Sure, we hear all the time about the benefits of vitamin C, vitamin A, and of course all those good-for-you B vitamins, but chances are you’ve been hearing lately about another vitamin too—one that’s also important for your body and your health: vitamin D.

Research shows that vitamin D helps with a wide range of health conditions, but unfortunately most people don’t get enough of this beneficial nutrient in their daily diets. Studies have even shown that people low in vitamin D are at risk for many different illnesses and diseases, but what I want to talk about is the importance of vitamin D when it comes to a healthy gut.

A recent study found that vitamin D plays a big role in the body’s response to harmful Salmonella bacteria in the intestines (salmonella bacteria are the most frequently reported cause of foodborne illness in the U.S.). Specifically, scientists found that vitamin D is especially effective at helping to quell inflammation caused by Salmonella in the gut. 

The bottom line? If you’re not taking a vitamin D supplement, you should be!  Vitamin D is widely available and inexpensive—just make sure you take vitamin D3 since it’s easiest for your body to absorb and use. Remember also to take vitamin D with a meal that contains fat, since it’s a fat-soluble vitamin. Or better yet, look for a daily Omega oil supplement with preferrably 1000 IU added vitamin D3 to get even more healthy benefits!

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Here’s something I thought you might find interesting: researchers at Harvard University Medical School recently discovered that bacteria in the gut can trigger the autoimmune response associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

In simple terms, an autoimmune response means that there’s an immune response in the body that goes astray, causing the body to attack its own tissues instead of a foreign invader, in this case causing the breakdown in healthy joint cartilage seen in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

So what does all this mean when it comes to the trillions of bacteria living in your digestive tract every day? It means that they can affect your whole body, sometimes even causing conditions nowhere near the gut, and it’s something I’ve been saying for years! Not only that, but more and more studies these days are proving me right, showing that many autoimmune conditions begin right in the gut.

This isn’t surprising, since more than 70% of your body’s immune defenses are found in the gut—and when things like digestive problems, gut bacteria imbalance and toxin overload put a strain on the immune system, it often leads to the development of autoimmune conditions. 

The folks at Harvard are planning to look at the effects of intestinal bacteria on other autoimmune conditions as well, including type 1 diabetes, so stay tuned! And remember to take good care of your gut!

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Not only that, but you will receive 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!

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I love olive oil—on my salads, in pasta, when I’m cooking up some veggies—so when I read this study about olive oil and how it can help lessen the risk of developing ulcerative colitis, I knew I just had to share!

Scientists recently found a link between oleic acid intake, which comes largely from Omega-9 rich olive oil, and a decreased risk of developing ulcerative colitis—a disease that affects the large intestine (or colon). It’s a chronic condition that involves inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum, and it can be pretty serious if left untreated.

Researchers estimated that up to half of the cases of ulcerative colitis could be prevented if oleic acid was consumed in higher quantities. Wow, right?! That’s not only amazing, but it’s so easy to do! In fact, they recommended just two to three tablespoons of olive oil each day for a protective effect.

Extra virgin olive oil is delicious on fresh salads, mixed with grains or pasta (gluten-free if you’re sensitive to gluten) and even for dipping sauces, so be sure to step up your daily intake for a healthy colon! Regular olive oil is best for cooking because it’s more stable for heating.

 If you can’t seem to get enough healthy oleic acid from your diet, look for an Omega oil supplement that contains a wide range of beneficial Omega fats—like Omega-3, 5, 6, 7 and yes, 9—to be sure you’re getting a balance of these beneficial nutrients.

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