A recent study found that obese individuals with high amounts of abdominal fat and liver fat are at increased risk for heart disease. The researchers found that liver fat is strongly associated with increased secretion of very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), which contain the highest amounts of triglycerides, known to increase heart disease risk.

It has long been known that abdominal fat can be dangerous. The increasing knowledge about the dangers of liver fat adds to the story, as these two go hand in hand, each setting the body up to be more susceptible to metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Together, belly and liver fat mean trouble.

Both liver and abdominal fat can be reduced with exercise and weight loss. These steps, in addition to addressing any underlying gut dysfunction that may be contributing inflammation to the liver, can help reverse these metabolic precursors to heart disease. Gut imbalance may be addressed by taking probiotics, the beneficial bacteria naturally found in the gut.

Recently the magazine’s elite panel of judges declared CleanseSMART™ and Ultimate Flora Critical Care 50 Billion™ winners based upon reader feedback and surveys from experts in the medical and nutritional supplements industries. CleanseSMART shined in the Cleansing & Detox category, while Ultimate Flora won for Probiotics supplements. Votes were tallied based on a series of surveys that focused on 31 categories in all—everything from fish oils and antioxidants to multivitamins and herbs—and included questions about quality, ingredients, formulation, cost, customer satisfaction, popularity, and availability. 

CleanseSMART remains one of ReNew Life’s most popular total-body cleanses, with a combination of 23 natural ingredients to promote detoxification, better digestion and overall health. Like all ReNew Life products, it’s free of added ingredients, fillers or binders, because our motto has always been, “Why put more toxins in your body when you’re trying to get them out?”

Ultimate Flora Critical Care 50 Billion is also a favorite among our customers. The high-potency, high-Bifido formula contains 10 powerful strains of beneficial bacteria and provides powerful digestive and immune support by helping to reestablish a healthy balance of good bacteria in the digestive tract. Ideal for those with troublesome digestion or who are taking antibiotics, Ultimate Flora Critical Care 50 Billion uses our unique Enteric-GUARD™ targeted delivery technology and features our exclusive Potent-GUARD™ guarantee.

So thanks to all of you who chose CleanseSMART and Ultimate Flora Critical Care 50 Billion on your journey toward superior health—we couldn’t have done it without your support!

Published in this month’s European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, results from a 12-week study revealed that probiotics may play a significant role in the battle against obesity. More than 80 participants were chosen based on high body mass index (BMI) and abdominal fat and asked to drink 200g daily of a fermented milk beverage, either with or without a probiotic strain called Lactobacillus gasseri. The outcome was a more than 4% decrease in abdominal and subcutaneous fat in those who received the probiotic, as well as a significant decrease in body weight and waistline.

While more research needs to be done to determine exactly how probiotics support healthy weight management, scientists believe it has something to do with how they affect our metabolism. Of course, we already know these beneficial bacteria play a significant role in better digestion, regularity, immune function and overall health, so don’t forget your probiotics!

High Fiber. Studies show that people who eat at least 25-35 grams of fiber every day are less likely to suffer from constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders. Fiber adds bulk to the stool, helps absorb toxins in the intestines and ‘sweeps’ the colon free of waste and debris. A high-fiber diet has also been linked to weight loss, lower cholesterol and heart health. Sources: fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans & legumes; fiber supplements.

Omega Oils. Fish-derived Omega oils such as Omega-3 EPA and DHA help nourish and support the cells of the colon to promote optimal digestive health. They also help to soothe and lubricate the bowel to ease elimination and promote regularity. In addition, research links these beneficial oils to improved heart and brain function, as well as healthy skin and joints. Sources: Smaller, cold-water fish; some leafy green vegetables; Omega oil supplements.

Probiotics. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract that work to crowd out disease-causing microorganisms that can contribute to poor health. Experts agree that daily supplementation with a high-potency, multi-strain probiotic formula can help support a balanced intestinal environment, improve digestion and promote bowel regularity. Sources: Fermented foods such as yogurt & kefir; probiotic supplements.

Enzymes. Digestive enzymes are found in raw foods and help the body break down the food you eat and absorb needed nutrients. Because cooking and processing can destroy the natural enzymes in food, daily supplementation is essential. Plant-based enzyme formulas provide the greatest benefit, as they are effective over a broader range of pH levels in the body. Sources: Raw whole foods; digestive enzyme supplements.