Tag: organic nutritional supplements

A Healthy Mind is Part of Active Wellness

Published on by Nikken

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging families to talk about memory and cognition concerns sooner. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. As with virtually any disease, an early diagnosis may offer the opportunity for medical and/or lifestyle interventions that slow down the progression of symptoms. Early testing can also help determine if someone’s cognitive changes are truly the result of Alzheimer’s or another condition.

Here are 10 warning signs listed by the Alzheimer’s Association1:

  1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life: One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is forgetting recently learned information. Other symptoms include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things that used to be handled alone.
  2. Challenges in planning or solving problems: Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. Focus may be lacking and simple tasks may take much longer to complete.
  3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure: For example, sometimes people may get lost going to a familiar location, be unable to manage a budget at work or forget the rules of a favorite game.
  4. Confusion with time or place: People with Alzheimer’s find it difficult to track time. They may only understand something that is happening immediately. They may forget where they are or how they got there.
  5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships: For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast.
  6. New problems with words in speaking or writing: Following or joining a conversation may become challenging. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and be unable to continue. They may say the same thing over and over. They may call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).
  7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps: A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to retrace their steps to find them again. They may put things in unusual places (e.g., putting a wallet in the refrigerator). When they can’t find things, they may accuse others of stealing.
  8. Decreased or poor judgment: For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. Their appearance may suffer as they become less aware of cleanliness and tidiness.
  9. Withdrawal from work or social activities: They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social situations because of the changes they have experienced.
  10. Changes in mood and personality: There may be an increase in feelings of confusion, suspicion and depression as well as fearfulness or anxiety. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in unfamiliar places.

Alzheimer’s is not just a disease of the elderly. Many people with early onset are in their 30s, 40s and 50s. In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 200,000 people have early onset.2 But, can Alzheimer’s be prevented? There are no clear-cut answers yet, but promising research is under way. The Alzheimer’s Association continues to fund studies exploring the influence of exercise, diet, social and mental stimulation, and other factors in the development of Alzheimer’s.3

Common sense dictates that the earlier we participate in an Active Wellness lifestyle, the better our chances of maintaining a Healthy Body and a Healthy Mind. The Nikken line of Kenzen® organic nutritional supplements is the natural way to support the foundation of our health. A fermented blend of 100% organic ingredients formulated to help you stay focused and mentally sharp, Kenzen Clarity is designed to help maximize your cognitive function.*

*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://alz.org/10-signs-symptoms-alzheimers-dementia.asp

2 https://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_early_onset.asp

3 https://alz.org/research/science/alzheimers_prevention_and_risk.asp

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

More Plants, Less Meat = Better Health, Greener Planet

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As we become more educated about healthy eating and reducing our carbon footprint, more and more of us are starting to eat a plant-based diet. Retail food outlets and restaurants are well aware of this trend, resulting in more plant-based options than ever before.

According to information compiled by GlobalData, a data and insights firm, more than 70 percent of global consumers are moderating their meat intake or avoiding it altogether. People around the world are leaning towards vegetarianism or at least a desire to reduce meat consumption, if not to eliminate it entirely. In the past, especially in third world nations, meat was not affordable. Now, in first world nations, eating less meat is no longer simply a matter of cost but of health.

The benefits of eating a plant-based diet extend past just health and sustainability. In fact, plant-based proteins can be as nutritious as meat but contain far less fat. Plant protein requires much less water and energy to produce than livestock or poultry. As a consequence, companies are producing innovative plant-based “complete” proteins and supplements. These innovative plant proteins are an ideal part of an Active Wellness lifestyle. Examples are pea protein powder, bean based burgers, and nut-based cheese.

Whatever the reason for decreasing or cutting out animal products, increasing plant-based, nutrient-rich whole foods into our diets often results in eating less processed foods, which are generally full of preservatives and unhealthy ingredients commonly found in bacon, cold cuts, dried meats, canned meats, etc. The good news is that plant-based proteins are easily accessible. Legumes are widely known to provide high amounts of protein, e.g., organic tofu, lentils, black beans, lima beans, organic peas, chickpeas and so on. Nuts and seeds— such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and chia seeds—are also known sources of protein.

Some surprising sources of plant-based proteins are potatoes, spinach, organic corn, avocado, broccoli and brussel sprouts. Even less known but considered superfoods by nutritionists for their nutrient density and high protein content are organic barley grass and organic algae such as spirulina and chlorella.

Nikken continues to be a pioneer in organic nutrition. One of our first organic nutritional supplements contains multiple benefits other than providing plant-based protein: Kenzen Jade Greenzymes® is made with a proprietary blend of organic young barley grass, organic acacia and organic pearl barley.

For weight maintenance, convenience and a plant-protein boost, there’s nothing better than Kenzen Vital Balance® Meal Replacement Mix! Our exclusive formula contains plant proteins from organic peas, organic moringa powder, organic spirulina, organic chlorella, organic broccoli, organic spinach and organic rice. Why not drink a toast to our collective health and planet every morning?

Are you confused about what to eat?

Published on by Nikken

Did you know that the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation conducts an annual Food and Health Survey to gauge consumer interest and knowledge of food and its health benefits? The most recent survey showed some alarming results.

“As in previous years, the Food and Health Survey has shown that Americans feel overwhelmed by conflicting food and nutrition information,” said IFIC Foundation CEO Joseph Clayton. “But this year, we’re finding troubling signs that the information glut is translating into faulty decisions about our diets and health. As policymakers work to revise the Nutrition Facts panel and define ‘healthy’ on food labels, it’s more crucial than ever before that we empower consumers with accurate information based on the best available science, in terms they can easily understand and put into action.”

What to eat and what to avoid can be confusing when you’re getting conflicting information from various sources. Food labels vary and advertisers search for loopholes. For example, sugar is disguised by alternative words such as fructose, sucrose, pure cane sugar, barley malt, dextrose, maltose and so on. It gets complicated.

At Nikken, we have always encouraged people to read ingredient lists and Nutrition   Facts on any food products before purchasing them. We also take the utmost care in complying with Food and Drug Administration rules and regulations on labeling and truth in advertising. We go out of our way to make sure our Consultants and customers are clear on exactly what you’re getting: organic-based nutrition with an emphasis on natural ingredients culled for their maximum antioxidant and nutrient values.

According to the IFIC, almost all consumers seek out health benefits from what they eat and drink, with the top benefits being weight loss, cardiovascular health, energy and digestive health. It’s no coincidence that NikkenWellness organic nutritional supplements address not some, but all, of those concerns.

  • Weight loss: Active Wellness lifestyle with NikkenWellness nutritional supplements
  • Cardiovascular health: Kenzen® Bergisterol™, Kenzen Super Ciaga®, Kenzen® Omega Green +DHA
  • Energy: Kenzen Ten4® Energy Drink Mix
  • Digestive health: Kenzen Vital Balance® Meal Replacement Mix, Kenzen® Digestion Complex 4 -20, Kenzen® Cleanse & Detox

The IFIC has found that 59 percent of consumers rely most on their family and friends for dietary decisions. Given this inclination, each individual who has benefited from NikkenWellness organic nutritional supplements has the knowledge to educate an entire circle of family and friends on what to eat. NikkenWellness replaces confusion with healthy, organic-based nutrition. Nothing complicated about that!

 

Share, Loan and Sell

Published on by Nikken

Have you experienced the power of sampling? This is a tried and proven-successful way of sharing the benefits of Nikken products. It doesn’t matter whether you’re sharing nutritional supplements, skin care or magnetic technologies—getting people to try the products is key to making retail sales. Typically, Nikken products sell themselves, because when you’ve tried them, you want to keep using them.

Sampling is easy. For example:

  • Have on hand products for people to try. Make them a Kenzen® Vital Balance shake in either vanilla or chocolate flavors. Show them how versatile it is—with PiMag® water, almond milk, regular milk, coconut milk, etc.
  • Make a cup of Kenzen Ten4®—either hot or cold—and dazzle your prospects with organic matcha green tea with kiwi, an exclusive Nikken formula.
  • With True Elements® Marine Organic skin care, let both men and women touch and feel the various products. Explain about the importance of being Ecocert certified. Encourage your new customers to take photos of themselves regularly (if not daily, at least weekly) so they can see their before and after results!

Also have products available to loan out. Offer your prospects magnetic products to try for a week or so.

  • With larger items such as the Kenko Sleep System, ask if they want to keep the product after their trial period. For example, many people will not want to give up the Kenko Dream® Comforter, Kenko Naturest® Mattress Topper and Custom Pillow once they’ve gotten the best sleep of their lives. Without trying them out first, they might never think about purchasing a new Sleep System.
  • With something portable like the KenkoTouch®, demonstrate how to use the device and if you don’t make a sale right away, loan it for a week. Chances are, they’ll be hooked and want to buy it.
  • At the end of the week, follow up and see how they’re doing with whatever you loaned out. Ask them pointed questions, such as, “How did you feel? How did it help you throughout the day?” Formulate questions that will illicit more than just a “yes” or “no” response.

Whether sampling or loaning, be sure to follow up. When you receive a positive response to consumables, such as the organic nutritional supplements or True Elements® Marine Organic skin care, you can close the deal by helping your customer get registered and placed on Autoship.

Why go organic?

Published on by Nikken

No one would ingest pesticides given a choice for cleaner food, right? So why doesn’t everyone choose organic food? The main concern with purchasing organic food is cost, because organic farming practices are more expensive than conventional approaches.

“Organic” refers to the way farmers grow and process fruit, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. Organic farming meets environmental and sustainability goals to:

  • Enhance soil and water quality.
  • Reduce pollution.
  • Provide safe, healthy livestock habitats.
  • Enable natural livestock behavior.
  • Promote a self-sustaining cycle of resources on a farm.

Organic farming adheres to a disciplined commitment to growing food and livestock that is not only safe to ingest but is kind to planet Earth. Take a look at what is not permitted in organic farming:

  • Synthetic fertilizers to add nutrients to the soil
  • Sewage sludge as fertilizer
  • Most synthetic pesticides for pest control
  • Irradiation to preserve food or to eliminate disease or pests
  • Genetic engineering, used to improve disease or pest resistance to improve crop yields
  • Antibiotics or growth hormones for livestock

Instead, organic farming practices may include:

  • Plant waste left on fields (known as green manure) livestock manure or compost to improve soil quality.
  • Crop rotation to preserve soil quality and to interrupt cycles of pests or disease.
  • Mulch to control weeds.
  • Predatory insects or insect traps to control pests.
  • Certain natural pesticides and a few synthetic pesticides, used only as a last resort in coordination with a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certifying agent.
  • Healthy living conditions and access to the outdoors for livestock.
  • Pasture feeding for at least 30 percent of livestock’s nutritional needs during grazing season.
  • Organic foods for animals.

Whether you decide to go organic or not with your fresh foods, you can rest assured that with the NikkenWellness™ nutritional supplements designed to promote Active Wellness, you’re getting only organic ingredients. We’re committed to helping you live with optimal health while being kind to planet Earth.

What’s Real and What’s Not

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We live in a world of blurred lines—between real and faux, natural and artificial, original and altered—and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Whether we choose to or not, chances are high that we’ve all ingested GMOs at some time.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as plants, animals or microorganisms with genetic material that has been altered in ways that are not natural (such as mating or natural recombination). The technology used in genetic modification is known as “modern biotechnology “ or “gene technology” and sometimes as “recombinant DNA technology” or “genetic engineering.”

The WHO cites that “one of the objectives for developing plants based on GMOs is to improve crop protection. The GM crops currently on the market are mainly aimed at an increased level of crop protection through the introduction of resistance against plant diseases caused by insects or viruses or through increased tolerance towards herbicides.”

GM foods also were developed to create food with greater nutritional value and durability as well as a lower price, thus enabling the world to feed the starving masses.

Unfortunately, this ideal has not become reality. There is some understanding of the purpose for creating GMOs but worries still run high, especially among consumers who conscientiously make healthy food choices when grocery shopping.

The three main issues concerning GMOs and human health are allergic reactions, gene transfer and outcrossing. Some questions remain unanswered.

  • What happens when genes from allergenic organisms are transferred to non-allergenic ones? According to the WHO, no known allergic reactions have been seen. Does that mean there will not be allergic reactions in the future?
  • What if the transferred genetic material adversely affects human health? What if antibiotic resistant genes, used as markers when creating GMOs were transferred? The probability of transfer is low, according to the WHO.
  • Outcrossing is the migration of genes from GM plants into conventional crops or related species in the wild. What are the direct and indirect effects on food safety? Cases have been reported where GM crops approved for animal feed or industrial use were detected at low levels in the products intended for human consumption.

Opponents of GM crops argue that sustainable agriculture and biodiversity benefit most from the use of a rich variety of crops. They fear that as a result of the interest of the chemical industry in seed markets, the strains used by farmers may be reduced mainly to GM crops. For example, with the development of crops that are resistant against insect pests and tolerant of certain herbicides, the exclusive use of herbicide-tolerant GM crops would make the farmer dependent on these chemicals, placing the control of agricultural development in the virtual hands of the chemical industry.

If you practice Active Wellness and want to stay away from GMOs, eat only fresh, whole, unprocessed foods marked “certified organic” or “USDA organic” and only consume organic nutritional supplements. There are no blurred lines with NikkenWellness products.

When do you eat your biggest meal of the day?

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In North America, there’s a good chance you eat your biggest meal at dinner. This habit is based on tradition where the family convenes after school and work to enjoy a hearty meal together. Unfortunately, this is not the healthiest way to eat. Here’s why. 

Katherine Tallmade, Registered Dietician and author of Diet Simple: 195 Mental Tricks, Substitutions, Habits & Inspirations, comments that “more and more research is confirming the importance of eating lighter at night and heavier during the day — for health, not just weight.”1 She goes on to explain that various studies have shown that even when the same number of calories are consumed, weight loss (or gain) may vary according to the time food is eaten. When more food is eaten during breakfast or lunch rather than at dinner, more weight is lost or a healthy weight is maintained.

Ms. Tallmade’s opinion is congruent with studies being presented by researchers in the field of nutrition as well as weight management/obesity. For example, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition contends that a body at rest overnight doesn’t need as many calories. Therefore, eating a big meal in the evening will result in fat storage. The researchers recommend eating a big breakfast and a medium lunch when a person is most active during the day so calories eaten will be used for energy. They also found that eating a substantial breakfast helped minimize impulsive snacking, helping to sustain a weight reduction program.2

John De Castro, psychology professor and researcher of eating habits, suggests that “intake in the morning of low-density foods is satiating and can reduce the amount ingested over the rest of the day to such an extent that the total amount ingested for the day is less overall. It appears that people who eat at least two thirds of their calories before dinner will consume less calories for the whole day than people who eat the majority of their calories at night.” 3

At Nikken, we help you embrace Active Wellness with organic nutritional supplements that enable you to stay on a healthy eating regimen over the long term. Isn’t your health worth it?

  1. http://katherinetallmadge.com
  2. Schlundt DG, Hill JO, Sbrocco JP, et al. The role of breakfast in the treatment of obesity: a randomized clinical trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 1992;55(3):645-651.
  3. De Castro JM. The time of day of food intake influences overall intake in humans. J Nutr. 2004;134(1):104-111.

 

Have a Happy & Prosperous New Year

Published on by Nikken

As I reflect back on 2016, I am heartened by the successful transformation that continues to take place with Nikken. It is not by luck that our company has weathered the many global changes—economic, political and regulatory—since its humble beginnings in 1975. As we move forward into 2017, we will focus on two main aspects of our business:

  • A product line that is unique, wonderful and organic.
  • The direct sales industry‘s simplest compensation plan.

Our product line has evolved over the years, not only to fulfill the needs and preferences of our Nikken Consultants and Customers, but also to reveal the latest developments in organic food science and our own patented DynaFlux® magnetic technology. These include NikkenWellness norganic nutritional supplements, True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care and products with sleep and magnetic technology.

In 2017, we will continue developing our consumables—they will contain the highest quality organic ingredients and be stripped of anything that may be detrimental to the pursuit of Active Wellness. We will be the standard bearers for Active Wellness and healthy weight management.

Our compensation plan will be even simpler to understand and execute. Our Nikken Consultants will find it easier to reap the rewards of a home-based part-time income with flexible hours, extra cash and a business opportunity that may lead to a second career. Anyone who makes the commitment to retail product and sponsor business builders will succeed as a Nikken entrepreneur.

Choosing Nikken is the smart move to improve health and earn money. I look forward to a prosperous 2017 and wish you all the best in each of the 5 Pillars of Health®.

Kurt H. Fulle                                                                                                                                                       CEO & Chairman of the Board

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What is BMI?

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Have you heard body builders at the gym comparing their BMIs? Or do you know someone who is body-obsessed and talks about BMI in every conversation? Here’s why knowing your BMI can be useful to you.

BMI stands for Body Mass Index and is the ratio of a person’s weight to height squared. BMI can be used as a screening tool for body fatness but is not diagnostic. Because the calculation requires only height and weight, it is inexpensive and easy to use for clinicians as well as the general public.

BMI is not a perfect measure because it doesn’t assess body fat directly. Muscle and bone are denser than fat, so an athlete or muscular person might have a high BMI but not have too much fat. For the majority of the adult population, measuring BMI is considered by researchers to be a reliable way to determine whether a person has too much body fat.1

The most basic definition of overweight and obesity is having so much body fat that that it “presents a risk to health.”2 Measuring BMI is a widely used method for clinicians to determine who is overweight or obese. BMI is strongly correlated with metabolism rates and disease risks, which are more direct measures of body fatness.3

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides a body mass index calculator on their website. 4  

According to the NHLBI, here are the BMI categories:

Underweight = <18.5

Normal weight = 18.5-24.9

Overweight = 25-29.9

Obesity= 30 or >

Whether your BMI shows you to be underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese, check with your physician before undertaking any drastic changes to your diet.

Maintaining an Active Wellness lifestyle that incorporates exercise and organic nutritional supplements is the natural way to support fitness, boost energy levels and ignite your metabolism.

Support your overall goals for a healthy body and healthy mind with an assortment of Nikken Wellness products. Kenzen® Vital Balance Meal Replacement Mix and Kenzen Ten4® Energy Drink Mix are just a couple!

1 Gallagher D, Visser M, Sepulveda D, Pierson RN, Harris T, Heymsfield SB. How useful is body mass index for comparison of body fatness across age, sex, and ethnic groups? Am J Epidemiol. 1996; 143:228-39.

2 World Health Organization. Obesity and overweight. Fact sheet Number 311. September 2006. Accessed January 25, 2012.

3 Flegal, K.M. & Graubard, B.I., 2009. Estimates of excess deaths associated with body mass index and other anthropometric variables. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 89(4), pp.1213–1219.

4 The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute