Omega’s – the new hero for childhood asthma?

Posted on February 10, 2012 by lindsey

Childhood asthma in Australia is being called an epidemic. One in six children are diagnosed with it, and one in ten adults, with Australia having the third highest prevalence of childhood asthma in the world. Asthma is the leading reason children visit hospital and one million school days are missed nationally each year because of it.

If you have a child with asthma, you will know that diagnosing the exact cause of your little one’s breathing difficulties can be a minefield – dust mites, food intolerance, gas fires, and the hygiene hypothesis are just a few of the possible causes.

However, new Australian and Japanese research has found that asthma may be related to a relative drop in omega 3 because of the way we eat. Whereas the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 in our diets used to be 5:1, it is now 15:1 or higher.

Omega 6 can promote inflammation, is found in high quantities in cooking oils, and is the polyunsaturated fatty acid we are cautioned against having too much of. Yet this is the omega which has increased so dramatically in our diets!

Omega 3 is found in oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. It is known to help reduce inflammation and has been popular with sufferers of heart disease for many years now, as well as supporting children’s brain development, showing positive effects on memory, mood, learning and focus.

So omega 3 is the one we want more of for a well functioning body. Because it is a natural anti-inflammatory, researchers found that omega 3 could help either prevent or diminish the severity of asthma by reducing the inflammation in the airways.

The research showed that children who never or rarely ate oily fish, were four times more at risk of developing asthma than those children who regularly ate oily fish.

Along with all the other benefits, this is truly one of Mother Nature’s little miracles.

If you find it difficult to get the recommended two serves of omega 3 a week into your little person, try our Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA. Then you can be sure.

Cinnamon steps up to help diabetes type 2 sufferers

Posted on February 10, 2012 by lindsey

Mother nature has given diabetes type 2 sufferers a helping hand: In the simple form of Cinnamon.

Normally treated with complex medications such as biguanides, thiazolidinediones, meglitinides, and DPP-4 inhibitors, this could be good news for Type 2 sufferers, or those at risk, who wish to reduce their intake of drugs in a quest to keep their body healthy.

In 2003 a study was undertaken on the effects of ingesting 1, 3 or 6 grams of cinnamon per day. On as little as 1 gram, results showed amazing improvements in blood sugar, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol after 40 days. Levels continued to improve for 20 days after that. Proponents have also reported reduced cravings and hunger, weight loss, and of course reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

Although large and long term studies have not yet been undertaken, there are no known side effects of taking cinnamon – only the above mentioned positive effects. So there’s nothing to lose!

“I’m a Type 2 sufferer and have been for about 2 years,” says Joan. “I ran out of medication once, and didn’t take anything – my blood count was 378 and the doctor wanted to put me on the shots. I decided to give the cinnamon a try. When I ran out of medication I was running at 150-175, but two weeks later after the cinnamon, I’m running at a steady 115-120.”

“After taking three meds daily for two years, my morning fasting glucose reading was 130-140,” says Roy. “I started putting cinnamon on my morning toast and my readings went to 85-95. After a few days without cinnamon my numbers are back up at 130-140 – two days back on cinnamon and the number drops back to 85-95. I’ve gone through this cycle several times. Cinnamon works for me.”

We have started stocking Swisse Professional Cinnamon which may help you in any of the above areas. It also is a powerful antioxidant and aids digestion. A Marshall family member controls her blood sugar using this – she swears by it.

Paw Paw Magic

Posted on November 25, 2011 by lindsey

Amazing is a word that comes to mind when you hear Tom McArthur speak, or read about his work. Miracle is another!

“I’m not scientifically trained and I’m not a doctor,” says Tom. “I have a high school education and decades of research making natural medicines in my kitchen – using fruit in ways most people couldn’t even imagine. If nature has created the disease, I do believe that nature will also provide the cure.

“My love of experimenting with lotions and potions began in the ‘60s in the jungles of Borneo, serving in the British army. I witnessed the villagers using natural medicines, namely paw paw, to heal their wounds. I started thinking, if we could unlock the liquid gold out of this one we’d be on a winner: We could help a lot of people.

“Lynda [Tom’s late wife] and I proceeded to chemically modify pawpaw extract using simple ingredients from the local supermarket. Due to overwhelming demand and with the help of some wonderful people, I am commercially producing our natural products. I promised Lynda this.”

The creams, with high concentrates of Tom’s “liquid gold” Paw Paw extract, aid all types of conditions, from arthritis, to skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, poor circulation, scarring, cysts and even migraines. Tom believes it works by increasing the circulation to the affected area, aiding the healing process.

The testimonials are incredible on the Facebook page:

“Tried the cream yesterday on my 17 month old daughters’ Chicken Pox after sleepless nights using the usual creams from the chemist. She slept right through last night and so far so good tonight. The spots have cleared up dramatically after 1 days’ usage. Amazing stuff! ”

“Just purchased a second bottle for my dad…without this product he would still rely on a walking stick and would most of the time be bed bound due to arthritis in his spine…the skin cream is amazing…u truly are a genius!!!”

“My Granddaughter has suffered from Severe Atopic Eczema since she was 4 months old. We have used every moisturiser on the market. As soon as your cream came out we were ordering it to give it ago … Her skin is now fantastic and so clear. She has had so many comments about how good her skin looks and of course we let them know the secret. Her life is so amazingly normal now she is 5. Thank you so much.”

Today Tonight on Channel 7 have recently been running stories on Tom’s McArthur Paw Paw products. The man’s humble nature and desire to help others has been on show for the world to see. The response has been phenomenal.

Tom has so far maintained personal control over production of his product, despite large cosmetic companies approaching him to sell. Even with supermarket giant Coles keeping a close eye on his product we believe Tom’s morals are grounded and that he will maintain control of his business and products.

We are very excited to announce that this week MakeUwell has been made one of Australia’s first McArthur Paw Paw authorised retailers – and we are fielding enquiries from all over the globe! For a piece of this “liquid gold”, shop here.

Diabetes and Omega 3

Posted on November 24, 2011 by lindsey

Available at makeuwell

Omega 3 shown to help type 2 diabetes

Epidemics: Small pox in India, Meningitis in West Africa, Cholera in Haiti…

Epidemics only affect those in the Third World don’t they?

No, there is one happening on your doorstep: Diabetes.

In Australia
•   The number of new cases of diabetes each year would fill the MCG
•   The average weight of Australian adults (aged 18-70) has increased by 0.5-1kg per year for the last 20 years
•   It is estimated that 1.8 million Australians are living with diabetes. By 2031 it is estimated that 3.3 million Australians will have type 2 diabetes.
•   The cost of diabetes to the Australian health system is estimated to $6 billion per annum. While people living with diabetes are hit with increased personnel costs

Around the World:
•   Diabetes is the world’s fastest growing chronic disease
•   It currently effects 284 million people and is expected to affect 438 million by 2030
•   Every 10 seconds, two people develop diabetes and one person does from a diabetes-related causes
•   Type 2 constitutes about 85-95% of all diabetes
•   Estimated global healthcare expenditures to treat and prevent diabetes is expected to be $376B (USD) in 2010 and $490B (USD) by 2030
Courtesy Natural Meds Newsletter www.naturalmeds.co.nz

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much sugar in your blood. We need sugar, or glucose, to be converted from our food into useful energy. The pancreas is responsible for converting these sugars into energy with a hormone called insulin, which is reduced in diabetes conditions, leaving the blood with a high sugar content.

The sufferer will feel dizzy, have headaches, mood swings, blurred vision and a host of other complications. If left untreated diabetes can be very serious.

Being overweight is a main contributor to diabetes type 2, and up to 60 per cent of cases can be prevented with lifestyle changes. To add to this, recent studies have just been undertaken on the effects of Omega 3 on diabetes, and show that it can help to decrease it’s effects by enhancing hormones which help to burn sugar and control the fat balance.

Omega 3 is an “essential fatty acid”- our bodies do not make them, so we have to get them through food or supplements. Not only has this little wonder been shown to help with diabetes, but it is also attributed to positively aiding conditions such as heart disease, cancer and arthritis. Plus it is fuel for the brain – the area where Omega 3 fatty acids are most concentrated.

“Essential” it very well is!

What’s all the fuss about?

Posted on November 1, 2011 by lindsey

What do you know about Miranda Kerr?

That she has a beautiful baby boy called Flynn and a beautiful big boy called Orlando. And that beautiful baby was somewhere up near 10 pounds and less than 2 months later she was back baring her bod on the catwalk. Hmm.

Perhaps it is that she is a practising Buddhist and alleged former motorbike racer (comes with the territory of growing up in Gunnedah). Or that she won a modelling competition at the tender age of 13 but ditched the bright lights til she’d finished school and studied nutrition and health psychology.

Clever woman!

Intelligence which not only covers her career, but also extends to her family. Baby Flynn has been photographed everywhere lately with a smart-looking soother (dummy) between his cherub lips – and he is a trend setter, they are starting to appear everywhere. So what is it?

Flynn Bloom uses a Natural Rubber Soother by makeUwell

Flynn and his Natural Rubber Soother

Our Natural Rubber Soother is the answer!

For a woman who has extensively studied the question of “what goes into our mouth and bodies”, you would expect nothing less than an all natural, chemical-free product going into her baby’s. The Natural Rubber Soother is renowned for its health properties, and baby Flynn is rarely pictured without it.

The soother is as hygienic as you can get, because it is all one piece, no cracks or joins for bacteria to hide away in. And, the protein which causes a latex allergic reaction, has been eliminated. There is no BPA, parabens, PVC or phthalates – all chemicals which are as nasty as they read.

What’s not to love! To make sure your bub is as safe (and trendy!) as can be – grab yours here.

The Chemical Maze of Meats!

Posted on September 26, 2011 by lindsey

Processed meats – why all the fuss?

Do you ever wonder how our foods became so unrelated to, well, food?

Nowadays you can buy a bacon tasting product that a pig has gone nowhere near, and food that would normally go rancid overnight is given a use-by date months away due to a hefty dash of chemical.

Increasingly there is suggestion that popping all these unnatural products into our naturally occurring bodies, is leading to cancer and various other conditions. Going with the theory of better to be safe than sorry, many parents are educating themselves on exactly what they put into their children’s virgin little systems.

So popular is this interest, that commercial television program Sunrise interviewed chemical food additive guru and author Bill Statham this week. The interview was based on his book The Chemical Maze (available here), a pocket sized, simple guide to ingredients which could cause potential harm.

Chemical Maze

Sample from The Chemical Maze

Let’s look at Sodium nitrite/nitrate. It is a colour fixative and preservative commonly found in processed meats, and is recommended by the World Cancer Research Fund as being eliminated from our diets completely due to being “probably carcinogenic to humans”. The ham on your children’s lunchbox sandwiches, the peperoni on the pizza, and the sausage meat and bacon in your weekend fry ups, are all in this category.

If you chose to, eliminating processed meat can seem like a huge hurdle: Slapping some packaged ham in the kids’ sandwiches in the race to get to school is quick and easy, and what about those children whose only meat intake is bacon – does that mean they eat no meat at all?

This is how we get around the issue in our family:

Nitrate free ham and bacon is now available in the supermarket.
For parents of all those sausage-loving little people out there: For dinners we use tofu a lot. It is a perfect source of protein and we can mix it up with soft, hard or fried versions. The boys call them “baby toast” when we dice them up to place in food.
We shop at online organic delivery stores like http://www.strictlyorganic.net.au/ and http://www.abundantorganics.com.au/shop/search.php?k=bacon who can send you nitrate- free products.

I believe you are what you eat, and we don’t need these chemicals in our food. They have been added for convenience so our food can last longer as we freight it half way around the world to reach our plates, or so that it “looks pretty” when we eat it, with no blemishes, marks or dull colours.

Is there anyone in the world who has not been touched by cancer, however close or distant? Why are we more susceptible to these diseases now? I can only think about the build up of these toxins over time, and the effects of which so little is certainly known right now.

All Natural Flea & Tick Repellent

Posted on September 21, 2011 by lindsey

All Natural Flea & Tick Repellent

Keep your pets and kids safe with a natural alternative

“All natural flea and tick repellent that really works”

Do you have pets?

Do you worry about the fleas and ticks those pets may carry into your home?

Would you like a totally natural solution, a totally green solution for flea and tick control?

One of the major concerns regarding ticks is they carry Lyme’s disease, which if left untreated can lead to serious neurological problems. When flea and tick season came around I knew I needed to find a natural way to control the mites.

As far as I am concerned, synthesised products like Frontline are too harsh for animals, no matter what they say on the labels. Not to mention, these chemicals being placed on the backs of your dog or cat can then be transferred to your children when they pat and play with them – your child has the chemicals all over their hands, which are then placed in their eyes or their mouth and digested……what a horrible thought my toddler eating Frontline!

I use the Gone Band collar for my pets. It is infused with the scent of peppermint, which is air activated, creating a vapour barrier around your pet. It’s as simple as the fact that the insects hate the scent of peppermint.

There are also Gone Bands for humans which work well at keeping ticks off us. Simply attach the Gone Band before going outside, and you are protected against ticks, flies, mosquitoes and fleas. It is especially good for children as commercial insect sprays contain dangerous chemicals, such as DEET.

Gone Band products are a small miracle, they simply work. And work better than any other flea and tick repellent I have ever used. But it does not end there. Gone Bands can be stored back in their bags when not in use and don’t lose any of their efficacy, which makes them very inexpensive. They also smell good, like pine trees, or a Christmas tree. I will never be without them again for the kids or our pets. How wonderful it is to find such a natural, inexpensive and effective product.

makeUwell BPA Free Blog

Posted on August 3, 2011 by lindsey

What petrochemicals go into your baby’s mouth?

Welcome to our new blog! It’s time to expose the wonderful world of natural, chemical-free and organic products for families which we are passionate about – tried and tested on ourselves and our seven beautiful boys.

Having a large family of nine to keep well is one of the driving forces behind working with products which sustain optimum health. My interest was piqued when our babies’ teeth started moving into our lives. I was amazed by the results of an amber teething necklace on our fourth, and consecutive, sons – and happy that I no longer had to pour synthesized paracetamol into the pure little systems of my babies who had ingested nothing but milk.

This opened up a whole new world and way of looking after ourselves. It made me realise there are other options which work equally as well as – and often better than – the chemical solutions. Now we focus on a variety of over 50 chemical-free products for the family, under our brand makeUwell. More on the story of how makeUwell began is on the about us page.

I try all the different products for makeUwell on our family. If I find a product which is chemical-free, natural or organic, and which works better than commercial or supermarket mainstream products, I add it to the website. All products we have on the website have had some form of “Marshall market research” applied to them! With a large family we are able to receive a good cross section of results. Personally this gives me complete faith that what we’re suggesting others try, definitely works.

My passion at the moment is to tell the world about BPA Free Natural Rubber Soothers. By now most people know about the dangers of Bisphenol A, or BPA – a chemical which can interfere with the hormonal system, among other yet-to-be-confirmed dangers. About five years ago customers started asking me for glass baby feeding bottles because there were reports out that Canada and some states in the US had banned plastics being sold which contained BPA. It is of particular concern when found in baby’s bottles because some infants spend the first six months of life ingesting the only sustenance going into their body from these bottles.

Slowly each country around the world has banned the use of BPA, with the EU most recently banning it last week. But what about the bottle teats and soothers we put in our babies mouths? Is this plastic not formulated with some sort of chemical? Is it harmful?

As I questioned the use of plastics and the petro-chemical derived product PVC in making teats and soothers for babies to suck on, I found out about phthalates, which are substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency and durability. Phthalates are now being phased out of many products in the United States because some have been shown to cause birth defects and change hormone levels.

But first and foremost I am a mother, and I would rather put something in my baby’s mouth that is a natural product. Everything made with plastic is a petrochemical product. If I had a choice to choose a plastic rattle over a wooden one, I would choose the natural product, or a synthetic polar fleece over a woollen jumper, it would be the wool product. Although rubber appears to have similar properties to some plastics, it comes directly from trees, is completely natural and is biodegradable.

Ultimately, this led me to import soothers, teats and teethers for babies which were made from natural rubber and contain no chemicals. Now I know my little ones are as safe as I can make them.

Are yours?

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions for further blog topics, we’d love to hear them.