Good Sleep promotes Active Wellness…

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Sleep is the best medicine for your body and mind. Getting the recommended 7-8 hours per night keeps us healthy and balanced and improves our overall quality of life.

When you’re asleep, your body restores itself – which is why next to eating well and exercising, getting enough sleep is the most important thing you can do for your health. But how can you best prepare yourself for a restful night? Meditating and reading a book before bedtime can help, but here are a few more surprising behaviours that signal to body and mind that you’re ready to get some shuteye…

Here are some examples:

1. Create a bedtime ritual. It doesn’t have to be complicated, as long as you do it every night and start to associate it with sleep. A good night’s sleep starts with a moment of calm so set aside time to relax. Try lighting a scented candle in your bedroom just before you get into bed. The small flame is a visual cue that it’s time to relax, while the comforting fragrance will also have a calming influence on you.

2. Keep cool and get a breath of fresh air. Studies show that the optimal temperature for sleeping is around 18.5 degrees1, so keeping your bedroom cool is a must. Ventilation is also beneficial – the new air circulating throughout the room promotes a deeper sleep, so whenever possible, try to sleep with the window slightly ajar.

3. Make your bed comfortable. Did you know that over eight to ten years you’ll spend more than 26,000 hours sleeping in your bed! You can enhance the comfort of your bed with a simple Sleep Pad that fits on top of your main mattress. Nikken’s Naturest® KenkoPad® is designed to provide a very gentle relaxing massage-effect while sleeping, enhancing your overall sleep environment.

4. Enjoy physical activity. This will allow you to fall asleep faster and enjoy a deeper sleep. Physical activityimproves sleepquality and increases sleepduration2. Exercise may also bolster sleep in other ways, because it reduces stress and tires you out. It can be especially helpful if you are able to exercise outdoors and let your body absorb natural sunlight during the daytime hours.

5. Keep in sync with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. This is one of the most important strategies for sleeping better. If you keep a regular sleep-wake schedule, you’ll feel much more refreshed and energized than if you sleep the same number of hours at different times, even if you only alter your sleep schedule by an hour or two.

6. Wind down and clear your head. Lie down in bed, close your eyes and practice breathing exercises. Inhale through your nose and exhale as much as possible through your mouth. Repeat a few times. Make sure you put all electronic devices away. Using them before sleeping will only wire up your brain3.

Get a good night’s sleep, relax your body and mind and enjoy an Active Wellness lifestyle!

Autumn Sleep Offer…
The Sleep Offers starts on 15th October through to 20th November with savings of 20% on individual sleep products and a further 10% on Wellness Home Sleep Packs.

Visit our website: www.nikken.com/eu/

1. https://sleepcouncil.org.uk/perfect-sleep-environment/
2. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-sleep-better
3. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/how-to-get-to-sleep/

14th October 2019

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What’s the best way to enjoy the autumn months?

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Traditionally, autumn is the colorful harvest season that precedes the cold winter months. The temperature begins to drop and the air becomes dryer as winds blow and leaves fall.

Each change of season is a transitional period in nature and our bodies follow suit even if we are unconscious of what’s happening. Autumn is a time when leaves fall and vegetation is either harvested or dies off. During this natural cycle, mould is released. Even though mould is airborne year round, this extra release can be a stress on the immune system.

Depending on the individual’s state of Active Wellness, the immune system either continues working well or becomes overloaded during autumn. Digestion may not be as smooth and the foods that worked well during the summer may suddenly be overwhelming. Autumn is therefore an ideal time to reduce the toxic load on the immune and digestive systems. In fact, since 60 to 80% of the immune system revolves around the digestive system, the two impact each other a great deal.1

In addition to being the perfect time to incorporate KENZEN Lactoferrin® 2.0 into your daily regimen, here are some things to do that may help decrease toxic overload:

1. Minimise exposure to chemical toxins in the environment or in products you might use on a daily basis, including cosmetics, laundry detergent, cleaners, plastics, air fresheners, etc.

2. Try using unscented cleaners and detergents. Scented products often are full of artificial ingredients that tend to burden the immune and digestive systems.

3. Read labels and try eating food without artificial coloring and preservatives. Processed foods in general may irritate sensitive digestive tracts.

4. Pay attention to food sensitivities. This is a great time of the year to eat foods that warm you up, just as summer was a perfect time to eat cooling salads. A rule of thumb is to heed Nature and eat what grows seasonally such as pumpkins, squash, root vegetables (beets and turnips), dark leafy greens and anything is locally grown.

5. Store your reusable plastic bags and containers in closed cupboards and air-tight containers. Plastics contain petrochemical molecules that are airborne, especially indoors.

6. Drink filtered water. Chlorine is a harsh chemical placed in many municipal water systems. The PiMag Waterfall® exceeds the standard for chlorine reduction and helps households filter tap water and reduce or eliminate the use of bottled water, contributing to the environment. Add the KENZEN® Super Ciaga® to your PiMag® water. A delicious organic mix drink with 100% fruit and a high ORAC value (antioxidant), the Super Ciaga could help towards the maintenance of a strong immune system.

7. To help keep a healthy gut, traditional Chinese medicine recommends eating moistening foods such as tofu, tempeh, spinach, barley, pears, apples, seaweed, mushrooms, almonds and sesame seeds.2

8. Protect your skin from the dryness the elements might cause. Use a moisturiser such as TRUE elements® Marine Organic Youthful Face Cream at night and Nourishing Face Cream during the day.

Try to get plenty of rest and sleep to help keep your immune system happy and enjoy this beautiful season!

 

SPECIAL OFFER

KENZEN® Super Ciaga®
Save 75% on your second Pack of KENZEN®Super Ciaga®…

Purchase a Pack of KENZEN® Super Ciaga® between 1st – 31st October 2019 and save 75% on your second Pack. Use Double Pack code 88170.  Offer available on Autoship.

1. https://www.no-ibs.com/blog/why-does-ibs-act-up-in-spring-or-fall/
2. https://thehutong.com/what-to-eat-in-autumn/

1st October 2019

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Why attending an event can change your life…

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Have you ever attended an event, a conference or a seminar that has made a profound impact on you? If so, why did it affect you so much?

There are so many benefits to attending events. Just to list a few:

  • Events brings people who share a common goal together
  • They are a great way to meet and connect with new people.
  • Being around like-minded people is inspirational and creates an opportunity for teamwork.
  • Being face to face with others, interacting and sharing is more powerful than webinars or conference calls.
  • The expert speakers provide you with new ideas and knowledge, inspiration and focus. Their stories will motivate you to take their lead and follow in their footsteps.
  • The skills and knowledge you gain from attending an event can be invaluable to your own business
  • Events are great fun!

Hear what some of the Nikken Leaders have to say about the importance of attending events:

Michel DiMuccio, Royal Diamond : https://youtu.be/iBalT3a92xQ

 

At Nikken, we are gearing up for our European Event in Paris. Join us for an unforgettable weekend. Invest in yourself and your future. Make the decision to book your ticket NOW.

To find out more and book your ticket, go to: https://bit.ly/2Za3x1D

 

16th September 2019

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This September, go Organic…

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It’s Organic September month. But what does this mean? “Organic September” is a campaign run by the Soil Association, designed to promote and educate people about organic food and farming practices.

Using more organic farmed produce can have many advantages such as benefiting nature, wildlife and building healthy soils. According to the Soil Association, approximately 95 % of food production relies on soil.1

 Organic always means:

  • No artificial colours and preservatives
  • Fewer pesticides
  • Always free range
  • No GM ingredients
  • No routine use of antibiotics

There are many ways in which you can get involved in the organic movement.
Here are just a few:

1. Reduce waste. The first step to sustainable living is going zero waste and what better way to start then at home. Learn the rules of recycling in your area and stop using plastic bags. Get used to reusable containers and you can even have a compost bin in the garden for the leftover food.

2. Shop local. Shopping at an independent store or farm shop is one of the easiest ways to support your local economy. These places have many less known organic brands that aren’t as easy to find in the supermarkets. More demand for organic food means more organic farms, and more organic farms means more wildlife and healthier soils.

3. Eating out? Ask where your food comes from. It could be ordered in bulk from a major supplier, or just simply supplied by the local farm. It’s always good to know.

4. Grow your own. Growing your own fruit and vegetables is not only fun, but also very satisfying knowing you have grown them yourself and that they are 100% organic. It is also about passing on the knowledge to future generations of gardeners and food lovers and learning more about where our food comes from. Even if you missed out on this summer’s harvest, it’s not too late to start planting your own seeds. For example, spring cabbages and spinach seeds can be planted now and picked next spring, whilst broad beans, onions and pea seeds are hardy during the upcoming winter season and should crop in early spring.

Whatever products you’re buying, when you choose organic food, drink or beauty and textiles, you choose products that promote a better world. Organic food comes from trusted sources. All organic farms and food companies are inspected at least once a year with the standards for organic food being laid down in European law.

Both KENZEN® Super Ciaga® (#17001) and Jade GreenZymes® (#20310 – Sachets / #20311 – Jar) from Nikken are certified Organic by the Soil Association, something we are very proud of.

Campaigning for more organic food and farming and getting involved, means that together, we can slow down climate change, setting an example for future generations.

1. https://www.soilassociation.org/organic-living/organic-september/

9th September 2019

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How Much Water Do We Need to Drink Daily?

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Every life form on Earth requires water to survive – but how much do human beings need to drink to be healthy and practicing the Active Wellness lifestyle?.. Well it really depends on the individual and there are a variety of opinions from researchers and health authorities.

The human body is composed of approximately 60% water and we’re constantly losing water from perspiration and other bodily output. We therefore drink water to replenish and prevent dehydration. Water is required for virtually every bodily function, including flushing toxins from organs, carrying nutrients to cells, cushioning joints and helping to digest food.

When the water content in the human body goes below certain levels, we experience the feeling of thirst. When this happens, we reach for water to rehydrate. As simple as that process is, this automatic thirst mechanism becomes less accurate with age, so the older we get, the more conscious we need to be to hydrate throughout the day, even when not feeling thirsty.

Our water requirements vary depending on age, weight, physical activity, general health and the climate we live in. If we live in hot climates, we will perspire more and require more water. If we have a job that requires strenuous labour, we will require more water than someone sitting at a desk in an air-conditioned office. The National Academies of Sciences recommends for women a total of 2.7 litres of liquid daily, including all beverages and water-rich foods.1  For men, the recommendation is a total of 3.7 litres of liquid daily, including all beverages and water-rich foods.2

Similarly, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) also recommends three litres daily for men and two plus litres daily for women. They state that children and teens generally require 1.5 to 2 litres daily, with the addition of plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are water-rich.3 During exercise, the goal is to drink between 1/4 – 1/2 litre of water every 15-20 minutes.4

Everyone can benefit from the eco-friendly PiMag® Water Bottle and PiMag Waterfall®. They’re great for Planet Earth and you’ll save money over the years by avoiding the purchase of bottled water!

1, 2.  https://www.livescience.com/61353-how-much-water-you-really-need-drink.html
3, 4.  https://www.webmd.com/diet/how-much-water-to-drink#1

27th August 2019

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Inner Health and Outer Beauty in support of Psoriasis Awareness Month…

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At Nikken, we like to promote Active Wellness as a way of living. It’s a proactive rather than a reactive approach to life. That means taking measures to maintain health both physically and mentally on an ongoing basis. 

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 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.  All of the Organic TRUE elements® range contains specific formulations of enriching marine extracts and is suitable for sensitive skin.

• Get short, regular bursts of sunlight, because ultraviolet radiation has immunosuppressive effects. UV light therapy is a known treatment option for psoriasis.  Remember to always take care in the sunlight!

• Make sure to get enough Vitamin D, since a deficiency is common in people with psoriasis.

• 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. 

• Stay hydrated. Dehydration is found among people with psoriasis, especially females 60 years of age and older.5 Keep a PiMag Waterfall® in your kitchen for cooking purposes as well as drinking and take a PiMag® Water Bottle with you everywhere!

• Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish and flax seeds may help to reduce inflammation and assist skin health.  Kasai Omega Oils is rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 as well as Borage Oil, known for treating hair and skin conditions.

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. 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. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322302.php

12th August 2019

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Help Keep Our Beaches and Oceans Clean

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Healthy oceans are the life support system for our planet providing 97% of the Earths livable habitat. In order to help keep our oceans and marine life sustainable, we need to keep our beaches clean.

Beaches are home to many creatures that depend on both land and sea to survive. Even sea creatures that live solely in the water are affected by polluted beaches when rubbish that accumulates on the beach is washed out with the tides. In addition to plastic and paper rubbish, chemical and human wastes on the beach also wash out to sea.

Plastic pollution impacts virtually every living organism in, or thriving off of, the oceans of our world.1 (https://nikkeneurope.wordpress.com/2018/04/09/rethink-plastic/). Today many sea creatures that are found dead often have huge amounts of plastic debris in their internal organs.

Every person who visits a beach in any part of the world can help keep our beaches and oceans clean. We each can commit to making a difference and educating our children, so they can practice green behaviors from an early age. If you haven’t already started, this summer is a great time to take action:

  1. “Take 3 for the Sea” is an organization that teaches people to take three pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach or any waterway. By doing so, you will have made a difference. Participation in this program has burgeoned to 129 countries with 300,000 people educated in helping to make plastic pollution a thing of the past.2
  2. Don’t drink bottled water. (https://nikkeneurope.wordpress.com/2019/06/03/stay-hydrated-the-smart-way/) More than one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute around the world. 3 They require large amounts of energy and water to produce, then end up clogging landfills.
  3. Use re-usable alternatives to plastic bottles. You can buy re-usable water bottles everywhere, but you can only purchase the PiMag®Water Bottle with the nano-technology filter system at Nikken. At home, you can make a difference by drinking filtered water from a PiMag Waterfall® – good for Active Wellness as well as minimizing your personal carbon footprint.
  4. Use re-usable tote bags and containers. Avoid buying food and other items wrapped in plastic. For example, when buying fresh food, buy whole fruit and vegetables instead of pre-cut, prepackaged versions wrapped in plastic. Carry out with your own totes.
  5. Decrease chemical usage as much as possible. Pesticides, fertilizers and weed killers are harmful for our oceans—the closer you live to the sea, the more likely those chemicals will end up there. About 245,000 square kilometers (about the size of the UK) are known as “dead zones” where marine life cannot survive, due to chemical poisons in the eco-system.
  6. Opt for mineral sunscreens or non-nano zinc oxide as the primary active ingredient. Chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate that are commonly found in popular sunscreens are not eco-friendly. Once these chemicals make their way off beach bodies into the ocean, they can damage coral DNA. Sunscreens without these damaging chemicals are called “reef-safe.” 4
  7. Be careful what you flush down the toilet. Medicines have been detected in ground water and marine life. For example, 4500 wet wipes were found in a 154 square-meter portion of the River Thames in London in 2017, an example of what doesn’t break down in the flushing process. 5

Share your knowledge of eco-friendly habits with friends and family. The more people who commit to making a difference, the better chance we have of maintaining the lives of our beaches and oceans.

1 https://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/marine-animals-are-dying-because-of-our-plastic-trash/

2 https://www.take3.org/?gclid=CjwKCAjwg-DpBRBbEiwAEV1_-F4JC9qmJy35k0TPp6tB0pi5o-jQFIESz_NNK61DuzePtQM2QoFj_xoCpJsQAvD_BwE

3 https://www.take3.org/the-plastic-facts/

4 https://oceanconservancy.org/blog/2019/05/25/4-ways-help-protect-ocean-beach-summer/?ea.tracking.id=19HPXGJAXX&gclid=CjwKCAjwg-DpBRBbEiwAEV1_-NIxzfGU-rDeqiEyBfzBtl-AOOB3v8vGZ9Ekzb0xAswuQwI2d1A-vBoCL9EQAvD_BwE

5 http://mentalfloss.com/article/546495/things-you-can-do-help-keep-oceans-clean

31st July 2019

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