Digestive Health Monthly - October 2018
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Greetings!
When it comes to managing the complex and often unpredictable symptoms of a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) illness, many people benefit from a combination of different treatment approaches.
But, what exactly is a "treatment"? A treatment is any medicine or therapy that you use to treat your condition. It can be a pill, a shot, exercise, or an operation (surgery). It could involve sessions with a counselor or a change in diet. The connection between what we put in our bodies and how we feel has long been recognized. But, our understanding of why what we eat increases or lessens symptoms and how dietary strategies can be used to help manage symptoms is rapidly increasing.
Last month we attended
FOOD: The Main Course to Digestive Health, a specialized training program for dietitians and others with an interest in caring for patients with digestive disorders hosted by the University of Michigan Medicine. Continuing with what we learned, we invite you to join us this month in exploring different dietary approaches to the treatment of GI conditions.
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To help ensure that the experiences, opinions, and needs of patients are heard and incorporated into drug approval decisions, the FDA accepts comments from the public on a range of issues.
The FDA is currently seeking comments regarding two upcoming meetings to discuss the safety and efficacy of prucalopride for the treatment of adults with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and tegaserod (Zelnprm) for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in women without cardiovascular risk.
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When Sugar Isn't So Sweet
What is CSID and how is it treated?
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Most people have heard of lactose intolerance, the inability to digest the sugar found in milk. But, did you know that there are other sugars that some people may not be able to properly digest?
For individuals with
congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (CSID, also known as sucrose intolerance), the sugars sucrose (found in fruits and table sugar) and maltose (the sugar in grains) are not broken down properly, causing digestive symptoms.
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Meet the Researcher
Q&A with 2018 IFFGD Research Award winner Dr. Katja Kovacic
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Winner of the
2018 IFFGD Research Recognition Award in the category of Pediatric Investigator, Katja Kovacic, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin and serves as the Director of Pediatric Gastrointestinal Motility and Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) programs at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. She is currently working on the development of a novel neuromodulation therapy for functional nausea and CVS.
Here, we asked Dr. Kovacic to share a bit more about her research and her thoughts on the future of treatment for functional nausea and vomiting disorders in children.
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Nutrition Strategies for Managing Diarrhea
Exploring the dos and don'ts of diarrhea
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In some people, chronic diarrhea may be controlled to some extent through diet and lifestyle modifications. The good news is that making some small changes to what, when, and how much you eat and drink, along with certain medications, if indicated by a doctor, can improve quality of life for many.
Find tips
on foods and supplements to avoid and things you can do to help
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October is Health Literacy Month
Read up on your condition with the help of IFFGD's Publications Library
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For those with a chronic GI illness, being health literate often means becoming as knowledgeable about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments available for your condition as possible.
But, figuring out where to start can be overwhelming.
Search through expert-written information on a range of GI disorders and topics in our
Publications Library to find the answers you need.
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2019 IFFGD Research Awards
IFFGD is seeking applications for our 2019 Research Recognition Awards
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Since IFFGD was founded in 1991, we have recognized the importance of research in shaping the future of the treatment and care of all those affected by a chronic GI condition. To help support and encourage the research of clinicians and scientists in the field of functional GI and motility disorders, we have presented awards and grants to 42 investigators from around the world.
We are pleased to announce that
we are seeking applications and nominations for our 2019 Research Recognition Awards.
Click here to learn more about our 2019 Research Awards and download an application.
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The Low FODMAP Diet for IBS
What's a FODMAP and why does it trigger my symptoms?
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"FODMAP" is an acronym for a group of long-chain carbohydrates present in some foods. These carbohydrates commonly cause gut symptoms in people with IBS. But, IBS is a complex condition, and those affected often react differently to different carbohydrates. So, researchers from Australia developed an elimination and reintroduction process to help those with IBS, who are triggered by one or more FODMAPs, discover their individual triggers.
But, the low FODMAP diet isn't for everyone.
Learn more
about the low FODMAP diet to see if it's right for you
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Visit IFFGD at Upcoming Medical Meetings
IFFGD attends ACG and UEG in October
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IFFGD regularly attends medical meetings to share our resources with the medical community and get updates on the latest research advances.
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Clinical trials and research studies are important to improving our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of diseases and developing new and better treatments. By participating in a study, you can help advance research and learn more about your condition.
Here are 3 studies currently recruiting participants:
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Individuals with IBS are needed to take part in an online research survey. The survey aims to help researchers understand self-management strategies in IBS.
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Researchers are seeking adults who experience fecal incontinence (at least one episode of unintentional loss of stool a week) to participate in a study evaluating two dietary interventions.
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Individuals with short bowel syndrome (SBS) are being recruited to participate in a study assessing the long-term safety and efficacy of teduglutide (Gattex).
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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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