Tag: hydration

The Water-Gut Connection

Published on by Nikken

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

Water is required for digestion, acting as a lubricant that facilitates the movement of food along the digestive tract. From the moment food enters the mouth, saliva, which is primarily water, begins to break down complex carbohydrates. As the food travels through the digestive system, it needs adequate water to maintain the right consistency for smooth movement. In the stomach, water combines with stomach acids to help break down proteins and aid in the digestive process. Water helps prevent constipation and promotes regular bowel movements.1 In a nutshell, the digestive processes that require water include the following2:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some simple daily habits for healthy digestion are:

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

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

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

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

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

Support Your Immune System During the Winter Months

Published on by Nikken

During the cold weather months of winter, the body faces multiple viral and bacterial challenges. That’s why colds and flus are common during this time of year, so it’s especially important to support your immune system.

Here are a few things you can do intentionally to support a healthy winter lifestyle:

•          Incorporate ways to manage or reduce stress, so you can help lighten the load on immune cells. Try stretching a few minutes at a time throughout the day, or simply sit quietly and take measured deep breaths. If you can meditate for even 15 minutes, it may be helpful.

•          Fostering an environment conducive to quality sleep helps empower your body to maintain a resilient immune system. Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep nightly, so that your body can reap the benefits of rest and reproduce immune cells. Remember, physical and mental restoration often take place during sleep. Check out the Makura Sleep Packs with pillows, mattress toppers and comforters for a comfortable sleep environment. (link to https://store.nikken.com/usa/en/product/makura-sleep-packs)

•          Drink plenty of water. Hydration plays an important role in the circulation of immune cells. Proper hydration also supports mucosal barriers and helps your body function at its best.1

Fill your PiMag Waterfall® with tap water and it dispenses filtered alkaline water, so you can hydrate fully.

•               Handwashing is a simple way to support the immune system, as it is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and infections. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before preparing food, eating, and after being in public places.2

•          Eat with essential nutrients that can boost your immune cells in mind. These include foods rich in vitamins A, C and D, as well as minerals such as zinc. Vitamin A can be found in green, yellow and orange vegetables such as yams, carrots and spinach. Vitamin C is in citrus, peppers, broccoli and many fruits and vegetables. Get out into the sun for a dose of vitamin D, which is needed for good immune response. Support your white blood cells and help maintain a strong gut with zinc-rich foods, such as pumpkin and sesame seeds, seafood and legumes.3 Even if you don’t normally take nutritional supplements, the winter months are a good time to try. Kenzen® Mega Daily 4 comes in two formulas, one for women and one for men. They feature a multivitamin and mineral, vegetable superfoods selected for exceptional nutrient content, whole body renewal components, and gender-specific support.*

•          Stay active. Physical activity helps enhance the body’s immune function by helping to improve circulation, which in turn helps flush out bacteria. Incorporating walking into your daily routine is one of the simplest ways to stay active.

•          During the holidays, there is always the temptation to eat and drink. A little of this and a little of that goes a long way, but keep your intake moderate, especially when it comes to alcoholic beverages. Alcohol tends to weaken the immune system.

So, eat, drink and be merry, but make the right choices to stay healthy all winter long! And remember, you can shop for great gifts with the Nikken Holiday Gift Guide through the end of the year.

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

1 https://bastyr.edu/about/news/boost-your-immunity-winter-lifestyle-tips-and-essential-nutrients

2,3 https://mheds.org/?p=7909

Show Your Love with the Gift of Health and Hydration

Published on by Nikken

There are so many ways to show your love and it should be a year-round effort. Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many parts of the world as a special day to show your love to your beloved, and the standard gifts are chocolates, flowers and jewelry. If you step out of that box, what about a gift that benefits the health of those you love?

Hydration is something people often take for granted, until they suffer the consequences of not having enough water in their systems. There are many reasons to stay hydrated, including to help digest food and absorb the nutrients, to lubricate our joints for smooth movement, to help remove waste from the body and even to help regulate body temperature.1 Proper hydration also helps ensure the teeth, gums and entire mouth stay healthy—water helps you make saliva, which helps keep food away from your teeth, as well as aiding in chewing, tasting and swallowing.

Did you know that water helps to produce hormones and neurotransmitters? Water also helps protect your internal organs and tissues and deliver oxygen throughout the body, while supporting the growth and reproduction of cells. In other words, water helps the body’s natural cycle of renewal.

What happens if you don’t stay hydrated? You will definitely not feel like your usual self, as your body doesn’t function well when dehydrated. You may feel dizzy, brain fog, fatigue, dry mouth, and even faint. Dehydration also puts you at risk of kidney stones, constipation, urinary tract infections and recurring headaches.

Depending on your activity levels, gender, age and diet, how much water you need to drink for health, varies. Since approximately 20% of the water we need comes from food, people who don’t eat plenty of fruits and vegetables need to drink more water. Rule of thumb: men need about 10 cups a day, women need about 8 and children need between 4 to 8 cups.2 The more active you are, the more water you need, especially if you exercise a lot and sweat. You need to replenish the water your body secretes.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day (February 14), why not give your loved ones a PiMag Waterfall® or PiMag® Sport Bottle so they not only can keep hydrated at home and on-the-move but also benefit from filtered alkaline water, almost like drinking spring water from nature? You will also be helping them use fewer plastic bottles and decrease their carbon footprint. And, through the end of this month, filter replacements are 20% off!  Happy Valentine’s Day from Nikken!

1,2  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/drinking-water-and-your-health#not-enough

Do You Eat Right and Stay Hydrated During Summer Heat?

Published on by Nikken

As temperatures rise, our bodies have varying needs in order to function optimally. Everyone is aware that high temperatures require more liquid intake, but sometimes it takes the symptoms of dehydration to remember to grab the water bottle! It’s far safer to drink water throughout the day, since thirst is already a sign of dehydration.

Overheating is especially easy for children and family dogs that we transport frequently in cars. It only takes 10 minutes for a car to heat up by 19 degrees; and since children’s bodies heat up three to five times faster than an adult’s, it renders them far more susceptible to heat stroke. 1 By the same token, a dog’s normal temperature is about 101.5, and a degree up or down is fine; however, once a dog’s internal temperature reaches 105, its life is in danger. 2 Never leave a child or a dog (or any other pet) in a car in the summer, even if the windows are cracked open.

In addition to staying hydrated, what we eat can also affect how our bodies cope with the summer heat. Meats and other high protein foods need to utilize more water during digestion, and food poisoning reaches its annual high during the summer. According to the Center for Disease Control, anything that has mayonnaise, dairy, or eggs in it and any meat products can develop some pretty nasty bacteria after only a couple of hours unrefrigerated.3

To prevent food poisoning, the U.S. Department of Agriculture advises us to “Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill.” This refers to washing hands and surfaces where we prepare foods, wrapping raw meat and keeping it separated and stored away from other food, cooking meats to a minimum of 145 to 165 degrees internally (poultry requires the highest heat), and keeping everything chilled in the refrigerator as long as possible, then transported in an insulated cooler.4

If drinking enough water proves challenging, there are certain foods that are easy to eat and prepare. Since they’re composed mostly of water, they help us hydrate.

  • Broccoli and cauliflower are composed of more than 90% water, as are radishes.
  • Eggplant is a great source of hydration and fiber and can serve as a versatile meat replacement, minimizing the need for much liquid during digestion.
  • Bell peppers are more than 92% water, with the green variety containing the most.5
  • Melons such as honeydew, cantaloupe, casaba, Crenshaw, hami, golden, Korean, and so many more, are natural hydrators and packed with sweetness and antioxidants.
  • Watermelon is the universally loved summer fruit that contains lycopene, an antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables with red pigmentation. Lycopene offers the added benefit of protecting against sunburn.6

Take advantage of the sunny weather to participate in outdoor activities but remember that hydration is part of Active Wellness. Keep your PiMag® Sport Bottle handy as you go to picnics, barbeques and summer outings.

1 https://www.care.com/c/stories/3357/summer-safety-tips-a-guide-to-protecting-kids-from-heat/

2 http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/heatstroke-summer-days-can-turn-deadly-quickly-for-overheated-dogs

3, 4 https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/top-7-summer-health-hazards#2

5 https://blog.memd.me/hydrating-foods-to-eat-this-summer/

6 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lycopene