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

December is Constipation Awareness Month.

Most people experience bouts of constipation from time to time. But, for millions of Americans, constipation isn't something that just goes away. Chronic constipation affects up to 20% of adults and 16% of children in the United States alone. While common among all ages, genders, and populations, constipation is one of the most challenging gut symptoms to define because it occurs differently in each person.

This year, in recognition of Constipation Awareness Month, you can join us to help raise awareness on social media platforms using the hashtags #ConstipationDilemma and #ConstipationAwarenessMonth.
The term "constipation" can refer to; infrequent bowel movements, experiencing difficulty while using the bathroom, incomplete evacuation, or the passing of small/hard stool.

For some, constipation is acute, meaning it goes away fairly quickly, but for others, constipation is a daily dilemma that has persisted for many years, perhaps maybe even since childhood.

Those affected by constipation frequently report that their symptoms interfere with their daily activities, negatively impacts their self-confidence and often prevents them from fully engaging in personal and professional activities.
To learn more about constipation from IFFGD click here for written educational material and/or click here to watch animated videos about constipation.
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We are now accepting applications for designation as a 2021 Latin American Ambassador.

The IFFGD Latin Ambassador Program was created to increase awareness of IFFGD’s mission among physicians outside the United States.

This pilot program was launched in 2019, in conjunction with the Latin American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition (LASPHGAN) and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition (NASPHGAN) for pediatric gastroenterologists in Latin America.

In 2019, IFFGD announced the first Latin American Ambassadors recipients, in recognizing the importance of improving awareness and care of children impacted by chronic gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses.

Click the button below if you would like to apply to become a 2021 Latin American Ambassador.
For individuals with gastroparesis, getting adequate nutrition can be a challenge.

Due to impaired gastric emptying, affected individuals may not be able to consume enough food and liquids to get the necessary calories, vitamins, minerals, and fluids or absorption of nutrients may be diminished.

While more research is needed, nutrition strategies for gastroparesis aim to prevent further delay of gastric emptying in order to reduce symptoms and ensure the best possible nutrition.

Click the button below to learn about nutrition strategies for gastroparesis.
Thank you to everyone that tuned in for our inaugural Norton Education Series event which was live streamed from the Food for Life Kitchen at the University of Michigan, on October 11th.

If you missed the live event, you can watch all of the presentations online. Some of the talks include "Sugar: Friend or Foe?" and "Living your Best IBS Life." A cooking demonstration with GI friendly recipes is also included.

Visit our event page or follow us on social media for updates on future NES events.
For those with a chronic GI condition like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), even everyday life can be challenging.

 The obligations, work deadlines, stress of traveling during a pandemic can make someone feel even more overwhelmed.

But, you can help lessen the impact of the hustle and bustle of the holidays by practicing self-care.

Click the button below to learn how you can practice active self-care to reduce your stress this holiday season.
Constipation is a lot more common among the general population than you think.

During our inaugural Nancy and Bill Norton Patient Education Series, Kimberly Harer MD ScM shared an overview of constipation onset to treatment.

In this presentation, you will learn about the prevalence of constipation, causes, symptoms, as well as treatment tips and tricks for constipation. 

Click the button below to learn all you need to know about constipation.


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:
December Spotlight
The IFFGD Latin Ambassador Program was created to increase awareness of IFFGD’s mission among physicians outside the United States by collaborating with local Pediatric Gastroenterologists.

This month we are highlighting Ambassador Edgar Játiva Mariño MSc. PhD(c). Dr. Mariño is a Doctor in Medicine and Surgery, who specializes in Pediatrics, and a Professor of the Central University of Ecuador.

He is the Executive President of the ISAMI Maternal and Child Health Institute and President of the Latin American Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Pediatric Nutrition, Ecuador Chapter and member of the SLAGHNP.

He is currently a Doctor of Medicine and Surgery and Specialist in Pediatrics at the Central University of Ecuador. Dr. Mariño is Magister in University Teaching at the Polytechnic School of the ESPE Army. He has diplomas in Public Health at the Fudon University of Rio de Janeiro, Educational Technology at UNAM Mexico DF and Hospital Management by UCE Processes.
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