THE OTHER OPTION’S DIGESTIVE REMEDY™ WAS VOTED AS A TOP NATURAL PRODUCT!

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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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OMEGA-UP™

OMEGA-UP™ CAN HELP TO REDUCE EXAM STRESS

It’s happened to all of us. Studying for exams often means working late nights, not eating properly, not getting enough exercise.  We get through the final exam and the next morning, bleh! We wake up with a sore throat, aching muscles and a blocked nose – we’re all inflamed and sick as a dog just in time for the holidays. Why does that happen? Our bodies don’t like stress. Who does? When we’re stressed out — rushing to finish projects, anxious about how we’re going to perform in an upcoming exam — our bodies release inflammatory cytokines. What many people don’t realise though, is that it’s not the stress or illness itself that causes inflammation. These inflammatory chemicals are produced by our bodies to prompt the immune system to kick in and fight back against the stress through inflammation as though stress is an infection. While inflammation helps protect us against illnesses and repairs the body when you do something like cut yourself, chronic inflammation is a different case altogether. It’s been linked to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, anxiety, high blood pressure and more. This is why it’s so important to manage ongoing stress so you don’t risk creating an environment where a chronic stress situation develops. Sure, the famed stress hormone cortisol plays a role in regulating your inflammatory response, but chronic stress can dampen the hormone’s ability to do so, leaving inflammation unchecked. Cortisol is released by the kidneys and helps mobilise the body into a ‘fight-or flight’ mode by causing increased blood pressure, heart rate and sugar breakdown. When ‘fight-or flight’ becomes a chronic way of being, cortisol can no longer do its job and systemic inflammation is the result. This is where OMEGA-UP™ can play a significant role. Studies show that increased intake of EPA improved test subjects’ ability to handle stress and generated significant improvements in mood.  In one study, highly stressed medical students experienced a 20% drop in anxiety when compared with the group that took the placebo and blood samples showed a similar drop in circulating inflammatory factors. Consider supplementing your high school children’s diets with OMEGA-UP™ a month or so before exams. You’ll find they’re likely to be a lot more mentally prepared and emotionally robust when the time comes to put pen to paper. REF: https://www.prevention.com/health/inflammation-causes http://www.scq.ubc.ca/stress-cortisol-and-the-immune-system-what-makes-us-get-sick/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-the-zone/201201/anxiety-and-omega-3-fatty-acids https://goodrelaxation.com/2014/01/omega-3-relieving-stress/ https://www.naturalnews.com/2017-12-07-omega-3-fatty-acids-your-super-weapon-against-stress-and-anxiety.html 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. OMEGA-UP™ May 23, 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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OMEGA-UP™ Uncategorized

The Wellness Warehouse features a product from The Other Option: Omega-Up™.

The Other Option is dedicated to offering consumers natural health solutions that are genuinely effective in comparison to mainstream allopathic medication. We’re passionate about bringing the best health alternatives to common health problems to the market. One of our top products has recently been featured by Wellness Warehouse.  Omega-Up™ is beneficial for: behavioural and cognitive health heart and vascular health inflammation joint health The Other Option is dedicated to offering consumers natural health solutions that are genuinely effective in comparison to mainstream allopathic medication. We’re passionate about bringing the best health alternatives to common health problems to the market. One of our top products has recently been featured by Wellness Warehouse.  Omega-Up™ is beneficial for: behavioural and cognitive health heart and vascular health inflammation joint health 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. OMEGA-UP™, Uncategorized April 21, 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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OMEGA-UP™

Why anchovies and sardines?

Numerous clinical studies have shown that that EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid, a component of Omega 3 fish oil) is effective in treating depression when taken in high doses, most specifically in a ratio of at least 6 times more EPA than DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). The Other Option’s OMEGA-UP™ boasts a superior 7:1 EPA:DHA ratio. The omega-3 essential fatty acids in OMEGA-UP™ are extracted from anchovies and sardines. WHY ANCHOVIES AND SARDINES? Fish oil is known as one of the richest sources of omega-3, it’s also particularly high in EPA.  Because anchovies and sardines are small and have a relatively short lifespan, they are far less likely to be contaminated by mercury and other toxins.  They’re also sustainable to harvest. The EPA in OMEGA-UP™ is obtained from the South Pacific, considered to be some of world’s cleanest waters and a sustainable source. THE SAFEST FORM OF OMEGA-3 FISH OIL  The fish oil extracted is a pharmaceutical grade omega-3 that has been molecularly distilled to remove heavy metals and toxins, making it a safe form of Omega-3 fish oil.  Best of all, you’ll find there’s no fishy aftertaste when you take OMEGA-UP™ fish oil capsules. At The Other Option, we ensure that our natural health products are of the highest quality, sustainably sourced, and internationally certified. The factory that manufactures OMEGA-UP™ is an accredited member of the Global Organisation for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED). Because OMEGA-UP™ has so many far-reaching and significant benefits and we’re so meticulous about our sourcing and manufacturing processes, we’re confident our product offers far more than your ordinary fish oil! “My son and I have been taking OMEGA-UP™ for almost 2 years now, and I can highly recommend this product. Not only is it an excellent supplement to take along with anti-depressant medicationbut an unexpected “side-effect” was that my osteoarthritis pain has disappeared, and I no longer have to take the anti-inflammatory medication, Coxflam, for my joints.” Angela Drescher, Cape Town 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. OMEGA-UP™ October 30, 2017 Previous PostNext Post

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Inflammation and depression

There seems to be an epidemic of depression in the world. And yet more people than ever are on anti-depressants. What’s going on? You may have heard of Dr Kelly Brogan, a psychiatrist with a cognitive neuroscience degree from MIT who has published her latest book A Mind Of Your Own The truth about depression and how women can heal their bodies to reclaim their minds.   Dr Brogan practices psychoneuroimmunology. As she says herself, it’s a mouthful of a word, but she describes it as examining (and respecting) the complex interplay between various systems and organs of the body, especially those that involve the nervous, gastrointestinal, and immune systems which in turn affect mental well-being. Dr Brogan tells us that ‘depression can result from bodily imbalance rather than brain chemical imbalance’ and adds; ‘we need a new paradigm: The best way to heal the mind is to heal the whole body.’ With that in mind, let’s look at one of the major factors which exacerbate conditions of mood disorders, brain fog, fatigue, low energy, anxiety, poor memory, insomnia and depression. WE FEEL HOW WE EAT: HOW FOOD MAY CREATE INFLAMMATION Dr Brogan is clear that eating highly processed foods will result in setting off the alarm of inflammation.  Furthermore, many people are eating inflammatory foods such as gluten and dairy (casein proteins) which unknowingly cause allergenic reactions too mild for most people to notice but which nevertheless cause inflammatory conditions in the body.  Sugar and artificial sweeteners have also been shown to activate inflammation. She goes on to say – controversially – that the call to action here is not to view depression as a disease in and of itself, but as a symptom of a much broader bodily state.  First we have to ask why you are feeling the way you are feeling, and the sources of your symptoms may surprise you. It may be your food, your gut, your thyroid, or even your go-to pain reliever. A multitude of studies now show an undeniable link between gut dysfunction and the brain, chiefly by revealing the relationship between the volume of inflammatory markers in the blood and risk for depression. Higher levels of inflammatory markers, which often indicate that the body’s immune system is on high alert, significantly increase the risk of developing depression. A WAY TO COMBAT INFLAMMATION OMEGA-UP™ contains high concentrations of EPA (a 20-carbon essential fatty acid building block), which is a vital component of anti-inflammatory hormones in the body called eicosanoids.  Eicosanoids or “master hormones” are produced by every cell in the body and control everything from the immune system to the brain, heart and reproductive system. EPA helps the body synthesise eicosanoid hormones which help to reduce inflammation, and therefore offer a natural solution for fighting depression. HOW MUCH EPA IS EFFECTIVE? There are 3 types of Omega 3 fatty acids:  DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and ALA (Alpha-linolenic Acid). Clinical studies show that EPA is effective against depression 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!  EPA has shown to be equally as effective as antidepressants and a combination of EPA plus an anti-depressant doubles the therapeutic effect!  OMEGA-UP™ is a Triple Strength Omega-3 EPA containing three times more EPA than ordinary fish oil / fish oil capsules. I have been using OMEGA-UP™ for the last 6 months, and can’t recommend it highly enough! It’s a great product when you are struggling to cope with daily life stresses or going through a tough time and really helps to elevate your mood. I recently got divorced and couldn’t have done it without OMEGA-UP™! Thank you for an exceptional product.Stefanie Black, Cape Town 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. OMEGA-UP™ August 29, 2017 Previous PostNext Post