Category: body

The Fountain of Youth??

Can nature provide the keys to youthful skin?  If it could, more importantly would you make those small changes?

Great…read on!

Our skin is more than just an outer covering; it is the main defense against external injury. It is a living, breathing organ, the largest of our body!  Much of what we put on our skin is absorbed and can ultimately affect our health – positively or negatively.

What You Choose Makes A Difference!

Choosing certified organic skincare can help give reassurance that the product is rich in ‘natural’ ingredients without the synthetic chemicals. The body cannot easily recognize and process synthetic chemicals.  These ‘foreign’ substances, can sometimes accumulate in the tissues, potentially over time causing an allergic skin reaction – such as contact dermatitis, eczema or breakouts.

It’s as important to decrease the toxic load on the skin as choosing a healthy (and organic) diet! And using organic products also means that you are helping to support the sustainability of our environment.

The Nikken Difference

Nikken’s TRUE elements® Marine Organic Skincare range has been certified organic by ECOCERT¹, a distinction very few organic products can claim. It has met strict standards set for its specified category, beyond the rest of organic skin care products.

What is ECOCERT? 

ECOCERT was the first certification body to develop standards for natural and organic cosmetics. They look at the use of ingredients derived from renewable sources and the environmentally friendly manufacturing process, as well as requiring 95% of the total ingredients to come from natural origin.

More facts about the TRUE elements…

• The ECOCERT certified TRUE elements® Marine Organic Skincare is also vegan

Vegan products are free from animal derived compounds (including milk, honey and beeswax) –  the TRUE elements® range does not contain any ingredients from animals at all so is suitable for use by vegans.

• We use sustainably sourced seaweed

In France, where our skincare is manufactured, the French government and various other organizations manage the seaweed industry. They commit each year on quantities to harvest, the geographical place to harvest, sizes to cut and number of licenses for harvesters.

Everything is managed by satellite through the different Research Centers such as IFREMER², controlling the water quality and all other resources.

• We use sustainably sourced Palm Oil

Our suppliers are certified with “Green Palm Sustainability”³ certificates.

• We advise a ‘period after opening’ time so you know when your product is still in its optimum state.

In Europe, cosmetic products with a lifespan of more than 30 months must show a ‘period after opening’ (POA) time. That is the time when the product will remain in optimum performance after the consumer has used the product for the first time. See the jar symbol with the ‘time’ in months shown inside.

• No Bunny logo needed

In Europe it’s forbidden by law to test products on animals and that’s why we do not need to apply the ‘Bunny logo’ anymore.

• Recycle your jars and tubes…

You can recycle your empty packaging at home in the suitable recyclable container!

Ready to unlock the key?

The choice is now up to YOU! Is it time to protect your skin with a safe, healthy solution that has the ECOCERT advantage? For the last 21 years that’s what I’ve used. I can tell you from my own experience that I notice the difference with my skin compared to others my age.

p.s.  Hydration is also as important for your skin and body….and your choice of water is critical!

¹http://www.ecocert.com/en/natural-and-organic-cosmetics

²https://wwz.ifremer.fr/en/The-Institute

³http://www.greenpalm.org

What affects our gut?

Is there a brain-gut connection? There are many contributing factors that affect our gut health such as diet, food in tolerances, lifestyle, etc. Taking care of your digestive system has instant, positive effects on your overall well being.

A balanced diet and stress management for example, play a vital role in how well we sleep, stay active and live a happy, productive life.

It all starts in the gut…

In 2008, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) formed the Human Microbiome Project (HMP). Microbiome is defined as “the collection of microbes or microorganisms that inhabit an environment, creating a ‘mini-ecosystem.’”¹

The human microbiome, located in the gut, is made up of trillions of bacteria that send messages to the brain. This communication is known as the “brain-gut connection.” Because approximately 70 to 80 percent of the body’s immune tissue is located within the digestive system, boosting your immune system really requires a healthy gut.²

How you can help

You can help manage your microbiome and influence the brain-gut connection as well as strengthen your immune system. You can also increase the good gut bacteria that sends the brain positive messages and decrease the bad bacteria that causes bad food cravings. In this way, “you are what you eat.”

Since good bacteria thrives on fiber and nutrient-dense food, eating that type of food consistently is the key to a healthy brain-gut connection. Good bacteria feeds on fibrous food, digests it and releases a gas up to the brain, telling it that the body is well nourished. When the brain is told that the body is well nourished, it doesn’t think there’s a need to fill in the gaps created by a lack of nutrition. It’s a healthy cycle where nutrient-dense food that is fibrous creates more good bacteria.

Fiber has multiple benefits

Fiber does more than curb cravings. It also helps your mood. The Human Microbiome Project has shown that serotonin, the “feel-good” chemical the body generates, is actually created in the gut, not the brain. More fiber and nutrient-dense food in the gut could influence our emotional health as well as our physical well being.

When will you see a change?

You may be surprised how quickly a healthy gut helps the brain minimize unhealthy cravings and also helps improve your overall health. If you currently don’t eat lots of fibrous foods, integrate them into your daily regimen slowly, so that your body has time to adjust. Incorporate it into each meal or snack. The fiber will give a sense of fullness to help you cut back on sugar and processed food.

First step towards a positive brain-gut connection

The happier your microbiome, the fewer bad food cravings there’ll be. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but the important thing is to get started in helping your gut converse positively with your brain! Best of all, you will discover how delicious these nutrient-dense and fibrous foods are!

To help jump start your microbiome, we are introducing the new Kenzen Digestion Complex 4-20 to assist in processing the additional fiber you eat. Containing a combination of ingredients that tackles fats, proteins, carbohydrates and fiber, Kenzen Digestion Complex 4-20 could support the assimilation of all types of nutrients.

1 https://www.hmpdacc.org/hmp/overview/

2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2515351/ 

 

Concerned about Bone Density?

Falling and breaking a bone certainly can be a life altering event if you are unable to lead an independent life. We all need healthy bones- regardless of our age! Whether you are an athlete, a Mom, Grandmother, Father, Brother – active or unable to be active  – our bones help us perform at our best!  You might take them for granted, until there’s a problem.  (I know I did… see my picture at the bottom!)

Boosting your Bone Density can help every-body!

Good advice from Oprah

Check out the great advice in Oprah’s newsletter! If you like the information – We have 3 Solutions below to help with the 5 listed in the article plus a Bone Health product that has positive clinical results!

The Sleep Connection

Get your Zzzz’s – Our Naturest Sleep system puts you into the best environment for your body to get the best night’s sleep of your life! I dare you to read more! This was what changed my life over 21 years ago. Sleep is the foundation for health… you realize it after one poor night’s rest.

The Blood Sugar Connection

Balance that Blood Sugar….Ever heard of Bergamot? Ever had Earl Grey Tea….clinical studies have shown benefits for this solution – Bergisterol – what do you have to lose…other than those nasty high numbers!

The Protein Connection

Got GOOD, Healthy Protein?? What about one that is Soy-Free, Gluten Free, Whey-Free – with less than 1 gram of Sugar and 2.3 Carbs?? Hmmm…impossible. No! It’s called Kenzen Vital Balance!

The short video above introduces you to two people who have incorporated this as part of their busy lives. Whether you are looking to lose, gain or maintain weight – this is a smart decision to add to your healthy food choices!

Designed specifically for Bone Health…

A way that grows bones with no negative side effects. It has been part of our safe, effective solutions for years! OsteoDenx – learn here directly from it’s creator, Dr. Naidu.

I hope this post causes you to take action….because I personally know how important my bones are to my health!!!!

 

 

Are You  Having a Bad Hair Day?

Bad Hair Days…I have them too…but do you have more bad hair days than good ones?  If so and you want to do something about it, read on!

Good Hair Starts with a Healthy Scalp

A healthy hair care regimen requires us to keep our scalps clean and sufficiently moisturized. How often we wash our hair and what we use can go a long way toward maintaining smooth, shiny hair. Depending on our personal skin and hair type, here is our guide to help maintain healthy hair:

1. Frequency depends on you. If your scalp is oily, you may need to wash it every day; however,  be careful not to over wash and disturb the natural balance of oil. If you have chemically treated hair, your hair may be drier, so less frequently washing may be needed to maintain its natural moisture. As we age, our scalp makes less oil, requiring less frequent washing.
2. Concentrate shampoo on the scalp. Washing only your hair can create flyaway hair that is dull and coarse. After massaging gently into the scalp, be sure to rinse thoroughly.
3. Use conditioner after every shampoo. Using a conditioner can significantly improve the look of damaged or weathered hair by increasing shine, decreasing static electricity, improving strength and offering some protection from harmful UV rays.
4. Concentrate conditioner on the hair, not the scalp. Conditioners can make fine hair look limp, for oily hair concentrate on the lengths rather than the roots. Again, be sure to rinse thoroughly. You may also consider improving the water in your shower as well. The PiMag showerhead has made a huge difference for us!
5. Let your hair air dry whenever you can. Hair dryers, curling irons, flat irons anything that produces artificial heat can damage hair and lead it to becoming too dry.
6. Choose a range that is Sulfates, Paraben and PEGS free. True Elements^™Shampoo and separate Conditioner contain quality, natural ingredients, such as Aloe Leaf Extract, Bentonite, Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E, Copper Gluconate, Peppermint Oil and Germanium Sesquioxide that work together to clean, moisturise and condition the scalp. Formulated for all hair types (dry, normal, oily, chemically-treated, colour-enhanced, male, female) to help maintain healthy scalp and hair.

P.S. it is also safe for pets!!!!

Oh no…..

 

Some of us experience a nagging discomfort in our joints during rainy days or throughout the winter months. Or, what’s bearable during warmer weather veers out of control when the temperature dives. These physical changes aren’t just part of our imaginations.

Health Professionals Weigh in…

Lauren Farrell, M.S.P.T., physical therapist and clinic director of Professional Physical Therapy in New Jersey, says, “While it can happen in any part of the body, this cold-weather achiness is most common in weight-bearing joints, like the knees, hips and ankles. This is especially true for the running population, where they tend to be spending longer periods of time exercising outside in the cold.”¹

Although there is scanty research to prove why this happens, experts do have some theories. According to orthopedic surgeon and founder of Manhattan Orthopedic Care, Armin Tehrany, M.D., “The research suggests that in colder weather, the body will conserve heat, and it will send more of the blood to the organs in the center of the body, like the heart or the lungs. So when that happens—the arms, legs, shoulders, knee joints—those blood vessels will constrict. Less blood flow makes those areas colder and stiffer, which can cause discomfort and pain.”²

Other Factors

Another trigger for achy joints is a change in barometric pressure, a measurement that refers to the weight of the surrounding air. Researchers have found that barometric pressure affects pressure inside the joints. The Arthritis Foundation reported that when pressure in the hip joints was equated with atmospheric pressure, it threw the ball of the hip joint about one-third of an inch off track.³

When barometric pressure is high, it pushes against the body from the outside and keeps the tissues from expanding. When it is low, there is less air pressure pushing against the body, allowing the tissues to expand, which puts pressure on the joints. Even though there may seem to be only a small change in pressure, people with sensitive joints can discern a difference, especially those with injuries, chronic inflammation or even scarring of the tissues.

What you can do

If you are someone who has tender joints or muscles, here are some practical tips to help maintain Active Wellness:

1. 1. Dress warmly for the outdoors. Wear layers so you can peel them off when temperatures fluctuate. Layers also help trap in your body’s natural heat. Since heat is often lost from the extremities, wear gloves, socks and a hat.
   2. When indoors, try to keep your home warm. Use a heating pad on your joints if needed. Heat relaxes muscles and helps ease achiness.
   3. Soak in warm tubs, if possible. Hot tubs can provide great relief.
   4. Swimming in a heated pool is one of the best exercises to soothe joints. It’s not weight bearing, yet it provides great cardiovascular exercise.
   5. Inactivity causes increased stiffness of the joints, so keep physically mobile no matter how the temperature dips. Be sure to warm up to prevent stiffening of the joints and muscles. If you can’t stand being outdoors in the cold, find something to do indoors, whether it’s going to the gym or exercising to a DVD, dancing or using a treadmill or stationary bike at home.
   6. Stay hydrated. Dehydration increases sensitivity to discomforts, especially in the joints. Hence the saying, “Keep the joints lubricated.” Caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating, so the best thing to drink is water.
   7. Lose weight if you need to. In people with tender joints, especially in the knees, even a few pounds can make a difference. Weight puts a strain on the knees and joints.
   8. Check your vitamin D levels. Research shows that low levels of vitamin D might increase sensitivity to the discomforts of arthritis. Since you might not get enough vitamin D from sunshine if you tend to stay indoors during cold weather, you may need a supplement such as Kenzen® Mega Daily 4. It supplies 100% of the RDA of vitamin D as well as other beneficial vitamins, minerals and vegetable superfoods.
   9. To give your joints nutritional support, consider Kenzen® Joint with its advanced formula of a naturally occurring compound, cetyl myristoleate. This ingredient has natural surfactant and lubricant properties to help in smooth movement.*
   10. The same ingredient is found in CM Cream Complex.  When applied topically, the combination of cetyl myristoleate with peppermint, aloe and menthol, provides a naturally cooling and soothing effect.

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

1, 2 https://www.self.com/story/why-joints-hurt-more-cold-winter-weather

3 https://reverehealth.com/live-better/cold-weather-joints/

How Important is Effectiveness?

Have you heard that the current Flu Shot’s is only 10% effective?!!

Would you purchase a car with brakes rated at a 10% chance of stopping? Would you invest in a new roof that has only 10% chance of keeping the rain out of your house? Probably not.

Me neither… especially now as the stresses and strains of the Holidays combine with the annual influx of winter colds.

I  start my day with Ciaga®ᵛ all year long, while other customers try this all-natural, certified-organic, 100% juice drink for the first time during the winter months.

The ‘V’ in Ciaga®ᵛdenotes its vital, select group of fruits chosen for their nutrients and beneficial characteristics – and for vitality. Let’s face, I need some extra vitality at this time of year- do you?!

Ciaga®ᵛ unique formulation

The foundation of Ciaga®ᵛ is the Organic Maqui-Acai fruit blend. Science has discovered that the Maqui Berry, Acai Berry and Grape Seed Extract have some of the highest ORAC (antioxidant) values of any fruit – giving Ciaga®ᵛ an ORAC* rating of more than 1500 units per 30ml. The Maqui and Acai Berry fusion also has very high levels of phenols and anthocyanins which, more importantly combined with other berries and extracts, give the remarkable blend of nutrients that Ciaga®ᵛ affords.

Natural in every way

Ciaga®ᵛ is an all-natural, certified-organic by the Soil Association, 100% juice drink with no added preservatives and a naturally sweet flavor. First, the organic, fresh foods in Ciaga®ᵛ are harvested at the peak of their growth cycle. Next, no pesticides are used in the growing or processing. Additionally, no added sugar, artificial colors or flavors are added. Finally, flash sterilizing and aseptic bottling allow Ciaga®ᵛ to be prepared without prolonged pasteurization, to preserve the natural nutrients.

From the developer:

Here is a live recording of the Developer of this amazing product. The first 11 minutes are focused on Ciaga:

Avoid the Flu

Want a better than 10% chance of staying healthy and avoiding the flu this winter??  I recommend  1 ounce of  Ciaga®ᵛ  alone or add it to a KVB Smoothie each day, everyday!

 

Does gearing up for the holidays and its increase stress impact your sleep?

We may feel overwhelmed with the added “list” during this time of year, but as the dark nights of winter set in, we can sometimes feel like we have less energy; one way to help combat this could be to get more sleep!  We all live such hectic lives, that this may seem like an impossible task but making some simple adjustments to your sleep environment may mean you wake up feeling like you have more energy, better concentration and feeling happier.

These changes won’t happen after a single early night. If you’ve had months of restricted sleep, you might have built up a significant sleep debt, so expect recovery to take several weeks. To begin with, ensure your bedroom is a relaxing and confortable space. ‘Your bed may have deteriorated by as much as 70% from its ‘as new’ state after 10 years. Even beds as little as six years old could offer significantly less support and comfort than a new one, thanks to wear and tear not just from body weight and movement but also sweat and debris such as skin and hair.’[1]

This does not mean that you need to rush out and buy a new bed, but it may be time to try a mattress topper. You can transform your current mattress with the Naturest® Kenkopad®. Made from ecologically sound and renewable non-allergic latex, natural materials and Magnetic technology; it also helps with temperature regulation as you sleep.

To catch up on sleep; try to add on an extra hour or two, perhaps at the weekend. Start your bedtime routine earlier and go to bed when you’re tired, allowing your body to wake you up naturally in the morning. For extra comfort try the KenkoDream® Quilt, Naturest® Pillowcase  and Naturest® Pillow. The revolutionary technology in the KenkoDream® Quilt and pillowcase, helps to regulate temperature while the Naturest® Pillow is fully adjustable with an internal collar to help towards achieving the most comfortable position. If you need to “quiet the mind” our sleep mask may just be the answer! Isn’t time you had a really good nights sleep?

If you stress is due to what to get those on your list…..consider a unique twist….how about giving the….

Sleep is the foundation for good health — above are just some of the solutions we offer.

Tomorrow we are having a short sleep webinar and you’ll hear benefits people have had by incorporating better sleep into their lives – Tune in to hear more!

Better Sleep Webinar:

December 5^th: 7:15PM EST

https://zoom.us/j/8122975550

 

[1] https://sleepcouncil.org.uk/sleep_media/key-facts-and-figures/Research by the Furniture Industry Research Association, 20114 (link to source)

Tired – is there a reason?

There’s a new lactoferrin in the Nikken neighborhood and we’re super excited about it. Kenzen® Lactoferrin 2.0 addresses the body’s need for iron: iron deficiency can result in anemia, fatigue and poor circulation, as well as many other physical discomforts. Women are most vulnerable to iron deficiency, and people who are very active may also suffer from iron depletion. Kenzen® Lactoferrin 2.0 is a great solution.

Iron focus and still anemic?

Lactoferrin is a protein whose main biological function is to bind and transport iron.  It’s an essential mineral that helps hemoglobin carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. No matter how much iron is in your body, if it can’t be retained and utilized, you could end up deficient!

You may eat lots of green, leafy vegetables,and/or lean red meat. These are natural sources of iron. But your doctor runs a blood test and announces you’re anemic. How can this happen? Just because you eat iron-rich foods does not mean your body can absorb or process it.

The Solution

Lactoferrin 2.0 addresses this dilemma by providing a superior delivery system to allow the body to better utilize and balance the iron in the body.* Studies show that because Lactoferrin 2.0 is naturally iron-binding, it has a positive effect on iron absorption, which in turn increases blood iron levels.

In addition, Lactoferrin 2.0 is gentle on the digestive system, therefore supporting the gastrointestinal tract and all its functions. Rather than adding elemental iron —the kind you find in virtually every iron supplement on the market—which has been shown to cause intestinal inflammation¹, lactoferrin helps the body absorb what is already there—and importantly, without upsetting the stomach. And, Lactoferrin 2.0 has been shown in clinical research to be more bioavailable, allowing for more efficient absorption of iron, compared to other iron sources.²

Just take a look at the graph:

You get 200 mg of lactoferrin in each capsule.  Each capsule is lactose-free, gluten-free and  non-GMO. It’s a better delivery system with 4 organic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory ingredients (see Brain-Gut Connection) which equals increased access to Active Wellness and more importantly, your improved health!!

 

1 Uchida, T. (2006) Availability of lactoferrin as a natural solubilizer of iron for food products. International Dairy Journal 16. 95-101.

2 (Rezk, Dawood, Abo-Elnasr, Halaby, & Marawan, 2015), (Rezk, Kandil, Dawood, , Shaheen, & Allam, 2015), (Nappi, et al., 2009), (Paesano, et al., 2010), (Paesano, et al., 2014)

Is Alkalinity Important to Your Health?

If you have looked at the various pages on my website   you’ll see I’ve referred to the term alkaline – or pH. If this is a new term for you, you are not alone! Perhaps you or someone you know has a swimming pool. That was my first exposure to this term, although I didn’t understand as a young girl how profound the testing of the water would be later in my life as I’ve educated others on this subject. All I knew was I needed reach down into to the pool and get some water, then the fun step was to put the drops in the tester to see the magic occur!

Now if you were a swimming pool you would want to have a certain alkaline level to be at your best….but you aren’t a pool– you are a human being….so what do you need???

I recently found this picture – It’s an easier way to remember what is good:

The face says it all!   The more alkaline you are, the healthier you are….Each day we make choices which directly or indirectly affect our health – the food we eat, the environment we live in, the stress of our day, the air we breath, the quality of sleep we get — either move us to the left or the right. If you are dealing with a lot of stress or a health issue, you can now see the pH you are experiencing in your body. So what can you do to move you to a more healthy pH?

First, let me set the record straight! I am not suggesting you overhaul everything you eat or drink to make a change. Simple solutions to support you are available. What I’ve found is the more we are eating, drinking, sleeping in and surrounding ourselves and our families (furry children included) with alkaline “tools” the better!!!

Here are some books I’ve read that have helped me learn about the importance of alkalinity:

• Alkazine or Die – by Theodore Baroody
• Your Body’s Many Cries for Water – by Dr.  F. Batmanghelidj
• Reverse Aging – by Sang Whang

Here is a short video of Dr. Batmanghelidj:

 

Interested to make some changes?? If so, click on either image below to learn about solutions that can start you down a better path!