Take Care of the Gut and Share the Love

Give Thanks, Take Care of the Gut and Share the Love

PUBLISHED ON November 23, 2017

However we celebrate Thanksgiving, there’s generally an overflow of great home-made food, some of which is served specifically at this time of year. So it’s special and we want to eat as much of it as possible, right? And just like any other meal that offers a bounty of favorite delights, it can derail our best efforts at eating healthy. As most diet gurus profess that an occasional “cheat” day is actually okay. Furthermore, we tend to rationalize that Thanksgiving feasting is a given. Some of us can handle it and some of us, not so much. The difference? Some of us have been pursuing Active Wellness consistently and have more efficient digestive systems.

According to the American Gastroenterological Association Institute, good digestive health describes a digestive system that has appropriate nutrient absorption, intestinal motility, immune function, and a balanced microbiota (the community of microorganisms that live in the gut).1 Digestive health can also impact quality of life, sleep, productivity, exercise or socializing with friends. Scientists now are placing the emphasis on healthy digestive function as the core of good health.

Dr. John Deaton, vice president of science and technology at Deerland Enzymes & Probiotics, says, “The role of digestive enzymes is to break down food-derived fats, carbohydrates and proteins into smaller substances that our bodies can use. Although the body produces its own digestive enzymes, it may not be enough to completely break down cooked or processed foods. The ability to breakdown food into its basic and useful components is of critical concern for consumers interested in functional nutrition for growth, development and supporting healthy aging. Enzyme supplements continue to gain recognition among consumers for their role in digestive health and bioavailability of nutrients from foods.”2

Studies show that there are four enzymes critical to the digestive process. Specific digestive enzymes act on different types of macronutrients: fats, proteins, carbohydrates and fiber. Many digestive products on the market contain only one or two of these notable enzymes and do not provide optimal digestive support. Kenzen® Digestion Complex 4-20 contains all four of these important enzymes, making it a superior formulation for digestion, absorption and weight management.*  Featuring natural ingredients including amino acids, proteins, vegetable fiber- and cellulose-based enzymes, Kenzen® Digestion Complex 4-20contains vegetable-derived ingredients that safely and gently assist the body’s digestive system.

Click here for more information on Kenzen Digestive Complex 4-20.   Grace and peace to each of you.

Why Kenzen Lactoferrin 2.0 tm

Why Kenzen® Lactoferrin 2.0™

PUBLISHED ON November 10, 2017

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.

Lactoferrin is a protein whose main biological function is to bind and transport iron, 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. For example, you may eat lots of green, leafy vegetables,and/or lean red meat, which are natural sources of iron. But your doctor runs a blood test and announces that you’re anemic. How can this happen? Just because you eat iron-rich foods does not mean your body can absorb or process it.

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:

With Lactoferrin 2.0 you get 200 mg of lactoferrin in each capsule—more than three times as much for the same cost as before. More lactose-free, gluten-free, non-GMO lactoferrin, a better delivery system and four organic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory ingredients (see Brain-Gut Connection) equals increased access to Active Wellness and more importantly, your improved health.

Click here to learn more about Lactoferrin and how to get it.

Turmeric: Hot Topic of the Year! This ties into the previous post for your information.

Turmeric: Hot Topic of the Year!

PUBLISHED ON December 16, 2016

If you like yellow curry, you’ve probably tasted turmeric. It’s commonly found in Indian, Malaysian, Indonesian, Chinese, Thai and other Asian cuisines, because it’s the primary spice in curry. In food and manufacturing, turmeric essential oil is used in perfumes and cosmetics, and its resin is used as a flavor enhancer and color component in foods. Its bright yellow color has been a source of natural dyes for centuries, and its root is widely used to make medicine. That’s just for starters.

What all the talk centers around is the more than 600 purported health benefits. Since 1900 B.C. (the time of Ayurveda) turmeric in various forms (sliced, ground, powdered, tinctured, etc.) has been used to address a wide range of conditions. It’s touted to help the skin, pulmonary and gastrointestinal systems as well as the joints. It’s been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and anticancer activities.1

What is of particular interest to us is that turmeric is known to protect the brain in a variety of ways, because it is “a potent antioxidant that readily crosses the blood-brain barrier.” 2 Some specific brain boosting abilities are attributed to the natural chemical in turmeric called curcumin.

• It is believed to improve memory and concentration by increasing blood flow and neurotransmitter formation.3
• It increases the production of serotonin and dopamine, two of the brain chemicals that produce a feeling of contentment or happiness.4
• It helps increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).5BDNF is a protein that stimulates brain cell production.
• The omega-3 fatty acid known as DHA is a major building block of the brain. Its deficiency is believed to be the cause of various neurological disorders. Curcumin enhances DHA synthesis and increases its levels in the brain.6

Although curcumin is known as an active component, the entire root or the whole turmeric plant serves a variety of purposes. For example, there is turmerone, a beneficial compound found in turmeric root. Studies and research have been conducted to show how turmerone stimulates the production of new neurons which can be useful for degenerative brain diseases, traumatic brain injury and stroke.7 Research in these areas with relation to the use of stem cells in the treatment of certain neurological conditions is fairly new, but scientists are making headway with the effects of turmerone on brain disorders.8

Have You Heard of the Brain-Gut Connection? This is worth you time to read about and form your opinion.

Have You Heard of the Brain-Gut Connection?

PUBLISHED ON November 3, 2017

The brain-gut connection is a big deal. It is revolutionizing the way doctors and scientists approach digestion, mood, health and the way we think. One way to understand it is to picture a “brain in the gut,” which is actually known as the enteric nervous system (ENS). It’s composed of more than 100 million nerve cells that line the G.I. tract running from the esophagus to the rectum.

Internationally renowned ENS specialist Dr. Jay Pasricha says, “The enteric nervous system doesn’t seem capable of thought as we know it, but it communicates back and forth with our big brain with profound results. Its main role is controlling digestion, from swallowing to the release of enzymes that break down food to the control of blood flow that helps with nutrient absorption to elimination. For decades, researchers and doctors thought that anxiety and depression contributed to gut problems, but our studies and others show that it may also be the other way around.”1

In keeping up with the latest scientific developments, Nikken has launched Kenzen Lacoferrin 2.0 as an integral component of Active Wellness. The lactoferrin in the formulation addresses the body’s need for iron to help hemoglobin carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. But Lactoferrin 2.0 takes the formulation up to a superior level with four organic ingredients that work to support the G.I. tract and mental health, which addresses the important brain-gut connection. Here’s how:

• Our Organic Inulin is sourced from Jerusalem Artichoke, known to be high in potassium, iron, essential amino acids and protein.2 Organic Inulin is soluble so it dissolves in the stomach and forms a gelatinous substance that helps slow digestion to allow better nutrient absorption and a slow release of sugar. This slower digestion promotes healthy blood sugar levels. Organic Inulin aids digestion by helping to increase good bacteria in the gut and stimulating the immune system.3
• Organic Rhodiola rosea has been used in China and Siberia for thousands of years to help soothe, calm and relax people who are stressed, depressed or fatigued. Research shows it to have a positive effect on cognitive health, including boosting memory and concentration.4 Research also shows this adaptogen helps speed up fat-burning cells when combined with exercise. 5
• Organic Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and is effective against nausea and exercise-induced muscle discomforts. It helps empty the stomach more quickly, which benefits people with indigestion and related issues. There is some evidence that organic Ginger enhances working memory and reaction time, helps inhibit the growth of bad oral bacteria and helps reduce LDL cholesterol and blood triglyceride levels.6
• More than 600 health benefits are attributed to Organic Turmeric, but in Lactoferrin 2.0, it works synergistically as a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. It helps promote brain health as well as supporting the G.I. system. 

• Product Description

  Lactoferrin is a protein whose main biological function is to bind and transport iron, an essential mineral that helps hemoglobin carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Lactose-free, gluten-free and GMO-free, our formula provides a superior delivery system to support better utilization and balance of iron in the body.* Lactoferrin 2.0 also supports the G.I. Tract. Iron deficiency can result in anemia, fatigue and poor circulation, as well as many other physical discomforts. Lactoferrin 2.0 is naturally iron-binding, which studies have shown to have a positive effect on iron absorption, blood iron levels and digestive issues.* Our formulation also contains organic Inulin, organic Ginger, organic Turmeric and organic Rhodiola, a combination that works together with Lactoferrin to produce antioxidant effects and anti-inflammatory properties that support overall health.*
  
  FEATURES AND BENEFITS
  • Binds and transports iron
  • Superior delivery system
  • Lactose-free
  • Gluten-free
  • GMO-free
  • Promotes good gut bacteria*
  • Enriches red blood cells*
  • Helps transport oxygen*
  • Antioxidant effects*
  • Anti-inflammatory properties*
  • Overall health
• To learn more about Lactoferrin, go to www.nikken.com/jsj  and check on the nutrition products under "Shop Now".

Keep Your Weight Steady Through the Holiday Season

Active Wellness Blog

Keep Your Weight Steady Through the Holiday Season

PUBLISHED ON October 20, 2017

Is your holiday season full of traps that derail you from healthy eating? Are your days filled with extra calories that seem too tempting to pass up? What’s a body with the best of intentions to do? Here are five simple behaviors that may help keep your weight steady throughout the holiday season.

Bill Cottle says, “I love being healthy by choice and not by chance. I want to thank everyone posting comments and words of encouragement on the Everyday Wellness Challenge Facebook page. It is great to belong to such a supportive community.”

Victoria Jaso Waters adds, “Even when times are tough, I am able to keep positive by reading about everyone’s accomplishments.”

• Carry the PiMag Sport Bottle (Click here to learn about the PiMag Sport Bottle for great water on the go)  with you everywhere and drink water, drink water, drink water. It helps you feel full and it’s great for all the body’s systems.

John Berkheim says, “I have reduced the amount of food I eat at each meal and am drinking more PiMag water and less coffee, no pop or drinks with added sugar.”

• Be sure to focus on the protein and the vegetables of any feast, not the dessert. Think of it this way: lean meats or vegetarian proteins and vegetables are real food. Best of all, protein actually helps increase your metabolism and gives you a feeling of fullness. Vegetables are full of healthy fiber and low in calories.

Nancy Clyde says, “I have always loved veggies and made wise choices by avoiding sugars and limiting breads, potatoes and rice. My meals and snacks consist of veggies, protein, nuts and a small portion of a Kenzen Paleo Bar®.”  Click here to learn about Nikken Paleo Bars

• Get enough sleep. Undersleeping may be as tempting as overeating during the holiday season, but sleep deprivation can cause weight gain! The less you sleep, the hungrier you’ll feel, and the higher the risk of eating more calories than your level of activity requires. Too little sleep also slows down the metabolism. So, even when you stay out to party hearty, set aside enough time to catch enough Zs!

Ann Price says, “Over the past three months, my average nightly sleep has increased from about four to five hours to about seven hours nightly! That sure makes a difference in the way I feel when I wake up in the morning.”

• Choose a form of exercise and participate every day or at least four times a week. Whether you swim laps, take Zumba classes or walk the dog, consistency pays off and you’ll feel more energetic once you get in the habit.

Susan Goodwin says, “The part I like most about Active Wellness is the hour of exercise I do every day. I either walk or bicycle, and the exercise helps me release my stress and sleep better.”

For more information on products for your well being go to www.nikken.com/jsj.

Grace and peace to all who read this.

Plant-Based Diets to Improve Heatlh

Plant-Based Diets to Improve Health

PUBLISHED ON October 27, 2017

Did your mama tell you to “eat your veggies”? She knew what she was talking about. Studies have shown that there are possible connections between a plant-based diet and maintaining good health.

Vegetarians typically consume more vitamin E, C, folic acid, potassium, calcium, fiber and phytochemicals, resulting in lower cholesterol levels, BMI and blood pressure. 1 Vegetarians also obtain more antioxidant levels of A, B2, beta-carotene and folate as well as fiber through their higher consumption of fruits, vegetables and multi-grains. Though 25-38 grams of fiber per day is recommended, the typical American consumes only 12-15 grams. For example, a pound of beef contains zero grams of fiber, but just one cup of lentils has 16 grams. 2

Even if you choose not to be a complete vegetarian, there are several diets that are plant-based. In descending order of number of food types allowed:

• Semi-Vegetarian or Flexitarian diets include dairy foods, eggs and small amounts of meat, poultry, fish or other seafood.
• Pescatarian diets include dairy foods, eggs, fish and seafood, but no meat or poultry.
• Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian diets include dairy foods and eggs.
• Vegan diets are the most limiting, as no animal products of any kind are allowed, and you obtain protein only from grains, beans, nuts, seeds and certain plants—just like vegetarian animals.

Improving health is only one facet of eating more vegetarian meals. You can save money, too. Eating vegetables, grains and fruit in place of the roughly 250 pounds of beef, chicken and fish each non-vegetarian in the U.S. eats annually could cut individual food bills by an average $4,000 per year. 3

In the U.S., 10 billion animals are slaughtered for human consumption each year. Most are factory-farmed and fed a diet tainted with pesticides, hormones and antibiotics.4 Cattle are corn-fed (instead of grass fed) to fatten them up. Raising these animals strains environmental resources and may be unsustainable over the long term. Beef in particular is known for being challenging to the environment, because of the large amount of feed required and the methane produced.

Whether you cut out meat once a week (as in Meatless Monday) or take on an Active Wellness challenge and go vegetarian for a week or month at a time, you’ll not only be helping the world go green, you’ll be helping yourself and your pocketbook! And with Kenzen Vital Balance , you never need to worry about getting enough plant-based protein! Kenzen Vital Balance is the core component of the everyday weight management to help you.

Click here to learn more about a daily help for this diet challenge