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Welcome to the monthly eNewsletter of the
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD)
Digestive Health Monthly - March 2019
Greetings!

March is National Nutrition Month.

Most people living with a chronic digestive disorder connect what they eat to their symptoms. For some, symptoms may become worse during or after a meal. For others, certain foods may trigger symptoms while others make them better. But the relationship between diet and digestive symptoms is not always clear-cut, and learning how to maximize nutrition while limiting food-related symptoms can be a challenge.

This month we're looking at the role of diet and nutrition in the management of intestinal symptoms. But while some general recommendations exist, it is often helpful to consult a registered dietitian (RD) or other nutrition support specialist. That person can work with you to identify your triggers and draw up a nutrition plan that meets your individual needs.
Diet and Colorectal Cancer
Join the conversation on March 20th
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer, affecting an estimated one in 23 men and women. To raise awareness, IFFGD is partnering with Colorectal Cancer Alliance and cancer dietitian Whitney Christie, MS, RD, CSO, CNSC, for a Twitter chat on the role of diet in the prevention and management of colorectal cancer.

Join the conversation Wednesday, March 20 at 12:00 PM EST with the hashtag #DDHChat.
Nutrition Strategies for Managing Chronic Diarrhea
Foods to avoid and foods that may help
Some foods and supplements are known to be constipating while others can keep you running for the bathroom. The good news is that for some, making minor changes to what, when, and how you eat and drink, along with certain medications, if indicated by your doctor, can help reduce chronic diarrhea.

Find nutrition strategies for managing chronic diarrhea.
Find a GI Dietitian Near You
Check out IFFGD's new GI dietitian resource list
For many people with a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, dietary changes are a key part of symptom management. But creating a balanced plan that meets your individual nutrition needs can be a challenge. By working closely with a GI dietitian knowledgeable in your condition, you can identify your individual nutrition needs and come up with a plan that fits your lifestyle.

Find a GI dietitian near you with IFFGD's new dietitian resource list.
International Day of Awareness for CVS
Earlier this month, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) introduced a statement in the US House of Representatives recognizing Tuesday, March 5th as the International Day of Awareness for Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS).

CVS is a rare GI illness affecting adults and children. It's characterized by repeated episodes of severe nausea and vomiting alternating with symptom-free periods.

Beyond FODMAPs
GI dietitian Patsy Catsos shares five common low FODMAP pitfalls
First developed by an Australian research team, the low FODMAP diet has reached global renown. With hundreds of books, blogs, and articles written on the subject, it's easy to forget that the low FODMAP diet is not a "No FODMAP diet" nor is it a "lifetime diet."

To clear up some of the confusion surrounding the diet, GI dietitian Patsy Catsos, MS, RDN, LD, shares five common low FODMAP diet pitfalls and what you can do to avoid them.

Nutrition and SBS
Exploring oral, enteral, and parenteral nutrition strategies
For adults and children with short bowel syndrome (SBS), nutrition strategies aim to prevent malnutrition and dehydration and maximize overall nutrition status. This may mean adopting several different nutrition strategies, such as oral eating, enteral, and parenteral nutrition.

Learn the differences between oral, enteral, and parenteral nutrition and how these are used to help maintain nutrition in SBS.
Preparing for Tests
Get tips on how you can prepare for a colonoscopy or other test
For some, the uncertainty of what to expect during a colonoscopy may keep a person from undergoing the exam at all. But knowing what to expect and how you can best prepare yourself can help make it easier and more effective.

This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, take steps toward preventing colorectal cancer, and learn how to prepare for a colonoscopy and other commonly-ordered medical tests.
Advocacy Update
IFFGD Presents 2019 DDNC Distinguished Public Service Award
Earlier this month IFFGD was honored to present Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI) with the 2019 Digestive Disease National Coalition (DDNC) Distinguished Public Service Award in recognition of her long-time support of legislation important to the digestive health community.

Learn more about the award and other IFFGD-led advocacy activities.
RESEARCH CORNER
Clinical trials and research studies are important to improving our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of diseases and developing new and better treatments. By participating in a study, you can help advance research and learn more about your condition.

Here are 3 studies currently recruiting participants:
Bowel Incontinence
Individuals both with and without bowel incontinence are being sought by the UNC Center for Functional GI & Motility Disorders for a study to evaluate a symptom diary tool. This study will involve two in-person visits that will last up to 60 minutes each.

IBS
Men and women between the ages of 18 and 55 without a significant neurological or psychological medical history who have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are being sought for a research study to examine the brain networks in chronic pain conditions.

CIPO
Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) may be caused by a mutation in a particular inherited gene. The Center for Human Genetics is seeking families with a history of CIPO to take part in research to locate a second possible gene involved in CIPO.

IFFGD is a nonprofit organization. We rely on donor support to fund research and to provide reliable information and support to those affected by chronic gastrointestinal disorders.
IFFGD | 414-964-1799 | iffgd@iffgd.org | www.iffgd.org