Digestive Health Monthly

Because Digestive Health Matters

International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders October 2024 eNewsletter

October is Health Literacy Month. This month, we will emphasize the importance of making the healthcare system more navigable for patients and caregivers and highlight the need to simplifying health information. By making health information clearer and more accessible, we can help make healthcare more equitable for everyone.

For those living with a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, being health literate is crucial. This often means taking on the role of your own researcher. It’s essential to understand symptoms, diagnoses, and available treatments to effectively advocate for yourself within the healthcare system.

Promoting awareness of chronic GI disorders is vital not just this month, but all year round. By supporting greater health literacy, we enable more people to learn about potential treatments for their GI conditions. We invite you to join us in sharing the resources that have helped you in understanding your GI disorder.

IFFGD accepted as member in the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Coalition (NCCIH)

We are excited to announce that IFFGD has been accepted as a member in the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) Coalition for Whole Person Health!

The NCCIH is an independent group of nonprofits working together to raise awareness about the benefits of research for whole person care. To learn more about this initiative, click here.

Parkinson's Disease and GI Motility

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement. This occurs when the brain does not produce enough dopamine. Parkinson’s can have impacts on nerve and muscle function in the GI tract. This can happen as the disease progresses.

Several GI conditions can arise in those with PD, including:

Dysphagia- trouble swallowing
Gastroparesis- delayed stomach emptying
SIBO- overgrowth of bacteria that inhibits nutrient absorption
Chronic Constipation- trouble producing bowel movements

To learn more about the connection between PD and GI conditions, click the button below.

Parkinson's Disease and GI Motility

IBS-D Survey

The current treatments for pediatric patients with IBS-D is limited. An Industry partner intends to initiate a clinical trial and are looking for input from our patient community.

Your thoughts and experiences are valuable. Although this survey is for the development of an IBS-D clinical trial, we believe the opinions of all IBS patients are beneficial. If you have or are a caregiver of someone who has IBS-D, IBS-C or IBS-M, we kindly invite you to participate in this survey, which should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. We recommend completing this survey on a desktop or tablet for a better user experience. Your responses will be kept confidential and used solely for research purposes. Your participation will help enhance clinical trials for future young IBS-D patients

Click the button below to get started.

IBS-D Survey

5 Minutes in GI

October's ‘5 Minutes in GI’ is live!

This month, we sat down with Dr. Iris Wang from Mayo Clinic to discuss the greatest risk factors for GERD. Join us and learn more by clicking the button below.

5 Minutes in GI

Understanding Digital Health Technologies

Digital health technology has significantly transformed the way patients manage functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), offering numerous benefits that simplify and enhance their healthcare experience. Digital tools such as mobile apps and online platforms enable patients to track symptoms, medication use, and dietary patterns with greater ease and accuracy.

These technologies provide real-time insights and personalized feedback, allowing patients to better understand their conditions and make informed decisions about their treatment. Additionally, digital health platforms facilitate seamless communication with healthcare providers, ensuring timely updates and consultations.

To learn more about how advancements in digital health technologies are making health more accessible, click the button below.

Understanding Digital Health Technologies

RESEARCH CORNER

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:

Liver Disease

A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3 Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Fazirsiran in the Treatment of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency-Associated Liver Disease With METAVIR Stage F2 to F4 Fibrosis

Gulf War Illness

VA-NIH Project IN-DEPTH

Fecal Incontinence

The impact of anal sphincter resistance exerciser on the strength of anal sphincter in the elderly women and fecal incontinence

October Spotlight

2024 IFFGD Research Grant Winner

Dr. Prashant Singh

This month we are spotlighting Dr. Prashant Singh, one of IFFGD's Junior Academicians and also our 2024 Research Grant recipient.

Dr. Prashant Singh is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. Dr. Singh earned his medical degree from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), India where he was a Young Scientist Incentive Plan Scholar and recipient of numerous academic awards. Dr. Singh did his residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA, and his fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Boston, USA.

Dr. Singh’s clinic and research focuses on disorders of the gut-brain axis. Dr. Singh is the author of more than 80 clinical and basic research book chapters, invited reviews, and original research articles appearing in top-tier medical and scientific journals including Gastroenterology, American Journal of Gastroenterology, Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. He is supported by the K23 Career Development Award from NIDDK and grant support from IFFGD, and Michigan Nutrition Obesity Research Center.

Donate

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

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