Category: Wellness

Activate Your Endorphins

Published on by Nikken

Endorphin comes from the words “endogenous,” which means within the body, and “morphine,” an opiate pain reliever. Put together, that means endorphins are natural pain relievers. They are “feel-good” chemicals because they can make us feel better and put us in a positive state of mind.1

Endorphins are hormones the body releases when it feels pain or stress. They’re also released during activities such as exercise, massage, eating and sex, too.

Created in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, endorphins act as neurotransmitters to the entire body by attaching to the brain’s reward centers (opioid receptors) and carry signals throughout the nervous system.

When you feel pain, nerves in the body send pain signals to the brain. To help you survive the pain, the brain releases endorphins to block the nerve cells that receive the pain signals.

Studies have shown that endorphins benefit you in different ways. They can ease the symptoms of depression, alleviate stress and anxiety, improve self-image and contribute to weight loss.2

One of the easiest ways to release endorphins is to exercise! The more you exercise, the more endorphins the body produces. The feeling called a “runner’s high” is attributed to endorphins released during exercise. The same type of “high” can be achieved from endorphins released during power walking, swimming, dancing, hiking and any type of activity that gets the heart pumping vigorously. When not enough is produced, certain health conditions may arise. Low endorphin levels can result in depression, anxiety, body aches, sleep disorders and lethargy.

The mood disorders resulting from low endorphin levels are attributed to another neurotransmitter known as dopamine. Endorphins and dopamine work in tandem. When endorphins attach to the brain’s reward centers, dopamine is released. This motivates you to repeat the activity, namely exercise, over and over again.

Dopamine affects mood. Endorphins released during exercise have been shown to reduce the symptoms of depression. As endorphin levels rise, stress and anxiety are shown to decrease. When endorphins and dopamine are working together, depression, stress and anxiety abate while self-esteem and confidence levels rise.

Here are various ways to activate endorphins and achieve that natural “high”:

•          Eating some dark chocolate. It contains the compound phenethylamine, which encourages neurotransmitter activity, and theobromine, which promotes relaxation. As a bonus, dark chocolate contains antioxidants.

•          Eating what you really like. Whether that’s ice cream or French fries, any food that makes you salivate will likely give us an endorphin boost. Of course, regularly using food to release endorphins could become a battle of the bulge and require a visit to cardiology services, so you need to use this endorphin-release method sparingly.3

•          Eating spicy food. The brain interprets the heat from spicy food as a type of painful stimulus. It releases endorphins to counteract that feeling. Spicy food lovers can take advantage of this added benefit.

•          Raising our pulse—via exercise—is a weight fighting endorphin releaser, making it a better long-term strategy. Cardio, moderate exercise, and weight training can all signal the brain to release endorphins, though the rate differs from person to person. If we aren’t getting a happiness rush, then we need to increase the intensity. With that endorphin plateau, we’ll be able to plan your workouts accordingly.4

•          Laughing out loud. Hanging out with a hilarious friend, watching your favorite stand-up comedian, or doing whatever else makes you laugh is not only pure fun but health-inducing. The deeper the laugh, the better it is for releasing endorphins.

•          Drinking alcohol in moderation. Endorphins are one of several “feel-good” hormones released in the brain after drinking alcohol. An occasional glass of wine, beer or spirits can enhance the mood; however, overconsumption can disrupt endorphin production and cause the opposite.

Of the various ways to boost endorphins, exercise provides the most benefits. In addition to reducing stress and depression as already mentioned, exercise also helps to strengthen the heart, increase energy levels, lower blood pressure, improve muscle tone, build strong bones and reduce body fat.5

The repetitive motions you perform during any kind of exercise is like a moving meditation—it allows you to focus on the movement, setting aside negative thoughts or worries.

For those who are not as inclined to exercising, here are some ways to get started!6

•          Choose an activity you enjoy. Exercising should be fun.

•          Put your exercise routine into your schedule. If you need reminding, put it on your calendar.

•          Make sure you vary your exercises so that you don’t get bored.

•          Unless you are going to be using them regularly, avoid buying health club memberships or expensive equipment. Gardening, yard work such as raking and mowing, golfing without riding a cart—these all count!

•          Exercise in short bursts. Even brief bouts of physical activity offer benefits. If you can’t fit in one 30-minute walk, try three 10-minute walks instead. In other words, every little bit helps build up stamina and a good habit.

•          Stick with it. If you exercise regularly, it will soon become part of your lifestyle and you will feel the difference it makes in your mood and energy levels.

At Nikken, the Summer Challenge extends through the end of August. Choose your personal challenge, whether it’s to exercise more to boost your endorphin levels or to eat healthier foods. Whatever you choose, we’re offering three nutritional items in a Summer Challenge Pack to support your dietary needs. Item 4472 USA/Item 4473 CAN

1, 2 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23040-endorphins#:~:text=What%20are%20endorphins%3F,your%20sense%20of%20well%2Dbeing.

3, 4 https://www.slidellmemorial.org/blog/the-7-best-ways-to-release-endorphins#:~:text=Cardio%2C%20moderate%20exercise%2C%20and%20weight,how%20much%20exercise%20is%20required.

5, 6 https://www.webmd.com/depression/exercise-depression#:~:text=When%20you%20exercise%2C%20your%20body,similar%20to%20that%20of%20morphine.

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

Do Men Have Special Sleep Needs?

Published on by Nikken

An important part of people’s health is how they sleep. Too often people awaken from sleep feeling unrested and tired, exactly the opposite of what sleep is expected to accomplish. Although all nature’s creatures require restful sleep, the amount and the timing may vary greatly. With humans, there are some aspects specific to men.

Individual sleep requirements are different from person to person, but on the average, most adults are said to need seven to eight hours each night in order to feel alert and rested.1 According to sleep experts at the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA), many men simply do not realize they are not getting enough restful sleep. The reason is that sleeplessness with men is so common that they believe it to be the norm. In other words, men get used to being tired and rather than trying to rectify the situation, believe it’s supposed to be that way and they need to put up with it.

The result of not getting enough sleep on a regular basis is functioning at less than optimal levels of energy and focus. Some signs of not getting enough sleep (in both men and women) include:

•          Low energy levels during the day.

•          Difficulty paying attention in meetings.

•          Lack of motivation, trouble moving from task to task.

•          Bad temperament—irritability, grouchiness.

•          Inability to awaken when the alarm goes off.

•          Sleepiness when behind the wheel— as dangerous as texting while driving.

Work demands are considered to be the primary causes of men’s lack of sleep. UCLA findings state that men’s perceptions of their work-life demands often stop them from seeking the needed amount of restful sleep. For example, many men have full work schedules, and for lifestyle balance, they go to the gym regularly to work out. They may also go to sports events, work on projects around the house and help with the kids if they have families. Single men may socialize with their single friends or be on a dating schedule. In other words, in addition to an already full work schedule, men often tend to overlook the need for rest in favor of pursuing more activities that only add to their fatigue.

Another aspect that deters some men from obtaining enough sleep are certain behaviors or habits. Statistically men consume more alcohol, nicotine and caffeine—each of which can disrupt healthy sleep patterns. Big meals and exercising close to bedtime are other sleep disruptors. Men also are known to keep irregular sleep schedules, often going to bed and waking up at different times rather than adhering to a more constant routine. This irregularity can disrupt the internal body clock from producing sound sleep. The antidote to this is to keep the internal clock set at the correct time by sleeping and rising at consistent times daily—this involves not sleeping in late on non-work days. The healthier alternative is to go to bed earlier at night when feeling tired rather than pursuing additional activities. Although men seem to be good nappers, too long a nap may cause more sleeplessness at night, so sleep experts advise keeping naps to less than one hour, and taking them early in the afternoon.

Sleep disorders are pervasive globally, but men suffer from some specific ones more often than others. These are:

•          Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)2: Men are twice as likely as women to have OSA, which is caused when the tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep. The tongue falls back and blocks the airway to cause a temporary pause in breathing that can wake you up or disturb sleep. Primary signs of OSA are loud snoring, snorting and gasping. Many men with OSA are unaware they have it, and since snoring is so often accepted as a norm, the dangers go untended. Sleeping on the side and losing weight sometimes alleviates the condition but severe cases require medical intervention.

•          Narcolepsy3: Extreme sleepiness during the day can cause people to suddenly fall asleep even when eating, walking or driving. This condition requires medical treatment to help produce more normal patterns of being asleep and awake.

•          Delayed sleep phase disorder (DSP)4: As the name implies, sleep is delayed from normal hours. Usually the delay is for two or more hours, resulting in very late nights and difficulty waking in the morning. DSP may be caused by continually going to bed very late at night and causing the timing of the body’s clock to be thrown off, preventing the ability to fall asleep at an earlier or more acceptable hour. To correct DSP, avoid bright lights in the late afternoon and evening and make sure your sleep environment is dark. Then get as much bright sunlight in the mornings and early afternoons to set the body clock right.

•          Jet lag disorder and shift work disorder5: Jet lag is something most people experience when they travel between time zones after spending more than a few days in one and entering into another. The internal body clock doesn’t have time to adjust to a new location right away due to the speed of the travel, making it hard to sleep well. The same thing holds true for people who work rotating, early-morning or night shifts, confusing the body when you try to sleep when the body expects to be awake. The result is trouble sleeping and fatigue.

Kenko Sleep Technology takes what nature provides in the form of magnets, tourmaline and reflective fibers to provide a cocooning effect, relaxation, temperature regulation and calmness for a great night’s sleep. For a special opportunity to purchase a select group of Kenko Sleep products at extraordinarily decreased prices, contact your Nikken Consultant.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/sleep-disorders/patient-resources/patient-education/sleep-and-men

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!

More Than Enough

Published on by Nikken

May is Mental Health Awareness month and the theme for 2023 is “More Than Enough.” The National Alliance on Mental Illness states this is an opportunity for all of us to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability.1

What does “more than enough” mean? Each individual has different expectations for personal behavior and achievements, and how realistic those expectations are, can make the difference between being mentally healthy or not.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness puts expectations into perspective, so that each of us can feel “more than enough.” They state, “We want every person out there to know that if all you did was wake up today, that’s more than enough. No matter what, you are inherently worthy of more than enough life, love and healing. Showing up, just as you are, for yourself and the people around you, is more than enough.”2

Since mental health impacts every aspect of our lives, we can consciously make an effort to maintain a balanced outlook. Setting mental health goals may be helpful in feeling better overall. Here are some mental health goals that we can choose to set:

•          Manage stress. Not all stress is “bad,” because sometimes stress is simply a feeling of urgency that compels us to get things done in a timely way. However, if we have 10 things to accomplish and we place equal importance on them, our stress levels are sure to skyrocket. Managing stress means prioritizing tasks and even saying no to some of them or extending our self-imposed timeframes.

•          Speak kindly to yourself. We generally think about how to express ourselves to our family members, teachers, friends, employers, acquaintances and business partners, etc. before actually speaking. On the other hand, we generally don’t screen what we say to ourselves. Each of us has an inner voice (sometimes loud, sometimes soft) that we converse with. For mental health’s sake, we need to conscientiously speak kindly when talking to ourselves. Throw out any tendency to self-blame or overly criticize—mistakes make us human and what’s done is done—we have to learn to move on. The faster we can do so, the better our mental state.

•          Get moving. It doesn’t have to be “exercise” per se. It can be walking the dog, practicing dance moves, stretching or parking the car farther away when shopping. The symbiotic relationship between the brain and the heart is one of nature’s special gifts: get the heart pumping faster through movement and the brain starts feeling better! Movement is counterintuitive for people who are feeling blue, but if the first baby step is taken to get up and about, the blues can eventually be dispelled. On the other hand, if you’re a competitive athlete, it’s okay to have a slow day and do a little less without berating yourself. Regardless of the level of movement you choose, KenkoTherm® wraps offer you the type of support that gives you confidence.

•          Commit to getting restful sleep. How many times do we wake up feeling tired because we haven’t had a restful night’s sleep? Even once a week is too often. The human mind simply cannot function at its best without sleep. Ask any mother of a newborn how her brain is doing and hear about brain fog! The Kenko Sleep System is designed to provide you with the comfort and support that helps you obtain a restful night’s sleep.

•          Connect with nature. Even if it’s 10 minutes a day, make it a point to experience the outdoors. Whether it’s walking barefoot through the sand on a beach or wiggling your toes in the grass in a yard, take personal time in a natural space without electronics or manmade interruptions. Do this every day, even when it’s raining. It is guaranteed to make a difference in your mental health. to When you are indoors, use the KenkoGround® that was inspired by nature.

Make “more than enough” part of your daily self-care routine and enjoy your best life!

1, 2 https://authenticallydel.com/mental-health-goals/

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!

Is it Hay Fever or a Common Cold?

Published on by Nikken

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like symptoms. These may include a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure. But unlike a cold, hay fever isn’t caused by a virus. Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to a harmless outdoor or indoor substance the body identifies as harmful, known as an allergen.1

Common allergens that can trigger hay fever symptoms include pollen and dust mites. Pet dander made up of tiny flecks of skin or fur shed by cats, dogs, and other animals with “hair” or feathers also can be allergens that cause hay feverlike symptoms.

Hay fever cannot be transmitted. In other words, it’s not contagious; however, hay fever can rage for weeks, months or even year-round. Colds generally last a week or less. Why is that?

If you are allergic to a seasonal environmental trigger such as pollen, your hay fever symptoms may be limited to particular seasons of the year. If you’re allergic to dust or smoke, symptoms may last all year long.

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Colds are generally caused by rhinoviruses and are highly contagious. Colds spread easily from one person to the other via coughing, sneezing and touching infected surfaces.

Cells in the nasal cavity recognize foreign substances and once they detect a bug or irritant, they activate “T cells” (a type of white blood cell that helps protect the body from infections) to search, find and destroy the culprits. This process is known as an immune response—and it occurs whenever you catch a cold or any other virus.

With hay fever, the irritant triggers the same T cells as it does with viruses. But with hay fever, the irritant also causes the release of IgE antibodies and histamines which produce ongoing symptoms, such as a plugged nose, losing the sense of smell and even nasal inflammation. Hay fever also produces itchiness on the face, especially near the eyes and throat, something colds do not.

Hay fever and colds share other symptoms: extreme fatigue, postnasal drip, coughing and runny noses. Hay fever sufferers tend to have watery runny noses, while those with a cold may have yellow or thicker discharge. Hay fever produces a dry cough whereas colds may have “productive” coughs that are phlegmy. 

One major difference between hay fever and the common cold is the sore throat. Hay fever may produce the effect of an itchy throat; in fact, the whole mouth, from roof to throat may itch. The sore throat is virtually always a precursor to a full-blown cold.

Symptoms can be similar, so it can be difficult to tell hay fever from a cold, especially since some people don’t develop hay fever until adulthood. This can result from a genetic predisposition that pops up when there is an unusually high level of airborne pollen, a major change in your lifestyle, moving to a different city, state or country, and even changes to what and how you eat. Although hay fever recurs and may last a very long time, about 50% find symptoms decrease as they get older and 10-20% outgrow it at some point in their lives.2

Anyone who suffers from hay fever or frequent colds can attest to how important it is to be proactive to help minimize symptoms. One tried and true method is to use an air filter year-round to improve air quality. At Nikken, we offer an effective and eco-friendly air filter known as the KenkoAir Purifier®.

The KenkoAir Purifier helps improve your indoor air quality to a higher level with an ultra-clean three level filtration system that captures up to 99.95% of 0.3 micron particles in the air. A pre-filter acts as a physical barrier or trap to remove large particles, an activated carbon absorption filter removes airborne gas and solution molecules, while the HEPA filter helps to remove ultra-fine particles such as airborne allergens. Negative Ion Technology replicates the clean, refreshing air found in natural settings, such as by a lake or a forest.

You can replace the filter every six months and the prefilter is re-usable, leaving a smaller carbon footprint. Environmentally-friendly, the KenkoAir Purifier is made with recyclable materials. At Nikken, we believe “To breathe is to live” and to live well is to be in harmony with nature!

1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20373039

2 https://theconversation.com/health-check-how-to-tell-the-difference-between-hay-fever-and-the-common-cold-104755#:~:text=How%20you%20tell%20the%20difference,in%20hay%20fever%2C%20it’s%20clear.