If you have persistent gas and bloating, abdominal pain, or chronic constipation or diarrhea, here’s something you should know: More and more Americans are finding out that sensitivity to gluten may be at the root of their problems. But is it just gluten sensitivity or is it celiac disease? And what’s the difference? The following is a brief overview:

 Gluten sensitivity is a broad term used to include many different types of sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat. People who are sensitive to gluten may experience a wide range of symptoms, from mild inflammation of the intestinal lining to abdominal discomfort and occasional irritable bowel, but not everyone with gluten sensitivity develops celiac disease (those who don’t are considered Non-celiac Gluten Sensitive, or NCGS).

 However, people with gluten sensitivity may be experiencing the beginning stages of celiac disease. In essence, gluten sensitivity implies that the immune system cannot tolerate gluten in the diet. As a result, it forms protective antibodies to try to neutralize the gluten, in the same way it reacts to harmful bacteria or viruses. When these autoimmune reactions cause intestinal damage, a person is then considered to have celiac disease.

 Celiac disease is genetic and in some cases may be triggered by a traumatic physical or emotional event. More than 2 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, which can include severe abdominal pain and bloating, chronic diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, fatigue, and in some cases even severe anxiety and depression, skin problems, as well as bone and joint pain.

 The bottom line is this: If you have unexplained, persistent gastrointestinal issues and you and your doctor can’t seem to figure out why, gluten sensitivity may be the culprit. The best way to determine if you are truly gluten sensitive or if you have celiac disease is to have a simple stool test performed. Visit www.enterolab.com to find out more, and once you have the results you and your health care practitioner can take the next step toward better gastrointestinal health.

No, it’s not science fiction, just an emerging field of real science that continues to amaze doctors, scientists, and just about everyone in the health care community. And at the heart of it all is something that can’t even be seen with the naked eye—the trillions of microscopic bacteria that have been living in your gut since the day you were born.

The human digestive tract is where more than 70 percent of the body’s natural immune defenses are found. That means it plays a vital role in preserving overall health, and study after study has shown that the good bacteria (called probiotics) can help prevent everything from digestive problems such as irritable bowel and constipation to inflammation-related conditions such as asthma and allergies. Not only that, but the variations between one person’s gut environment and the next can make a big difference when it comes to whether or not they are more prone to certain diseases or conditions throughout life.

While this comes as no surprise to natural health experts—who have been touting the benefits of probiotics and a balanced gut for years—their hope is that it will increase awareness about the benefits of taking a daily probiotic supplement at every age in order to promote lifelong health.

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.

L-glutamine is a beneficial amino acid that (among other important jobs) helps to nourish the cells in the delicate intestinal lining, which serves as a protective barrier against toxins and harmful bacteria. In studies L-glutamine has been shown to help ease symptoms of irritable bowel and diarrhea as well as promote overall gastrointestinal health, and most experts recommend between 1,000 to 2,000mg of L-glutamine daily for natural intestinal support.