Tag: True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care

Aging Well vs. Anti-Aging

Published on by Nikken

“Aging well” and “anti-aging” are different approaches to aging. Aging well focuses on the positive aspects of aging, such as a healthy diet and a fulfilling social life. Anti-aging focuses on preventative measures to slow down the appearance of aging, which also may involve a healthy diet and fulfilling social life but relies predominantly on external care and less on internal care.

The two perspectives on aging often depend on cultural biases. In many Asian countries such as Japan and China, age and signs of agingrepresent knowledge, wisdom, and respect. On the other hand, in some Western cultures, beauty is intertwined with youth—a factor that contributes to ageism. A report by the World Health organization (WHO) shows prejudice towards older people hinders the process of accepting old age.1

Skin care, personal care and other beauty products have been marketed over the years as ways to cover up the signs of aging. In fact, natural aspects of aging including wrinkles, less elastic skin, discoloration marks and so forth have been called “signs of premature aging.” The question is, when is aging considered “premature” vs. time-appropriate?

British scientist and researcher Aubrey de Grey, who studies aging from a biological standpoint, coined the terms “pro-aging” and “well-aging.” He is the author of The Mitochondrial Free Radical Theory of Aging as well as Ending Aging, showcasing his embrace of aging as natural and positive.

Aging well calls for skin care, personal care and beauty products to serve as tools that celebrate each stage of life rather than attempting to disguise aging.2 Aging gracefully means different things to different people. Whether you’re looking to keep that youthful glow or just to take better care of yourself as you get older, here are some tips for aging well:

•  Help to regulate your nervous system. Nerves are the pathways that carry signals to and from your brain and the rest of your body, including skin cells.3 To help the nervous system operate smoothly, practice deep breathing, be in nature as much as possible, practice grounding, get plenty of restful sleep and maintain a positive state of mindfulness.

• Practice positive thinking. This seems like such a simple thing to do, but how many times do you catch yourself thinking poorly of yourself? Positive thinking begins with the self.

• Eat whole, nutrient-dense, mineral-rich foods focusing on antioxidants, fiber, greens, omega-3 fats and quality protein. Focus on foods that help to balance blood sugar levels, support a healthy and diverse microbiome and enhance efficient digestion. In other words, eat a wide range of colorful fruit and veggies with a healthy dose of lean protein.

• Drink filtered, mineral-rich water for effective hydration.

• Use natural skin care and personal care products as much as possible. This will help to decrease the number of chemicals you are exposed to. Try to incorporate natural alternatives to your cleaning products as well, for example, lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda and mineral salt.

• Your sense of touch helps keep you feeling youthful. This is why petting a dog or cat can help reduce blood pressure. Rocking a baby, hugging a family member or friend—these acts are sensory aids that tend to foster feelings of well-being—similarly to massage.

Nikken products are inspired by nature, so whether you need to supplement your diet through Kenzen® nutrition, stay hydrated with PiMag® water or pamper yourself with True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care, you can feel confident as you embrace aging well.

1, 2 https://shopsimpleorganic.com/blogs/simple-blog/pro-aging-well-aging-and-anti-aging-what-are-they-why-does-it-matter

3 https://sandythinnesbeautyflow.com

Warm Weather Skin Care

Published on by Nikken

As you move into spring and soon, summer weather, you might notice some subtle or blatant changes to your skin. For people in general, cold weather requires more intense moisturization while low temperatures requires a bit less. Warm weather opens up the pores and produces more oil, so you may benefit from some adjustments to your skin care regimen.

The three main actions to keep in mind for warmer weather are exfoliate, cleanse and hydrate.

•            Exfoliation helps to get rid of the dead skin cells that otherwise accumulate on the skin and dull your complexion.

•          Cleansing should be with a gentle cleanser, not one that is abrasive or stringent.

•          Hydrate with a light, non-greasy moisturizer. Even if you tend towards oily skin, not using a moisturizer because the weather is warm or hot, can dry out your skin, especially since you will tend to perspire more during spring and summer.

One particular type of skin care product that is beneficial to virtually every skin type in the warmer months is the hydrating serum. Serums tend to have a lighter texture than actual moisturizers and work especially well when used in tandem. You’ll receive the benefits of improved water levels in the skin, which help to increase the appearance of radiance. And, serums can provide this assistance without giving you an oily, greasy feeling. Most dermatologist will recommend using serums and moisturizers formulated with hyaluronic acid, because it is an ingredient that binds and locks in moisture to prevent dehydration in the skin.

Another recommended ingredient is glycerin, as it is known as an emollient that can soften skin and draw moisture to the dermal surface, which has the effect of filling in wrinkles.

If you have sensitive skin that becomes more irritated with the warm weather, try to stay with skin care that is fragrance-free or naturally-fragranced. Artificial fragrances are chemically-sourced, and the fewer chemicals your sensitive has to contend with, the calmer it will be.

Although the body naturally produces more collagen in the warmer months, one precaution to take is to decrease your risk of sun damage. Wearing sunscreen is helpful but exposure to sunlight tends to lower your collagen levels. If you are under natural sunlight a lot during spring and summer, taking a collagen supplement may help you maintain your collagen levels.

These are the last couple of days to benefit from our 20% off sale on True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care. Not only do we have a a gentle cleanser with Velvet Cleansing Cream, but we also have a Radiance Face Scrub to help get rid of dead skin cells without a harsh exfoliant. And, Youth Activ Face Serum, Revitalizing Face Serum and Moisturizing Face Cream all contain glycerin and hyaluronic acid, so your skin can stay hydrated and full.

If you feel a dip in your collagen levels or simply want to maintain consistency in your year-round regimen, our nature-inspired Pink Collagen Complex is a deliciously simple way to supplement your way to a younger-feeling, younger-looking you!

What Does “Feel Good” Mean to You?

Published on by Nikken

Feeling good is defined differently by each individual, but there are basic aspects that serve as common denominators for almost everyone. Most obviously is the physical aspect. When you suffer from any kind of muscular, skeletal, joint or nerve discomfort, it is difficult to feel good. Yet, the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking who was wheelchair bound and unable to speak without a computer as helper, defied that concept. He famously said, “Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious and however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.”1

Aside from the physical, there are emotional, mental, or psychic aspects that are more nebulous and harder to define. Researchers at the University of California-Berkeley contend that feeling good stems from a person’s emotional state, which would certainly confirm how someone in Stephen Hawking’s physical state could be so positive and relay his “feel good” attitude. The researchers have explored preferred types of emotional states, with the two primary ones being LAP (low arousal positive) and HAP (high arousal positive). Those who prefer LAP tend to define feeling good with being relaxed, calm and peaceful, while those who prefer HAP, like enthusiasm, excitement and elation.

Jeanne Tsai’s research at Berkeley has revealed that East Asians tend to favor LAP states while European Americans tend to prefer HAP states. This shows that preferred emotional states are likely shaped by culture.2 Another study conducted by Tsai and a colleague found that American women’s magazines showed more excited smiles while Chinese magazines showed calmer smiles. One of their explanations is that East Asian cultures emphasize social harmony, the needs of others and fitting into the overall group, contrasting with American culture’s emphasis on individual rights and achievement. HAP serves the American culture while LAP better serves East Asians.3

What “feel good” means for you may be completely different from what it means to someone else, because everything is relative to each person’s situation. Mental health and physical health are intertwined and need to be somewhat in balance to reach that “feel good” condition. You may require a shift in perspective to feel good. For example, as people age, their physical capabilities change, as do their mental states—sometimes the body can do less but the mind is more acute and contains a lot more useful information—so activity levels and pleasurable pursuits evolve to a new comfort level. What feels good at 20 is bound to be different at 60. Regardless age, the more control you have over your thoughts, feelings and body, the more likely you are to feel good.

There are proven ways to boost serotonin and dopamine levels (those happy hormones) and it goes back to what grandma always said: eat your veggies, do your work, and go outside and run around! At Nikken, that means supplement your diet where it’s lacking in nutrients, do an honest day’s work and get in touch with nature!

We define “feel good” this whole month of May with gifts inspired by nature—get the KenkoGround® and the Kenko Precision Set at 40% off, and pamper yourself with True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care and Kenko Jewelry at 20% off!

1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tDEkyqoQsQ

2, 3 https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_does_good_feel_like_to_you

Show Mom Your Love

Published on by Nikken

Mother-child relationships can be complicated but virtually all moms appreciate being shown some loving care. According to Philippa Perry, psychotherapist and author of The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read, the mother-child relationship “always matters and can always be improved.”1 She gives a few tips on how to make the relationship better:

•          Accept mom for who she is. You can’t change her; in fact, you can’t really change anyone else but yourself. When you change yourself, the other person will change also. Being kind to and accepting of your mother may well improve your relationship.

•          Find out about your mom’s childhood, how she was brought up, and what was impressed upon her. That will help you understand where she’s coming from when she seems judgmental, bossy or just plain annoying. Remember that what appears to be the control freak in her also comes from caring and concern.

•          Look in the mirror. What annoys you most about mom may be a deep part of yourself. When you recognize that your mom in yourself, even the parts of her you don’t enjoy too much, you will be more compassionate and empathetic towards her, and she will feel it.

•          Have real conversations with your mom. Don’t assume she is living a ho-hum life. Find out what she is thinking in the here and now—what is she thinking about, what are her fears, what are her hopes, how is she truly doing. The answers may open up a treasure trove.

•          Spend alone time with her. There is no gift greater than the gift of time, especially when spent sharing a mutual interest or joy. Too often, adult “children” appear to spend time with their parents when they become ill. Make it a habit to spend time with them when they are healthy and able to enjoy your company.

•          Find out what she is interested in at her current stage of life and plan to join her in pursuing them. It can be as basic as doing crossword puzzles or as elaborate as traveling to different countries. There may be things mom wants to do but can’t do alone and your companionship would be immeasurably valuable.

•          Say thank you in as many ways as you can. Be grateful for your mother. Don’t wait for Mother’s Day, although you might want to celebrate her in a big way on the special day!

For the whole month of May, Nikken is honoring mothers with gifts inspired by the wisdom of Mother Earth! Help mom de-stress with the KenkoGround® and Kenko Precision Set at 40% off! True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care as well as Kenko Jewelry are 20% off. Show the mothers in your life how much you appreciate and love them!

1 https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/mar/21/mother-dearest-20-ways-to-love-your-mum

A Healthy Start for 2023

Published on by Nikken

Wipe the slate clean each day! In life, we begin every day anew, but somehow the start of each year is when many of us decide to make resolutions or set goals. The reality is that without good health, we cannot do anything else, so total body wellness has to be an annual goal in one way or another.

We all know the ABCs for good health: restful sleep, clean air, fresh water, nourishing nutrition, adequate exercise and refraining from smoking, excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages and overusing medications and other addictive substances. All of this can be achieved, but consistency is the key. If we “fall off the wagon” in any area, wipe the slate clean, don’t beat yourself up and start fresh the next day.

Here are half a dozen things that may help make 2023 our healthiest ever:

1.         Pay attention to how your body feels. Are you constantly tired? Do you wake up in the morning feeling as if you never even slept? Commit to making changes, so that you have energy. It’s simple to say, “get enough sleep,” but so many of us don’t. It may require going to bed earlier or later than what you are currently doing. Striving for eight hours is fine, but be content to start with six or seven restful hours. Quality sleep not only makes us feel energized, but it also helps manage weight and cardiovascular health. Adequate sleep even helps us to think more clearly and accomplish daily tasks.

2.         Reach out to someone you care about but haven’t been in touch with regularly. Even if you don’t continue to reconnect consistently, you may be surprised what happens as a result of a simple phone call or “miss you” card in the mail. Remember that mental health is as important as physical health, and staying in touch with those we care about gives us a boost in multiple ways.

3.         We often forget to check important areas of our bodies, as many of us avoid going to the health practitioner unless we actually feel ill. This year, vow to get eyes, ears and teeth checked. Letting these three areas go untended can lead to problems down the road.

4.         Set aside time to read. Reading has different effects on our brains. Although studies largely focus on children, it is reasonable to believe reading vs. screen time has similar effects on adults. A 2020 study of 47 healthy children, aged three to five, found those who spent more than an hour daily on screens performed worse on cognitive tests than those who frequently read books with their parents or caregivers.1 Whereas screen time may produce a hypnotic effect, reading triggers thought. Regardless of age, retention of information and cognitive reasoning are precious.

5.         Make a conscious effort to be kinder to yourself. Sometimes we are kind to everyone else but we tend to be our own worst critics. The effect of being kind to ourselves has big health ramifications, all good ones! We really can help ourselves be happier!

6.         Weight loss is one of the most popular new year’s resolutions. It is also one that quickly fails and can even lead to depression. One alternative healthy habit to pursue is to simply ditch the sodas. Diet sodas with artificial sweeteners are even worse than the high-calorie sugary ones, because the chemicals added for flavoring may actually be health hazards.2 It’s not as big of a change as going on a special diet; it’s eliminating one item, but the positive results can be inspiring.

Nikken is committed to helping our Global Wellness Community live a healthy lifestyle, and our products reflect that. We are proud of our PiMag® water filters, Kenko Sleep System, KenkoAir Purifier®, Kenzen® nutritionals and True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care as well as our vast array of magnetic support products. These products give you the power to take your health into your own hands, to sleep well, eat and drink well, breathe easily and obtain optimal hydration. They enable you to maintain the healthy lifestyle that gives you energy and ultimately, more joy.

1 https://sparktutoringservices.com/reading-time-vs-screen-time/

2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3198517/

Self-Care is Self-Empowerment

Published on by Nikken

As the old saying goes, “Prevention is worth a pound of cure.” A big part of prevention in the area of Wellness involves taking good care of oneself. Mothers and fathers too often are so busy taking care of their families that they don’t pay enough attention to their own health. The truth is, we can take care of others only if we are in good enough health ourselves.

According to the World Health Organization, self-care not only helps to promote better health, but it can also help people cope better when illness hits. Specific forms of self-care have also been linked to different health and wellness benefits. For example, exercise, having a sense of purpose in life and consistently getting restful sleep are all connected to living a longer life. On a daily level, a wholesome self-care routine is believed to help reduce anxiety and stress, improve energy levels and social interactions, and boost resilience and happiness.

What makes for an effective self-care plan? Since each of us is different, with varying priorities, body types and mental dispositions, an effective self-care plan needs to be customized. Consider what in life is overwhelming to you. At Nikken, we use the 5 Pillars of Wellness as a way to achieve balance. These 5 Pillars serve as a gauge to assess what we need to work on most in our lives. Is it physical (Body), mental (Mind), Family, Finances or social standing (Society)? Which of these areas stress us out and require the most attention? That’s how to devise a self-care strategy.

•          Make a list of the different parts of your life. This can be work, school, family members, non-family relationships, community events you’re involved with, and so on.

•          Evaluate what stresses you out. Then think about what you can do to ease the stressors. Sometimes easing stress requires setting boundaries and saying “no” without feeling guilty. In other words, we need to recognize when our plates are full and when they’re overflowing. Prioritize.

•          Think about the things that make you happy. Consider the activities that produce a relaxing effect. It can be as simple as a daily walk, a swim, a self-massage, grounding and meditating, talking to a friend or favorite relative, playing with a baby or your dog, listening to the birds—so many small and simple things that we sometimes forget to appreciate.

•          Taking care of yourself is just like everything else we learn to do: practice makes perfect. If we haven’t been practicing self-care for a long time, we’re not going to have a great plan we can work with right away. Take small steps, but do take a step. Take a deep breath and tell yourself: “It is ok.” Exhale and get on with it.

•          Every single day, take time to do something for yourself. It doesn’t matter whether it’s making your favorite cup of tea or going in a room and having a good scream. You know yourself best and whatever works for you is what’s best for you! Do not judge yourself!

•          Realize that your self-care strategy can change from day to day, definitely from year to year. Go with the flow. Assess and reassess your personal needs and adjust your plan to fulfill the changes in your life.

The International Self-Care Foundation includes health literacy as a pillar of self-care, meaning that any steps you take toward better understanding health information you need to make appropriate decisions about your health and well-being counts as self-care, too.1   Good self-care can help decrease the number of visits to a health practitioner but it also requires that we know when we need to get checked out by a doctor or hospital.

We can certainly make it a point to be knowledgeable in the six basic areas of Wellness and self-care: Health, Fitness, Nutrition, Appearance, Sleep and Mindfulness. At Nikken, we practice Active Wellness through the 5 Pillars of Wellness and our products reflect our commitment to self-care. Our magnetic, support, energy, PiMag® Water and HEPA air purifier products address Health & Fitness, we have organic Kenzen® Nutrition, True Elements® marine organic skin care addresses Appearance, Kenko Sleep Technology provides solutions for Sleep and Humans Being More training to emphasize Mindfulness.

1 https://www.everydayhealth.com/self-care/

The 5 Pillars of Wellness Relate to Health and Wealth

Published on by Nikken

Do you know about the 5 Pillars of Wellness? These 5 Pillars are the foundation of Nikken and what our founder believed to be the essence of a balanced lifestyle. The pressures of daily living — a busy schedule, the demands of work, inadequate family or personal time, not enough rest, environmental challenges — can lead to a life thrown out of balance, a disturbance of our natural equilibrium. A balanced approach to living strengthens each of the 5 Pillars of Wellness — Healthy Mind, Body, Family, Society and Finances — and results in a more satisfying, healthy and rewarding lifestyle.

Each of the 5 Pillars relates to the others. Healthy Mind and Body go hand in hand. If you have a Family, you cannot be in balance unless each member is somewhat stable in mind and body. As we reach out past the family, we participate in our communities, just as Nikken is proactive in our Global Wellness Community.

Finally, we have the Healthy Finances Pillar. Simplistically put, this particular pillar is about making money. Unless we are born with so much money that we never have to work a day in our lives, our personal finances help determine whether we can be independent or not. When we have a hard time making ends meet, we worry (unhealthy mind) which takes a toll on our overall well-being (unhealthy body). Inevitably this will impact our relationships within the family and our community. Healthy Finances therefore are a critical part of an Active Wellness lifestyle.

Many people join Nikken because of our groundbreaking products that help us maintain or even improve upon a Healthy Mind, Body and Family. But how many are aware that Nikken also provides a way to contribute to the Healthy Society and Healthy Finances Pillars? Let’s take a single product and see how it might impact every pillar. Let’s use the KenkoAir Purifier® as an example.

•          You purchase a KenkoAir Purifier® because you have furry pets that are shedding a lot and there is a lot of pollen with the spring season. There’s more sneezing and itchy eyes than usual in the household. Or, you purchase a KenkoAir Purifier® because your area is affected by summer fires. It can be that you simply don’t feel your home smells fresh.

•          Once you place your KenkoAir Purifier® your home, you notice it is working hard (the sensor is showing you each time it changes color from blue to red and back again as it ramps up or down, depending on air quality).

•          After a few days (or weeks) you notice the sneezing and itchiness have abated somewhat. Or, you don’t notice the smoky outdoor air at all. Your friends come by and comment on how fresh your house smells.

•          You’re socializing a bit more because you feel more energetic now that allergens or whatever else was in your indoor air is negligible, if not entirely gone.

•          You want to share your newfound companion, KenkoAir Purifier®, with your family members who don’t live with you, so they can breathe more freely, too.

•          You also want to share your “breath of fresh air” with friends, because after all, friends share good things with each other.

•          After hearing from you, your extended family and friends may want to try the KenkoAir Purifier® for themselves. You help them with the purchase and introduce other products that may benefit them. You may also introduce the business potential with Nikken as a way to earn some supplemental income.

•          Each “share” you do that ends up in a purchase, results in a check in the mail for you from Nikken. It’s known as a commission, but you didn’t think of it as selling anything. You just wanted to share something really beneficial, because it’s the air you breathe every single day in your home that made the difference!

This actual scenario repeats itself around the world. There are people who discover this sharing of benefits as a way to make money. Many are stay-at-home mothers and ironically, the pandemic transformed many unemployed people into entrepreneurs—no need to leave home when you simply connect digitally.

Imagine how your Society and Finances Pillars would stabilize and expand if you consciously and conscientiously shared your discoveries of the different benefits of KenkoAir filtration, Nikken Sleep Technology, magnetic technologies, alkaline PiMag® water, Kenzen® organic nutrition, True Elements® marine organic skin care, and Kenko massage technology! In other words, what could happen when you share with intention?

Since May is designated as National Asthma & Allergy Awareness month, Nikken is participating by offering you affordable access to top quality HEPA 13 air filtration with 20% off each order of the KenkoAir Purifier®. In addition, each order of the KenkoAir Purifier comes with items that provide an extra line of defense to support an Active Wellness lifestyle—Kenzen® Hand Sanitizer, Kenzen® Surface Cleaner and the Surface Cleaner refill. May is almost over, but you still have almost a week to experiment with sharing the benefits you’ve personally felt, and to see how your intention impacts the size of your commission check!

Making Health Resolutions

Published on by Nikken

Making health resolutions is an annual event for many of us. For example, I resolved to lose 10 pounds for at least a dozen years. I eventually reframed that specific resolution, and it’s led to achieving and maintaining my annual resolution, which is to keep my numbers, not just my weight, at acceptable levels. That means numbers related to cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides, blood sugar and body-mass index—and if the weight decreases, so much the better.

We can practice Active Wellness as a Global Wellness Community and individually, every day. We can commit to keeping joints mobile, maintaining muscle flexibility and exercising mental agility. Staying hydrated, eating healthy food, drinking alcohol conservatively, exercising consistently and getting restful sleep are all necessary to keep the numbers in check. Health resolutions challenge us to stick to them. Here are five tips to help achieve health resolutions:

1.         Listen to your body. Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi says, “By consciously listening to your body you are better able to discover what your body actually wants and what makes you feel healthier. You may be surprised to learn you need more sleep or need to drink more water or eat healthier.”1

2.         Find an exercise you really like. Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo says, “Every New Year, people spend a lot of money on gym memberships, workout studio memberships, and online fitness programs. Even though most people start strong, most of them fail to turn their new routine into a long-term habit. Even so, there are ways to improve your odds of sticking to your exercise goals. To begin, pick an activity that you will enjoy and that fits into your schedule.”2

3.         Take time for self-care. Putting ourselves higher up on our priority lists can have a beneficial impact on our well-being. We can really help others better when we are in good shape ourselves. Dr. Candice Seti says, “Self-care can be about scheduling time for yourself, planning fun or relaxing activities, or focusing on healthy behaviors. For example, “I am going to eat four whole-foods based meals a week. Or, “I’m going to take 10,000 steps for five of the next seven days.”3

4.Just cut down on the “bad’ and up the “good” a little bit at a time. Don’t withhold. Some people are able to give up sugar completely or walk three miles a day every day. Know yourself and set your goals accordingly. Aim to keep the scoreboard of healthy behaviors on the plus side and commit to doing better a little bit every day.

5.         Check out PiMag® products for hydration, True Elements® Marine Organic skin care for state-of-the-art COSMOS certified formulas, KenkoAir Purifier® for filtered indoor air, and Kenzen® organic nutrition for smart supplementation. Nikken can help you stick to your health resolutions!

Remember to change your water and air filters to keep your units functioning optimally and take advantage of our four special January packs that each contain a bonus item when you purchase a PiMag® Waterfall filter cartridge and a KenkoAir Purifer® HEPA filter in the same order.

1, 2, 3 https://www.choosingtherapy.com/new-years-resolutions/

Do You Have Itchy Skin and Stiff Joints?

Published on by Nikken

At Nikken, we promote Active Wellness as a way of living. It’s a proactive rather than reactive approach to life. That means taking measures to maintain health and doing the best to prevent bodily and mental breakdown. Ironically, as we make huge advances in technology, we continue to be confronted with challenges that often have no sure-fire solutions. This is the case with psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects more than 125 million people worldwide.1

No one knows the exact cause of psoriasis, but since August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, it is a good time to learn about it, whether we suffer from outbreaks of scaly skin or not. Researchers believe psoriasis can be triggered by cuts, scrapes or surgery, as well as emotional stress, infections, and even certain medications, such as beta-blockers that control blood pressure and antimalarial drugs.2 This skin disorder causes skin cells to multiply 10 times faster than normal, building into bumpy red patches with white scales.3 It’s not contagious but sometimes occurs with members of the same family.

Although not curable, certain precautions can be taken to help prevent flare-ups:

  • Stay warm in cold, dry weather. Researchers have shown that psoriasis occurs more often in wintry weather, so limiting the skin’s exposure to the cold is a proactive measure.
  • Keep skin moisturized. Dry skin is a trigger and can make scaling more severe. A humidifier may be helpful, especially in winter months. Alternatively, use True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care to cleanse, tone and hydrate skin year round.
  • Get short, regular bursts of sunlight, because ultraviolet radiation has immunosuppressive effects. UV light therapy is a known treatment option for psoriasis.
  • Wear sunscreen to avoid sunburn. Skin damage of any kind is a trigger for flareups.
  • Make sure to get enough Vitamin D, since a deficiency is common in people with psoriasis.
  • Take extra care when cutting nails or shaving and avoid scratching insect bites. Wear gloves when gardening and be careful when preparing food with knives.
  • Reduce stress. Reports suggest that stress may trigger flare-ups in 68% of adults with psoriaris.4 Practice yoga and meditation to ease stress.
  • Eat a whole food diet that includes nuts and seeds, since they contain good fats, which may help improve skin health. Avoid food that is known to be inflammatory, especially processed carbohydrates and anything with lots of added sugar.
  • Take Kenzen® Omega Green + DHA. Research suggests that omega fatty acids may improve various signs and symptoms of psoriasis.5 Since Omega Green + DHA is made with flaxseed oil, cranberry seed oil and red algae, it comes from sustainable resources that are kosher, vegan certified and gluten-free. OmegaDHANew_317x310With all three types of omega fatty acids formulated in optimal proportions (3, 6, 9), Kenzen® Omega Green + DHA is designed for heart health, an added benefit, since the risk of heart disease rises for those suffering from psoriasis.
  • Stay hydrated. Dehydration is found among people with psoriasis, especially females 60 years of age and older.7 Keep a PiMag® Waterfall  in your kitchen for cooking purposes as well as drinking, and take a PiMag® Sport Bottle with you everywhere.
  • Take Kenzen® Joint. Although symptoms of psoriasis depend on the specific type, sufferers commonly experience some combination of itchy skin, burning or sore skin, scaly skin and swollen or stiff joints. Kenzen® Joint nutritionally supports collagen, bone and connective tissue repair with a high concentration of cetyl myristoleate combined with glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane and compounds from the boswellia plant.
  • Use CM Complex Cream  for its naturally soothing and cooling effects on achy joints. In addition to cetyl myristoleate, this topical formulation includes aloe, menthol and peppermint, which are derived from plants and offer a natural alternative to chemical ointments.

All the precautions mentioned above may help those trying to prevent psoriasis flare-ups. They also are part of the Active Wellness approach to wellbeing for anyone seeking to maintain or improve health—physically and mentally.

 

1, 7 https://www.philips.co.uk/c-e/challenge-psoriasis/psoriasis-stop/life/staying-well-hydrated-with-psoriasis.html

2, 3 https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/understanding-psoriasis-basics#1

4 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324185.php

5, 7 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322302.php

 

Active Aging is Part of Active Wellness

Published on by Nikken

The beauty industry has inundated the marketplace with a slew of “anti-aging” products. But “anti” means against and is also more than skin deep. A more positive approach to aging is with grace, discipline and common sense.

In the United States, baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) are reshaping the population. The number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to more than double from 46 million today to more than 98 million by 2060. That translates to nearly 24 percent of the population, a substantial increase from 15 percent today. 1

One of the key approaches to address the aging revolution is known as “active aging,” crystalized by the World Health Organization in 2002 by three pillars: participation, health, and security. The active aging policy has financial and economic aspects and affects both men and women as older adults are working longer. 2 As more people live to be centenarians, counteracting the onset of age-related degeneration becomes increasingly important.

Here are 10 head-to-toe tips for Active Wellness and active aging:

  1. Keep challenging your brain. Learn a new language, sport or anything out of your comfort zone. Do puzzles and crosswords.
  2. Play and listen to music. Branch out and try a different instrument if you already play one and listen to something new.
  3. Did you know leafy greens also deliver lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that help the retina’s ability to break down harmful compounds from stressors such as sunlight, junk food and smoke? 3 Incorporate them into your daily diet together with carrots and other colorful fruits and vegetables.
  4. Use sunscreen on your face and all exposed areas of the body to protect from UV rays.
  5. Cut back on sugar. It contributes to wrinkles and dehydrated skin, as well as causing inflammation and pain. 4
  6. Hug people who welcome it. A University of North Caroline study found that those who got more frequent hugs had lower blood pressure and healthier resting heart rates compared to those who weren’t hugged often. Scientifically speaking, hugs trigger the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin, while lowering stress hormones like cortisol. 5
  7. Muscles become less pliable after age 40, so performing a stretching routine daily helps the body remain flexible and more able to prevent injuries and even rebuild atrophied cells. 6 A supple spine is key to being limber, so include forward and backward bends.
  8. Sleep well. Not only does it help keep you alert, but it also affects your skin. One study showed that women who reported sleeping well were found to have fewer fine lines and more even pigmentation and skin elasticity compared with those who reported sleeping poorly.7
  9. Stand up straight. Aging often causes posture to suffer in the form of breathing problems, joint pain and walking difficulties. Research from the Mayo Clinic shows that proper body alignment can help prevent excess strain on joints, muscles and spine, and can also boost mood. 8
  10. Soak your feet regularly in warm water and Epsom salts. Sore feet lead to inflammation and pain. Comfortable feet help you stand tall, walk and exercise consistently.Kenko Sleep Products, NikkenWellness nutritional supplements  and True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care help take care of your Active Wellness needs every day.

     

    1 https://www.prb.org/aging-unitedstates-fact-sheet/

    2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28368781

    3, 4, 5, 7 Taylor, Marygrace, Your Total Body Anti-Aging Plan, Spry Living, March 2017.

    6, 8 https://bestlifeonline.com/anti-aging-tips-for-men/