Because Digestive Health Matters
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders March 2020 eNewsletter
Greetings!

March is National Nutrition Month.

For many people with a chronic digestive condition, food and eating can have a profound effect on symptoms. Many people find that their symptoms get worse following a meal, and certain foods may exacerbate or alleviate symptoms. The relationship between diet and digestive symptoms are not always clear-cut and learning how to maximize nutrition while limiting food-related symptoms can be a challenge.

While general information does exist, questions about what you should or should not eat may arise. Individuals living with digestive disorders find it beneficial to consult with a registered dietitian (RD) or other nutrition support specialists, such as a physician or therapist to help them identify their triggers and design a dietary plan to meet their individual needs.
Colorectal Cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis in both men and women and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

Routine screenings can help detect precancerous polyps before they transform into cancer and allows millions of Americans to remain healthy.

To learn more about colorectal cancer and the importance of getting screened, click here.
Several studies have estimated that 1 in 5 (20%) of the U.S. adult population experience Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-related symptoms at least once a week.

Studies have also demonstrated that up to 4 in 5 (79%) of GERD patients experience nighttime symptoms.

GERD and sleep have a two-way relationship. GERD adversely affects sleep by awakening people during the night. Follow the link for tips to help you improve your sleep.

Click below for tips to help improve your sleep while living with GERD.
Milk and other dairy products are a major source of nutrients in the American diet. One of the most important of these nutrients is calcium. Calcium is essential for the growth and repair of bones throughout life.

In the middle and later years, a shortage of calcium may lead to thin, fragile bones that break easily, a condition called osteoporosis could develop. For those who are lactose intolerant, getting enough calcium may be a concern.

Click below to learn about calcium-rich non-dairy food options.
*Please note changes to the IFFGD events due to concerns of COVID-19
*Diet, Nutrition and Digestive Health: Finding the Balance in Food for Life

The Norton Education Series event in Michigan, which was previously scheduled on Saturday, April 18th, will now be held on Sunday, October 11th, 2020.

Visit our event page  or follow us on social media for the rescheduled date and any other event updates.
* IFFGD's 2020 National Advocacy Event

IFFGD's 2020 Advocacy Event on Capitol Hill will now be held as a Virtual Advocacy Day.

This web-based event will tentatively still occur on July 27th 2020. More details will come in the near future as we update the current event page .

Stay informed through our social media channels and by signing up for the IFFGD Advocacy Connection eNewsletter.
Some foods and supplements are known to cause constipation, 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.

Click below for nutrition strategies to help you manage chronic diarrhea.
Every April, we focus our attention on important health messages about IBS diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life issues.

The more we work together to raise awareness for IBS, the greater our ability to impact positive outcomes, such as increased research, increased educational opportunities, and improved patient care, for the functional GI community.

For information on how you can help raise awareness this April, click the button below.


Clinical trials and research studies help to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of diseases and advance the development of new and better treatment options. By participating in a study, you can help further the advancement of research and learn more about your condition.

Here are 3 studies currently recruiting participants :
IBS
Carlos Velasco-Benitez, MD, PhD from Colombia
The IFFGD Ambassadors Program was created to expand our reach in Mexico and South America by collaborating with local Pediatric Gastroenterologists.

This month we are highlighting Ambassador Carlos Alberto Velasco-Benitz, MD PhD from Colombia where he is a Professor, Department of Pediatrics at the Universidad del Valle. His main areas of focus are Pediatric Functional Digestive Disorders and Celiac Disease.
He was the Past-president Latin American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (LASPGHAN).

Dr. Benitz has 66 published articles and several books related to pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition that can be found in the google academic located here.

To see the published articles click here.
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