Digestive Health Monthly

Because Digestive Health Matters

International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders June 2025 eNewsletter

Summer is here—a season full of sun, travel, and, for many, unique challenges when managing gastrointestinal (GI) conditions on the go. In this month's edition, we’re here to help you stay informed, supported, and empowered, no matter where the summer takes you.

This edition of Digestive Health Monthly will provide tips and information on various GI disorders, while spotlighting new videos, awareness month content, and more!

As always, we’re honored to be part of your journey and grateful for this community. Wishing you a healthy, supported, and vibrant summer ahead!

National Scleroderma Awareness Month

June is National Scleroderma Awareness Month. Scleroderma is a chronic connective tissue disease that affects the skin and internal organs, including the digestive system.

After the skin, the digestive system is the most commonly affected organ system in people with scleroderma. This can lead to symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Scleroderma has also been known to affect the lower esophageal sphincter and cause GERD.

Click here to learn more about scleroderma and how it can affect your GI system.

5 Minutes in GI

Discover how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming colonoscopies in this episode of 5 Minutes in GI!

Join Dr. Austin Lee Chiang as he explores groundbreaking advancements in AI technology and its powerful potential to detect colon polyps with greater accuracy and efficiency. Learn how these innovations are shaping the future of gastrointestinal care and what it means for early detection and improved outcomes.

🔍 Don’t miss this quick but insightful dive into the intersection of GI and AI!

5 Minutes in GI

Travel Tips

Planning a summer getaway? If you have IBS, travel can be challenging—but with the right preparation, it doesn't have to be. The article linked below offers practical advice to help you manage symptoms and enjoy your vacation.

From packing a "survival kit" with essentials like a change of clothes and tissues, to choosing an aisle seat near the restroom, these tips empower you to travel with confidence. Learn more about how to plan ahead, manage stress, and stay comfortable during your trip.

Read the full article by clicking the button below.

Travel Tips

Bloating and Distension

Bloating and distension are two uncomfortable symptoms of many GI disorders. Though they are often confused for one another, they are two different conditions.

Bloating is described as the feeling of having an inflated balloon in the abdomen. Distension is the visible increase in abdominal girth.

Some common causes include too much gas in the intestines, bacterial overgrowth, dysbacteriosis, or food intolerance.

To learn more about bloating and distension, click the button below.

Bloating and Distension

NORD Patient Assistance Programs- Short Bowel Syndrome

NORD’s Short Bowel Syndrome Patient Assistance Program offers eligible individuals financial support to pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs directly related to the care and treatment of this diagnosis.

NORD has two applications open: one for medical assistance and another for premium copay assistance. To learn more and apply, click the button below.

NORD Patient Assistance Programs- Short Bowel Syndrome

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:

Upper GI pain (All GI disorders)

Treatment of Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms Using Hypnotherapy Sessions

Pediatric

Protonix Treatment of Maintenance of Healing in Pediatric Participants Aged 1-11 Years and 12-17 Years

Constipation

Bowel Function After Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

June Spotlight

Advisory Board Member Lucinda Harris

Lucinda A. Harris, MS, MD, is currently Professor of Medicine, Mayo School of Medicine and Consultant, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale. She graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency at the New York Presbyterian Hospital of Columbia University and her fellowship in Gastroenterology & Hepatology at The New York Hospital /Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

She is a current member of the Gastroenterology Fellowship committee and serves as the Department Education coordinator for Gastroenterology supervising visiting GI fellows and medical students. She has actively been involved in mentoring medical students, residents and fellows over the years and has served as Co-Director of the Motility Group and led a patient support group for IBS as well.

Professionally, in 2024 she was honored to be promoted from Fellow to Master of the American College of Gastroenterology. This is a designation given to a select few based on their clinical expertise and teaching as well as service to the college. She is also a Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association as well as the American College of Internal Medicine.

She is also proud to be on the Advisory board member of the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders and a member of the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society and most recently was appointed, to the Rome V Committee- Patient Experience, Race, Gender and Social Determinants of Health. She is a passionate advocate for her patients and her special clinical and research interests are in IBS, gastroparesis, autonomic disorders, chronic constipation and pelvic floor disorders as well as celiac disease. She has also written and lectured extensively on these topics

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