Aloe Vera Information

Aloe Vera has been used for thousands of years as a natural soothing and revitalising emollient and has been referred to for centuries as the 'First Aid Plant'. It can be used either externally, on the skin or hair, or taken internally as a drink which may help to maintain a healthy digestive system.
Aloe Vera contains over 75 different components including enzymes, polysaccharides, fatty acids (phytosterols), amino acids, flavonoids, saponins, salicylic acid, lectin.
Aloe Vera is generally well tolerated with occasional allergic reactions reported.
Aloe Vera is a common ingredient for natural oral care. Visit our sister site, Aloe Dent, for more information.
Aloe Vera Skincare Products >>
Aloe Vera Digestion Products >>
Aloe Vera Haircare Products >>
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Omega 3 Information

The benefits of Omega 3 were highlighted particularly in studies of Inuit (Eskimo) peoples who had moderate levels of cholesterol despite having high-fat diets that included seal and whale blubber. They had low instances of conditions typically associated with high fat western diets, yet when adopting Western diets developed the same level of those conditions experienced in the West. Research demonstrated their original health came from their consumption of fish brimming with Omega 3. The Mediterranean diet has similar benefits.
Fish oils are a rich source of Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. High quantities of Omega 3 fatty acids are found in cold water fish and marine animals e.g. salmon, trout, herring, mackerel, pilchards and sardines.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the most important members of Omega 3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that Omega 3 fatty acids are enormously valuable for joint health in maintaining suppleness. EPA may help maintain healthy heart and circulation. DHA may help to maintain a healthy brain and eye function. It is also an important nutrient in the growth and development of babies.

Trust William stock the Amundsen Omega 3 Range >>

We have specialist Omega 3 products for the following healthcare needs:
Cardio Care
Brain & Memory
Eye Health
Pregnancy

Need more information? Here are some useful links:
Trust William's Omega 3 Products >>
Amundsen Omega 3 Product Information >>
Omega 3 - Common Questions >>

Omega 3 FAQ I Omega 3 - The Source I Omega 3 - The History I Omega 3 - The Science Amundsen Omega 3 Information I Amundsen Omega 3 Products I Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race
Amundsen Omega 3 Natural EPA/DHA I Amundsen Omega 3 Super EPA/DHA I Amundsen Ultra EPA Amundsen Ultra DHA

Omega 3 - Common Questions

What is Omega 3?
Omega 3 is the general term for some of the fatty acids that the body requires to maintain normal cellular structure and function. We can obtain a certain amount of Omega 3 from plants and seeds, which the body can convert into the active long-chain fatty acids, EPA and DHA, by means of enzymes. However, the effectiveness of this process depends on the other fatty acids we have ingested and their internal competition for enzymes. We can also obtain these vital Omega 3 fatty acids from fatty fish and fish oil as ready activated EPA and DHA.

What are Omega Fatty Acids?
Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9 are three groups of natural fatty acids. Each group is comprised of various unsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids play a vital role for the human body, such as the formation and maintenance of cells and tissue, and the regulation of various transmitters. The three Omega 3 fatty acids can be distinguished from one another by their chemical composition and what they do for our health. Omega 3 fatty acids (especially EPA, DPA and DHA from fish and marine mammals) are well known for their ability to reduce undesirable blood lipids (fatty substances in the blood). Omega 6 fatty acids are well known for their ability to boost the immune system. Omega 9 fatty acids (especially those in olive oil) are well known for their ability to reduce cholesterol.

What is DHA?
Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) of the Omega 3 type, with 22 carbon atoms and six double bonds. DHA plays an important role in our bodies, including the regulation of cell activity and growth. It also promotes healthy cardiovascular function and thereby helps to prevent cardiovascular disease. The human body can convert shorter Omega 3 fatty acids (DPA) into DHA, but this process has to compete for enzymes with other fatty acids. Fish oils are especially high in DHA.

What is EPA?
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is a long-chain Omega 3 polyunsaturated "essential fatty acid" found in fish. Omega 3’s are "essential" because humans are unable to synthesize them, and therefore they must be obtained through our diet.

Why take Omega 3?
Today's hectic lifestyles can make it difficult to maintain a healthy diet. The Govermment advises that at least two servings of fish, one of which should be oily, containing approximately 3g of Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is to be consumed each week. However for those people who don’t like oily fish or feel unable to eat it, Omega 3 Pure Fish Oil capsules supply your body a daily intake of Omega 3 fatty acids to help maintain good health.
Our Amundsen Omega 3 Pure Fish Oil capsules are available in a choice of strengths. Choose the strength which is most suitable to your needs and please follow the instructions on the pack.

Can children take Omega 3 supplements?
Yes, absolutely. We recommend Omega 3 to children aged five and upwards. The capsules are easy to swallow. Look out for the amount of DHA in the products given to children. DHA plays a vital role in brain development and eye cellular structure.
Do Omega 3 fatty acids affect heart health in a positive way?
Research has shown that Omega 3 fatty acids help to decrease the risk of sudden death, arrhythmia, thrombosis, growth of atherosclerotic plaque and triglyceride levels. Omega 3 can improve arterial health. DHA also helps to maximise efficient transfer of information in the brain.

Is there any risk of taking too much Omega 3?
Healthy adults are recommended to have at least two servings of fish per week, particularly fish such as mackerel, herring, sardines and albacore tuna. These fish contain two Omega 3 fatty acids - eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (EPA and DHA). To reach the necessary supplement by not eating fish regularly you can safely take up to 3 grams of Omega 3 fatty acids without consulting a medical doctor.

Will your Amundsen Omega 3 products interfere with medical conditions?
Omega 3 fats are natural blood thinners and are not recommended if you are taking high doses of aspirin or using blood thinners. If you are diabetic or having other health concerns please consult your healthcare professional.

Omega 3 Information >>
Trust William's Omega 3 Products >>
Amundsen Omega 3 Product Information >>
Amundsen Omega 3 Information >>

Omega 3 FAQ I Omega 3 - The Source I Omega 3 - The History I Omega 3 - The Science Amundsen Omega 3 Information I Amundsen Omega 3 Products I Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race

Amundsen Omega 3 Natural EPA/DHA I Amundsen Omega 3 Super EPA/DHA I Amundsen Ultra EPA Amundsen Ultra DHA

Amundsen Omega 3

Amundsen Omega 3 Ultra EPA
Amundsen Ultra EPA delivers advanced levels of EPA which helps to maintain healthy heart functional performance.

100% naturally sourced triglyceride fish oil.
Each 500mg high strength capsule contains 265mg of EPA which equates to 58% of capsule content.
Ultra EPA may help to maintain cardiovascular performance.
Ultra EPA is ideal for helping to keep joints supple.
Available in large tins containing 90 capsules and convenient re-sealable pouches containing 45 capsules.

Buy Omega 3 Ultra EPA >>

Amundsen Omega 3 Ultra DHA
Amundsen Ultra DHA delivers advanced levels of DHA which helps to maintain brain & eye functional performance.

100% naturally sourced triglyceride fish oil.
Each 500mg high strength capsule contains 230mg of DHA which equates to 54% of capsule content.
Amundsen Omega3 Ultra DHA is also ideal for pregnant women to ensure intake of DHA, a nutrient important for the growth and development of the baby. Ultra DHA is recommended during the last three months of pregnancy and throughout the time of breastfeeding.
Available in large tins containing 90 capsules and convenient re-sealable pouches containing 45 capsules.

Buy Omega 3 Ultra DHA >>

Amundsen Omega 3 Super EPA/DHA

Amundsen Super EPA/DHA provides sufficient levels of EPA and DHA for everyday health maintenance.

100% naturally sourced triglyceride fish oil.
Each 500mg capsule contains 165mg of EPA equating to 39% of capsule content and 115mg ofDHA equating to 26% of capsule content.
Available in large tins containing 120 capsules and convenient re-sealable pouches containing 60 capsules.

Buy Omega 3 Super EPA/DHA >>

Amundsen Omega 3 Natural

Amundsen Natural EPA/DHA is ideal for people who already consume 1 to 2 portions of oily fish per week.

100% naturally sourced triglyceride fish oil.
For consumers who require extra Omega 3 to simply boost weekly intake for general health maintenance i.e. heart (higher EPA %).
Available in re-sealable pouches containing 60 capsules.


Buy Omega 3 Natural >>

Need more information? Here are some useful links:
Omega 3 Information >>
Trust William's Omega 3 Products >>
Amundsen Omega 3 Information >>
Omega 3 - Common Questions >>

Omega 3 FAQ I Omega 3 - The Source I Omega 3 - The History I Omega 3 - The Science Amundsen Omega 3 Information I Amundsen Omega 3 Products I Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race
Amundsen Omega 3 Natural EPA/DHA I Amundsen Omega 3 Super EPA/DHA I Amundsen Ultra EPA Amundsen Ultra DHA

Arthritis-Self-Help-Tips

Arthritis Self-Help Tips

Nine out of ten people have arthritis by the time they reach 50 and every year a whopping eight million go to see their doctor about it.

At its worst arthritis impairs mobility to such an extent that people can barely walk, their hands become disfigured and they suffer considerable pain. Even at this stage taking simple measures to alleviate it can improve quality of life, and better still if caught early there's no need to get to this stage at all.

There are two types of arthritis:

• Osteoarthritis is by far the most common one and means that there is a loss of cartilage (the protective surface over the ends of the bones).
• Rheumatoid arthritis affects more women than men, causes swelling and pain in the joints and is very debilitating.

Prevention is always better than cure so it is helpful to give yourself a fighting chance against arthritis well before it sets in.

It’s hard to meet anyone over 70 who isn’t rattling with drugs and more often than not these include medication for high blood pressure and for arthritis. However, even if someone is taking prescription drugs there’s no reason why they shouldn’t try some self-help to ease symptoms even more.

Why me?

There are a number of factors that could increase the likelihood of arthritis or aggravate it including:

• poor diet
• emotional stress
• hormonal imbalance
• allergies
• free radicals – the compounds that roam the body attacking healthy cells
• high homocysteine levels – the amino acid in the blood that in excess can cause Alzheimer’s and heart disease (see Features/Homocysteine)
• over-exercise in the case of athletes, gymnasts, ballerinas

Here are some of the things that can be done:

• Healthy eating – avoid foods that aren’t good for arthritis and eat those that are
• Exercise – what is the best type for prevention and easing symptoms
• Supplements that can help arthritis
• Herbs and homeopathic remedies
• Complementary therapies
• Self-help tips

Nutritional information

According to author of Cooking Without Made Easy, nutritionist Barbara Cousins, says, ‘An anti-inflammatory and low acidity diet which cuts out or reduces processed foods, salt, refined sugar and red meat is recommended. They should eat a lot of fish, and vegetables are crucial because they give much needed vitamins and minerals.

‘If possible I like people to eat organic food so that the body doesn’t have to cope with detoxifying pesticides and herbicides. It’s important to avoid acidic foods as most arthritis sufferers have an intolerance to them.’

Foods to avoid

Salt and salty foods such as bacon or kippers, sugar in cakes, biscuits, chocolate, sweet drinks and Alcohol!

Acid foods:

• Red meat
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes
• Citrus fruit
• Peppers
• Potatoes
• Aubergines

Saturated fats:

• Red meat
• Butter and cheese
• Cream and full cream milk

Healthy foods

• Vegetables
• Brown rice
• Lentils and beans
• Free range chicken
• Fish
• Nettle tea
• Rosemary
• Brazil nuts
• WATER – if you drink loads of tea have plenty of spring or filtered water too

Barbara says, ‘Eating these foods supports the liver and bowel so that they can eliminate toxins and raise blood sugar levels giving the internal organs more energy. They may notice improvements after a month, but it takes about a year with severe arthritis to overcome the disease and feel on top of it!’

Foods that reduce inflammation

• Olives
• Green tea
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Onions

Natural painkillers

• Ginger
• Turmeric

Supplements

• Many people swear by Glucosamine that helps to rebuild cartilage, repair damage and relieve pain
• MSM (mineral sulphur) is often combined with Glucosamine and provides pain relief as arthritis sufferers may have a deficiency of sulphur
• Chondoitrin is often combined with Glucosamine because it attracts fluid into the cartilage making them more mobile
• Omega 3 fish oils – reduce inflammation and increase mobility
• Multivitamins – most arthritis sufferers are deficient in various vitamins and minerals and taking a multivitamin/mineral supplement helps to redress this.

Self help tips

These may sound crazy but they are old wives’ tales that might help:

• Cider vinegar and honey – one teaspoon of each in warm water every morning
• Epsom salts in the bath to soothe aching joints
• Cabbage juice, cabbage water or cabbage leaves as a poultice on painful areas

Excercise

One of the best ways to prevent arthritis is to do regular exercise to remain very mobile. Just half an hour a day is adequate and walking is excellent, so if it means the difference between taking the car and walking somewhere it benefits your health as well as the environment!

Being overweight doesn’t help with arthritis because there is more pressure on joints so exercise can help to keep weight down as well as keeping you mobile. Recommended exercise includes:

• Swimming
• Dancing – Indian dancing helps to keep fingers mobile
• Cycling
• Walking
• Yoga – great for stretching
• Pilates – also excellent for keeping mobile
• T’ai chi and chi kung – wonderful for mobility and to relax you

It may be a dying art but knitting is good for the fingers as it encourages them to move quickly and exercise. The same could be true of using a keyboard but sadly it seems to cause more problems than it solves such as RSI, back pain and stiffness!

Content courtesy of Healthy Soul

Useful Links

Which Glucosamine is right for me? >>
Glucosamine with MSM >>
Glucosamine & Chondroitin >>
Omega 3 fish oils >>

See Trust William’s Glucosamine Range >>

Which Glucosamine product is right for me?

I want maximum strength Glucosamine in a one-a-day tablet
Glucosamax Original

I want maximum strength Glucosamine with Chondroitin and Omega 3
Glucosamax Plus

I want medium strength Glucosamine with Chondroitin other beneficial ingredients like
Rose Hip, MSM & Omega 3
Glucosamax Extra

I want to be able to vary the dosage I take and have added antioxidants and vitamin C.
Glucosamine Sulphate

I want a high strength of Glucosamine & Chondroitin with added antioxidants and vitamin C
Glucosamine & Chondroitin

I want a high-strength Glucosamine which is suitable for vegetarians
Glucosamine HCL

I want maximum strength Glucosamine & Chondroitin (with added vitamin C) in liquid form
Joint-Flex Liquid Glucosamine & Chondroitin

I want medium strength Glucosamine & Chondroitin (with added vitamin C) in liquid form
Glucosamine & Chondroitin Effervescent

I want a Glucosamine product which is for your back
Backosamine

I want a Glucosamine product that can be applied directly to the skin
Glucosamine Gel & Gel Patch

Glucosamine - common questions >>

Glucosamine information >>

Alcohol in Mouthwash

A new report released by Australian Scientist, Professor Michael McCullough has found that there is significant evidence that mouthwashes containing alcohol can increase the risk of oral cancer and has therefore advised that they should be removed from supermarket shelves. Trust William have a natural alternative: our Aloe Dent Mouthwash is highly effective and is alcohol and saccharin free.
Most of the popular brands in the UK have a typical volume of about 27% - more potent than a bottle of Sherry, which is also risky for pregnant women and children. Professor Michael McCulloch, chairman of the Australian Dental Association's therapeutics committee and associate professor of oral medicine at Melbourne University, said alcohol in mouthwashes "increases the permeability of the mucosa" to carcinogens like nicotine. He added “The alcohol present in your mouth is turned into acetaldehyde that may accumulate in the oral cavity when swished around the mouth is also a carcinogen.”
Cancer Research UK has expressed concerns about alcohol in mouthwash and a possible link with oral cancer. Alcohol is the second major risk factor for the disease and whereas a sip of wine may be held in the mouth for a second or two, mouthwash is sloshed and gargled for up to 30 seconds. The charity’s advice is “the avoidance of high-alcoholic mouthwashes seems prudent”.

Alcohol is not used to kill bacteria as one may think but added to mouthwash to act as a carrier for the essential oils and active ingredients. However, this is completely unnecessary according to Emma Allen one of Trust William’s technical advisors. She states “Our Aloe Dent Mouthwash is an alcohol free alternative which uses other ingredients, such as polysorbates, as a carrier for the herbal extracts and essential oils. Polysorbates are a class of emulsifiers used in food preparation. Aloe Dent therefore provides consumers with a natural alternative to mouthwashes that contain alcohol.”