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FAQs

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General Questions

What does Niyama mean?

Niyama (नियम) literally means positive duties or observances. In Indian Yoga tradition, Niyamas are recommended activities and habits for healthy living, spiritual enlightenment and a liberated state of existence.
Niyama is the 2nd of the 8 limbs of yoga, and encompasses the daily habits that a yogi would observe personally.  Niyamas are broken down into 5 areas that touch on all aspects of living including eating a clean diet, purifying the mind of toxic thoughts and emotions, using asana (physical yoga poses) and pranayama (breathing) for mental and emotional well-being, finding contentment with what we have, cultivating self-awareness, and acknowledging there are forces larger than ourselves at work in the universe. The simplest meaning of Niyama is “good habits”. 

Are Niyama products only for people who do yoga?

Absolutely not!  Although Niyama was inspired by yoga, our products are completely suitable for anyone looking for top quality natural health supplements made with clean, plant-based ingredients to support wellness and active living.   Approximately half of Niyama’s loyal consumers actually do yoga.  Others use our products to help with reducing stress or inflammation, improving sleep, or just adding more high-quality protein to their diets.  Many use our After Practice and Green Energy before, during, or after gym visits, HIIT workouts, SPIN, running, cycling, as well as for daily nourishment.

Do you ship to the US?

At this time, sadly we do not. We only ship Niyama within Canada. We ship free in Canada on orders over $75 CAD. Eventually we'd like to expand to the USA too, but the regulations are different for supplements so we will need USA compliant labels aand sepaarate invoentory. We'll get there!

What are your natural flavours sourced from? Are they really natural?

Niyama Wellness is committed to only using 100% naturally derived flavours in our products.  You will not find any artificial flavours, colours or sweeteners in any of our products now, in the past, or in the future.

We occasionally get questions asking where and how our natural flavours are sourced and extracted and from what.  On our labels we typically list “natural flavours” without always specifying what the natural flavour is.  This is in no way an attempt to make the sourcing opaque; it’s actually ensuring that our product labels match our NPN licence with Health Canada. Typically when we apply for a new NPN for a product that will have a flavour, we don’t specify what the flavour is, just that it is natural, as we want to be able to use the same NPN for different flavour variants of the same product.  If we specified the flavour on the NPN application then the Product Licence would only apply to that flavour and we would have to get a new NPN for each flavour.  But we will begin updating the package going forward to include the specific natural flavour used, even if it isn’t exactly what Health Canada wants, because it is more transparent, and that is one of our values.

How Plant-Based Natural Flavours are
Created

Plant-based natural flavors are substances extracted from plants to capture their aroma, taste, and essence. These flavors are widely used in food, beverages, and other products including supplements. The process of creating these flavors typically
involves isolating and concentrating the desired compounds responsible for the plant's characteristic flavor. Here's how the process generally works:

Selection of Source Material

Plants with desirable flavours, such as vanilla beans, cacao pods, or pineapples, are chosen for extraction. These plants are often cultivated in specific regions to ensure the highest quality of flavour.

Harvesting

The plants are harvested at their peak ripeness to maximize the concentration of flavour compounds.

Extraction Methods

The specific compounds responsible for flavour are extracted using one or more methods, depending on the flavour being extracted:

Distillation: Involves steam or water to extract volatile flavour compounds.

Solvent Extraction: Uses food-safe solvents (like ethanol) to dissolve and extract flavour compounds.

CO₂ Extraction: Uses carbon dioxide under high pressure to capture flavour compounds without altering their quality.

Cold Pressing: Often used for oils from citrus fruits or other plant sources.

Purification and Concentration
The extracted flavor is refined and concentrated to create a potent essence or extract.

Blending
Some natural flavors are blended with other plant-derived compounds to achieve a more complex flavor profile.

Examples of Plant-Based Natural Flavors

1. Vanilla

Source:
Vanilla flavor is derived from vanilla beans, the pods of the Vanilla planifolia orchid.

Key
Compound
: Vanillin is the primary compound that gives vanilla its sweet and creamy aroma.

Process:

Curing:
After harvesting, vanilla beans are cured through a combination of blanching, sweating, and drying, which develops their characteristic flavour.

Extraction:
The beans are soaked in an ethanol-water solution to extract vanillin and other flavor compounds.

The final product is vanilla extract or natural vanillin, which is distinct from synthetic vanillin (often made from lignin or guaiacol).

2. Chocolate

Source:
Chocolate flavor comes from cacao beans, the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree.

Key
Compounds
: The complex flavor arises from a mix of compounds, including theobromine, phenylethylamine, and over
600 volatile compounds.

Process:

Fermentation:
Cacao beans are fermented, which enhances the precursors of chocolate flavor.

Roasting:
Beans are roasted to develop their rich, deep flavor.

Extraction:
Cocoa mass, powder, or butter can be further processed to isolate chocolate flavors for use in other products.

3. Pineapple

Source:
Pineapple flavor is derived from the fruit of the Ananas comosus plant.

Key
Compounds
: Compounds like ethyl
butyrate, methyl hexanoate, and lactones contribute to its sweet and tangy profile.

Process:

Juicing:
The juice of the pineapple is extracted.

Distillation:
Essential flavor compounds are isolated through steam distillation or solvent extraction.

The
resulting pineapple flavor extract captures the fruity, tropical essence of the fresh fruit.

These natural flavour extracts are then incorporated into products to enhance taste while maintaining a clean-label appeal. Using plant-based natural flavours ensures a close match to the authentic taste and supports sustainability and our
preference for natural ingredients.

 

Is Niyama's packaging sustainable?

Yes., as much as possible with current materials. Niyama uses two main types of packaging: Resealable pouches and PET bottles . Our resealable pouches use 85% less plastic than comparable jars or tubs used for nutritional powders. It bears a number 7 recycling designation. The PET in our bottles is the most recyclable form of plastic available, and is accepted for recycling everywhere, in all regions.  It also provides excellent light protection for the ingredients in our formula, as well as a strong moisture barrier, both of which are vital for ensuring the shelf life of natural supplements. 

We often get asked about compostable packaging, and while we very much hope that the technology evolves to that, compostable packaging currently doesn't' offer stability for natural health products as its ability to break down and compost does not allow it to stand up to air and moisture in a way that would guarantee potency and safety of the nutrients inside.  But please know that this is an area we are passionate about, and are constantly looking at.  When even more sustainable options become available that still offer the protection our products need we will be excited to pursue it with urgency.

Are refills avialable for Niyama products?

The short answer is no.  While it would be lovely to be able to offer a refill service like is now available for many natural products such as lotions, laundry care and even shampoo, this is not an option for Natural Health Supplements (NHPs). Natural Health Supplements in Canada are regulated by the NNHPD (Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate), which is a division of Health Canada. To be sold in Canada, all NHPs (Natural Health Products) must carry an NPN number on the front panel of the label, indicating they have been pre-approved for sale to Canadian consumers prior to sale, as well as the correct claims, directions and safety precautions and contraindications.  

You can read more about this here:  https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/natural-non-prescription/regulation.html

But basically, Health Canada looks at all your ingredients, the quantities, combinations and the site licence of your manufacturing plant (which has to undergo its own approval system which is very stringent and difficult) to ensure that you are not making false or exaggerated claims, or using ingredients that are unsafe or without scientific validation or safety data, and that you ar manufacturing under strictly safe and regulated conditions.  In addition to carrying an NPN number and correct label info, each NHP must also carry the lot number of the batch, and the expiry date.  Part of this is to ensure consumers consume supplements prior to their best before date, but the other function is to ensure that if there ever is an problem with a product (negative reaction or need for a recall) it can be traced to the lot number and communicated and executed properly, to ensure safety of Canadian consumers.  NHPs fall under the same regulatory body in Canada as other non-prescription or OTC medication - like Advil or Tylenol, or Contact Lens solution or eye drops to put it in context.  

Canada is known globally for having one of the best, safest systems for natural health products in the world.  We jump through a lot of hoops and it is not easy, but in the end as a consumer too, I’m glad we have the system we do. Our system is somewhat different from the USA where there is no pre-market approval required and supplements fall under Food regulations. 

Which brings me to refillable containers  - this is not something that Health Canada would approve for this category of products because there is no way to ensure 100% that the product is totally safe, and that the consumable health product isn’t compromised if we were to reuse and refill bottles.  All products have to be filled in a GMP manufacturing plant that has been approved by Health Canada.  Refilling would not be feasible, in that doing it anywhere except for a licensed facility would not guarantee that filling occurred under sanitary conditions to guarantee the product was uncontaminated.  And stamped with the correct lot/expiry info.  Currently, collection of used bottles and getting them all back to the same manufacturing plant, sterilized, and relabeled with a new Lot # and Expiry is not feasible and would likely be less sustainable than recycling them, when the entire carbon footprint is taken into account.  

After Practice Product Questions

These are the questions we get most about After Practice:

Q:        What does this product do?

A:         After Practice was designed to help replace and rebalance electrolytes after exercise, AND support muscle recovery and immune function.

Q;        Is it only for after a workout or yoga class?

A:         It is wonderfully refreshing after any type of exercise, but it is also a fantastic intra-workout drink.  Because it contains electrolytes, it is also beneficial when you are dehydrated, on hot summer days, to help replenish after gastric upset (vomiting or diarrhea), or while traveling.

Q;        Why are there aminos and electrolytes in it?

A:         Both electrolytes and aminos will aid in muscle recovery, making it more efficient and helping reduce next day soreness. But the amino acid L-glutamine also has amazing gut health properties, and since the majority of our immune system resides in the gut, it helps to replenish the immune system, which gets taxed during strenuous exercise.  We’ve also added vitamin C for immune health, as well as select trace minerals and powdered coconut water.

Q:        I mixed After Practice in a glass with a spoon but it didn’t all dissolve. Is it ok to take?

A:         Absolutely.  The amino acid L-leucine is a bit resistant to dissolving completely, as is the powdered coconut water.  If you keep stirring it will dissolve, but the easiest way to use it is to shake it up in a glass or stainless-steel water bottle

Q;        What is the sweetener?A:         A combination of two natural, plant-based zero calorie sweeteners: Monk fruit with a tiny bit of Stevia.  Most people tell us they can’t taste the stevia.  The monk fruit tends to soften it.

Q:        I have purchased this product in the past but it tastes a bit different this time. Is it ok?

A:         Yes.  At Niyama we only use natural flavours and sweeteners, so growing conditions and crops play a big role in how the flavours come across from one batch to the next.  With artificial flavours and sweeteners you can get the exact same flavour profile every time, but with natural ingredients there are always variations.  Our team works with each lot, trying to blend these premium natural ingredients carefully to match our approved taste profile – which is also impacted by some of the plant ingredients which can also vary in the intensity of natural colour and flavour they provide.  It is a bit of an art, and minor variations are to be expected. 

Q:        How many calories are in each serving?

A:         Trace calories (1-3) and zero sugar.

Q:        How does it taste?A;         Light and refreshing, not too sweet. It has been compared to a less sweet pina colada with a watery mouthfeel, or pineapple coconut water, but without the aftertaste that sometimes comes with coconut water. You can also adjust the taste/sweetness by adding more or less water.

Q:        I hate coconut. Will I like this product?

A:         Probably not – sorry!

Daytime Zen Product Questions

Daytime Zen FAQs

Q:        What does this product do?

A:         Daytime Zen is designed to help manage symptoms of stress and anxiety, so that you are better able to function in times of stress.  It is calming without being sedating and helps with feelings of panic or being overwhelmed. It will also relieve stress-related fatigue so that your energy levels are more consistent throughout the day, and you feel less exhausted.  It also help improve memory and mental focus.

Q:        When should I take this?

A:         We recommend taking this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. If it helps you to remember, keep the bottle beside your bed and take 1 capsule with water as soon as you wake up, before you even get out of bed.  We do not recommend taking it in the afternoon as you may not feel sleepy at bedtime.  You won’t feel “stimulated” but you may not feel tired enough to sleep.

Q:        Can I take it every day?

A:         Yes

Q:        I take a prescription for anxiety/depression. Can I take Daytime Zen?

A:         No, you should not combine this with any prescription anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medications without working with your health practitioner.  If you are transitioning off prescription medication for anxiety or depression, you may be able to transition to Daytime Zen, but you need to consult with your healthcare practitioner. 

Clean Plant Protein Product Questions

Here's what people ask us about Clean Plant Protein:

Q:        What is the protein source?
A:         Niyama’s Plant Protein is sourced from 100% organic pea protein. 
Q:        Did you consider using a blend of plant proteins?
A: Yes, we looked at blending several sources with organic pea including brown rice, hemp, coconut.  Brown rice can sometimes have heavy metal traces so we ruled that one out early on.  We love the nutritional profile delivered by hemp and coconut (additional good fats and fibre) but really wanted to make Niyama’s plant protein taste really good, not just “good for plant protein”.  We believe the best protein powder is the one you actually use each day.  And our organic pea protein source delivered a super clean nutrient profile and a mild, pleasing taste with great mouthfeel.
Q:        Why is it so smooth and not chalky?
A:         Our pea protein isolate is milled into an exceptionally fine powder – to the consistency of baking flour or icing sugar.  When you open the container, you can see just how fluffy it is.  So, it mixes beautifully without any gritty texture.
Q:        Will it cause stomach issues?  I sometimes get gas/bloating from pea protein.
A:         To date we are thrilled to say that we have had zero reports of any gas, bloating or stomach upset after taking Niyama’s plant protein.  Even with people who have experienced issues with other pea-based proteins in the past.  We don’t have science to support this, but there is a theory that many of the digestive issues associated with pea protein are usually with non-organic sources.  Yellow split peas are a heavily sprayed crop when grown conventionally, and we don’t know the levels of glyphosate (chemical pesticide) that remain in non-organic pea proteins, but they do tend to be hard on the digestive system and not easily tolerated.  However, if you have an allergy to pea protein we obviously do not recommend you try Niyama’s plant protein.
Q:        What is the sweetener?
A:         We sweeten our Clean Plant Protein with monk fruit only to ensure there is no aftertaste when combined with the plant protein.

Green Energy Product Questions

FAQs for our Green Energy

Q:        What does this product do?

A:         Green Energy is a caffeine and stimulant-free pre-workout drink mix with alkalinizing greens, that helps provide energy and focus, without stimulating the central nervous system and making you feel “reved up” or jittery. 

Q:        How does it give me energy without any caffeine?

A:         Green Energy contains plant extracts and vegan-sourced aminos that help support stamina and endurance, at the cellular level.  Your muscles won’t feel as fatigued while you are working out, and you will have more energy left at the end of your class or workout.  But you won’t feel like your heart is racing or experience the jitters, like with caffeine. You also won’t have the “crash” that comes with stimulants as they leave your system. 

Q:        Can I take it if I am not going to workout?

A:         Yes, it isn’t like a traditional caffeine-based pre-workout that you really need to “work off” once you consume it.  Some consumers use it first thing in the morning as their “daily tonic” as they enjoy the greens and anti-oxidants in the formula. Other’s use it as a mid-afternoon pick-me up instead of turning to coffee.

Q:        What is the sweetener?

A:         A combination of two natural, plant-based zero calorie sweeteners: Monk fruit with a tiny bit of Stevia.  Most people tell us they can’t taste the stevia.  The monk fruit tends to soften it.

Q:        How many calories are in each serving?

A:         Trace calories (2-5) and zero sugar.

Q:        Can I use Green Energy while I am intermittent fasting?

A:         Yes – because there is no sugar aand negligilbe calories you can use this without breaking your fast.

Q:        Last time I bought Green Energy the powder was quite pink, this time it is more greenish. What changed?A:         All Niyama products are free from artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners.  We also don’t add colour to our products, letting the natural plant extracts be the colour they are.  Green Energy, in particular, can vary in appearance fairly significantly from batch to batch; ranging from quite pink in appearance to light khaki green, with some pink flecks. The two main contributors to the colour of this product in its powder form are the wheat grass, which can be very green to much less green, and the beetroot extract, which can be intensely reddish purple to less pigmented. It is the combination of these two ingredients that mainly impact the powder colour.  However, when you mix it with water the colour will stay in the red family, ranging from deeper brownish greenish red, to a deeper pinkish red.  Rest assured it is the same combination of ingredients and nutrients, but its appearance will vary from batch to batch.

Q:        I have purchased this product in the past but it tastes a bit different this time. Is it ok?

A:         Yes.  At Niyama we only use natural flavours and sweeteners, so growing conditions and crops play a big role in how the flavours come across from one batch to the next.  With artificial flavours and sweeteners, you can get the exact same flavour profile every time, but with natural ingredients there are always variations.  Our team works with each lot, trying to blend these premium natural ingredients carefully to match our approved taste profile – which is also impacted by some of the plant ingredients which can also vary in the intensity of natural colour and flavour they provide.  It is a bit of an art, and minor variations are to be expected. 

Glow & Flow Product Questions

Q&A for Glow & Flow Collagen Booster

Q:        Is this plant collagen?
A:         No. Collagen is not made by plants and can only be sourced from animal or fish sources.  Glow & Flow is a vegan-friendly powder that contains the building blocks for your body to make more of its own collagen, as well as skin and joint nourishing nutrients such as biotin, hyaluronic acid, and marine minerals.

Q:        How does it work?
A:         Niyama’s Glow & Flow Vegan Collagen Booster contains the amino acids Proline and Glycine, as well as skin-friendly Lysine, and provides buffered Vitamin C and Soluble Marine Trace Minerals to optimize the efficiency of of your own collagen production.  It also contains Biotin, a B Vitamin that supports healthy hair, skin and nails, and vegan sourced Hyaluronic Acid, which holds moisture in the skin to help reduce the dehydration that often accompanies collagen break-down as we age.

Q: Is there sugar in it?

A: No.  Glow & Flow is sweetened with stevia, a natural plant-based zero calorie sweetener that has no impact on blood sugar. And it’s absolutely delicious!

Hey Relax Magnesium Powder Questions

Hey Relax FAQs

Q:        What form of Magnesium is used in Hey Relax?
A:         We use only pure magnesium bisglycinate as the magnesium source in Hey Relax.  There are benefits with all forms of magnesium, but bisglycinate has the most evidence for absorption, gastric tolerance (no loose stools or urgency!), and relaxing/calming effect on both muscles and the entire central nervous system. It really is the Porsche of magnesium so we chose that one.

Q:        Is the 200mg of Magnesium per scoop elemental magnesium?

A:         Yes

Q: When & how should i take it?

A: Hey Relax is best enjoyed in the evening when you want to wind down.  You can also have it just before bed if you prefer it as a bedtime drink.  It tastes delicious in either cold or kettle-boiled water, and many people that use it say it satisfies their evening sweet craving at the same time as helping them unwind before bed.

Q: Is there sugar in it?

A: No.  Hey Relax is sweetened with stevia, a natural plant-based zero calorie sweetener that has no impact on blood sugar. And it’s absolutely delicious!

Sleep Like Buddha Product Question

Common Questions for Sleep Like Buddha:

Q:        Why is there no melatonin in Sleep Like Buddha?
A:         Melatonin can be a wonderful supplement for many, and is something our bodies produce naturally in our pineal gland to help regulate our sleep/wake cycle.  Its role in regulating circadian rhythm is why it is so often recommended for jet lag or shift workers. Melatonin in itself may not help you fall asleep during times of stress though, and many people don’t tolerate it well, experiencing morning grogginess, vivid nightmares, headaches.  There is also a wide variation on the amount needed for benefit by those that do use it successfully – from as little as 1mg to 10mg.  When we created Sleep Like Buddha our objective was to help support better sleep for those experiencing stress-related sleep issues.  Our founder Jillian, has struggled with stress-related insomnia on and off for much of her adult life, and the ingredients in Sleep Like Buddha are the ones that have allowed her to return to regular, restful sleep over the years, without groggy mornings. Sleep Like Buddha does contain 5-HTP, which our bodies will use to make both melatonin and serotonin; but because our body will make what we need and not more, you don’t get that groggy hangover feeling.
Q:        How long will this product take to work?
A:         That will depend a lot on the individual.  Many have had great success on the first night, while for others it has taken a week of taking it every night to experience full benefit.  Most people will notice a significant difference after the third night, and then even more benefit with ongoing use. Even if you do not experience a good sleep on night one, we recommend you take it for a full week consecutively before you decide if it is right for you.
Q:        When & how should I take it?
A:         If your main issue is falling asleep, take 2 capsules 30 minutes before you want to go to sleep for one full week, then taper off to 1 capsule and see if that is enough.  You can always go back up to 2 if needed.

If your issue is waking up at 2 am or 3 am and not being able to get back to sleep easily, take 1 capsule 30 minutes before bed, and a second capsule when you wake in the middle of the night.  As long as you have 2-3 hours left in your sleep cycle you will not experience grogginess in the morning. You may find over time, you don’t always need the second capsule, aas your sleep cycle starts to reset to a healthier pattern.

Q:        I take prescription sleeping pills, can I take this with them?

A:         No, it is not aa good idea to combine them.

Q:        I am taking a prescription anti-anxiety/depressant. Can I take Sleep Like Buddha?A:         No, you should check with your health care practitioner first

Q:        Do I have to continue taking Sleep Like Buddha once I start sleeping better again?A:         That is up to you.  Some are able to use it for a month and then are sleeping well on their own.  Our bodies are pretty amazing and we can “reset” our sleep to healthy sleep patterns.  If you are sleeping well without it, by all means stop taking it.  And if your sleep issues come back, because, well life happens, Sleep Like Buddha will be there for you.

Q:        I have terrible insomnia.  What else can I do besides take Sleep Like Buddha?

A:         Difficulty sleeping at night can also be caused by stress during the day. Better sleep at night leads to better days, and less daytime stress will lead to better sleep at night.  Sleep Like Buddha works well with Daytime Zen Stress Support – our adrenal support formula.  Taking 1-2 Sleep Like Buddha before bed, and 1 Daytime Zen in the morning as soon as you wake up will help support reduce stress and support your adrenals and sleep function.  We also recommend practicing good sleep hygiene.  Our formulas are very effective, but you also need to develop healthy bedtime habits for optimal benefit. Check out our sleep blogs: Sleep Tips from a Yogi, Natural Health Geek and Recovered Insomniac and Sleep Hygiene 101 and What To Do When You Wake At 2 AM