The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!

Lets be honest – when it comes to discussing digestive health, most of us would rather steer clear of the topic altogether. But now more than ever, it is important to realize that digestion plays a significant role in overall health! You may know that the primary function of the digestive tract is to break down the food we eat so that it can be used as fuel by the body. What is less well-known is the importance of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract to your immune system and your total bodys health. In fact, the GI tract is often referred to as the bodys “second line of defense” against potentially harmful pathogens that cause disease (the first defense being the skin!). Youve been pampering your skin for years, but have you been making the right dietary decisions to promote a healthy GI tract? Probably not. Station Note: The funding sponsor of this segment is Sunsweet PlumSmart Juice. About Carolyn ONeil: Carolyn O’Neil, MS, RD is a registered dietitian and award-winning food and health journalist. Her area of specialized practice is food and nutrition communications. ONeil is the co-author with Densie Webb, Ph D, RD of “The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!”. The 2005 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards chose “The DishĶ” as best food and nutrition book in the world and it was nominated for best nutrition book in the 2005 World Food Media Awards. ONeil is currently an AOL Diet & Fitness Coach with online weight control workshops. ONeil reported on food and health at CNN for nearly 20 years as Executive Producer, Managing Editor and Senior Correspondent for On The Menu and anchor and senior correspondent of CNN Travel Now. She has earned two James Beard Foundation awards for excellence in broadcast food journalism and was the first dietitian to be inducted into the James Beard Whos Who in Food and Beverage. The American Heart Association, The American Dietetic Association and the National Restaurant Association have presented ONeil with awards for food and nutrition education in the media. She is currently a member of the American Dietetic Associations Task Force on Sustainable Food Practices. https://videos.whiteblox.com/gnb/secure/player.aspx?sid=45298