Digestive Health Monthly

Because Digestive Health Matters

International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders July 2025 eNewsletter

Welcome to the July issue of Digestive Health Monthly!

At IFFGD, we're committed to improving the lives of those living with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Through education, advocacy, and support, we aim to connect patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers with trusted information and resources that promote better health and informed decision-making.

In this edition, you'll discover helpful insights into managing GI conditions, along with practical tools to support your well-being. Our goal is to create a community of support, increase awareness, and empower everyone affected by GI health challenges.

Veterans and FGIDs

Chronic bowel issues among military personnel have been reported as far back as the Civil War. Today, the most commonly seen gastrointestinal (GI) conditions in service members are functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), such as functional constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, and chronic abdominal pain (CAP). These conditions can persist for weeks, years, or even a lifetime.

FGIDs are often associated with military-specific exposures, including events like the Gulf War or infections such as acute gastrointestinal illnesses. To learn more about GI symptoms in veterans, click here.

5 Minutes in GI

The July edition of "5 Minutes in GI" is here!

This month, we’re joined by Dr. Iris Wang, who shares expert tips on what to bring and how to prepare for your very first visit with a GI provider. Whether you're a patient or just curious, this quick and informative conversation is one you won’t want to miss!

🎥 Click the button below to watch the full video.

5 Minutes in GI

The 2025 Virtual Digestive Health Wellness and Walk Event: Registration Opens Soon

Registration for our 2025 Digestive Health Wellness and Walk Event opens on Friday August 1st! Don’t miss our on biggest fundraising event of the year! Create your team, prioritize your health, and compete for the title of 2025’s winner!

Follow our social media pages linked below to be the first to know when registration goes live!

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Click the button below to learn more about this event.

The 2025 Virtual Digestive Health Wellness and Walk Event: Registration Opens Soon

Did You Tune into our 2025 Advocacy Event?

Our 2025 Advocacy Event video is LIVE on YouTube!

Want to know what government agencies actually do for GI health? Curious how other GI nonprofits are making an impact? Ready to speak up for better digestive health policies?

We break it all down and show you how to connect with your reps and make your voice heard. Click the button below to get watching!

Did You Tune into our 2025 Advocacy Event?

Incontinence and Aging

Incontinence refers to the loss of control over one’s bowels. Management of the bowels is something the majority of us learn and master at a young age, but as you get older, you may be more at risk for developing symptoms. Proper bowel control is maintained by the muscles that make up the pelvic area. Factors such as age, injury, and illness may cause a loss of normal functions.

Age has physical effects on your body including changes to organs, nerves, and muscles. This includes those that control continence. Muscles lose strength, nerves lose function, and tissue and organs loose their flexibility.

To learn more about the aging and incontinence, click the button below.

Incontinence and Aging

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:

FGIDs

Domperidone in Treating Patients With Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gastroparesis

Single-Patient Expanded Access Protocol for Tradipitant In A Single Patient With Gastroparesis

Coexisting Conditions

Relationship Between Alterations in the GI Microbiome and GI Inflammation on Symptom Burden in Women with Breast Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy

July Spotlight

Advisory Board Member Lin Chang

Lin Chang, MD is a Professor of Medicine and Vice-Chief of the Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She serves as the Co-Director of the G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience and Director of the Clinical Studies and Database Core for the Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center at UCLA. She is also the Program Director of the UCLA Gastroenterology Fellowship Program. Dr. Chang is a gastroenterologist and NIh-funded clinical investigator whose research focuses on brain-gut interactions underlying irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including early adverse life events, stress, sex differences, gut microbiome, and the treatment of IBS. She serves on the Rome Foundation Board of Directors and is Associate Editor of Gastroenterology. She previously served as President of the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society (ANMS).

Dr. Chang has been actively involved with the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) for over two decades, contributing to its mission through various roles. From 2003 to 2013, she served on the Symposium Planning Committee, helping develop the program for the annual symposia. More recently, Dr. Chang co-chaired IFFGD’s 30th Anniversary Nancy and Bill Norton Education Series Program in 2020-2021. She has also contributed to patient education brochures on various GI topics, underscoring her commitment to advancing education and patient care in the field.

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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