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Because Digestive Health Matters |
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders March 2023 eNewsletter |
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Greetings!
March is recognized as National Nutrition Month. This month, we will focus on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
Do you notice a change in your symptoms depending on what you eat?
If so, you are not alone. For many people living with a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, food greatly impacts their symptoms. People may find that symptoms may worsen after a meal or that certain foods might trigger or alleviate symptoms.
There is much to be learned about GI disorders. The relationship between what we eat and the digestive symptoms we may experience are not always straightforward. Learning how to get proper nutrition while minimizing symptoms can be a challenge. When issues arise in managing your GI disorder, it is important to consider seeking support from a registered dietitian (RD) or other nutrition support specialists, such as a healthcare provider or therapist. These trained individuals can help you identify your triggers and design a dietary plan to meet your needs.
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Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the second deadliest cancer in the United States. It is the third most common cancer diagnosis in both men and women. In 2023, an estimated 153,020 people will be diagnosed with this highly preventable disease. They will join more than 1.4 million colorectal cancer patients and survivors living today. |
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Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is observed in March to highlight the importance of early screening for colorectal cancer, as well as to promote healthy lifestyle habits that can decrease a person’s risk of developing cancer. Early routine screenings are an important way of keeping up with your health. These tests can help detect precancerous polyps before they transform into cancer.
If you are experiencing symptoms, or have a family history, get screened today because tomorrow can’t wait. Click below to learn more about colorectal cancer and the importance of getting screened.
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Probiotics are a mixture of live bacteria and yeast that live in your body and help the microbial community in your body function. They can be found in certain supplements, yogurts, kimchi, or other products and can provide benefits when consumed.
Some types of probiotics may even be able to help with the management of certain GI disorders symptoms such as IBS or IBD. Though probiotics show a potential to lessen certain GI symptoms, it is important to always consult your healthcare provider before embarking on a new type of treatment.
When considering probiotics, there are a few things to remember when looking for a credible product. Click the button below for some tips on choosing the right probiotic.
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Diet and nutrition are known to play a key role in managing many different GI disorders. Dietitians who specialize in GI disorders are able to help educate patients about nutrition, understand their particular nutritional needs, and provide support through challenges related to diet and their symptoms.
If you are thinking about finding a dietitian to help you manage your GI symptoms with dietary modifications, click the button below. Browse our database of listings and sort by zip code, address, or disease state to find a dietitian near you.
Are you a dietitian who specializes in GI disorders and would like to join our list? Email us today at iffgd@iffgd.org.
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IFFGD’s 2023 Education and Advocacy Event is a complementary event to educate the community about access to health care and treatment and how to best advocate for yourself in the medical field. This event will be held on April 16-17, 2023 at the Courtyard Marriott Washington DC/U.S. Capitol 1352 2nd Street NE, Washington, DC 20002.
The educational program is designed to help attendees learn more about how to receive the health care they need and deserve. Learn about topics like legislation improving patient access to care, how to contact your legislator through social media/email, how to connect with your legislators through a personal story, and information about your representatives such as policy priorities they support.
Due to COVID-19 protocols, the space will be limited to 50 guests. If you cannot attend this year's in-person event, you will also be able to submit a personal story which will be hand delivered by IFFGD staff to Congressional Representatives on the Hill on April 17th. If you are interested in sharing your story, click here to get started. We are asking that all stories be submitted no later than Monday, April 10, 2023.
Click here to view the event page for more information and to RSVP. |
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The Low FODMAP diet is an elimination style diet that was engineered by Australian researchers as a tool for those living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This was designed to manage symptoms in a drug-free manner. Though it can seem daunting, this diet can be tailored to fit an individual’s lifestyle and preferences.
FODMAP stands for:
Fermentable- gas producing
Oligosaccharides- few simple sugars linked together
Disaccharides- double sugar
Monosaccharides- singe sugar
And
Polyols- sugar alcohols
These short-chained carbohydrates are often poorly absorbed in the small intestine, delivered to the colon, and rapidly fermented by gut bacteria.This may cause bloating, gas, and abdominal pain for some people.
The low FODMAP diet consists of an initial elimination phase of potential trigger FODMAP foods. These foods are later re-introduced one at a time to see which foods trigger symptoms. Once the trigger foods are identified, diet and lifestyle adjustments can be made with the goal of reducing symptoms.
Click the button below to learn more about the FODMAP diet.
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While constipation is something that almost everyone has experienced at least once in their life, there is still so much about this disorder that is misunderstood.
This fact sheet aims to clear up some misconceptions that persist amongst the public, despite being generally well understood by the medical community. Some of these common misconceptions include if changes in hormones can cause constipation or if the long-term use of laxatives can have negative effects.
These questions and more are addressed in the fact sheet linked below. Click the button below to learn more about the myths and misconceptions of constipation.
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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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OMEGA: Outcome Measures in Eosinophilic GI Disorders Across All Ages |
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A Study to Assess Maternal and Fetal Outcomes After Taking Prucalopride During Pregnancy |
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Microbiome-Mediated Gut Dysfunction in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (MODIFY) |
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Megen Chey joined the IFFGD team in February 2022 as the Programs Assistant. In October 2022, she moved to role of Social Media Specialist. Ms. Chey is responsible for social media content creation and strategy as well as writing IFFGD’s monthly newsletter. She works closely with the Program Manager on IFFGD campaigns and advocacy events while also assisting President, Ceciel Rooker, and other staff with various projects. Previously, she worked as a Communications Manager for HomeGrown Restaurants and as a Marketing and Social Media Intern for Starbright Wine and Sweethut Bakery. |
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Ms. Chey graduated from Emory University in 2019 with a double major in Media Studies and Environmental Sciences. While at Emory, she was involved in varsity and club soccer, a continuation of her prior 10 year commitment to the sport. She was born in Atlanta, Georgia where she still lives. Ms. Chey enjoys going to the gym and visiting local parks as well as spending time with family and friends. She has worked with her father at his local restaurants, Doc Chey’s Noodle House and Osteria 832, since she was young and enjoys the opportunity to continue in new capacities with her evolving skill set. |
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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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