The researchers recommend focusing on increasing fiber in the diet, and not worrying so much about finding low-fat foods. That does not mean teens should fill their diets with fat-filled foods, but it does mean seeking out nutrient-dense foods high in fiber.

Most low-fat foods today are those processed foods that have been filled with sugar to make up for lack of taste that comes with low-fat options. Replacing fat with sugar in foods is what has contributed to the current obesity and diabetes epidemic this country now faces. Up to 30 percent of teen’s dietary intake comes from beverages and sugary snacks.

But change can be tough. Joseph Carlson, the lead researcher, stated, “The trick is getting people into the groove finding the foods that they enjoy and that are convenient.”

The statistics are screaming at us from many different sources. Our diets and lifestyle have to change in order for us to see significant health improvements. This begins in childhood. ReNew Life founder Brenda Watson recommends that adults consume at least 35 grams of fiber daily. For children and teens, we recommend adding 5 grams to their age. So a 13-year-old should eat 18 grams of fiber daily. How can you add fiber back into your diet, and the diet of your family? For more information, visit ReNew Life’s fiber supplements page.

A new study by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, published in Science, takes the findings further. This new study found two major gut types—Bacteroides and Prevotella—based on gut bacterial population groups in 98 healthy volunteers who were asked to fill out questionnaires that assessed dietary habits. Stool samples were collected to determine their gut microbiota composition.

The researchers found a link between dietary habits and gut types. People who ate a diet high in meat and saturated fat were higher in Bacteroides bacteria, and people who had a diet high in carbohydrates had more Prevotella bacteria. Researchers then took ten volunteers and fed half of them a diet high in fat and low in fiber, and fed the other half a low-fat, high-fiber diet. By the end of ten days, the bacterial populations had begun to change but were still predominantly the same Bacteroides and Prevotella groups. This indicates that it’s possible to change the gut microbiota with diet, but it will take more than a short-term change to see any major difference.

Next steps will be to replicate these findings to confirm them and to take the studies further by looking at whether these gut types are associated with health or disease. It’s an exciting area of research, working out the details of what health advocates like ReNew Life founder Brenda Watson has said all along—your gut is the foundation of the health of the rest of your body. It all begins in the gut!

Brenda was one of the main contributors of Suzanne’s new book, helping her understand the complexities of the gut as it pertains to weight loss. Like most of Suzanne’s other books, this is sure to be a New York Times best seller (already at #15 on Amazon).

Look for Brenda in the second segment, right after Dr. Andrew Weil. For more information, here’s a link to Joy’s show: http://joybehar.blogs.cnn.com/

It is sure to be a fun, exciting and eye-opening evening for all. Don’t miss it!

They say every journey begins with a single step. For Brenda Watson, that step was the one she took when she walked into a health food store after years of battling constipation, fatigue, and countless other health problems. Since then more than two decades have passed, and Brenda feels healthier today than ever before.

If you have ever wondered how it all began—how Brenda Watson went from small-town southern girl to one of the most trusted names in natural digestive care today—you won’t want to miss The Road to Wellness: The Brenda Watson Story.

From a childhood plagued by health problems and endless prescriptions to the discovery that would ultimately change her life, hear how Brenda came to realize the vital importance of a healthy gut for better digestion and a strong immune system, including the inspiration behind creating the custom formulas that have made ReNew Life the company it is today.

This is one journey you won’t want to miss!

As part of her free lecture series on digestive health and nutrition, Brenda Watson will be appearing this month in Scottsdale, Arizona to talk about the link between a properly functioning digestive system and a healthy body—including how our increasingly toxic world is taking a serious toll on the state of our digestive health. Plus, you’ll learn more about the natural supplements that are essential for helping you look and feel your best every day. Don’t miss it!

WHEN:
Wednesday, October 13^th
7:00-9:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Sunflower Farmers Market
4402 N. Miller Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

RSVP:
480-941-6001

The Grand Prize includes a comprehensive health consultation and in-depth digestive analysis, plus a personalized ReNew Life product package and your choice of a complimentary spa treatment or colon hydrotherapy session. But hurry—the Contest ends at midnight on November 1, 2010, so don’t miss out on your chance to win!

Enter now!

CDC experts say that freshly prepared salsa and guacamole in particular typically contain ingredients like raw tomatoes, peppers, and cilantro—an herb made popular by its use in Mexican cuisine—but that improper storage temperatures or handling methods increased the risk of contamination and pathogen growth, resulting in a sharp rise in foodborne illness. While the CDC will continue to monitor foodborne disease trends, they caution restaurant owners to follow proper food safety preparation and storage guidelines.

Tomatoes and peppers are also among the top foods affected by widespread pesticide contamination in the U.S. The majority of commercially grown produce is treated with high amounts of pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals, many of which remain on fruits and vegetables even after a thorough washing. For this reason, natural health experts like Detox Strategy author Brenda Watson recommend buying organically grown produce whenever possible.

Bring your friends and family, and join Brenda as she helps you understand why a balanced digestive system is the key to achieving the vibrant, lasting health you deserve. She’ll explore how so many health problems–from depression, arthritis, heartburn and diabetes to parasites, allergies, skin problems and many more–can all be connected back to an unhealthy, out-of-balanced gut. So don’t miss this incredibly informative, eye-opening experience! But hurry—seating is limited, so be sure to RSVP soon.

What: Brenda Watson’s Gut Connections Taping

When: Saturday, June 26^th, 2010

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Where: 1300 North Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33607

RSVP: Call Jerry @ (727) 450-1061 or e-mail jadams@brendawatson.com

Attire: Business casual; no jeans or t-shirts please.

Refreshments: Food and beverages will be provided.