Hello! I'm Miko, the manager of Kogaiko Shoten.
This may be a bit sudden, but what comes to mind when you hear the word "poison"? A hangover the day after drinking too much...a terrible headache, right? (laughs)
However, there is actually a more frightening "poison" lurking in our lives than obvious poisons like alcohol. That "poison" is what I will talk about today: "chronic poison."
If you're thinking, "What is that? It sounds scary!", don't worry. Today, I'm going to tell you about the ultimate detox method to protect your body from these toxins that accumulate without you even realizing it.
I went to the factory on Ishigaki Island to do some research, and I'll also be talking about "that partner" who I've been using every day without fail for over five years!
- 1. A comment from a Taiwanese fan
- 2. Is alcohol really a "poison" for everyone?
- 3. More troublesome than alcohol? The true nature of the "chronic poison" that pervades our lives
- 4. "Five steps" to breaking free from addiction
- 5. "Natural detox foods" wholeheartedly recommended by Kogaiko Shoten
- 1. Yaeyama Chlorella: The King of Natural Detox
- 2. [Domestic Organic Black Garlic] Natural Nutrition Drink
- 3. [Miyakojima Snow Salt] The "white miracle" that expels toxins
- 4. [Osawa's Black Roasted Brown Rice] Burns away cold and waste!
- 5. [Blackened Umeboshi] 1300 years of wisdom "A miracle cure for detoxification"
- 6. [Ryukyu Ancient Turmeric 4-Color Set] 360-Degree Detox
- 6. Summary: Start with what you can do!
1. A comment from a Taiwanese fan
The other day I shared an article titled " A record of 7 months of sobriety at age 54. " It has received more hits than I expected, and I'm honestly very surprised!
The number of accesses from within Japan has increased dramatically, and I was reminded that so many people are searching for the keyword "abstinence from alcohol" and are experiencing the same problems .
In the midst of all this, I received a message from a Taiwanese fan that really took me by surprise.
Actually, even though I've always advocated "healthy living" in my videos, I always drink "alcohol" in the final dinner scene. Viewers have often pointed this out to me. But I've always interpreted it as "this is a cultural difference between Japan and the Chinese-speaking world!" and haven't really thought about it (laughs).
But this time, here's the message I got.
(Message from Taiwan) Hey there! This is so difficult! ...One complete guide to a non-toxic and healthy lifestyle, with a definite contradiction😅😅😅 (omitted)
[Translation] That's really amazing! This is not an easy thing to do. It's true that some of your friends were not very approving of your drinking habits in the past... As a channel host who advocates "an all-around non-toxic and healthy lifestyle", it is certainly a bit contradictory 😅😅😅 Anyway, I'm happy for you guys 🥳 The first beneficiaries are definitely you, and at the same time, the spirit and image of "Xiao Guang Store" has also been further strengthened!
What fans are asking is this: "Isn't it contradictory to advocate a non-toxic lifestyle and still drink alcohol?"
Indeed, if you search for us on Taiwanese websites, the keyword "non-toxic lifestyle" comes up. To be honest, I have never used the term "non-toxic lifestyle," and I consider myself more of a "detox geek" than an "advocate" (laughs).
But thanks to this message, we have once again found the direction we need to go in, and we are truly grateful 🙏
2. Is alcohol really a "poison" for everyone?
Now, after more than 30 years of drinking, I have successfully quit drinking at the age of 54 and am now living a completely alcohol-free lifestyle (lol). To be honest, I still believe that alcohol is not that harmful for some people .
You may be thinking, "What? But I quit drinking." But for people like this, alcohol may not be harmful.
- Choosing good quality alcohol
- You can stop at one or two drinks a night (this is important!).
- Not a daily drink, just a moderate amount every now and then
- A strong constitution that can metabolize alcohol
- Even after drinking, there is no effect on sleep scores.
In fact, Shigechiyo Izumi, the world's oldest person, according to the Guinness World Records, continued to drink brown sugar shochu every night even after turning 100. I also read an article about a French grandmother who was over 100 years old and drank a glass of red wine every night.
Just like soy sauce and salt, the quality of alcohol varies greatly.
Furthermore, when it comes to alcohol, the brewing method and ingredients vary greatly. Depending on how it is made, the effect on the body can be completely different. This is the same as with seasonings.
- For soy sauce:
There is the "real thing," which is fermented in traditional wooden barrels using whole domestic soybeans and the resident bacteria that live in the brewery over a period of two years, and there is also the "cheap stuff full of additives" that is sold in supermarkets and is made using defatted soybeans (imported, genetically modified) without any fermentation process. - For salt:
The effects on the body of "refined salt," which is 99% sodium chloride, and "natural salt," which is made by sun-drying seawater or cooking it in a kiln, are completely different.
In short, alcohol, soy sauce, and salt can be either "poison" or "medicine" depending on how you choose them.
If you think about it that way, even if you drink wine, shochu, sake, etc. every day, it may have almost no adverse effects on your body as long as you drink high-quality drinks in appropriate amounts and your constitution is able to metabolize them .
Why I chose to quit drinking
However... for people who have a tendency towards "alcohol dependence," like I used to be, it's a different story. Since there's a problem with the way you drink in the first place, it's very difficult to "keep it in moderation" (wry smile).
So, as someone who is prone to addiction, I decided that the best decision for me going forward would be to quit drinking .
Therefore, I don't say rude things like, "Why don't you quit too?" to my husband or people around me who like to drink, or, "The effects of alcohol on the body are... etc."
This is purely my own problem!
▼ [Human relations tips] Is it more effective than persuasion with words?
I understand the feeling of wanting to tell your husband or friend to stop drinking. However, the best solution was to just enjoy myself. I'll share with you my magical experience of seeing the people around me change on their own without forcing them to do anything.
▶︎ [ How to "start moving in a positive direction" without persuading others: Take action yourself first! ]
3. More troublesome than alcohol? The true nature of the "chronic poison" that pervades our lives
In fact, there are things in this world that are even more toxic to all human beings than alcohol. What's more, they are highly addictive, and once you start drinking them, you can't stop.
To put it simply, these are the things they are.
- refined sugars(white sugar, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners)
- synthetic additives
- Industrially refined vegetable oil(Salad oil, canola oil, etc.)
- Flour that has been bred with ruthless breeding And many more...
Take a good look at these. They're lurking in supermarkets, convenience stores, and all kinds of food, and even if you're careful every day, it's difficult to completely avoid them. Most people don't even realize they're addicted.
The scariest thing about these foods is that they don't have the "acute toxicity" that would make you collapse the moment you eat them. Rather, they may raise your blood sugar and even cause a "feeling of euphoria" immediately after eating them.
Furthermore, the effects on the body do not become apparent until decades after chronic consumption of these substances. Therefore , when people become ill, it is difficult to determine what the cause was .
It slowly eats away at your body, but you can't pinpoint the cause... That's why I think it's much more troublesome than alcohol, which is easier to understand.
▼ [Sugar Cutting] How to Say Goodbye to the "White Devil"
Is the temptation of sweet things actually as addictive as drugs? We'll teach you how to invest in your future self with food, starting in your 40s, and the concrete steps to quit refined sugar!
Is "chronic poison" being ignored? A contradiction felt at Taiwan's night markets
Most people are completely unaware of this "chronic toxicity." There was an incident that made me realize this.
I once posted a video of me wandering around Shilin Night Market, a famous tourist night market in Taipei. In front of a stall selling deep-fried chicken (大雞排), which is a Taiwanese staple, bigger than your face, I blurted out, "There's nothing to eat at the night market."
Then...I was severely criticized in the comments section (bitter smile).
"If you can't eat Taiwanese soul food, you're not cut out for life in Taiwan!"
I received a lot of such scolding comments.
This got me wondering: why is it that people are immediately criticized for drinking alcohol in videos, yet no one criticizes videos in which they eat fried chicken that's full of rancid oil at a night market or recommend convenience store sweets that are full of additives? (laughs)
Aren't we all numb to "poison"?
- Convenience store bento
- Restaurant chain dishes
- Supermarket prepared foods
- Sweet breads and snacks
- Instant food
These things have completely permeated our lives, and are incorporated into them as if they were a part of our lives. Because we have become numb to them, naturally no one criticizes them as "toxic."
That's why many people buy it without thinking about it.
Even if people know in their heads that something is "toxic to the body," they still succumb to temptation and buy it, thinking , "Just a little bit..."
There may be some mothers who feed their children these foods every day without knowing that it is not good for them.
To me, people who unconsciously repeat these kinds of behaviors are a form of "addiction," no different from alcohol or tobacco.
4. "Five steps" to breaking free from addiction
However, living a life where you are constantly holding back and saying, "I can't do this, I can't do that," can be extremely stressful. So, how can you naturally let go of these things?
Based on what I learned from quitting drinking, I'd like to introduce some specific methods for breaking free from addiction. I fully understand that it's difficult to do everything, but if you don't do anything, you may regret it in the future.
I would especially urge those who are raising children or who are hoping to get married and have children to give this some serious thought!
① First, get rid of "chronic toxins" from your home!
The first thing you should do is eliminate all chronic toxins from your home (snacks, instant noodles, cheap seasonings, etc.) . Humans will eat them if they have them. Even if you have already bought them, you should purge them all from your home.
At this point, please discard any feelings of "it's a waste..."! Some people say, "I'll start after I've eaten everything," but by the time I've finished, I completely forget about my resolution and end up buying the same thing again (lol). So, once you've made a decision, act immediately! Let it go.
By the way, in my case, my husband drank every day even during my sobriety, so I couldn't get him to leave the house... It really took a lot of mental strength (tears). In reality, if you can just "kick it out of the house," you've practically succeeded 80% !
② Rethink your shopping habits!
Even if you kick them out of the house, if they buy more and bring them back in, it's all over (of course). So, let's change the way we walk in the supermarket.
Supermarkets display products in a way that reflects human behavior and psychology. Have you ever been browsing mindlessly, only to find that your basket is full of things you hadn't planned on buying?
If you look closely at the middle shelves of a typical supermarket, you'll see that they're all "processed foods." I don't go there.
- All you need are fresh produce (vegetables, fish, meat) , which are usually found on the outer periphery of the supermarket.
- Turn around only the corners you need and then turn back.
- Finally, stop by the refrigerated section for tofu and other items and then head straight to the register!
In short, "Don't look at the corners where you shouldn't buy anything! Don't pass by!" That's all.
By the way, I recently signed up for a "weekly organic delivery" for vegetables and meat, so I only go to the supermarket to buy fresh fish and other things. You might think it's expensive, but it actually saves money by not buying unnecessary things, and most importantly, it's delicious, so I recommend it!
3. Make your food taste dramatically better! Switch to "real seasonings"
I buy seasonings and rice online from producers I know personally. I would especially encourage people who have only ever used cheap seasonings from the supermarket to take the plunge and try buying the "real thing."
It may seem expensive at first, but seasonings are the key to flavor. Using real seasonings will prevent cooking mistakes and make anyone a good cook.
In fact, we often receive messages from customers who have used our seasonings saying, "I was surprised when my family said, 'It tastes even better than usual!' It's delicious just as it is, without adding anything!"
My family eats it every day, so their taste buds are honest. One bottle lasts for several months, and there's no need to buy multiple types of seasonings, so it's actually the best value for money. You'll never go back to fakes again!
(This is a bit of advertising, but at Kokako Shoten we only stock products that we have personally selected and love! lol)
▼ [How to Choose Real Mirin] Is that mirin the real thing?
"Mirin-like seasoning" found in supermarkets and traditional "hon mirin" (real mirin). We will explain the crucial differences between these two similar but different products, as well as the history that every Japanese person should know.
4. “Overwrite” bad habits with good habits!
As I wrote in my article on quitting alcohol , the trick to breaking addiction without stress is to "overwrite bad habits with good habits."
- Snack: Sweet bread from a convenience store ↓
[Overwrite!] Homemade soy milk yogurt made with natural yeast and chilled sweet potatoes. Desserts that will please your gut! - Meals: Prepared meals, frozen meals, eating out ↓
[Overwrite!] Just buy fresh ingredients and cook or simmer them with real seasonings. Once your sense of taste is normal, meat can be a delicacy with just natural salt.
●How do you let go of sugar?
The most common question is about the sugar used in cooking. This is especially true for Taiwanese people, who love sweet things so much that even their tea and mayonnaise are sweet.
I dare say that this is the first thing you should let go of!
These days, there are plenty of sugar-free recipes available, and if you really want something sweet, you can use mirin or cooking sake . Both simmered dishes and teriyaki dishes will still be delicious.
To begin with, sugar was not used in the traditional diet of the Japanese people in the past. There are even records that show that people from classes where sugar was easily available suffered from lifestyle-related diseases and tooth decay and had shorter life spans. (Both Mori Ogai and Natsume Soseki loved sweets and had short life spans...)
Try giving up all refined sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners for a month, even if it seems like a trick. You'll realize how much sugar you've been eating without even realizing it , and you'll be able to break free from your sweet addiction!
▼ [Cutting out sugar] How will your body change in 30 days?
"I can't live without sweets!" Even if you're one of those people, this article will make you want to give it a try! From weight loss to improved sleep quality, we'll explain the surprising health benefits you can get by simply giving up sugar.
5. "Excreting" Toxins from the Body: A New Health Method
However, even if you live a non-toxic life, there will be times when you have to eat out with friends or eat sweets that you've been given. In those cases, it's a good idea to enjoy the food and then quickly excrete it later -- this habit will give you peace of mind.
Our bodies have amazing detoxification systems, including the liver, kidneys, and intestines, but in today's world, there are so many toxins entering our bodies that our systems can't keep up.
I believe that the increase in allergies, lifestyle-related diseases, and mental illnesses compared to the past is definitely due to diet .
That's why we need "detox support" that uses the power of nature , not just our own strength.
▼ [Evidence-based data] What happens to your body if you stop consuming vegetable oil?
"Can you really become healthier just by changing oils?" I'll answer that question. I'm 54 years old, and after giving up alcohol, I also stopped using vegetable oils and changed my lifestyle to one centered around traditional Japanese food. Six months later, I achieved an "all A" on my health checkup, and I'm sharing the surprising test results!
▼ [Preventive Medicine] The truth about your body that cannot be revealed through a health checkup
Rather than treating illness after it has occurred, we create a body that will not get sick. Detailed examinations reveal the current state of the modern human body, and the importance of starting detox right away.
5. "Natural detox foods" wholeheartedly recommended by Kogaiko Shoten
Now, if you've read this far, you're probably wondering, "So, what exactly should I use to detox?"
After successfully quitting drinking, I realized that simply quitting isn't enough .
To achieve a truly healthy body, you need a system that efficiently eliminates toxins that have already accumulated in your body and toxins that inevitably enter your body, in other words, you need to make sure that the amount that goes in is less than the amount that goes out .
So, as a self-proclaimed detox geek, I'd like to introduce some carefully selected items that I've tested on my own body and am convinced are the difference!
In fact, all of these are long-selling products in our store. My husband and I use them every day and they are our reliable companions !
1. Yaeyama Chlorella: The King of Natural Detox
Yaeyama Chlorella is grown in the sun and pure waters of Ishigaki Island. At first, I was skeptical, wondering if eating algae would be effective, but now it has become an indispensable part of my life, and I always bring it with me when I travel.
- Toxin Absorption Master :
It contains 10 times more chlorophyll than regular vegetables! This acts like a magnet to absorb heavy metals and chemicals from the body and excrete them in the feces. - Digestion and absorption rate of 90% or more :
It has a special "wall-breaking process" that ensures all nutrients are delivered without waste. It is a complete food with no additives.
💧How I take it: I wake up in the morning, brush my teeth, and then take 10 capsules with 200ml of water on an empty stomach. This is what gets me started for the day!
▼ [Complete version] If you want to know more about chlorella!
From "What exactly is chlorella?" to effective ways to consume it and how to choose the right one, this is a comprehensive guide covering everything about this superfood that even doctors are paying attention to.
2. [Domestic Organic Black Garlic] Natural Nutrition Drink
Have you ever thought of garlic as something smelly and avoided it? When I tried it for the first time, I was shocked by its sweetness and fruitiness, thinking, "Wow, this tastes like prunes!"
- 8x S-allylcysteine :
This powerful ingredient is produced through fermentation and aging. It activates the liver's detoxification enzymes, making it easier to excrete toxins in urine. - Polyphenols: 5 times more than red wine
It removes rust from blood vessels and helps rejuvenate the skin.
🥄How I eat it: I eat one piece after lunch as a dessert. It's also delicious mixed with yogurt! It doesn't leave any bad breath, so it's a relief.
▼ [Black Garlic] Surprising effects and delicious ways to eat it !
Just one piece a day and you'll never feel tired? This book features the science-proven immune-boosting effects and a collection of delicious ideas for keeping it up.
▶︎ [ Learn about the amazing health benefits of black garlic and how to eat it! ]
3. [Miyakojima Snow Salt] The "white miracle" that expels toxins
Can you believe that salt can purify your body? Yukishio has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as having the highest mineral content in the world. Its "non-salty, mellow taste" will surely change your perception of salt.
- Detoxification Mechanism :
The abundant potassium helps to push out excess sodium and waste products from within the cells. - A great source of magnesium :
Contains 150 times more magnesium than regular table salt, stimulating bowel movements and helping relieve constipation!
🌊 My mother-in-law's shocking experience: I sent snow salt water to my mother-in-law, who was unsteady on her feet. She was able to walk with ease, and even her HbA1c (diabetes level) returned to normal! I witnessed the amazing power of "simply changing the salt."
▼ [The truth about salt] What's more important than reducing salt intake
Was the idea that "salt is bad" wrong? What is Dobeneck's barrel theory that solves the "mineral deficiency" that is the root cause of modern people's ailments?
4. [Osawa's Black Roasted Brown Rice] Burns away cold and waste!
This tea is known as the king of "ultra-positive" in macrobiotics. When I first started drinking it, my stomach rumbled and my skin became rough for a while (a healing reaction). But once I got over that, I was rewarded with amazingly radiant skin and a warm body all the way to my fingers and toes !
- The brown rice is roasted for a long time to carbonize it, which effectively absorbs and expels excess water and toxins from the body.
- It dramatically reduces facial swelling and coldness, especially in the morning. It's caffeine-free, so it's also perfect for relaxing in the evening.
▼ [ Roasted Black Brown Rice] Can you improve your coldness just by drinking it?
Removing toxins from the body is the first step to good health. I'll share my experience of the healing reaction and the correct way to drink it.
5. [Blackened Umeboshi] 1300 years of wisdom "A miracle cure for detoxification"
Although it looks like pitch-black charcoal (lol), it is one of Japan's oldest folk medicines, dating back to the Heian period. The strong alkalinity created by roasting umeboshi for over 24 hours neutralizes the acidity of the modern human body and helps expel toxins.
It's a lifesaver when your stomach is tired from eating out too much or when you want to reset!
▼ [A miracle cure for detoxification] Why turn umeboshi into charcoal?
It's not just any charred umeboshi. What is the amazing "revival" power that comes from "blackening" umeboshi, a process that has been passed down since the Heian period? The secret of black powder that modern people who suffer from colds and other health problems should know.
▶︎ [ The amazing health benefits of blackened pickled plums ]
6. [Ryukyu Ancient Turmeric 4-Color Set] 360-Degree Detox
Turmeric is not just a hangover remedy! In Okinawa, it is known as "Nuchigusui" (medicine of life) and is a panacea that only royalty could consume. Each of the four types has its own area of expertise, which will detoxify your entire body.
- 🟡 Spring Turmeric (Detox Command Center): Contains over 100 essential oil ingredients! Supports brain and internal organ function.
- 🟠 Autumn Turmeric (Liver's Buddy): Rich in curcumin. Dramatically activates liver detoxification enzymes!
- 🟣 Purple Turmeric (Blood Thinner): Warms you up within 15 minutes of drinking it. Also cleans the stomach.
- ⚪️ White Turmeric (Antioxidant Warrior): A rare and rare "mysterious turmeric." Contains ingredients that are attracting attention in research into apoptosis (natural death) of cancer cells.
▼ [The correct answer for turmeric] Why do we need four colors?
We'll teach you how to use this luxurious 4-color set that you won't find anywhere else! Start your beauty routine with this complete set of 4 types of turmeric, grown by Chosei Yakuso, the Okinawan herbalist known for its legendary heavy drinking.
6. Summary: Start with what you can do!
What did you think? If you think, "I can't do all of these!", don't worry (lol). Start by incorporating one thing that interests you into your routine.
[Today's Review: Five Rules of Detox]
- Get rid of toxins (especially sugar and bad oils) from your kitchen!
- Change your shopping route and avoid poison!
- Turn your seasonings into the real thing!
- It's easy, but make cooking your own food a habit!
- Use chlorella and salt to "excrete" any toxins that have entered your body!
Let's start with the first step.
Starting today, why not get your ticket to a life where you can protect your family's health and live independently ? We wholeheartedly support your detox lifestyle!
Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment in the comments section!
At Kokaiko Shoten, we offer a carefully selected selection of authentic Japanese seasonings and foods.
Click here for a list of products → Kokaiko Shoten Online Shop
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