International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
March 2021 eNewsletter
|
|
|
Greetings!
March is recognized as National Nutrition Month. Do you notice a change in your symptoms depending on what you eat?
If so, then you are not alone. For many people living with a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, food can profoundly affect symptoms. People even find that their symptoms get worse following a meal, and certain foods may exacerbate or alleviate symptoms.
The relationship between what we eat and digestive symptoms are not always clear-cut. Often, learning how to maximize nutrition while limiting food-related symptoms can be challenging. When questions arise it is important to consider seeking support from a registered dietitian (RD) or other nutrition support specialists, such as a healthcare provider or therapist who can help you identify your triggers and design a dietary plan to meet your individual needs.
|
|
|
|
Bloating and distension are associated with several GI conditions, including IBS, functional dyspepsia, and chronic constipation. These conditions can cause discomfort, pain, and have a negative impact on quality of life.
But what causes bloating? And, what can be done about it?
A number of factors may contribute to bloating, and treatment often means working closely with your healthcare provider to identify the causes and develop a strategy that works for you.
|
|
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition marked by an abnormality in the lining of the lower esophagus. It is believed to be due to severe, longstanding, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Question from a patient:
"I underwent an endoscopic exam about 1 year ago and was diagnosed with GERD (but not Barrett's). Do I need another endoscopy? How can I tell if there has been damage to the esophagus?"
Click the button below to read the response from J. Patrick Waring, MD, gastroenterologist at Digestive Healthcare of Georgia.
|
|
Dietitians who specialize in GI disorders, help educate patients about nutrition, understand their particular nutritional needs, and provide support through challenges related to diet and their symptoms.
Are you thinking about finding a dietitian to help you manage your GI symptoms with dietary modifications?
Click the button below to access IFFGD’s Dietitian Listing and search by your zip code, address, or disease state to find a dietitian in your area.
Are you a dietitian who specializes in GI disorders and want to join our list? Email us today at iffgd@iffgd.org.
|
|
|
|
Join us the week of March 21, 2021!
Register now to join us for a multiday advocacy program! There will be a Sunday education program to kick-off the week. This program will include three sections:
• Finding Help Through Support Groups on Facebook: Learn more about what to look for in a Facebook support group to help narrow down your search.
• In-person and Online Support Groups: These discussion will highlight the unique benefits that in-person and online support groups can provide for the community.
• Developing a Comprehensive Support System: Building a well-rounded support system is important to ensure the best quality of care for all GI patients. These video discussions will educate viewers on types of support that are not always considered.
Monday, March 22nd and Tuesday, March 23rd will consist of shorter evening programs:
• Advocacy Education: Learn more about Congress, why advocacy is so important, how to contact and follow-up with Congress, as well as IFFGD’s legislative priorities for the GI community.
• Governmental Support: Topics include opportunities for youth involvement and education on safely and efficiently traveling with GI conditions. Viewers will also learn more about current resources from the VA and the work being done to improve future resources.
|
|
|
|
|
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of IFFGD, we will be hosting a very special virtual edition of the Norton Education Series (NES).
The Nancy and Bill Norton Patient Education Series Event: IFFGD’s Thirtieth Anniversary Edition - This program will be a mix of pre-recorded videos and live feed that will take place Saturday, November 6th and Sunday, November 7th.
William Chey, MD will Chair the Program Committee and Lin Chang, MD and John Pandolfino, MD will serve as Co-Chairs. The Program Committee will join Ceciel Rooker, IFFGD President, in co-hosting the event.
Click here to learn more about the event and register!
|
|
|
Did you know that 60-70% of our immune system is located in our GI tract?
IFFGD collaborator and Boston based Dietitian, Kate Scarlata, MPH, RDN, LDN says; “while we face this pandemic, we can support our immune function by staying active, eating healthy foods, engaging in relaxing activities (board games, puzzles, yoga, cooking), and of course, getting adequate sleep.”
During our COVID-19 Podcast, Kate shares what we can include in our diet to support our immune system and help fight infections.
Click the link below to learn more
|
|
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:
|
|
Transition Experiences of Patients with Functional GI Disorders |
|
Pilot Study for TCE Imaging of the Esophagus Using an OFDI Capsule With a Compact Imaging System |
|
TAK-906 for the Treatment of Adult Subjects With Symptomatic Idiopathic or Diabetic Gastroparesis |
|
IFFGD has an Advisory Board that is made up of 60 medical professionals from various disciplines representing the USA and ten other countries. Many of these individuals are noted experts in the field of functional gastrointestinal disorders. This month we would like to recognize our new advisory board member, Neha D. Shah MPH, RD, CNSC, CHES.
Neha has been specializing in gastroenterology (GI), intestinal failure, intestinal transplant, hepatology and nutrition support for the past 15 years.
She initially began her career as an inpatient dietitian at Stanford Health Care supporting various teams, including GI oncology and GI surgery. She later joined the Digestive Health Center to inaugurate and build Nutrition Services for both the GI and Liver clinics.
|
|
|
She was involved with program development, including serving as co-lead to build the outpatient Nutrition Support (enteral/parenteral nutrition) and Intestinal Failure and Rehabilitation programs, where she provided specialized care to individuals on home nutrition support and short bowel syndrome. She also served as the Intestinal Transplant dietitian to provide pre and post intestinal transplant care. She is now at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), specializing in GI, IBD and intestinal failure.
With her patients, Neha strives to develop a partnership with her patients to help them discover their own underlying motivations to help promote change to diet and nutrition. In a collaborative and ongoing approach, she will work with her patients to address obstacles that may serve as barriers to nutrition and develop personalized strategies for implementation to meet goals for overall good health.
Aside from patient care, Neha has authored several articles and book chapters on a wide variety of topics related to GI and liver nutrition. She is involved with several committees in professional organizations to increase the awareness of nutrition. With International Foundations for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), she is currently a member of the Diet and Digestive Health Twitter Chat committee to plan for monthly GI nutrition chats led by a dietitian. She has led three chats herself on nutrition for short bowel syndrome, scleroderma and ostomy.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
