Digestive Health Monthly

Because Digestive Health Matters

International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders July 2024 eNewsletter

Welcome to the July edition of Digestive Health Monthly!

Our mission at IFFGD is to enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by gastrointestinal disorders through comprehensive support, education, and providing assistance with healthcare providers and treatment options. We are dedicated to providing patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals with up-to-date resources, expert guidance, and a supportive community.

In this newsletter, you'll find valuable information on managing GI conditions and interactive tools to help you navigate your health journey. Together, we strive to foster understanding, improve outcomes, and empower everyone touched by GI health issues.

Veterans and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Chronic bowel problems have been documented in military members dating back to the Civil War. The most common GI conditions affecting service members are FGIDs like functional constipation, IBS, functional dyspepsia, and CAPs. These symptoms can last anywhere from a few weeks to years to a lifetime.

These FGIDs can be linked to military specific exposures like the Gulf War or infections like acute gastrointestinal infections. To learn more about veterans and GI symptoms, click here.

What are the Causes of Gastroparesis?

The majority of cases of gastroparesis have unknown causes and are known to be idiopathic. 30-50% of patients with gastroparesis fall into this category. Of the cases that have a definitive cause, those can include:

diabetes
surgeries
medications
illnesses
cellular changes

To learn more about these causes, click the button below.

What are the Causes of Gastroparesis?

5 Minutes in GI

This month's edition of our new YouTube series, ‘5 Minutes in GI’, will be premiering as a part of the 2024 Virtual Digestive Health Wellness and Walk Event. This video will be live Saturday July 6th at noon EST.

Tune in as we sit down with Dr. Christine Scarcello to discuss food allergies. Learn about the difference between food allergies and food intolerances and why the two are often mistaken for one another.

Click the button below to bookmark the link and tune in on Saturday.

5 Minutes in GI

IFFGD's 2024 Virtual Digestive Health Wellness and Walk Event

The event begins Saturday July 6, 2024 and ends Saturday, July 13, 2024.

It's not too late to register!

The 2024 Virtual Digestive Health Wellness and Walk Event is almost here! This is a charitable event to raise money to support gastrointestinal illness research.

Like a traditional walk event, participants register to walk and be active to get credit for steps taken during the event. However, this event goes beyond a step goal.

The event will provide goals that can be achieved by people of varying abilities as activities will focus strongly on wellness, self-care, and traditional and non-traditional fitness activities.

Goals will go beyond physical fitness by encouraging participants to schedule a doctor’s appointment or colonoscopy, meditate or journal, or tune in for a curated cooking experience. By adding these alternative activities, we hope that anyone that wants to participate, can participate. #Moves4GIhealth24.

Visit the event page to register and find more information on how to get started.

Is Infant Regurgitation Normal?

There are over 1 million visits to healthcare offices each year due to infant regurgitation in the United States. It can be a scary experience, but most times, it’s normal!

An infant's esophagus holds small volumes of liquid, which can lead to regurgitation. Large liquid meals and the amount of time spent lying down can also influence it. Infants who experience regurgitation with no associated disease cause have functional infant regurgitation.

Click the button below to learn more.

Is Infant Regurgitation Normal?

YouandIBS Website Wins Bronze Award in Spring 2024 Digital Health Awards

We are excited to announce that our 'YouandIBS' website has won a Bronze Award for the 2024 Spring edition of the Digital Health Awards in the Web-based Resource / Tool category! If you haven't visited this website, now is a great time to check it out.

We've enhanced our learning modules, now featuring comprehensive sections on understanding IBS, diagnosing IBS, and managing and treating IBS. This disorder affects millions worldwide, and our updated resources aim to empower you with the knowledge you need to navigate it. Chances are, someone you know has faced similar challenges.

It’s important to be informed! To learn more about IBS, click the button below.

YouandIBS Website Wins Bronze Award in Spring 2024 Digital Health Awards

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:

Colorectal Cancer

Time Longitudinal Study of the Microbiome in Colorectal Cancer Subjects

Erosive Esophagitis

A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of BLI5100 in Patients With Erosive Esophagitis

Short Bowel Syndrome

Functional Sucrase Deficiency in Short Bowel Syndrome Patients With Intestinal Failure

July Spotlight

2024 Preceptorship Award Winner Dr. Mohsin Butt

Dr. Mohsin Butt graduated from medical school (Central London, UK) in 2020. After completing basic medical training in North London (Royal Free / University College London), he was awarded an NIHR-funded Academic Clinical Fellowship (Clinician-Scientist Track) in gastroenterology and internal medicine. He is currently in his second year of the seven year program.

Mohsin was introduced to neurogastroenterology during medical school by Dr. Qasim Aziz, who continues to actively mentor him. In his present post (Nottinghamshire, UK), he benefits from the guidance and support of Dr. Maura Corsetti.

Mohsin is interested in understanding the mechanisms of gastrointestinal motility and the pathophysiology of lower GI motility disorders, particularly functional constipation and fecal incontinence. This enthusiasm is largely driven by the fact that these disorders affect an underserved yet significant patient population whose quality of life can be markedly impaired. The 2024 Preceptorship Award has helped to fund Mohsin’s research sabbatical at the Mayo Clinic, MN, USA, where he is benefitting from the support of Dr. Adil Bharucha.

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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