein, organic rice protein and MCTs are listed one, two, three, followed by organic natural vanilla flavor, organic moringa and a variety of vitamins and minerals, organic green vegetables, enzymes/probiotic blend, and fiber.

Whether you want to supplement your current diet, replace a junk food meal or have a nutritious in-between-meal snack, we think KVB is the perfect solution. You can put it in a blender with PiMag® water, plant-based milks of your choice, dairy milks, or add fruit and greens to make it even more filling.

Remember that KVB can help you succeed in your personal Summer Challenge!

1, 2, 3 https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/resources-publications/benefits-of-healthy-eating.html

Summertime: Light and Bright

Published on by Nikken

During the summer, we can spend more time in nature. When the daylight hours are longer and brighter, we have more time to do the things we want to do. We can enjoy the vibrant colors and smells of the fruits and flowers that are so abundant when the weather is warm. We can wear light clothing and feel unburdened and free. Summer is a wonderful time to energize in the great outdoors and to develop healthy habits that lead us to be more active!

At Nikken, we have something for every season of the year, but this summer we have a special Summer Challenge and with it, the Summer Challenge Pack. We want to help you make the most of the hot months—June, July, August—so you can experience total wellness through a Healthy Body and Healthy Mind, two of the 5 Pillars of Wellness that Nikken is founded on.

The Summer Challenge is whatever you make it. You can choose to take time for self-care, develop and stick with an exercise regimen that you enjoy, eat a nutritious diet that includes food you like, and consciously live an active and balanced lifestyle. The Summer Challenge is personal, but Nikken has put together the Summer Challenge Pack to enhance your sense of well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a weekend warrior, whether you’re a gourmet cook, restaurant regular or an order-in pro, the Summer Challenge Pack supports your personal activity levels. Three primary nutritional supplements work synergistically for you:

•  Kenzen Vital Balance® Meal Replacement Mix can be a meal on its own or a healthy snack in between meals. It provides a quick source of energy, contains nutrients that are “food for action and food for thought.” That means it nourishes your brain as well as your body. MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) support cognitive function while pre-and pro-biotics help digestive and immune system activities.* Sweetened with zero-calorie organic monkfruit and organic stevia, there’s nothing artificial in this formula—there is no added salt, sugar, dairy, preservatives or GMOs. “Two scoops and you’re ready to go!”

• Kenzen Digestion Complex 4-20 contains all four enzyme groups that are needed in the digestive process! The four types of macronutrients come from fats, proteins, carbohydrates and fiber. They include 20 individual enzymes, including amino acids, proteins, soluble and insoluble fiber. Together, these enzymes optimize the absorption of nutrients to be converted into energy.

• Kenzen Jade GreenZymes® Citrus is “nature’s perfect food” with delicious lemon flavor added! Made with the juice of young organic barley grass that is cold-pressed to retain its natural enzyme activity*, it has the highest concentration of vitamins and minerals. This natural formula is naturally alkaline to help counteract acidic foods in the diet and supports skin’s elasticity for a youthful appearance!* It also contains organic inulin, which is known for prebiotic support. It’s so delicious, even kids like it, making it a great way to incorporate good nutritional habits into your young one’s daily regimens!

*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.

Summer Challenge Pack with Special Pricing (available June, July, August 2023)

USA 4472/CAN 4473

1 x Kenzen Vital Balance Meal Replacement Mix

1 x Kenzen Digestion Complex 4-20

1 x Kenzen Jade GreenZymes Citrus

Retail: USA $189/CAN $247 | saving USA $59/CAN $76

Enjoy your personal Summer Challenge and make it part of your total wellness lifestyle!

We Can Help Curtail the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Published on by Nikken

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which is twice the size of Texas, is the largest accumulation of ocean plastic in the world. The patch is bounded by an enormous gyre –the biggest of five huge, spinning circular currents in the world’s oceans that pull trash towards the center and trap it there, creating a garbage vortex.

The Ocean Cleanup initiative estimates there are about 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic in the patch that weigh an estimated 80,000 tons. The majority of the plastic found in the patch comes from the fishing industry, while between 10% and 20% of the total volume can be traced back to the 2011 Japanese tsunami.1

According to the UN Environment Program (UNEP), the world produces around 460 million tons of plastic a year, which will triple by 2060 without urgent action. Globally, only about 9% of plastic waste is recycled, and as much as 22% of all plastic waste is mismanaged and ends up as litter, with large amounts making it into the oceans.2

The Ocean Cleanup has built a huge trash-collecting system, a U-shaped barrier with a net-like skirt that hangs below the surface of the water. It moves with the current and collects faster-moving plastics as they float by, but cleanup is only part of the solution. A study published recently said that without urgent policy action, the rate at which plastics enter the oceans could increase by around 2.6 times between now and 2040.3

More than one million bottles of water are sold every minute around the world and the sindustry shows no sign of slowing down. Global sales of bottled water are expected to nearly double by 2030. Researchers analyzed data from 109 countries and found that the bottled water industry saw a 73% growth in sales from 2010 to 2020, making it one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. In 2021, global bottled water sales reached 350 billion liters and were valued at an estimated $270 billion, a figure expected to soar to $500 billion by 2030.4

Bottled water is popular throughout the world, with the US, China and Indonesia having the largest number of consumers. Countries in the Global South together represent roughly 60% of the market. A report by the UN University’s Institute for Water, Environment and Health showed that the bottled water industry generated roughly 600 billion plastic bottles and containers in 2021, resulting in 25 million tons of plastic waste, most of which was not recycled and ended in landfills.5

Fossil fuels are the raw ingredient for the vast majority of plastics, which have a heavy carbon footprint from manufacturing through to disposal. Around 85% of plastic water bottles, which can take up to 1,000 years to degrade, end up as waste in the ocean, adding to a vast swirl of plastic waste that poses a serious threat to marine life.6

The UN Environment Assembly passed a historic resolution last year to end plastic pollution and create the world’s first global plastic pollution treaty by 2024 – a legally binding agreement that would address the full life cycle of plastic, from its production and design to its disposal.

Each one of us can make it a personal goal to reduce plastic disposals every single day. The easiest way is to break the habit of single-use plastic bottles. All we have to do is make it a matter of routine to use re-usable water bottles and carry them with us. Nikken has outstanding water filters, namely the PiMag Waterfall® and PiMag® Sport Bottle. The replacement filters are recyclable, the water is refreshing and alkalized through the filtration process, and each time we drink from them, we know we are doing our part to live in harmony with nature.

Now through June 30, receive 20% off the PiMag® replacement filters for both the Sport Bottle and the Waterfall, along with the replacement filters for the PiMag MicroJet® Shower Systems and the KenkoAir Purifier®. It’s a win-win as we practice our total wellness lifestyle and help our oceans and marine sustain their survival.

1, 2, 3 https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/17/world/plastic-pollution-ocean-ecosystems-intl-climate/index.html

4, 5, 6 https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/16/world/plastic-water-bottles-un-report-climate/index.html

May is the Month to Make Our Recommitments

Published on by Nikken

May is the third and last month of the spring season in the northern hemisphere. In the United Kingdom, it’s known as the “smile month.” May is named after the Greek goddess of fertility, Maia, and the Romans called her Bona Dea. In the 1400s, the word designating the fifth month of the year changed from Maius to May.

In North America, May is known as National Recommitment Month! Its significance is as a time to reevaluate the meaningful areas of our lives and to see if we’re on the right path. Have we honored the commitments we made earlier in the year? How are we progressing with our goals for 2023? Are our relationships with family and friends where they should be?

Throughout our lives, we make goals and commitments, and before the middle of the year approaches, May is a good month to step back and assess how we are doing. No matter what the commitment—largely encompassed by any of the 5 Pillars of Wellness—healthy mind, body, family, society or finances—it’s time to take a look at where we stand.

Some practical ways to recommit are to examine our goals and see which ones are on track and which need more work or to be eliminated. If the original plan was too complicated to execute, then it’s time to simplify. If there were too many goals, it’s time to reset priorities and stick to the critical ones—our chances of success are higher when goals are realistic.

Focus. Multi-tasking is often presented as a desired skill when in reality, focusing on one goal at a time tends to produce a higher success rate. When we work on many things at once, chances are none of them will get done in a timely way. In other words, we don’t need to spread ourselves too thin. This holds true not only for work goals but also relationship goals.

Be mindful. Mindfulness is a means to an end. It helps ensure commitments are honored by decluttering the brain. Mindfulness requires our full intention as well as freedom from self-imposed anxiety, pressure, negativity and fear. Meditation is a form of mindfulness, but even without an actual meditation practice, we can take a few minutes every day to be quiet internally and renew our commitments and intentions. Meditation and being silent helps us consciously repel self-demeaning thoughts and emotions by emptying the mind. Mindfulness is positive self-talk and an essential component of self-care.

Prioritize. This is a no-brainer, but too often, we forget to do it. Since change is constant, we need to prioritize every day. That actually is what recommitment is founded on—as priorities change, our commitments change. What is most important to do today? And then, for the week?

Be flexible. Depending on each person’s personality, flexibility may come naturally or be a goal in and of itself. Just because we have made certain commitments and want to fulfill them doesn’t mean it’s always do-able or even practical. Sometimes we just have to go with the flow and adjust accordingly. On the other hand, sometimes we do have to stick to our plans even if they go against the general consensus. Exercising good judgment in that way is also part of recommitment.

What are you recommitting to this month? Are you hydrating and making sure you are breathing in fresh air? Are you exercising daily? Have you connected with your elder family members? Did you walk the dog today? Whatever your priorities are, remember to be kind to yourself.

As you recommit to prioritizing your health, be sure to take advantage of the 20% off filters promotion that Nikken is running now through June 30, 2023. It’s a great savings and the perfect time to purchase a spare for your PiMag® Sport Bottle, PiMag MicroJet® shower systems, PiMag Waterfall® and KenkoAir Purifier®! Each filter helps decrease your carbon footprint and gets your closer to being in harmony with nature!

When a Negative is Actually a Plus

Published on by Nikken

Being out in nature is good for us. From forest bathing to surfing, a simple walk outdoors to swimming in lakes and the ocean—it’s the combination of movement and breathing in fresh air that gives our entire body and mind a healthy boost! It’s especially important to seek some time with nature when we spend so much time indoors during the winter months.

What is it about fresh air that makes us feel happier and invigorated?  They’re called negative ions.

Negative ions are odorless, tasteless, and invisible molecules that we inhale freely in natural environments,  such as forests, waterfalls and beaches. When inhaled, negative ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions that help relieve stress and increase energy levels.

Ions are molecules that have gained or lost an electrical charge. They are created in nature as air molecules break apart due to sunlight, radiation and moving air and water. The air circulating in the mountains and the beach is said to contain tens of thousands of negative ions —much more than the average home or office building, which contain dozens or hundreds, and may even register a flat zero.

Generally speaking, negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy. They also may protect against germs in the air, resulting in decreased irritation due to inhaling various particles that make you sneeze, cough, or have a throat irritation,” says Pierce J. Howard, PhD, author of The Owners Manual for the Brain: Everyday Applications from Mind Brain Research and director of research at the Center for Applied Cognitive Sciences in Charlotte, N.C.1

It’s estimated that one in three people are sensitive to the effects of negative ions. If you are one of them, simply opening a window and breathing in fresh air can cause an immediate effect of feeling lighter and almost euphoric. According to Dr. Howard, you may be one of them if you feel sleepy when you are around an air-conditioner, but feel immediately refreshed and invigorated when you step outside or roll down the car window. Air conditioning depletes the atmosphere of negative ions and natural air replenishes it.

Negative ions provide more benefits than just freshening the air. They can help clear the air of allergens such as pollen, mold spores, bacteria and viruses, as well as dust, pet dander and cigarette smoke. This occurs when negative ions attach themselves to positive ion particles in large numbers and negatively charging those ions. When that happens, those allergens become too heavy to remain airborne and are prevented from being inhaled!2

Natural energy sources of negative ions come from five main areas: 1. radiant or cosmic rays in the atmosphere, 2. sunlight including ultraviolet rays, 3. discharges of electricity in the air after thunder and lightning, 4. the shearing forces of water (as in a waterfall), and 5. plant-generated ions from natural growths.3

When indoors, the use of an air purifier can help to freshen stale air affected by dust, pet dander, cooking fumes, poor room air circulation, heat and humidity, and the proximity of grounded devices that may emit counteracting positive ions (such as computer monitors and other electronics).

We encourage everyone to experience the KenkoAir Purifier® for themselves. Once you do, you’ll want to share your experience with those you care about, because as we say at Nikken, “to breathe is to live” and living well means breathing clean, refreshing air filled with negative ions! Ask your Nikken Consultant how to take advantage of special pricing on the KenkoAir Purifier by ordering through the Yes! My Wellness Home link through the end of March.

1 https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/negative-ions-create-positive-vibes

2, 3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6213340/

Healthy Routines for Healthy Hearts

Published on by Nikken

There are many ways to help keep our hearts healthy, our circulation smooth and our blood vessels free of plaque. Certain conditions are inherited, but being aware of them can help us embrace the Active Wellness habits that counteract them. Our habits start with choices, and it depends on what we’re willing to do, give up or add to our lifestyles.

No smoking: It’s been decades since the benefits of not smoking cigarettes have been brought to light, but now, there are so many things other than cigarettes to smoke. The truth of the matter is, none of it is good for our heart or lungs—some substances can alleviate pain or quell nausea, but inhaled habitually, can cause heart and lung damage. In other words, quitting smoking means stopping the inhalation of a whole range of things—and vaping is ill-advised, too. The American Heart Association, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention jointly encourage all smokers to quit!1

Curb belly fat: Certain parts of the body have a special impact on heart health. Research in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has linked excess belly fat to higher blood pressure and unhealthy blood lip levels.2 Health practitioners advise us to try to decrease the belly fat through diet and exercise, not just from spot routines. In other words, a hundred sit-ups a day won’t get rid of belly fat, but losing some weight by eating better (or less) combined with a daily exercise routine that includes some form of cardio or aerobic activity, may do the trick.

Healthy snacks: We all know that eating right is critical for good health. When trying to eat the right foods, one of the things that is hard to do is to give up unhealthy snacking. The good news is that there are actually healthy snacks we can incorporate into our diets. One example is chips and salsa. The salsa is a delightful mix of healthy vegetables as long as we don’t oversalt it. Add in some whole or blended beans—black, white, pinto, any other choices—and the salsa gets a big boost of heart-healthy fiber. According to the Mayo Clinic, a diet rich in soluble fiber can help lower LDL (bad cholesterol).

Omega-3 fatty acids: Another source of heart-healthy food is fish, due to its omega-3 fatty acid content. Not all fish are equal, but salmon, tuna, sardines and herring, for example, contain good amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Nutritionists recommend eating fish twice a week, with the health benefits outweighing the risks of mercury ingestion.3  If you’re a vegetarian, our Kenzen® Omega Green + DHA is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Eat the color spectrum: Have you heard the saying, “eat the rainbow?” This simply means that a heart-healthy diet can be made up of naturally colorful food—green, red, yellow, orange, purple and blue—easily found in vegetables and fruits. Think of favorite fruits and vegetables and simply incorporate them into meals or eat them in between meals.

A half teaspoon of salt a day: Researchers have reported in The New England Journal of Medicine that a half teaspoon of salt is all we need per day!4 Salt is apparently one of the leading culprits of high blood pressure which in turn causes heart disease. Salt is a hidden menace found in excessive quantities in processed foods, many restaurant foods and especially fast-foods. Breaking the salt habit can be challenging, but for starters, never salt anything without tasting it first!

Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate contains heart-healthy flavonoids. These compounds help reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of heart disease, according to scientists in the journal Nutrients. Incorporating dark chocolate into a diet is prudent but not in copious amounts—a couple of squares is recommended.

Go Nuts: Thankfully, some fats are actually good for us! These heart-healthy fats come in the form of almonds, walnuts, pecans and even moderate amounts of peanuts. They also contain protein and fiber that act as fuel and digestive helpers. Although high in healthy fats, they’re also high-calorie so nutritionists advise eating small amounts daily.

7% fat daily: Like salt, decreasing fat intake daily to just 7% of our daily calories can help lower the risk of heart disease, according to the USDA. One way to help calculate our intake is to read the nutrition labels on the food we buy.

Eat breakfast: Although intermittent fasting is trending for weight loss, breakfast truly is an important meal of the day, if not the most important one. To build a heart-healthy meal that ends the overnight “fast,” incorporate whole grains, such as oatmeal, lean protein such as peanut butter, yogurt or low-fat dairy milk from animal or vegetable sources) and fruit, especially berries high in antioxidants and polyphenols.

Drink tea: Black or green, it’s our choice and either is healthy for the heart. In fact, drinking one to three cups of tea every day may help lower the risk of heart problems. So, have a “cuppa” and enjoy the possibility of lowering the risk of angina and heart attacks!

Fun exercises: Not everyone likes going to the gym and working out, but regular exercise is important for sustained heart health. In fact, sitting for too much of the day is now considered as bad as smoking! It’s therefore imperative to get a move on! There are many alternatives to working out. For example, dancing raises the heart rate and gets the lungs pumping. It also burns up to 200 calories or more per hour, and listening to music while dancing is an added pleasure. Walking, swimming, running/jogging, rowing, hiking and so forth, are all great alternatives to the gym and you can connect with nature at the same time.

Yoga: Another ongoing trend is the practice of yoga. Since it originated in India more than 5,000 years go, this “trend” has proven it’s here to stay. The western world had some catching up to do, but has now shown that yoga has the potential to improve heart health. By stretching virtually every part of the body (even ears, nose and mouth), yoga can help improve balance, flexibility and strength. It also helps relieve stress and helps improve sleep, all adding up to maintaining a healthy heart.

Make your HaHas Loud: This is such a great to-do to incorporate into an Active Wellness lifestyle. Laughing out loud may be good for the heart, according to the American Health Association. Laughing out loud has been found to lower stress hormones, decrease inflammation on arteries and raise levels of high-density lipoprotein (HLD or good cholesterol).

Gum and tooth health: Cleveland Clinic researchers have found that bacteria that can cause gum disease also may raise the risk of heart disease. Findings to date are mixed, but there’s only good that come of keeping teeth and gums healthy. Brush and floss every day if you don’t already, and see the results.

Get enough sleep: When we don’t get enough sleep, the heart is significantly impacted.5 It’s no surprise that the entire body needs its rest, but the heart works 24/7 and really needs to rest!

Remember, Kenzen® Nutrition is here to help fill in the gaps of anyone’s diet! From now until March 23, 2023, each purchase of a PiMag Waterfall® will be accompanied by a bonus bottle of Kenzen® Immunity; each purchase of a KenkoAir Purifier® will have a bonus bottle of Kenzen® Clarity; and each purchase of a Kenko Sleep Pack will contain a bonus bottle of Kenzen® Joint.

1, 2 3, 4 https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-heart-tips#know-your-numbers

5 https://www.scripps.org/news_items/5146-5-heart-healthy-habits

Stress and the Mighty Trio: Immunity, Mental Clarity and Mobility

Published on by Nikken

Stress is the body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. When you sense danger—whether it’s real or imagined—the body’s defenses kick into high gear in a rapid, automatic process known as the “fight-or-flight” reaction or the “stress response.”1

When working properly, the stress response protects us and allows us to stay focused and alert. For example, to avoid a car accident, we might slam on the brakes as our stress response. In this way, stress is a positive part of our lives.

Too much stress, however, can cause major damage to our bodies and minds—not only to health, but also to mood, productivity, relationships and overall quality of life. Stress can definitely put a damper on the pursuit of an Active Wellness lifestyle.

The varying levels of stress can be likened to a spectrum. At one end is “eustress,” the manageable levels of stress that help tackle challenges at work, school, or in relationships. Eustress does not necessarily feel comfortable, but it is useful and can help us succeed.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is “distress.” This is the type of stress that is destructive—it disrupts sleep and creates undesired tension, mood disorders and a negative outlook. Distress can occur when we are too busy at work, owe money, are grieving or suffering any type of painful loss.

Our personalities and perspectives on how we work, compete or play can affect whether stress takes the form of eustress or distress. For example, if there is a looming deadline and it worries or overwhelms us, we are going to experience distress. If that same deadline creates a sense of excitement about the ensuing outcome, we would experience eustress. We therefore are somewhat in control of the stress we live with, but we cannot foresee the future or the unknown.

When we get stressed out frequently, the body exists in a heightened state of anxiety most of the time. That can lead to serious health problems, since chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in the body and its functions. It can suppress the immune system, upset the digestive and reproductive systems, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and speed up the aging process. It can even rewire the brain, leaving us more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.2

Chronic stress occurs because stress is sneaky. It can creep up on us and we get so used to feeling stressed out that we don’t even notice its ill effects until they manifest in disturbing ways. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the symptoms that chronic stress can cause.

The three main areas that stress impacts are immunity, mental clarity and mobility. We need a strong immune system to fight disease, but stress weakens the body’s defenses. Stress can reduce the number of natural killer cells or lymphocytes in the body, which are needed to fight viruses, according to the American Psychological Association. It makes us catch colds or the flu more easily, for example.

Chronic stress can produce higher-than-normal levels of the hormone cortisol. This can hamper the body’s anti-inflammatory response and cause continual infections, according to recent immunology research studies.3

Issues with mental clarity include memory problems, inability to concentrate, poor judgment, persistent anxiety, runaway thoughts, constant worrying, moodiness, irritability and depression.

Mobility is affected when stress causes pain, tightness, soreness or spasms in the muscles. According to the American Psychological Association, muscles tense up during stress. When the stress is gone, the muscles then relax and release the built-up tension.

Other physical symptoms include skin breakouts, irregular heartbeats, fluctuating weight, trouble sleeping, indigestion and other digestive issues. If inflammation is persistent and widespread, it can contribute to chronic diseases, including the buildup of plaque on the arterial walls. This is just one of the many factors at play in the complex relationship between stress and the heart.  Stress is related to heart rhythm abnormalities, high blood pressure, stroke and asthma. Lung conditions include shortness of breath and rapid breathing.

Knowing our stress triggers can help us deal with them more effectively. Here are a few ways to cope with stress:

Exercise: Regular exercise is known to improve moods and relieve stress. Rhythmic exercises such as walking, running, swimming, and dancing are particularly effective, especially when focusing attention on the physical sensations of each movement.

Make human contact: In this day and age of electronic devices, we often spend more time with screens than with people. The simple act of talking face-to-face with another human can trigger hormones that relieve stress. Even a brief exchange of kind words or a friendly look from another human being can help calm and soothe the nervous system.

Use the senses: Sight, sound, taste, smell, touch. The key is to find the sensory input that works best for each individual. Does listening to an uplifting song produce calmness? Is the scent of a favorite flower soothing? Research has shown that the act of petting a dog or cat not only comforts the animal, but also the human.  Everyone responds to sensory input a little differently, so finding the best use of any of the five senses can be a fun experiment.

Relax. Some people are good at letting go of stress at the end of the day and can relax. Others need to consciously practice the art of relaxation. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing activate the body’s relaxation response, a state of restfulness that is the polar opposite of the stress response. When practiced regularly, these activities can help reduce everyday stress levels and boost feelings of joy and serenity. They also may increase the ability to stay calm and collected under pressure.

Eat healthy food. “You are what you eat” doesn’t need to be taken literally, but it holds truth. Food can improve or worsen moods and affect how we cope with life’s stressors. Eating a diet full of processed and convenience food, refined carbohydrates, and sugary snacks can worsen symptoms of stress, while a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, high-quality protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help us cope with life’s ups and downs.

Get enough sleep. Feeling tired can magnify stress. Getting restful sleep can be tricky because chronic stress can disrupt sleep. Making the sleep environment as comfortable as possible and adhering to a sleep cycle that allows for 6-8 hours can be helpful.

The pursuit of Active Wellness includes finding adequate ways to cope with stress. At Nikken, we have three nutritionals that may help in the “mighty trio”: Kenzen® Immunity, Clarity and Joint. From now until March 23, 2023, each purchase of a PiMag Waterfall® will be accompanied by a bonus bottle of Kenzen® Immunity; each purchase of a KenkoAir Purifier® will have a bonus bottle of Kenzen® Clarity; and each purchase of a Kenko Sleep Pack will contain a bonus bottle of Kenzen® Joint.

1, 2  https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-symptoms-signs-and-causes

3, 4  https://health.umms.org/2020/11/10/stress-immune-system/