Our gut - or digestive system - is an incredible, complex system comprised of organs, blood, nerves, hormones, and bacteria. It works hard to transform the food we eat into energy and nutrients and interacts with all the other systems in the body.

 

Why is gut health so important?

Maintaining a healthy digestive system is crucial to support mood, nutrient absorption, and in particular, immunity.

“A huge proportion of your immune system is actually in your GI tract,” says Dan Peterson, assistant professor of pathology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “The immune system is inside your body, and the bacteria are outside your body.”

- via Hopkins Medicine

What happens when gut health is comprised?

When things are out of balance, the body is unable to absorb crucial nutrients from our food. If the delicate gut lining is damaged - through poor diet choices, toxins, stress, or bacterial imbalance - leaky gut can occur.

"When you have leaky gut, certain tiny particles that should never be able to enter your bloodstream start to make their way through. This presents a major problem, as the vast majority of your immune system is found inside the gut.

The result? A disruption of acute inflammation, and sometimes autoimmune reactions. A normal part of your immune response that serves to fight infections and diseases winds up over-performing, leading to chronic inflammation, which is at the root of most diseases."

- via Dr Axe

Leaky gut is linked to a whole host of conditions including autoimmune disease, depression and anxiety, and skin conditions.

Bacterial imbalance is also common. The digestive tract is full of bacteria, much of which is beneficial. Antibiotic use, toxin exposure, and diet can all affect the delicate microbiome.

"We each inherit a specific collection of bacteria and microbes at birth – the most important of which we receive through the birth canal and subsequently in our mother's breast milk. This early collection of bacteria and microbes forms the foundation of our gut microbiome and is shaped by the foods we eat and our environments."

- via The Good Gut

Maintaining healthy gut flora will bolster your immunity and can reduce the incidence of digestive issues. While probiotics can be enormously helpful, diet and lifestyle play a huge role in gut health.

 

 

Easy ways to improve gut health.

• Watch what you eat. Avoid sugar and processed foods, and opt for plenty of vegetables, good fats, and clean protein. Adequate fibre is also important to help everything move through your digestive tract.

• Take a gut-loving supplement like collagen. Did you know that glycine and proline, amino acids found in peptide collagen, help to rebuild and "seal" the gut lining? Choose a high-strength powder like Adashiko to get the correct daily dosage.

• Include fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and yoghurt in your diet. As well as being delicious, these foods contain naturally occurring probiotics that promote a healthy tummy.

• Limit exposure to toxins. Avoid artificial sweeteners, pesticides, MSG, triclosan (an antibacterial agent found in soaps and hand sanitisers), and meat and dairy treated with antibiotics, all of which are problematic for the gut. Avoid at all costs.

• Reduce stress. The gut-brain link is well recognised, and both short-term and long-term stress can cause digestive issues. Managing stress is vital to all-around good health (learn more about stress and the gut here).

• If you suspect you have leaky gut or have underlying digestive issues, consider visiting a natural health practitioner alongside your GP. 

This blog post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Dry or dehydrated skin looks older and more wrinkled than healthy skin, but it's not as simple as just slapping on a heavy moisturiser. While a lack of oil causes dryness, dehydration is a lack of water. 

"Skin’s surface layers have between 10% to 30% water content, and maintaining this level of hydration is tremendously important. The second fact is that intact skin does a far better job of holding hydration than impaired skin."

(via Paula's Choice)

Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is crucial for a healthy functioning body. However, if you're using the wrong products or sunbathing, no amount of water consumption will make a difference to your skin. Think of managing skin hydration as an internal and external process - protect the lipid barrier of your skin and replenish your body with adequate water throughout the day.

Here's the truth: If the skin's surface is irritated or broken, it won't be able to retain moisture. But what causes the skin's barrier to be disturbed? UV damage, extreme heat or cold, astringent toners, harsh cleansers, alcohol-based products, rough exfoliants, and fragrance (including natural fragrances like essential oils). As skin ages, it will naturally get drier, but there is plenty you can do to keep it nourished and protected.

 

Top tips to combat dehydrated and dry skin

 

• Be gentle and never over cleanse or scrub your skin. This disturbs the natural lipid (oil) barrier and causes water loss and irritation. Avoid all products that contain alcohol or fragrance. 

• Take peptide collagen daily. This study showed significantly increased skin hydration after only eight weeks of supplementation, alongside increased collagen density.

• We all know that sun exposure causes skin aging, but it also majorly affects water levels in the skin, so always wear sunscreen!

• Use skin care products that contain hyaluronic acid - a water-binding ingredient that occurs naturally in the skin. Try a potent serum like Adashiko Collagen + Noni Gel.

• Avoid hot water and prolonged water exposure. Short, warm showers and baths are best.

• Ditch the harsh cleanser, soaps, body washes and opt for gentle sulphate-free products.

• Use a hydrating mask once or twice a week to give your skin a boost. Adashiko Collagen Gel Cloth Masques contain hyaluronic acid and peptide collagen for an intense moisture hit! Great for long plane trips too.

A business is nothing without the right people and culture, and at Adashiko head office in Hawke's Bay, the team is close-knit and the vibe is high. Here's your introduction to the faces behind your favourite collagen products.

 

Luci Firth | Managing Director and Owner

While doing graphic design work for Adashiko founder Yuko Arquette back in 2013, Luci started taking Adashiko collagen powder and was amazed at the results. It wasn't long before she began to receive compliments about her healthy, glowing, skin. However, it wasn't just the external benefits of taking collagen that had Luci so impressed.

"I had been playing competitive netball and training up to three times a week and had to have surgery mid-season on my knee - I was back playing three weeks later. I no longer have pain in my joints and hardly have to visit the physio at all, where I used to be in and out all the time. I can only put this down to taking Adashiko".

When the opportunity came up to purchase the business, Luci didn't hesitate. Under Luci's wing, the business has grown from strength to strength and Adashiko remains the most potent super collagen on the New Zealand market. Since taking over she has developed and released new products and has big plans for the future of collagen in New Zealand. 

Day to day Luci can be found in the office brainstorming with Kelly and Tamara, out and about doing product training with suppliers, researching new ingredients and products, speaking to the team in Japan, along with a million other tasks. You won't find a more devoted advocate of Adashiko anywhere.

"Adashiko is a passion to me. I eat, sleep and breath it. But ultimately, knowing that it helps people - easing joint pain, reducing surgery scars, regrowing hair after hair loss - it actually changes peoples lives, and that's a huge deal to me."

A mum of two, Luci loves her Adashiko in her morning coffee or her green smoothie as she is always on the go.

Kelly Dobson | Creative Lead

Creativity is a crucial element in any business, and Adashiko is lucky to have the multi-talented Kelly at the helm. Recipe creation, social media content, product development, public relations, marketing, you name it, Kelly does it. With her exceptional kitchen skills, she creates all the Adashiko recipe cards and has some exciting potential new products in the works.

Kelly either shoots her Adashiko straight in water before bed or creatively mixes the collagen into various recipes.

"I am all about a heart working brand. Adashiko is something of quality and integrity, and that means a lot to me. To work within a business whose product really REALLY works means that I have an extra fire in my belly when promoting and selling Adashiko. I work for Adashiko pridefully."

 

Tamara Rowe | Office Manager

Through the mayhem and growth, Tamara keeps the wheels turning and makes sure everything is running smoothly behind the scenes. As office manager, she lovingly packs orders, answers enquiries, liaises with stockists, coordinates stock levels and ordering with Luci, among other tasks (too lengthy to list here!). Tamara also features in Adashiko campaign imagery as the poster girl for gorgeous skin and a healthy lifestyle.

Tamara enjoys her Adashiko in her daily granola bowl mixed into her coconut yoghurt with seasonal fruit. A dab hand at raw treats, she loves to use collagen powder in baking for her children, too.

"I love being a part of the team at Adashiko - it is more than just work. My role is hands-on and no day is the same. We all work synergistically together as a team - it's a good feeling."

 

Stephanie Viatos | Freelance Content and Marketing

Steph works closely with Kelly and Luci to produce custom written content for the Adashiko website and newsletter. She also creates the packaging and brochure wording and contributes marketing inspiration and ideas at the monthly creative meeting. As a beauty blogger and makeup artist, Steph has her finger on the pulse of all things beauty-related.

Since giving up coffee, Steph makes a coconut milk matcha latte every morning with Adashiko Ultra.

"Before working with Adashiko, I was a complete collagen sceptic. It's fair to say I'm well and truly converted now! I'm proud to collaborate with such a fantastic company - one that is run with a true entrepreneurial spirit. Luci and the team are not only talented but downright lovely, and I am enjoying seeing Adashiko grow so rapidly."

 

 

Ash Scott | Freelance Photographer & Food Stylist

The lady behind the lens, Ash works closely with Kelly and Luci to create unique photo content for the Adashiko social channels, website, and marketing material. She's exceptionally talented and always nails the brief, from beauty shots to product stills, right through to her gorgeous recipe card images like the Pomegranate Mimosa shot below.

Ash keeps it simple with her collagen and mixes it into her smoothies and teas. 

 

Check out Ash's Instagram page. 

 

 

 

Various collagen powders in store. Image from www.intheluggage.com

Collagen and beauty vending machine. Image from www.cnet.com

 

JAPAN LEADS THE COLLAGEN MARKET GLOBALLY 

The demand for quality collagen in Japan is relentless, and the industry is thriving. Japan is home to some of the most impressive pharmaceutical companies in the world who conduct thorough research and development before even considering releasing a product out into the marketplace. The quality of Japanese collagen is unsurpassed.

A new year means resolutions, change, and good intentions, many of which fall by the wayside before January is even over. Rather than going gung ho and making unrealistic resolutions, consider setting easily achievable goals that will fit neatly into your current lifestyle. After all, it’s the small things we do every day that make a difference, not what we occasionally do.

The wellness trend is here to stay, and it feels like everyone is pumped to stay on the bandwagon this year. Aside from the obvious reasons - like wanting to age well and avoid illness - there are so many reasons to create a healthy lifestyle, including increased energy, more zest for life, and management of current health conditions to name a few. Health is something we take for granted until we no longer have it – so we’re big believers in maintaining and appreciating your health in the present.

Easy, healthy habits to start in 2019

• Drink more water – carry a large drink bottle with you at all times. You can even get extra-large bottles marked with times of the day on the side as a goal (or write your own on a clear glass or BPA-free plastic bottle).

• Increase your vegetable intake. Don’t change anything else other than boosting your veggies, and you’ll be surprised at how good you feel. At each meal aim to fill your plate with vegetables and then add meat and good fats etc.

• Sugar is known to age us and promote illness. Decrease your sugar intake. If you’re in the habit of having a sweet treat in the afternoon for a pick-me-up, switch out refined sugary treats for fruit or a homemade raw treats like a bliss ball. Nuts are also an excellent option to boost good fats and keep you feeling full. Instead of a sweet breakfast like cereal, try a nut/seed granola (easy to make at home) with coconut yoghurt and berries.

• Add a collagen supplement to your morning coffee or tea. Two scoops of Adashiko peptide collagen can make all the difference, and not just for your skin, hair, and nails. Collagen is excellent for gut health, joint mobility, sleep, and recovery from exercise or injury. Learn more about why you should be taking collagen here.

• Rather than starting a gym membership that you may not continue with, start by aiming for 10-20 minutes of exercise per day. Walking, Tabata workouts, yoga, jogging, and stretching are all easy and free to do with no equipment necessary.

• If you’re a drinker, reduce your alcohol intake. Try cutting alcohol out during the week and limit it to the weekends, even for a few weeks to see how you feel. Experiment with delicious non-alcoholic alternatives, like kombucha and soda water fruit spritzers.

Level up: when you’re ready to do more

• Stress is a significant health risk. If you’re caffeine-fuelled and rushing around with too many tabs open in your brain (and on your computer), introducing some calm into your life is essential. Getting out in nature, meditating, yoga, and tai chi are all wonderful antidotes to the craziness of modern life.

• If you want to age well and look your best, start a simple yet effective skin care regime, and choose products that contain active ingredients. Adashiko Collagen + Noni gel is an excellent choice for all skin types to minimise the signs of aging, boost hydration, and protect the skin. Use morning and night, and don’t forget to wear SPF during the day.

• Keen to boost your fitness and get in shape? Signing up for a six or eight-week program could be the ticket. Boot camps or F45 training are intense but fun, and the group sessions will motivate you to push yourself harder. Even better – commit to going with a friend to keep yourself accountable. You’ll probably feel so good at the end of the challenge you’ll want to continue.

• Choose quality over quantity. If your budget allows it, switch some of your produce to organic. Avoiding processed, packaged items and sticking to whole foods means you bypass many of the nasty chemicals and additives lurking in modern food. If you have room at home, start a small veggie garden and enjoy delicious produce grown with love!

Whatever you decide to implement in the new year, take it slow and don’t try to change everything up all at once. If you find yourself derailed, don’t beat yourself up, just start again. Once you’re a week or so into new healthy habits, you’ll get a surge of motivation that will only increase as you see and feel the benefits of your efforts.

Here’s to a healthy 2019!

After the energetic, ageless twenties, heading into your thirties heralds a few changes. Collagen levels are starting to decline, and the very first signs of aging may begin to appear - you may notice fine lines, small wrinkles, pigmentation, loss of firmness, and a general lack of radiance in your skin. It is the ideal time to adopt healthy habits and start paying more attention to your health, laying the foundation for the years to come.

While your skin may be holding up reasonably well, giving it some extra love now can help to mitigate the effects of aging in your forties and fifties. Use active skincare, apply sun protection on your face every day, eat well, and avoid toxins like cigarette smoke. What you do now will show on your face decades later!

If you're serious about anti-aging, then consider supplementing with peptide collagen to keep your collagen stores and production optimal. Collagen helps to increase hydration in the skin not only on the face but all over the body, and it supports hair and nails as well as healthy joint function. Learn more about the benefits of collagen supplementation here.

Tips For Healthy Aging In Your 30s

• Feed your skin morning and night. Use potent skincare to help your skin as you age. Adashiko Collagen + Noni gel contains a blend of active ingredients to fight the signs of aging and soothe and hydrate the skin. 

• Keep your skin out of the sun! This is a biggie - sun exposure is one of the leading causes of skin aging. It takes many years for sun damage to show up on the skin, so while getting a tan may feel good now, in twenty years you will be wearing the effects on your face and body.

• Find a form of exercise that you enjoy. We all know how crucial it is to stay active, not just for weight management, but for general health. Choosing an activity that you love will enable you to stick to it long-term. 

• Supplement wisely. Choose quality supplements and consult a naturopath or medical professional if you need help creating a regime. Vitamin C, all the vitamin Bs, zinc, peptide collagen, and fish oil are all excellent choices to support healthy aging throughout the body. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Five minutes with Tamara

How long have you been taking Adashiko?

I've been taking it for two years. I feel lucky that I got on to it before I turned thirty!

Benefits you have noticed?

Initially, I definitely noticed a huge improvement in my hair, skin, and nails. My lashes grew too. After I had my babies I was left with a lot of stretch marks, and now they are barely noticeable, and the elasticity on my stomach is great. So that's been a big benefit for me.

How do you like to take your Adashiko?

I take mine in my morning coffee religiously. It's part of my morning routine now, so I never forget to take it.

What else do you like to do to stay healthy and youthful?

I'm a busy mum, but I like to exercise and go walking whenever I can, and I try to eat healthily. I'm generally mindful of health and want to be a good example to my children. I also think it's really important to take time out for yourself now and then, especially when you're a mum.

What's your daily beauty regime?

I'm super low-maintenance! I cleanse and use my Collagen + Noni Gel. I use the gel every single day, and that's all I have to use on my skin. It's so easy and suits my busy lifestyle.

What piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Don't beat yourself up about your health and body image - be happy with who you are.

December and January are notoriously indulgent - as well as busy. Self-care can take a backseat when your weekends are filled with Christmas shopping, parties, and holiday planning - it's easy to get caught up in the festive rush and be left feeling tired and sluggish. Below we have compiled a list of our favourite tips to keep you feeling great through the festive craziness.

1. Learn to say no

Feeling overwhelmed at this time of year? It's okay to turn down party invites and stay home and rest. It's okay to say no to another wine and choose a glass of water instead. Listen to your body and do what is right for you - you know what you need.

2. Give your body some support

At a time when alcohol intake is high and sugary treats are everywhere, it's easy to get swept up in the indulgence and overdo it. If you have overindulged, drink plenty of water, eat something nourishing, and take your vitamins (B Complex, Vitamin C, Zinc, and Magnesium are all great staples). Electrolyte sachets (available from pharmacies) are excellent if you've had one too many glasses of bubbles and have woken up hungover.

If your tummy is feeling bloated and uncomfortable after a large meal, try a dash of apple cider vinegar in some warm water for natural relief. You can also take ACV before a meal to help aid digestion.

Adashiko Collagen is an excellent daily supplement to keep your hair, skin, and nails looking fabulous, and also to support joint and gut health (our digestive systems need some love with all the rich food over this period). Two scoops a day in your coffee, herbal tea, or smoothie will keep you looking and feeling fabulous.

3. Indulge, but don't let it derail you

One day of unrestrained eating doesn't mean you should abandon your healthy habits. Accept that there will be delicious food on offer, and balance it out by eating plenty of greens, staying hydrated, and minimising sugar intake.

If you find yourself drinking more alcohol than you'd like over this period, take a few days off drinking or switch to a non-alcoholic option like sparkling water or kombucha.

4. Hydrate, and then hydrate some more

We've already mentioned drinking plenty of water, and this tip is not to be underestimated. Carry a large drink bottle with your everywhere and sip all day, and make sure you have a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage you consume.

If you find water boring, add a squeeze of lemon, some berries, or a herbal tea bag. For bonus benefits, add two scoops of Adashiko Collagen to your water to give your whole body a boost.

5. Don't stop moving

The end of the work and school year leaves so many of us exhausted, so it's no wonder most of us want to put our feet up and take a decent break. Relaxation is vital, but not to the point of complete inactivity.

If you're a regular gym goer or someone who is highly active, quick, Tabata-style home workouts are perfect if you're away from home. For the rest of us, beach and nature walks, swimming, beach sports, and hikes are all fun ways to stay active over the summer break.

Turning forty used to signal the loss of youth and the start of middle age. Now that we are living longer being in your forties doesn't mean it's all downhill. On the contrary, many women and men proclaim they have a new lease of life during this decade!

Though the forties are heralded as the new thirties, there's no denying that the signs of aging become more apparent around this time. Skin becomes more lax, and fine lines and wrinkles can deepen. Pigmentation can start to appear, especially if you spent your youth sun-worshipping without protection. If you've looked after your skin and lived a healthy lifestyle through your twenties and thirties, you'll be looking and feeling pretty good.

• Now's the time to step things up a notch; skincare, activity levels, diet, and general lifestyle become even more pivotal to aging well and living a full life. Setting up good habits now will benefit you in the years to come. 

• If you're not doing some form of resistance exercise already, it would be wise to start to preserve or increase your lean muscle mass and boost your bone density. We reach peak muscle mass in our thirties and early forties, and it is crucial to maintain this as we age to prevent loss of strength and function. 

• Using active skincare and supplementing well with antioxidants can help to fight the visible signs of aging. Collagen is an excellent choice at any age, but if you're not already taking it, your forties is the perfect time to start. Studies have shown that peptide collagen significantly increases hydration levels in the skin and reduces wrinkle depth. As a bonus, collagen support ligaments and joints as we age. Learn more about the benefits of collagen here.

 

 

Five minutes with Milly

How long have you been taking Adashiko?

Since it was first launched in New Zealand - it must be over five years now. I used to print the packaging labels for the original owner of Adashiko, and he said, hey, you've got to try these products. So I was one of the very first Adashiko clients.

The biggest thing that got me to stick to taking it is the ease of use. Until I tried it, I didn't realise how easy it was. We all expect instant results, but you need to commit to taking Adashiko long-term to see results. I'm lucky to have got on board early.

What are some of the benefits you have noticed?

My skin is much healthier and looks plump and hydrated. Beauty therapists have said that my skin is in really fantastic condition. I've been on it for such a long time; I don't want to stop to see what my skin would be like without it!

Nowadays, if I run out or forget to have my dose for a few days, I can feel it in my joints. I've got a bad knee that I hurt when I was sixteen, and I used to get it treated all the time. It would go numb and ached if it rained, and it is absolutely fine now. My nails don't split, and my hair is in excellent condition.

It's such a great all-rounder for joints, skin, and health. I think it's gold.

How do you like to take your Adashiko?

I have it in my coffee every morning. My morning coffee is a habit, so it's easy to do it that way.

What else do you like to do to stay healthy and youthful?

I play netball and do Boxfit three times a week. I like to stay active.

What's your daily beauty regime?

It's quite basic: I cleanse every day and moisturise morning and night. I like to keep it simple because I have a busy life and household. But I love makeup - it's a bit of a hobby.

I use my Adashiko gel like a treatment serum if my skin is playing up. My husband uses it too and loves it.

What piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Get active earlier - I wish I'd started exercising earlier in life and taken time out for myself when I was a young mum. Me time is so important, and it feels good to do something for myself.