Tag: Active Wellness

Plant-Based Diets to Improve Health

Published on by Nikken

Did your mama tell you to “eat your veggies”? She knew what she was talking about. Studies have shown that there are possible connections between a plant-based diet and maintaining good health.

Vegetarians typically consume more vitamin E, C, folic acid, potassium, calcium, fiber and phytochemicals, resulting in lower cholesterol levels, BMI and blood pressure. 1 Vegetarians also obtain more antioxidant levels of A, B2, beta-carotene and folate as well as fiber through their higher consumption of fruits, vegetables and multi-grains. Though 25-38 grams of fiber per day is recommended, the typical American consumes only 12-15 grams. For example, a pound of beef contains zero grams of fiber, but just one cup of lentils has 16 grams. 2

Even if you choose not to be a complete vegetarian, there are several diets that are plant-based. In descending order of number of food types allowed:

  • Semi-Vegetarian or Flexitarian diets include dairy foods, eggs and small amounts of meat, poultry, fish or other seafood.
  • Pescatarian diets include dairy foods, eggs, fish and seafood, but no meat or poultry.
  • Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian diets include dairy foods and eggs.
  • Vegan diets are the most limiting, as no animal products of any kind are allowed, and you obtain protein only from grains, beans, nuts, seeds and certain plants—just like vegetarian animals.

Improving health is only one facet of eating more vegetarian meals. You can save money, too. Eating vegetables, grains and fruit in place of the roughly 250 pounds of beef, chicken and fish each non-vegetarian in the U.S. eats annually could cut individual food bills by an average $4,000 per year. 3

In the U.S., 10 billion animals are slaughtered for human consumption each year. Most are factory-farmed and fed a diet tainted with pesticides, hormones and antibiotics.4 Cattle are corn-fed (instead of grass fed) to fatten them up. Raising these animals strains environmental resources and may be unsustainable over the long term. Beef in particular is known for being challenging to the environment, because of the large amount of feed required and the methane produced.

Whether you cut out meat once a week (as in Meatless Monday) or take on an Active Wellness challenge and go vegetarian for a week or month at a time, you’ll not only be helping the world go green, you’ll be helping yourself and your pocketbook! And with Kenzen® Vital Balance, you never need to worry about getting enough plant-based protein!

1 http://dietitiansondemand.com/vegetarian-awareness-month/

2, 3, 4 https://foodandnutrition.org/blogs/stone-soup/celebrate-vegetarian-awareness-month/

 

Keep Your Weight Steady Through the Holiday Season

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Is your holiday season full of traps that derail you from healthy eating? Are your days filled with extra calories that seem too tempting to pass up? What’s a body with the best of intentions to do? Here are five simple behaviors that may help keep your weight steady throughout the holiday season with living proof from some of the Nikken Everyday Wellness Challenge winners.

  • Be part of a fitness community. This doesn’t require joining expensive gyms or clubs. Simply find some friends or relatives who are committed to Active Wellness or find online buddies, such as those on the Everyday Wellness Challenge Facebook page. Post your intentions and goals and ask for support.

Bill Cottle says, “I love being healthy by choice and not by chance. I want to thank everyone posting comments and words of encouragement on the Everyday Wellness Challenge Facebook page. It is great to belong to such a supportive community.”

Victoria Jaso Waters adds, “Even when times are tough, I am able to keep positive by reading about everyone’s accomplishments.”

  • Carry the PiMag® Sport Bottle with you everywhere and drink water, drink water, drink water. It helps you feel full and it’s great for all the body’s systems.

John Berkheim says, “I have reduced the amount of food I eat at each meal and am drinking more PiMag water and less coffee, no pop or drinks with added sugar.”

  • Be sure to focus on the protein and the vegetables of any feast, not the dessert. Think of it this way: lean meats or vegetarian proteins and vegetables are real food. Best of all, protein actually helps increase your metabolism and gives you a feeling of fullness. Vegetables are full of healthy fiber and low in calories.

Nancy Clyde says, “I have always loved veggies and made wise choices by avoiding sugars and limiting breads, potatoes and rice. My meals and snacks consist of veggies, protein and a small portion of nuts.”

  • Get enough sleep. Undersleeping may be as tempting as overeating during the holiday season, but sleep deprivation can cause weight gain! The less you sleep, the hungrier you’ll feel, and the higher the risk of eating more calories than your level of activity requires. Too little sleep also slows down the metabolism. So, even when you stay out to party hearty, set aside enough time to catch enough Zs!

Ann Price says, “Over the past three months, my average nightly sleep has increased from about four to five hours to about seven hours nightly! That sure makes a difference in the way I feel when I wake up in the morning.”

  • Choose a form of exercise and participate every day or at least four times a week. Whether you swim laps, take Zumba classes or walk the dog, consistency pays off and you’ll feel more energetic once you get in the habit.

Susan Goodwin says, “The part I like most about Active Wellness is the hour of exercise I do every day. I either walk or bicycle, and the exercise helps me release my stress and sleep better.”

Plan ahead this holiday season and reward yourself (not with an edible) for your positive results!

The Trick to Eating the Right Treat

Published on by Nikken

One of the favorite nights of the year for many North Americans is Halloween. It’s also one of the scariest, not because of the witches and goblins or walking skeletons, but due to the abundance of the evil one, sugar. According to Lona Sandon, Med, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, “All it takes is an additional 100 calories a day or the equivalent of one snack-sized chocolate bar and most adults will experience weight creep before they even know it.”1

What about the effect sugar has on children? Dr. B.J. Hardick, author of Maximized Living Nutrition Plans, which is used in more than 500 health clinics, states, “A study found that preschoolers who consumed ultra-processed foods had higher blood lipid levels, a marker for many health concerns including cardiovascular issues later on. Amassing candy, and keeping it around, isn’t exactly the foundational habit that the health conscious parent wants their kid to develop, knowing that each bite plays a part in their future health.”2

Common sense dictates that any health conscious adult who revels in Halloween would stick to creative costumes and fun activities but cut out the candy. As for the traditional trick-or-treaters that come to your door, they may not care about their health, but do you want it on your conscience that you’re helping children to increase their risk of tooth decay and to develop poor eating habits? Instead of candy loaded with sugar, give a healthy snack instead!

The original trick-or-treaters in the Middle Ages went door to door begging for food or money, not candy, in exchange for songs and prayers. In more recent years, health conscious people are known to give trinkets, coins and sugar-free snacks in lieu of candy.

“Research shows just looking at food triggers the circuitry in our brains that makes us imagine eating it,” says Susan Albers, PsyD, author of Eating Mindfully.3 So the trick to eating the right treat is two-fold.

  1. Don’t buy candy. If it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind.
  2. Grab a healthy treat. Give one to a trick-or-treater and eat one yourself instead of a candy bar!

Eating mindfully helps solidify Active Wellness!

1 https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/10-tricks-avoid-halloween-candy-temptations

2 http://www.drhardick.com/reduce-sugar-halloween

3 https://www.rd.com/health/diet-weight-loss/11-of-the-best-diet-tricks-for-a-skinnier-halloween/

 

Jumpstart Your Nikken Business with Clean Water

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Health risks associated with water contaminants are real.  Some of the signs of water quality issues are perceptible—and some are not. Since 1972 when the Natural Resources Defense Council advocated for the Clean Water Act, public awareness has grown regarding the fact that even in first world nations, the tap water we use in our homes for drinking, cooking and bathing may well be contaminated with bacteria and viruses, chlorine and chloramine, nitrates and nitrites, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals and chemicals from personal care products as well as endocrine disrupting chemicals.1

A common fallacy is that bottled water eliminates contaminants. Numerous reputable studies have revealed that up to 40 percent of all bottled water is re-processed tap water. Another good portion of bottled waters are purified by reverse osmosis or distillation, resulting in demineralized water, which is considered unhealthy for long-term use.2 No matter what the bottled water label says, you never really know what you’re getting.

The more reliable and ultimately, more economical solution, is to invest in some type of water filtration system. Not only does filtered water help with digestion and detoxification of the body, but it also keeps the nervous system up and running.3 Filtered water is also quite important for young children, especially babies that don’t have the mature immune system that most adults do.

The PiMag® Water Set composed of one PiMag® Waterfall and one PiMag® Sport Bottle is an ideal way to get started with Nikken Active Wellness. You get a multiple filtration system that does not require electricity or plumbing for any room of your home, plus a portable filtered bottle that can be taken to the gym, on hikes, by poolside and to keep in the car. With the PiMag® Water Set, you have both a stationary and a portable solution for clean drinking water. In addition, neither filter leaches out beneficial minerals and the Waterfall actually adds minerals within a beneficial alkaline pH range.

 

1          http://www.waterbenefitshealth.com/water-contaminants.html

2          http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/nutrientschap12.pdf?ua=1

3          http://www.waterfiltering.com/health/benefits-filtered-water.html

 

Autumn Skincare Tips

Published on by Nikken

As daunting as the onset of colder weather may be, autumn is an ideal time to correct any summer skin damage that has occurred and to prepare for winter. So here are some tips on how to maintain a hydrated healthy complexion during autumn and the coming winter months when skin tends to lose moisture.

  1. To start the process of rebuilding dry, flakey skin resulting from sun, chlorine and saltwater, incorporate exfoliation into your skin regimen. Choose a scrub/exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin but is gentle and helps stimulate natural oil production. Use True Elements® Radiance Scrub once or twice a week to buff the skin. This gentle facial scrub helps remove dead skin cells and allow the seaweed extracts to help boost hydration and energize the skin.
  2. Do not use artificially fragrant soap on your face because they contain sulfates and other chemicals and dyes. Instead, use True Elements® Velvet Cleansing Milk. It doesn’t contain any synthetic fragrances, parabens, mineral oils, phthalates, artificial coloring or preservatives. You get a gentle cleanser that works with your natural pH balance and natural enriching oils that nourish the skin while removing impurities.
  3. Use a soothing mask that deeply nourishes the skin. True Elements® Nutritional Mask helps stimulate the synthesis of collagen that might have broken down with overexposure to the sun. Hyaluronic acid helps plump up the skin while seaweed extracts help re-energize to restore brightness.
  4. As the air becomes drier, be sure to use a cream-based moisturizer to help reduce water loss from the skin. True Elements® Nourishing Face Cream is specifically formulated to moisturize the upper epidermis and to help soften and smooth the skin.
  5. What goes in your body affects the appearance of the skin as well what goes on it. Make sure to drink lots of water. Always bring your PiMag® Sport Bottle  with you. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, lean proteins and healthy oils. Stay on the Active Wellness eating regimen. Remember, healthy eating is a lifestyle for a lifetime. Stay away from sugar as it’s known to be inflammatory and may adversely affect your skin as well.

 

 

 

The Hot and Cold of Working Out

Published on by Nikken

The United States and many other countries are dealing with an increase, or even a prevalence of, obesity. Exercise and diet are the two basic ways to prevent or overcome this epidemic. In the United States, physicians refer to “Physical Activity” (PA) goals as the easy and affordable prescription for maintaining a healthy weight and more often than not, recommend outdoor exercise, which combines fresh air with mobility.

Weather conditions have an effect on whether an individual stays motivated to exercise outdoors. For example, not everyone will want to exercise outdoors during rain, snow or extremely hot or cold conditions. Working out under hot weather conditions can lead to a number of illnesses, including heat cramps, exhaustion and heatstroke. These occur when the body’s cooling system fails to function due to extreme heat and humidity, sweating profusely or not drinking enough fluids. The rule of thumb for outdoor activities during extremely hot weather is to avoid the hours immediately before and after the noon hour, and to stay hydrated throughout your exercise routine.

Exercising in cold weather not only helps keep extra pounds at bay but also can help combat the winter blues. As explained by Dr. Keven Plancher, head of Plancher Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in New York City to Women’s Health magazine, “All exercise can increase your levels of those feel-good hormones, endorphins. But because your body has to work harder in the cold, your endorphin production is boosted even more, leading to a happier state of mind.”1 Women’s Health also points out that a workout outside—even when the air is cold—can give you some much-needed sun exposure in the dark winter months, which will boost your mood as well.2

Cooler weather actually helps motivate people to do cardio workouts, because running, biking, hiking and so forth are all activities that produce heat. Even walking is suited for cooler temperatures. Low temperatures tend to make the heart work harder to keep the body at a stable temperature, so people with heart disease are advised to take caution when participating in strenuous activities during extremely cold conditions.3 Again, always stay hydrated.

To help stay motivated and consistent on an Active Wellness lifestyle, here are some tips:

  1. Eat healthy carbs a couple of hours before strenuous activities to keep your body warm and energetic. This also helps prevent fatigue.
  2. Do not drink caffeinated beverages before working out, because they can cause dehydration.
  3. Keep an energy bar on hand, especially when you know you will be exercising intensely or for a long period of time.
  4. Drink water or beverages with electrolytes before, during and after your workout to avoid cramping and dizziness. The PiMag® Sport Bottle is ideal with its built-in water filter.
  5. Set exercise/weight goals and write them down.
  6. Reward yourself periodically as you achieve your goals, but not with food, so you don’t associate pleasure only with edible treats.
  7. Wear KenkoTherm® Support Wraps and KenkoTherm DUK® Tape to help your muscles and joints stay warm and stable.

 

  1. https://www.bustle.com/articles/174136-8-weird-ways-weather-affects-your-workout
  2. https://www.bustle.com/articles/174136-8-weird-ways-weather-affects-your-workout
  3. http://www.livestrong.com/article/367353-how-does-the-temperature-affect-cardio-workouts/

Adaptogens Help You Adapt to Stress

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Adaptogens are a class of herbs that help bodies adapt to physical and environmental stress. They help ease the stress response by helping to regulate important hormones that cope with fatigue, a common condition of chronic stress. Adaptogens offer numerous health benefits, and the better known ones include:

  • A boost for the immune system1
  • Support for managing a healthy weight2
  • Increased physical endurance and mental focus
  • Reduction in discomfort caused by poor health3
  • Encouraging a balanced mood4

To qualify as an adaptogen, an herb must be completely safe, non-toxic, have broad uses for health and specifically must help reduce stress, both mental and physical.5

Stress actually is supposed to exist only in short bursts, which our bodies are geared to deal with well. However, the ongoing stress that exists as a part of modern living causes our adrenal systems to work constantly and suffer from overload. This in turn causes our bodies to get knocked out of balance. We most commonly experience this imbalance in our digestive systems and low energy levels. Adaptogens work by helping the hormones of the adrenal system to balance out and counter adrenal fatigue. In the same way, some adaptogens help shorten recovery times after exercise or intense physical activities.

One of the adaptogens that is well known even in the western world comes from the tradition of Ayurveda: Ashwagandha is so valued that it is referred to by some as “Indian ginseng.” Studies show that those who consume ashwagandha “enjoy dramatic improvements in how they handle and feel stress. It is also taken to keep the mind sharp, and for energy.”6

Another adaptogen is one of the hottest herbal commodities on the market today: turmeric . Just about every benefit has been attributed to consuming turmeric in one form or another. Used generously throughout Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has been shown to promote circulation, relieve joint and muscular discomforts, and enhance the functions of the liver.7

Adaptogens have been part of the Eastern vernacular for centuries. In more recent years, the West has adopted them for a natural approach to Active Wellness and longevity. Nikken continues to combine the best of eastern traditions with western technology: Ashwagandha and turmeric are both contained in the Kenzen® Clarity and Kenzen® Cleanse & Detox formulations.

 

  1. Seely D, Singh R. Adaptogenic Potential of a Polyherbal Natural Health Product: Report on a Longitudinal Clinical Trial. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM. 2007;4(3):375-380. doi:10.1093/ecam/nel101.
  2. Panossian A1, Wikman G, Kaur P, Asea A. Adaptogens exert a stress-protective effect by modulation of expression of molecular chaperones. Phytomedicine. 2009 Jun;16(6-7):617-22. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2008.12.003. Epub 2009 Feb 1.
  3. Vyas P, Thakar AB, Baghel MS, Sisodia A, Deole Y. Efficacy of Rasayana Avaleha as adjuvant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in reducing adverse effects. Ayu. 2010;31(4):417-423. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.82029.
  4. Smirnova MD, Svirida ON, Ageev FT, Forfanova TV, Vitsenia MV, Mikhalov GV. [The ability to use meldonium as adaptogen in winter in patients with cardiovascular disease]. Kardiologiia. 2014;54(10):51-6.
  1. http://www.medicinehunter.com/adaptogens
  2. https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/what-are-adaptogens/
  3. https://www.yinovacenter.com/blog/live-longer-live-stronger-10-of-the-best-herbal-adaptogens-for-anti-aging/

What’s the Scoop on Grape Seed Extract?

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People who are concerned with Active Wellness and longevity have known for years that drinking a glass of red wine daily can produce benefits, most notably for heart health. What if you don’t drink red wine? The good news is that you can benefit from the many varieties of grape without turning them into wine.

The seed of the grape is often considered waste, but its extract holds a secret that is being examined and used to help in healthy living. Scientists are continuing to study the myriad benefits that grape seed extract can help provide. Grape seed extract contains healthy ingredients, including protein, lipids and polyphenols—these come in the form of bioflavonoids known for their potent antioxidant activities. Scientific studies show that the antioxidant power of polyphenols is 20 times more than vitamin E and 50 times greater than vitamin C.1

One particular type of phenol found in grape seed is called procyanidin. Scientists believe procyanidins help protect the body from premature aging by increasing vitamin C levels in the cells and helping the organs scavenge and get rid of toxins. 2 Procyanidins also bond with collagen to help cell health, promoting skin elasticity and protection from sun damage.3 (Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and a key component of skin, gums, bones, teeth, hair and tissues.)

More than just helping skin stay young-looking, polyphenols in grape seed extract have shown the ability to help the body fight inflammation, which may improve joint flexibility and the health of the circulatory system.4

In addition to procyanidins, grape seed extract also contains resveratrol, which scientists have found to have the ability to assist the brain in functioning efficiently. In rats, this has proven to have life-prolonging effects and testing is being conducted to see whether it has the same effect on humans.5

Although grape seed extract is not an ingredient in commercial grade grape juices, you can find it in Kenzen® Ciaga®V. In fact, grape seed extract is specifically added to the superfruit blend that makes up Ciagav to increase its antioxidant value, notably high at 1,500+ units per ounce. With Kenzen CiagaV, you get so much goodness in a single ounce and it’s delicious to boot!

 

1,2,3,4,5 http://www.preventive-health-guide.com/grape-seed-extract.html

Why are Omega Fatty Acids Important?

Published on by Nikken

The “3” in Omega-3 refers to the three major types of fatty acids that are found in food and used by our bodies. They are: ALA-alpha-linolenic acid, EPA-eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA-dicosahexaenoic acid. Once consumed, the human body converts ALA to EPA and DHA. Because the human body can create EPA and DHA in this way, they are not considered essential fatty acids. On the other hand, ALA cannot be produced by the human body and is considered an essential fatty acid that needs to be obtained from the diet. Omega-3s are important components of virtually all cell membranes, so having a balance of these fatty acids are necessary to maintain good health.

ALA is found in land-based plant foods, especially nuts, seeds, soybeans, green leafy vegetables, and some refined oils like walnut and flax seed oil. Since EPA and DHA are found in so few food types, when you hear people say omega-3 fatty acids, they are almost always referencing alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).1

Due to the many reported health benefits, many healthcare professionals recommend daily supplements, whether they’re omega vegetarian capsules made from algae, from fish oil (salmon, mackerel, anchovies, tuna, etc.), or from a crustacean (krill). For those with shellfish allergies, krill oil should be avoided.

Known as a primary source of omegas, supplements made from fish oil are by far the cheapest. Given how polluted the oceans are, fish oils can be contaminated with a variety of toxins. The process of detoxifying fish oils increases the oxidation and diminishes the omega and nutrient content. In addition, the world’s fish supply is diminishing in direct contrast to the increasing toxic load of the fish.

Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 oils have been identified as being especially important. An omega supplement must offer all three of these oils to be of greatest value. The importance of supplementation with omega fatty acids for heart health and brain health2 is in direct conflict with the risk of ingesting toxins through fish oils.

Nikken has been aware of this dichotomy for years. The answer is Kenzen® Omega Green+DHA. The plant sourced omega fatty acids for Kenzen Omega Green + DHA are cranberry seed oil, flax seed oil and red algae, each of which is easily renewable.

  • Cranberry seed oil contains naturally occurring substances called phytosterols that structurally resemble the human body’s cholesterol. Phytosterols reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) but do not affect HDL (good cholesterol). Eating foods with phytosterols may cut the risk for heart disease when consumed as part of a healthy eating plan, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 3 Cranberry seed oil is considered unique among fixed oils because it contains a very high essential fatty acid profile in addition to a high antioxidant load. 4
  • Flax seed oil contains ALA and has been advocated to combat cardiovascular disease. The use of flax seed oil as a nutritional intervention for the prevention of heart disease has received increasing amounts of research attention. 5
  • Red algae has been used for thousands of years as a food source, especially in Asian cultures. It is high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are easily utilized by the human body to help boost the immune system and nourish skin.  The main benefits of red algae are its ability to promote healthy circulation in the body, to help regulate blood sugar levels and to help lower bad cholesterol levels. High in dietary fiber, it is also a rich source of calcium and magnesium so it contributes to bone health.6

Consuming Kenzen® Omega Green+DHA gives you all the benefits of an omega supplement and none of the risks. It helps carnivores, vegetarians and vegans to obtain the right balance of omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 for Active Wellness without the risk associated with fish oil toxins.

 

1          https://www.superfoodly.com/benefits-of-vegan-omega-3-epa-dha-sources-vs-fish-oil/

2          http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed

3          http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-cranberry-seed-oil-10043.html

4          http://www.ingredientstodiefor.com/item/Cranberry_Seed_Oil_Unrefined/1164

5          https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2989356/

6          http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-health/the-many-benefits-of-red-algae

 

Get Smart and Get Rid of Sugar

Published on by Nikken

Why is it so hard for so many of us to get rid of added sugar in our diets? It makes us gain unwanted weight, it’s bad for the teeth and it virtually shortens our lifespans. And, more research continues to show how bad it is.

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health conducted a number of studies on fructose and its impact on heart health. One large study found that people who drank two or more servings of sweet beverages a day had a 35 percent higher risk of developing heart disease, and people who drank at least one serving daily had a 16 percent greater chance of stroke, when compared to those who had none.1 In addition, research showed that people who drank one or two sweet drinks a day also had a 26 percent increased risk of developing diabetes.2 

As explained by physicians, sugar calories provide no nutrients yet contribute to weight gain and even obesity, which puts consumers at a greater risk for heart issues. According to Robin Miller, MD, “Fructose is dangerous to the heart because of the way the body metabolizes it—in the liver. This can cause fatty liver disease, higher levels of fat in the blood and insulin resistance. I urge all my patients to stop drinking them.” 3

Carbonated sugar-filled sodas aren’t the only beverages that add to the risk of heart problems, stroke or diabetes. Every type of sugary drink contributes to the risk factors. These include sports drinks, sweet teas and fruit juices with or without added sugar.

According to Robert Lustig, professor of pediatrics and member of the Institute for Health Policy Studies at the University of California, San Francisco, about 10 percent of the U.S. population are true sugar addicts and research indicates the cravings are similar to those induced by addictive drugs.4 Lustig says, “There is not one person who wouldn’t benefit by eliminating added sugar from their diets.” His research revealed that when obese children eliminated added sugars from their diets for only nine days, every aspect of their metabolic health improved.

Registered dietician and co-author of “The Sugar Detox: Lose the Sugar, Lose the Weight—Look and Feel Great,” Brooke Alpert is a proponent of going cold turkey off sugar, even if it’s just for three days. Speaking of her clients, she explains, “It was just ineffective to ask people to eat less of something when they’re struggling with this bad habit. When they would go cold turkey, the number one positive effect was that it recalibrated their palate. They could now taste natural sugars in fruits, vegetables and dairy that they used to be so dulled to.” 5

Alpert’s sugar detox takes place over 31 days. During the first three days on a sugar detox, she recommends no fruit or starchy vegetables, no dairy, no grains and no alcohol, in addition to no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Different foods are gradually re-introduced into the diet, with the exception of sugar. Dairy, grains, fruit and vegetables are all incorporated and by the fourth week, you are allowed five glasses of red wine per week.

“Depending on how intense your addiction is, you can experience withdrawal symptoms, such as brain fog, crankiness and fatigue…but if you can push through and stay well-hydrated, you can really break your cycle of sugar addition,” Alpert concludes.

In support of Active Wellness and sugar-free eating, Nikken has several nutritional supplements that are especially helpful during a sugar detox: Kenzen® Cleanse & Detox, Kenzen® Ten4® Energy Drink Mix to replace sugary drinks and Kenzen® Clarity to help with brain fog.

1, 2, 3 www.sharecare.com/health/heart-attack/article/sugary-drinks-increase-heart-attack-stroke-risk

4, 5 www.cnn.com/2017/06/09/health/sugar-detox-food