Exciting news! If you live in the greater Tampa Bay area, be sure watch me LIVE on WEDU-TV tonight from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. for my NEW PBS special, The Road to Perfect Health.

A lot of folks don’t realize that a healthy body begins with a healthy gut. That’s because your digestive tract is where more than 80 percent of your body’s natural defenses are found, and it’s where trillions of bacteria live in a delicate balance to help you absorb nutrients, defend against toxins, and fight off illness and disease—not to mention help with bowel regularity!

But what may surprise you is that even things you wouldn’t normally associate with digestive health—everything from anxiety, joint aches and food sensitivities to fibromyalgia and even high cholesterol—they all start in the gut. That’s how important it is to keep your digestive system running smoothly.

Join me to learn the secret to balancing your gut and healing your body, beginning with the power of probiotics. Those are the beneficial bacteria in your intestines that help with healthy digestion and immune function, and they are the key to a strong GPS, or what I like to call your Gut Protection System. From there, I’ll give you the keys to rebuilding your health from the inside out and finally living the life you’ve always wanted. See you there!

If you don’t live in the Tampa Bay Area, The Road to Perfect Health is also airing nationwide right now through mid-December. Visit PBS for air times and station in your area.

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This week’s weekly challenge can help set you off on the right foot and in the right direction for bringing health to this week and the many to follow.

In a recent eye-opening study, researchers from the University of Washington analyzed an array of scented products to see if they were emitting chemicals not found on the labels. These included air fresheners, laundry products, fabric softeners, personal care products, and cleaning products. Turns out, many of them were. The use of the blanket term “fragrance” in an ingredient list may be covering up the inclusion of hundreds of hidden chemicals you don’t even know you’re being exposed to.

What’s worse, many of the products tested made some sort of claim about being green, natural or organic. Even these “natural” products were found to contain toxic ingredients, some of which are known to be carcinogenic. Yikes!

These toxic ingredients can be difficult to avoid since cleaning products, laundry products and air fresheners are not required to disclose ingredients. I recommend making your own cleaning products from natural ingredients like lemon juice, baking soda and vinegar.

This week, take a look at the products you use. If they are scented, chances are they’re a toxic soup. Check your personal care products. Is “fragrance” one of the ingredients? If so, drop it and run for the hills!

Bottom line? When buying any product, look for unscented or fragrance-free versions to be sure that you are getting the purest one available.

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Since we are moving into winter, it would be wise for everyone to be mindful of their vitamin D status. We now know that vitamin D affects close to 2,000 genes that have to do with immunity and inflammation. The best vitamin D test to have done is the blood 25 (OH) vitamin D level. A level less than 30 ng/mL is inadequate. Though the Lab Corp normal range is 32 – 100 ng/mL, an optimum level would be 50 – 70 ng/mL. Generally, a prescription is needed for the test, but ZRT Lab and Life Extension offer the test directly without prescription. Out of pocket cost for the test at Lab Corp (with prescription) is $85, and Life Extension and ZRT tests cost a little over $60. With a prescription, insurance may cover some portion of the cost.

The latest data from around the U.S. suggests that more than 90 percent of dark-skinned people (African-Americans, Hispanics and Asians) have vitamin D levels less than 30 ng/mL. What’s more, over 75 percent of the Caucasian population also have levels less than 30 ng/mL. Further, this rate of low vitamin D has doubled in the U.S. in the last ten years.1 The primary reasons seem to be obesity (vitamin D stored in fat is not available), sun-phobia and excess use of sunscreen (this is because we have been told by medical authorities to avoid sun exposure and/or use plenty of sunscreen), and air pollution (which blocks UVB light necessary for the conversion of vitamin D).

There are three things you can do to obtain enough vitamin D:

Correct amount of sun exposure at the right time of day. UVB is available between 10 am and 3 pm (best time is 12 pm to 2 pm). Fair-skinned people may get enough UVB by exposing 25 to 50 percent of their body for 10 to 15 minutes. Darker-skinned people may need one or more hours. If your skin becomes pink (minimal erythema dose, MED) then cut your time by 50 to 75 percent. However, if you live north of Atlanta from November through March, you will not receive enough UVB due to the tilt of the earth away from the sun. Also, if you are over age 70, you have 70 percent less production of vitamin D from sun exposure. Seniors will still benefit from sun exposure but will also need to supplement with vitamin D. In addition, cloud cover can reduce vitamin D synthesis by 50 to 75 percent. On cloudy days, you can get sunburned with UVA rays, and be at risk for cancer and wrinkles, yet not receive the beneficial UVB.2

Sun lamp. High-quality sun lamps replicate natural sunshine. UVA (at 94 to 97.5 percent) and UVB (at 2.5 to 6 percent) exposure times will be basically the same as are found on an ideal day of sun exposure. If you prefer a tanning salon, make sure they use low pressure lamps (look for fluorescent tubes, not round lamps), avoid high pressure lamps which do not provide UVB rays. You may get tan, but you could also get skin damage or cancer.2

Diet and supplements. Generally speaking, everyone should supplement with vitamin D, unless you are impeccable about sun/sun lamp exposure. Infants need 400 to 1,000 iu daily, children 2,000 iu daily and adults 4,000 iu daily as a general starting point. At these doses, you could begin supplementing without a 25 (OH) vitamin D test. After two to three months of supplementation, a blood test will help adjust the dose. If you have questions or concerns, contact a healthcare practitioner who has an understanding of vitamin D. For more information go to www.vitamindcouncil.org, or read the book The Vitamin D Solution by Michael Holick PhD, MD.

Leonard Smith, M.D.
Dr. Leonard Smith is a prominent Board-Certified, general, gastrointestinal and vascular surgeon who had a successful private practice for 25 years. In addition to his active surgery practice, he also incorporated lifestyle, diet, supplementation, exercise, detoxification, and stress management into many of the therapies he would prescribe. Many of his patients with cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other serious illnesses did so well under his treatment regimes that he began to devote most of his career to foundational health care and preventive medicine.

1. J.S. Adams and M. Hewison, “Update in vitamin D.” J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Feb;95(2):471-8.

2. M.F. Holick, The Vitamin D Solution, Hudson Street Press, 2010.

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Great news, folks! My long-time friend and colleague Dr. Leonard Smith will soon be joining our online community with regular guest blog posts about important topics like gut health, nutrition, colon hydrotherapy, natural detoxification and more. And who better to give us advice about keeping our bodies and our digestive systems in good shape?

Dr. Smith has spent his career helping people live healthier through things like good digestion and diet, and he is a true mentor and an inspiration to me. He spent many years as a gastrointestinal surgeon before beginning his own successful private practice, and his knowledge of natural healing therapies is both impressive and inspiring. I have had the privilege of working side by side with Dr. Smith while writing several of my books, and I’m so excited he’ll soon be joining us here on brendawatson.com. Welcome, Dr. Smith!

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We’ve known since we introduced Ultimate Flora Advanced Immunity at ReNew Life that it was an awesome triple threat when fighting seasonal health issues. Now the whole world knows. EpiCor, a key ingredient in Ultimate Florida Advanced Immunity, has just been awarded the 2010 Scientific Excellence Award at the SupplySide Conference in Las Vegas. SupplySide is the largest event in the world for healthy, natural and innovative ingredients.

EpiCor Immunogen has been proven in multiple scientific studies to help boost resistance to seasonal health issues, support optimum respiratory health, and help the immune system cope with stress. Ultimate Flora Advanced Immunity is a combination of three proven natural ingredients, namely a powerful probiotic, EpiCor, and the potent antioxidant ResistAid™. Together, they help promote a balanced immune system, which in turn boosts the body’s defenses during cold, flu and allergy seasons.

EpiCor won this wonderful recognition due to several published studies that showcased its effectiveness when fighting colds, flu and allergies. In Studies published by the Journal of Alternative Medicine, Urologic Nursing, and Advances in Therapy, it has been shown to reduce symptoms after they appear, as well as help reduce the number and duration of each incidence.

So stock up on the Ultimate Flora Advanced Immunity before cold, flu or allergy season starts –and maybe a little chicken soup. You could very well go through the season sniffle-free!

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This week’s “Renew You” Challenge is about reading food labels.

The Corn Refiners Association has petitioned the FDA requesting to use the name “corn sugar” instead of high fructose corn sugar (HFCS). Really? Corn sugar does sound healthier than high fructose corn sugar, and that’s the point.

Unfortunately, changing the name of this harmful ingredient would probably result in some people seeing it as a healthier, more natural sweetener. With all the media awareness around the negative aspects of high fructose corn syrup, I’m sure there would be a big push to let people know the deception behind the term ‘corn sugar.’

Fortunately, it is likely that this name switch will not actually come to pass, and you will never see corn sugar in an ingredient list. The request probably did more damage than anything, and hopefully taught the HFCS producers a lesson about trying to pull a fast one on us.

The challenge this week is to check the ingredient labels on everything you eat and buy. Become familiar with what ingredients are in your food. If you don’t recognize an ingredient, look it up. Find out what is really in your food, and compare similar foods to find the best alternative. You’ll be amazed at what you learn.

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Every time I read about a study like this my heart just breaks. So many kids today are diagnosed with ADHD, and to think that something inside our own homes might be contributing to the problem is really hard to hear.

ADHD, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is one of the most common childhood disorders, and it can seriously impact the health and well being of not just children, but of whole families. Kids with ADHD are often severely hyperactive and have a difficult time concentrating and paying attention, and because they have such a hard time controlling their behavior, many of them have problems in school and at home. For parents of kids with ADHD, the last thing they want to worry about is toxins, but now there’s even more evidence that our increasingly toxic world is taking a toll on American families.

Recently a team of experts from Boston University looked at samples from nearly 600 kids between the ages of 12 and 15, and what they found was that those with higher levels of a type of toxin called PFCs in their bodies were more likely to suffer from ADHD. PFC stands for polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, and research suggests that these chemicals may affect healthy nervous system function. And because they’re used so much in things like food packaging and flame-retardant coatings for furniture and upholstery, it’s probably safe to say that PFCs are in most of our homes every day.

While we’ll never really be able to get rid of all the toxins that are inside our bodies, the best way to stay healthy is just to stay informed and do our best to reduce our toxic exposure. Take a good look at the products you use every day, and whenever you can, try to replace chemical-laden products with safer, natural alternatives. Your health—and the health of your kids—might just depend on it!

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“Renew You” Challenge – Be a part of my Weekly Challenge (I mean, opportunity!) to help set you off on the right foot for bringing health to your week.

So here we are right smack in the middle of another cold and flu season, and all I can hear in my head is mom telling me to eat my fruits and veggies. Why? Well, you know how a lot of folks take multivitamins every day? Fresh fruits and vegetables are like nature’s multivitamin—chock full of important nutrients and natural antioxidants proven to boost immune function and help keep you healthy—which brings me back to cold and flu season.

The best way to ward off seasonal illness is by being proactive. Don’t wait until the first sign of a sneeze or sniffle, but instead practice good habits all year long, and that includes (and you knew this was coming) eating more fruits and veggies. So that’s your challenge this week!

Now before you start to groan, just bear with me. The CDC has this great new website that helps you calculate how many servings of fruits and vegetables you need each day based on your age, sex and activity level, and from there it’s just a matter of being creative. And parents, pay attention—getting kids to gobble up their fruits and veggies may not be as difficult as you think. Just plan ahead, spend a little time at the beginning of the week slicing and storing, and soon the whole family will be on their way to better health. Here are some tips to help you get started!

 Dip bite-size veggies in low-fat dressing
 Spread natural peanut butter on celery sticks
 Spread hummus on celery, carrots or even whole-wheat pita
 Add pre-sliced veggies and even fruit to sandwiches & wraps
 Prepare individual salad servings for a quick grab-and-go lunch
 Top natural tortilla chips or pita chips with fresh, homemade salsa
 Mix berries or other fruits with yogurt, oatmeal & cereal
 Keep frozen fruit on hand for shakes & smoothies

For more simple, healthful snack ideas and recipes using fresh fruits and veggies, be sure to visit www.fiber35diet.com.

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A lot of folks ask me where I find the time to stay up to date with current health news when I’m constantly traveling. The truth is, it isn’t always easy, but information sources like the Environmental Health Perspectives journal are a huge help.

EHP helps raise awareness about environmental toxins and their effects on human health—a subject I’m pretty passionate about, as you know!—and the latest issue talks about two studies whose results I just had to share. Even though it’s not exactly good news (okay, I guess you could say it’s just plain bad news), it’s a subject we just can’t afford to ignore any longer: everyday chemicals are wreaking havoc on our bodies and our well being.

In the first study, prenatal exposure to chemical toxins called phthalates (pronounced THA-lātes) was linked to birth defects in newborns and extreme behavioral problems in younger children. Scientists tested the urine of pregnant women for phthalates and then followed up with them as their children aged to track their behavioral development… and guess what? The women with the highest levels of phthalates reported the worst behavior in their children. So about now you’re probably thinking, “Well, what the heck are phthalates and how can I avoid them?” Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple.

Phthalates are found in a lot of everyday products, and I mean a lot—especially things like make-up and beauty products. On the bright side, they’ve been removed from children’s products because they were found to be harmful, but exposure for expectant mothers really hasn’t been taken into consideration before now… maybe after hearing these results the regulators will finally listen?? I certainly hope so!

The second study looked at the effects of polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) on women who were trying to get pregnant. PBDEs are flame-retardant chemicals used widely in things like electronics, mattresses, carpet and fabrics, plastic products, and believe me—the list goes on. But what’s really scary is that they’re also found in household dust because the chemicals rub off on the products over time. Now, I hate dusting, but that might make me think twice about putting it off when I’m feeling lazy!

The results of this second study showed that women who had higher levels of PBDEs in their blood had a harder time getting pregnant, and it took them longer to conceive than women with lower blood levels of PBDEs. The point? This toxic soup we’re swimming in is everywhere, folks. But short of moving to Antarctica (oh wait, the ozone layer there is depleting—never mind!), there is no way to avoid them all. My advice is just to take small but sensible steps to reduce your exposure to harmful toxins, beginning with considering the products you buy (and opting for natural alternatives whenever possible), and making sure you cleanse and detox regularly!

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Do you know what heartburn, constipation, weight gain, high cholesterol and fatigue have in common? What about things like allergies, arthritis and even chronic disease? Well, you might be surprised to hear it, but ALL of these things are related…and guess why? Because they ALL start in the gut. Want to know more?

Join me on October 13^th at Sunflower Farmers Market in Scottsdale for a free digestive health lecture. I’m going to be talking 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 natural defenses found in our gut. We’ll also talk about the natural supplements that are essential for helping you look and feel your best every day, so mark your calendar!

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

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