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Category: BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH

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BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH OMEGA-UP™

HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY!

STRESSY MOMMY Yes of course we love our kids! But when we’re stressed out because maybe we’re a single mom, running a household, a job AND trying to be a great mom to our kids, we can feel overwhelmed. Especially if we also have a child with special needs. See our previous blog on ADHD here GOOD STRESS vs BAD STRESS Contrary to popular belief, experiencing stress is natural and actually necessary. It’s an instinct that has helped us get out of dodgy situations like being eaten by a large, fanged and clawed animal.  However, modern stress has become a chronic state that’s also eating away at us: we are prone to constant anxiety, feeling wired and hyped up. This isn’t sustainable, for our bodies, our brains or our emotional state and if left to continue will result in health issues such as depression and impaired memory. OMEGA-3 AND THE BRAIN There are two omega-3 fatty acids in the brain. The first is called DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) This is primarily a structural component for the brain. The other is called EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) This is the primary anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid for the brain. So if levels of EPA are low in the blood, they are going to be low in the brain. In addition, the lifetime of EPA in the brain is very limited.  This means you have to replenish EPA in the blood stream to control neuro-inflammation. Findings published in the professional journal Free Radical Research suggest that taking supplemental omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA may help alleviate the negative effects of chronic physical and emotional stress. Findings published in the professional journal Free Radical Research suggest that taking supplemental omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA may help alleviate the negative effects of chronic physical and emotional stress. OMEGA-3 HELPS TO ALLEVIATE STRESS In one study, researchers gave volunteers 7.2 grams a day of fish oil for three weeks and then subjected them to a battery of mental stress tests which caused changes in people’s heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. After three weeks of fish oil supplementation, however, the rise in cortisol levels after stress testing was significantly less. Supplementation with fish oil seems to work at the level of the central nervous system to inhibit the adrenal activation – it’s the adrenal glands which produce cortisol, the major stress hormone. So if you’re a stressed mom, increasing your omega-3 intake can certainly help! Omega-UP is a triple strength Omega-3 EPA, containing 3 times more EPA than ordinary fish oil.  Each softgel capsule is 100% pure fish oil containing 700mg Omega-3 EPA, 80mg Omega-3 DHA as well as having a superior 7:1 EPA: DHA ratio. Read here to learn more. Resources: https://www.liveinthenow.com/article/fight-stress-with-fish-oil https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/in-the-zone/201201/anxiety-and-omega-3-fatty-acids https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/237508.php 30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH, OMEGA-UP™ July 27, 2018 Previous PostNext Post

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BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH OMEGA-UP™

CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD?

WHAT IS ADHD? Attention Deficit & Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurological and behaviour-related condition that causes difficulties in concentrating, impulsiveness and excessive energy.  Those diagnosed with ADHD have trouble focusing their attention for any length of time, find it impossible to sit still and are often disruptive in the classroom.  ADHD typically affects mostly males, especially male children and has an average onset age of around 7 although the disorder can begin as young as 4 and may continue well through teen years and even into adulthood. According to the NIH’s National Institute of Mental Health, the number of children being diagnosed with ADHD is increasing and research indicates that this may be partly related to diet. BESTS FOODS FOR ADHD A nutrient-dense diet high in vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, nuts, seeds, organic meats (ie: no hormonal additives) will help to keep your child’s blood sugar steady. There’s a lot of research which suggests that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is significantly beneficial for ADHD. And if you’re looking to boost your child’s omega-3s, then the top supplement for ADHD is fish oil due to the high levels of omega 3 in fish oil. WHY OMEGA-3 FOR ADHD? Our bodies can’t produce omega-3s on their own which is why we need to eat sufficient quantities in conjunction with taking a good supplement. If you look at the benefits of omega-3s, it’s not surprising that they play such a significant role in helping with ADHD.  Research shows that omega 3 supplementation, particularly with higher doses of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) could be effective in the treatment of ADHD. From seven clinical tests, it was discovered that omega-3 fatty acids improved the clinical symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention and hyperactivity, according to reports made by the parents of the observed children. In addition, the study revealed that the reduction in hyperactivity was only seen when the study participants had 500 milligrams per day or more of EPA. Omega-UP is a triple strength Omega-3 EPA, containing 3 times more EPA than ordinary fish oil.  Each softgel capsule is 100% pure fish oil containing 700mg Omega-3 EPA, 80mg Omega-3 DHA as well as having a superior 7:1 EPA: DHA ratio. Omega-UP is suitable for children from 10 onwards starting with one capsule a day and increasing to two capsules from age 13. Read here to learn more. Resources: https://draxe.com/adhd-diet/ https://draxe.com/symptoms-of-adhd/ https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2017/07/31/Meta-analysis-supports-potential-of-omega-3s-for-ADHD 30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH, OMEGA-UP™ July 13, 2018 Previous PostNext Post

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BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH OMEGA-UP™

OMEGA UP & SCHOOL ANXIETY

Ann was concerned about her son switching to a different educational path for her 14 year old son.  He was anxious and not coping well at school.  Ann was so impressed with how OMEGA UP helped him with anxiety: It has definitely helped him with his anxiety By Ann – mom to a 14 year old teenager, Cape Town“My son started high school (grade 8) at a tutor centre this year. His term 1 results were the best he has ever had and he was commended on his work ethic and diligence. He takes Omega Up every day and it has definitely helped him with his anxiety. Such a weight off my shoulders to know that he is coping with the transition from primary to high school, and from a traditional school to a tutor centre.”   30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH, OMEGA-UP™ May 17, 2018 Previous PostNext Post

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BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH OMEGA-UP™

BEST BRAIN FOODS FOR STUDYING

You might think that as long as you’re not hungry, you’re in fine shape to study. But the truth is that there are certain foods which help the brain to function optimally – and who doesn’t need that, particularly while they’re studying.  So brain foods matter. Some foods are better for your brain than others.  Your brain uses up 20% of all glucose, 35% of all vitamins and minerals, 40% of all water and a staggering 50% of all fats consumed.  So foods that are great for nourishing brain power are ones that have high amounts of fat, nutrients, water and just a little carbs (glucose). Sadly, there isn’t just one food that does it all, you need a few. Here’s a round up of the top 6 foods for brainpower: Water is vital for the brain. Staying hydrated means your brain works at its best. A dehydrated brain is in pain and slow to react. Keep a large glass of water near you and refill it often. Broccoli has several nutrients that surround and protect new neuro-connections, causing them to move from short term memory to long term memory very quickly. With its high levels of vitamin K and choline, it keeps your memory sharp making it one of the best brain foods out there. Eggs have yolks containing large amounts of choline which is used to make acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that may be important for maintaining memory and communications among brain cells. Plus you get a huge influx of vitamins, minerals and fats in a single egg. Avocados are one of the healthiest fruits to consume packed as they are with good monosaturated fats for keeping blood sugar levels steady. They also contain vitamin K and folate which help to improve cognitive function, especially memory and concentration. They’re also rich in vitamin B and C, neither of which are stored in your body and need daily replenishment. Blueberries are made for the brain! One of the highest antioxidant-rich foods, they have been shown to greatly improve memory, verbal comprehension, decision making and numerical ability. Blueberries contain vitamin C, K and fibre, and because of their high levels of gallic acid, they are especially good at protecting our brains from degeneration and stress. Chocolate – yes chocolate – is a brain food! Hooray! It’s rich in fibre, iron and magnesium which all help the brain receive good blood flow. It’s the flavanols in dark chocolate that increase blood flow, are anti-inflammatory and have antioxidant properties. It also contains stimulants caffeine and the feel-good nutrient theobromine. But before you reach for the kitkats, the truly beneficial chocolate is low in sugar and high in cacao – at least 70% or more. Oh,  and one final note. Do you know what’s the worst food for the brain? It’s sugar.  Just sayin’. Sources:https://draxe.com/15-brain-foods-to-boost-focus-and-memory/https://www.developinghumanbrain.org/best-brain-foods-to-eat-before-taking-a-test/https://www.rd.com/health/conditions/best-brain-food/       30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH, OMEGA-UP™ May 14, 2018 Previous PostNext Post

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BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH OMEGA-UP™

Postpartum sadness is more common than you think

While the birth of a baby is usually a joyful and positive experience for most women, there are very powerful social expectations that after the birth of your baby you should feel nothing else but joy, happiness and delight.  Therefore it can be a shock to find yourself also experiencing moments of sadness, anxiety and overwhelm. During the second and third weeks following birth, it is common for women to experience postpartum “baby blues”. These include symptoms such as anxiety, crying, irritability, restlessness and tiredness. These are common feelings and are not necessarily an indication of a more severe type of postpartum depression. Though they can be challenging feelings to deal with, these typically go away within a few weeks and most likely do not require clinical treatment. Omega-Up can be tremendously helpful during these times as a gentle mood-stabiliser.  Because it’s a natural omega fish oil, high in EPA and made from sardines and anchovies (naturally low in mercury and other toxins) it is perfectly safe for breast-feeding moms to use. If your symptoms include excessive and uncontrollable crying, and feelings of sadness and hopelessness are persistent, intense, last longer and begin to affect your ability to care for your baby, you may be experiencing Postpartum depression.  This is a serious condition and requires medical intervention and care. References:https://www.postpartumdepression.org/postpartum-depression/symptoms/https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617     30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH, OMEGA-UP™ April 18, 2018 Previous PostNext Post

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BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH OMEGA-UP™

A natural solution for helping to manage anxiety

This month, we’ve been looking at anxiety, its symptoms and remedies.  Inflammatory conditions are indicated in chronic anxiety and mood disorders and the Other Option’s OMEGA-UP™ can offer natural support for anxiety symptoms because it addresses inflammatory states.EPA (a 20-carbon essential fatty acid building block) helps the body synthesize eicosanoid hormones which help to reduce inflammation, and therefore offer a natural solution for helping to manage anxiety. Clinical studies show that EPA is effective when taken in high doses, specifically in a ratio of at least 6 times more EPA than DHA. OMEGA-UP™  boasts a 7:1 EPA:DHA ratio, offering the ultimate formula for feeling up! Here’s a wonderful testimonial for OMEGA-UP™ from a Faithful –to –Nature  customer. Omega-Up for a scholar!30/10/2017, By AnnMy 12-year-old son started using Omega-Up about 6 months ago. He is quite an anxious child and it has helped him through the 2nd and 3rd terms of his Grade 7 year, with a marked improvement in his results. We’ll definitely continue using the Omega-Up capsules into the future. You can purchase Omega-UP online here 30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH, OMEGA-UP™ March 15, 2018 Previous PostNext Post

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BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH

Everyone copes differently

Apart from taking a good Omega EPA supplement with a ratio of EPA:DHA of at least 6:1 (Omega-UP is 7:1) there are some other steps you can take to help you manage anxiety symptoms. What most people don’t know about anxiety is that it requires daily maintenance. Everyone copes differently. It’s about finding what works for you. However 3 of the most common-sense recommendations that are universally helpful are maintaining a healthy diet, getting sufficient rest and daily exercise. It’s particularly important to avoid anxiety trigger-foods such as caffeine, refined sugars, alcohol, and fried foods also exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Eating habits don’t “cause” anxiety, but they make it worse, and the worse your anxiety symptoms are the more your anxiety will bother you. Physical activity improves the immune system, releases calming neurotransmitters (endorphins), tires the muscles, and burns away stress hormones. It’s incredibly important for controlling stress and anxiety, and important for coping. Exercise is not only good for our physical health but also our mental health. Both meditation and yoga have the potential to improve your ability to cope with stress. They teach healthier breathing, and poor breathing is one of the issues that makes anxiety symptoms worse, especially during anxiety and panic attacks. Many people believe the spiritual qualities of meditation and yoga are also helpful for curing anxiety. The important thing to know is that there are strategies that work for managing anxiety. Referenceshttps://www.collegemagazine.com/10-things-people-dont-know-anxiety/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.za/entry/10-takeaways-from-the-largest-study-on-anxiety-around-the-world_us_5750a498e4b0ed593f13df97 30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH March 6, 2018 Previous PostNext Post

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BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH

What is Anxiety?

It’s normal to feel a bit anxious at times – before starting a new job, writing an exam, speaking in front of a group of people. But if you suffer from anxiety or its close cousin panic disorder, it can feel overwhelming, as if you are suffocating or drowning. Your heart may race, your skin may tingle or your face feels like it’s going numb. You may sweat profusely, hyperventilate, feel your chest is being squeezed or feel suddenly dizzy. And that’s one of the key characteristics of anxiety, it’s not just emotional, it has a physical dimension as well. Sometimes you may feel so overwhelmed you can’t take anything in, you can’t see or hear anything and you literally cannot think. You feel almost paralyzed because your blood leaves the prefrontal cortex and goes into the body, it leaves the thinking part of your brain. Why anxiety disorders matter Despite how common they are, anxiety disorders continue to be dismissed as ‘just worrying’ instead of debilitating, disabling conditions that require treatment. While a little bit of anxiety can be beneficial by keeping us alert and safe, people with untreated anxiety disorders experience overwhelming, uncontrollable feelings of dread or fear that can interfere with daily life and prevent them from doing the things they want to do. Learning more about these conditions is one way to help combat mental health stigma and get help to the people who need it. Inflammatory conditions are indicated in chronic anxiety and mood disorders and the Other Option’s OMEGA-UP™ can offer natural support for anxiety symptoms because it addresses inflammatory states. EPA (a 20-carbon essential fatty acid building block) helps the body synthesize eicosanoid hormones which help to reduce inflammation, and therefore offer a natural solution for helping to manage anxiety. Clinical studies show that EPA is effective when taken in high doses, specifically in a ratio of at least 6 times more EPA than DHA. OMEGA-UP™ boasts a 7:1 EPA:DHA ratio, offering the ultimate formula for feeling up! References https://www.collegemagazine.com/10-things-people-dont-know-anxiety/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.za/entry/10-takeaways-from-the-largest-study-on-anxiety-around-the-world_us_5750a498e4b0ed593f13df97 30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH February 28, 2018 Previous PostNext Post

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BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH

Omega Up gets full marks for back to school nerves!

Is your child anxious about going back to school? It can be nerve-wracking for a child to go into a new school or new grade. Here at THE OTHER OPTION we’ve found that Omega-UP works wonders for NATURALLY stabilising children’s moods and sense of well-being especially around times like going back to school or exam time. Suitable for children from age 10, Omega-Up is available from stockists near you or directly from The Other Option. Please contact Sue Malby on 0861 88 88 39 to order and for more information. See what mum Ann has to say on Faithful-to- Nature: “My 12-year- old son started using Omega Up about 6 months ago. He is quite an anxious child and it has helped him through the 2nd and 3rd terms of his Grade 7 year, with a marked improvement in his results. We’ll definitely continue using the Omega Up capsules into the future.” You can order online at Faithful-to- Nature. And if mum or dad are going through stressful times, it’s fantastic for them too! Read more about how Omega-Up benefits mood disorders and depression. 30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH January 29, 2018 Previous PostNext Post

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BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH

Tip #4 Support your mental health with the right supplements

It’s not just our physical bodies that sometimes need supplement support. Our mental health can benefit from supplementation too. Important brain nutrients are Vitamin B12 (a deficiency can contribute to depression and affects 25% of the population) Vitamin D (Vitamin D receptors appear in a wide variety of brain tissue suggesting vitamin D has an important role to play in your brain) and Omega-3 fats – important for mental clarity, focus and have been show to improve serious mental disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, psychosis and bipolar disorder. Most people are deficient in all 3. Rosie S, of Port Elizabeth says: “I am so impressed with OMEGA-UP™. I was experiencing mild depression and started using OMEGA-UP After just a few weeks I was feeling on top of the world! However I was sceptical it was the effects of using EPA until I ran out and the emotional heaviness returned. I started taking OMEGA-UP again and in no time I started noticing the difference in my feelings of well being and general happiness. I am now completely convinced of the importance of OMEGA-UP’s 7:1 EPA to DHA ratio!” #TakeTheOtherOption 30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. BEHAVIOURAL & COGNITIVE HEALTH January 29, 2018 Previous PostNext Post