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Because Digestive Health Matters
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International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders May 2022 eNewsletter
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Greetings!
May is Food Allergy Awareness Month
For individuals with food allergies, a tiny amount of certain foods can cause an immune system response, ranging from mild to life-threatening reactions. Studies have shown that an estimated 6 to 8% of children under the age of 3 are diagnosed with food allergies and up to 3 percent of adults.
Often, food allergies and food intolerances can be misunderstood, and understanding the differences between the two can be challenging for many people with gastrointestinal disorders. When you notice changes in your symptoms, it is important to communicate this with your healthcare provider.
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While everyone experiences gas, many people often believe the normal passage of gas to be excessive.
Gas is created either by swallowing air or naturally by the breakdown of food in the intestines. As undigested food moves from the small intestine to the large intestine, bacteria breaks it down and creates hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane, which is then released by the body.
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While this is normal, there are particular foods that are more likely to cause gas when digested.
Foods with carbohydrates are known to cause gas, while fats and proteins often do not. Gas-causing foods can include beans, certain vegetables and fruits, dairy, carbonated drinks, some types of alcohol, whole grains and bran.
To learn about more foods that cause gas, click here.
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Dyspepsia is a relatively common disorder that causes pain or discomfort in the upper abdominal area. People with this disorder often report feelings of fullness or pressure in the stomach that is not always related to eating a meal.
Dyspeptic symptoms can develop due to diseases such as peptic ulcers or gastritis and can include nausea, belching, bloating, and early feelings of fullness.
Many people who see healthcare providers for these symptoms are diagnosed with functional dyspepsia, which has a variety of causes. While the definition of FD has changed somewhat over the years, the disorder is generally regarded as a group of symptoms thought to originate in the upper digestive tract (stomach and upper small intestine) in the absence of any structural or metabolic disease likely to explain the symptoms
Click the button below to learn more about the causes and treatments for dyspepsia
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May 15-21 2022 is known as National Eosinophil Awareness Week.
In 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives passed House Bill 296, which recognized the third week of May as EoE Awareness Week.
Thanks to the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED), this week aims to create awareness and educate the public about eosinophil-associated disease.
APFED encourages people to get involved in a variety of different ways, ranging from educating to donating to posting on social media.
Click the button below to see how you can support the EoE community.
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Upcoming Events
A Unique Charitable Event with Achievable Goals for All
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The 2022 Virtual Digestive Health Wellness and Walk Event is a charitable event to raise money for gastrointestinal illness research.
Like a traditional walk event, participants register to walk and be active to get credit for steps taken during the event. However, this event goes beyond a step goal. The event will provide goals that can be achieved by people of varying abilities as activities will focus strongly on wellness, self-care, traditional and non-traditional fitness activities.
Goals will go beyond physical fitness by encouraging participants to schedule a doctor’s appointment or colonoscopy, try a new gut-friendly recipe, or start a diary of their food and/or symptoms. By adding these alternative activities, we hope that anyone that wants to participate, can participate. #Moves4GIhealth22.
Visit the event page for
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Chronic Diarrhea has many causes ranging from disease to medications to diet. Diarrhea can often be caused by something in the diet that is taken in excess.
A variety of different substances when consumed in excess are known to cause loose stools. These include chemical substances such as alcohol, caffeine, and sugar. Fructose is also known to cause diarrhea if too much is consumed. It is naturally found in fruits and added to candies, soft drinks, and preservatives. Other causes include lactose intolerance or the use of laxatives which frequently be found in herbal medicines.
For more information on causes of chronic diarrhea, click the button below.
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CSID is a genetic disorder that affects a person’s ability to digest certain sugars. This disorder prevents a person from breaking down the sugars sucrose (a sugar found in fruits) and maltose (the sugar found in grains) as well as other carbohydrates.
CSID usually presents as an infant and a diagnosis is typically made under the age of 18 months. Once the infant begins to consume fruits, juices, and grains, the deficiency becomes apparent. Ingestion of these substances often leads to diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating and excess gas production.
Click the button below to learn more about causes and treatments for CSID.
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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:
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The IFFGD Ambassadors Program was designed to expand our reach in Mexico and South America by collaborating with local Pediatric Gastroenterologists.
This month, we highlight Ambassador Dr. Roman Nestor Bigliardi, MD.
Dr. Romanian Bigliardi, MD is the head of pediatric gastroenterology section for Htal. Posadas. Prior to this position, Dr. Bigliardi was in charge of motility and functional disorders in his hospital. He is one of the coordinators of the Motility subcommittee of the Gastroenterology committee of the Argentine Society of Pediatrics and a member of the motility circle of the Argentine Republic.
Functional GI disorders are becoming more frequent every day, and research papers on them are on the rise. His goal is to be part of the team in charge of disseminating the information of these pathologies and to be able to update and teach with his colleagues.
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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.
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