Revitalize Your Wellness: Transforming Lives Through Gut Health and Simple Lifestyle Shifts

Recent studies indicate that the benefits of a healthy gut reach beyond digestion, affecting other bodily functions such as immune support, weight management, sleep, and additional aspects. Researchers propose that a balanced gut microbiome – the community of bacteria residing within the intestines – can favorably influence overall health.

In Amway’s 2024 Habits and Healthspan Survey, which included interviews with 1,000 individuals aged 18 to 70, 62% of consumer participants claimed to have faced occasional gut problems in the past. Amway, a health and wellness organization driven by scientific principles, is initiating a program aimed at integrating healthy lifestyle practices – including gut-centered dietary suggestions – to enhance overall health.

The Four Cornerstones of Wellness

Amway’s research and development group consists of over 800 scientists, engineers, and specialists in 75 scientific laboratories worldwide. Among them is Dr. Nikky Contractor, one of Amway’s Global R&D Leaders, a prominent scientist in nutrition, wellness, and health, holding a PhD in Immunology. She clarifies that there are four cornerstones of wellness – nutrition, hydration, physical activity, and mindfulness.

Regarding the first cornerstone – nutrition – plants, proteins, and fibers play a vital role in a nutritious diet. Numerous elements in daily life influence the gut microbiome, with diet being one of the most impactful factors. She advises focusing on healthy fats, limiting unhealthy fats and sugars, and mentions that a good guideline is to make sure 60% of all daily calories stem from gut-friendly foods.

“Everything you consume interacts with your gut microbiome, which can affect the functioning of your gut,” Contractor noted.

Maintaining hydration is one of the easiest methods to bolster gut health and overall wellness. Aim to drink at least half your body weight (lbs) in ounces of water daily and include high-water-content foods such as fruits and vegetables.

Consistent physical activity is central to the third cornerstone. The program advises engaging in at least 75 minutes of physical activity weekly, with a target of walking between 7,000 to 10,000 steps daily.

The fourth cornerstone, mindfulness, promotes the idea of slowing down and concentrating on the present, whether this includes meditating, participating in a yoga class, or journaling.

“If you can dedicate time to being mindful to help reduce your stress levels, it will, consequently, have a positive effect on your overall health,” Contractor stated.

The Nutrilite™ Begin 30 Holistic Wellness Program

Acknowledging the crucial influence of gut health and healthy lifestyle choices on total wellbeing, Amway is introducing the Nutrilite™ Begin 30 Holistic Wellness Program in January 2025 to assist individuals in emphasizing these four wellness pillars.

“We consistently seek opportunities to leverage emerging science and expand our product offerings,” remarked Kelli Templeton, Chief Marketing Officer for Amway North America. Templeton has been part of Amway for over 25 years, contributing to its strategic shift toward health and wellness. “We are focusing intently on a critical area within the body that emerging science indicates may have a significant impact, [which is] the gut. That’s why we’re eager to present the Begin 30 program to consumers throughout the U.S.”

The 30-day program encourages participants to implement minor lifestyle alterations in their nutrition, hydration, exercise, and mindfulness practices. Amway also recommends three Nutrilite™ products that complement the Begin 30 program; additionally, the Amway™ Wellbeing+ app assists participants in staying on course with features like daily logging, advice, recipes, and more to facilitate their journey.

“Consumers in the U.S. are increasingly focused on methods to support their overall health and wellness,” said Templeton. “As a global pioneer in this field, our Nutrilite™ brand has been committed to providing straightforward, holistic wellness solutions that consumers have desired and needed for the past 90 years.”

Minor Modifications, Major Outcomes

Amway’s Habits and Healthspan Survey also uncovers a gap in the formation of healthy habits. Fifty-seven percent of respondents who practiced healthy lifestyle behaviors in the previous year report they initiated these changes for medical reasons, even though nearly all (98%) of the parents and caregivers surveyed concur that it’s crucial for their children to develop a healthy lifelong routine before reaching age 18. Amway’s objective with ventures such as the Begin 30 Holistic Wellness Program is to simplify the process of adopting and sustaining healthy habits and ultimately foster better, healthier lives.

The Begin 30 Program aims to assist individuals in enhancing their overall wellness. Based on self-reported survey findings compared to baseline after four weeks, 96% of program participants were likely to continue elements of the regimen independently. Experience the difference that 30 days can provide!

“You need to implement many small changes to enable that substantial change,” stated Dr. Contractor.

To enter the 30-day challenge and purchase products, contact your Amway Independent Business Owner, visit amway.com/begin30, or call 1-800-253-6500.

-Michelle Traynor