Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF)
2525 Old Bronte Road Suite 300 L6M4J2 Oakville, ON, Canada

It's the beginning of LOVE WEEK! <3 With Covid-19 in constant flux, what have you been doing to stay healthy at home? Are you showing yourself some love this Valentine's Day? Let us know what you are up to! Here are our top ways to stay healthy at home during the pandemic: ... https://cdhf.ca/health-lifestyle/staying-healthy-at-home/

Check out our newest post from Jamie Wlodarczak, a patient with Celiac Disease and IBS. In this opinion piece, she talks about what she eats in a day, complete with recipe ideas for breakfast lunch and dinner! Click the link to get some celiac and IBS food inspo! https://cdhf.ca//what-i-eat-in-a-day-with-celiac-disease-/

An emerging philosophy, and approach to mental health care called nutritional psychiatry, is proving to be a powerful tool in the management of disorders such as depression and anxiety. Doug Cook RD chatted with psychiatrist Drew Ramsey who shared his amazing knowledge, experiences, and the work he’s been doing in the field of nutritional psychiatry where he leverages the unquestionable connection between food and mood. Check it out here: ... https://www.dougcookrd.com/021-eating-to-beat-depression/ See more

#BellLetsTalk Day is TODAY, when people throughout Canada and worldwide have the clear opportunity to make our voices heard in the conversation about mental illness. With the challenges we've all faced in 2020, taking every action to drive progress in mental health in our communities is SO important! Did you know more than 70% of serotonin is produced in your gut? What you put into your body matters; and what you eat feeds the good bacteria that work day in and day out to pro...duce mood moderating neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine. These are then sent up to your brain through what is called the vagus nerve, or more commonly referred to as ‘the brain-gut connection’. Mental health is important and affects all of us. Taking care of your body and eating right are the first steps towards a healthier you. Check out our resources on the mind-gut connection here: https://cdhf.ca/tag/mind-gut-connection/

In the spirit of #BellLetsTalk tomorrow, we are joining the conversation and talking about the effects of digestive conditions on mental health - today on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Not only is IBS physically debilitating, but the unpredictable nature of painful and embarrassing symptoms can significantly affect a person’s mental health. How can you help someone struggling with IBS? How can we deal with the stigma of IBS? Read our article here: ... https://cdhf.ca//mental-health-ibs-and-removing-the-stigma/ See more

#BellLetsTalk day is this Thursday - January 28! We are getting ready to join the conversation about mental health. Each year 1 in 5 Canadians experience a personal mental health condition. Did you know nutrition is important to mental health? Amanda Li, RD explains here: https://cdhf.ca/health-lifesty/mental-health-and-nutrition/... Wellness Simplified

Did you catch ulcerative colitis advocate Effie's recent interview with YourTV Burlington/Oakville? She explains what UC is, the challenges faced by those who live with the condition & her personal experiences with UC. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/Dscesy_yMAw?t=495 ... #IBDAwarenessMonth YourTV

This #IBDAwarenessMonth, #ulcerativecolitis advocate Emma hopes this video on a typical day in her life with UC helps others with the condition know they, too, can have a normal life. Watch the video: https://cdhf.ca/digestive-disorders//my-day-to-day-with-uc/ #ImagineUC Pfizer Canada

If you have been recently diagnosed or think that you may have #IBD, it's important that you go to your next doctor's appointment prepared. Print out this list of questions to take with you to your next appointment. https://cdhf.ca//crohns/preparing-for-your-gi-appointment/ #IBDAwarenessMonth

On the Pfizer Canada Our Voice blog, our CEO Jeff Suggitt and Stella Ananthan discuss the power of collaboration, and how partnerships like those between CDHF and Pfizer can help support the #ulcerativecolitis community #IBDAwarenessMonth #ImagineUC https://www.pfizer.ca/power-of-collaboration-in-the-ulcerat

#Ulcerativecolitis advocate Rasheed wants others living with UC to benefit from his fave resource: a comprehensive FAQ on UC and preparing for doc appointments. Check it out here: https://cdhf.ca/digestive-disorders/ulcerative-colitis/faqs/ #ImagineUC #IBDAwarenessMonth Pfizer Canada

As of 2018, 270,000 Canadians are living with IBD, with one of the highest incidence (number of new cases per year) and prevalence (total number of people diagnosed) rates in the world. IBD affects people of all ages, with the peak onset of 15-35 years for Crohn’s disease, and usual onset of 15-45 years for ulcerative colitis, both carrying the diagnosis through reproductive years. If you or your loved one has IBD, and want to start a family, there are several considerations to keep in mind to ensure a healthy, happy pregnancy: https://cdhf.ca/digestive/crohns-disease/ibd-and-pregnancy/ #IBDAwarenessMonth

There is no cure for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) at the present time; however, there are effective treatments available that may control your disease and even place it into remission. Remission means that your symptoms disappear completely. Medication(s) are chosen specifically for YOU based on your history and severity of disease. It is important you speak openly and regularly with your doctor so you can make the best decisions for your health together. Check out the ...various treatment options in this infographic and learn more about them here: https://cdhf.ca//ibd-digital-toolkit-for-the-newly-diagn/ #IBDawarenessmonth #crohnsandcolitisawarenessmonth

What medications are available to treat IBS? It is important to find a solution that works best for you so you can find relief and enjoy the best quality of life possible despite IBS. Your healthcare provider will try to help you manage your symptoms. Recommendations generally begin with changes to lifestyle and diet. If those changes do not bring relief, over-the-counter (OTC) products or prescription medications may be prescribed. The treatment for IBS needs to be classifi...ed into the various IBS subtypes of Diarrhea (IBS-D), Constipation (IBS-C) or Mixed (IBS-M). Dr. Turbide goes over various medications for each subtype in part 7 of our #CDHFTalks on IBS and the gut microbiome. Watch the full version: https://cdhf.ca//irritable-bow/ibs-and-the-gut-microbiome/

Information can be valuable in so many ways. For #IBDAwarenessMonth, #ulcerativecolitis advocate Katie hopes this infographic on treatment options will give others with UC comfort knowing there are many therapies available to them. See the graphic here: https://cdhf.ca//ibd-treatment-options-understanding-your/

For #IBDAwarenessMonth, #ulcerativecolitis advocate Effie shares her fave educational video to help others living with UC better understand their condition. Watch the video: https://bit.ly/3kugjCg #ImagineUC Pfizer Canada

Dr Mary Zachos, pediatric gastroenterologist at McMaster Children’s Hospital, offered up some insightful advice for IBD patients, addressing some commonly asked questions in regards to sexuality and IBD. Have a read here: https://cdhf.ca//ibd-digital-toolkit-for-the-newly-diagn/ #IBDAwarenessMonth #crohnsandcolitisawarenessmonth... Robbie's Rainbow See more

Halloween may look a little different this year, but there are still many ways to have fun and enjoy this Spooktacular holiday! Whether you are having an at-home candy hunt, or are taking to the streets, there are lots of opportunities to get that candy fix! However, not everyone can eat all Halloween candy due to dietary restrictions and food allergies. It’s important to remember that if you have a digestive condition or restriction, to enjoy the treats you can have in mode...ration, and be knowledgeable and vigilant about your dietary needs. We’ve outlined some common digestive conditions and food allergy tips to help keep you safe and feeling your best on Halloween and the days that follow. https://cdhf.ca//ways-to-enjoy-halloween-without-spooking/

The Imagine SPOR Network wants your input! Help inform research priorities within their network that are important to you & where they should be focusing to be more responsive to patients needs. Fill out the following survey to help shape future research: https://survey.ucalgary.ca/jfe/form/SV_e2HJp2o1SrphrZr

COVID-19 has changed the way we travel as we know it. Protocols and guidelines are evolving constantly in Canada. Our friends at Valneva put together some tips to keep in mind if you are travelling during COVID-19. Check them out here: https://cdhf.ca/health-lifestyle/covid19-5-quick-trip-tips/

Treatments for #IBS that act as symptomatic relief include antispasmodics, peppermint oil and probiotics indicated for IBS. In part 6 of our #CDHFTalks with Dr. Turbide, he touches on these three options. Watch the full version here: https://cdhf.ca//irritable-bow/ibs-and-the-gut-microbiome/

A team of researchers from McMaster University, in partnership with the Canadian Celiac Association, conducted a study to evaluate whether patients with self-reported celiac disease are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19. They concluded that the risk of contracting the virus does NOT increase in patients with celiac disease. Read more here: https://cdhf.ca//the-risk-of-contracting-covid-19-does-no/

It is estimated that 50% of people with IBS may benefit from a low FODMAP diet, however, the quality of scientific evidence is very low. Of these people, there is a possible benefit for overall symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, excess gas, constipation and/or diarrhea. Dr. Turbide mentions that any IBS patients who are thinking about attempting this elimination diet for themselves should do so under the guidance of a registered dietitian. In part 5 of our ...#CDHFTalks with Dr Turbide, he talks all about the FODMAP diet as a treatment option for IBS. Watch the full version here: https://cdhf.ca//irritable-bow/ibs-and-the-gut-microbiome/

NEW #CDHFTalks with gut health expert Andrea Hardy, Registered Dietitian on the role of nutrition/diet in a healthy gut microbiota. Researchers are constantly looking into how to harness the power of the microbiota for better health. While we don’t have a specific definition for a healthy gut microbiota yet, we know that certain lifestyle and environmental factors help to encourage growth of health promoting bacteria in the gut, and certain factors can also have a negative i...mpact on the gut microbiota. In this series of videos, CDHF’s registered dietitian and gut health expert, Andrea Hardy will be discussing how what we eat influences our gut microbiota, including things like fibre, pre and probiotics, fermented foods, and where research in the area of the gut microbiota is headed. Watch here: https://cdhf.ca//the-role-of-nutrition-diet-in-a-healthy-/

What is the gut microbiome? What affect does the pancreas have on the gut microbiome? What affect does Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT) have on the microbiome? Dr. Armstrong explains all of this in part 6 of the #CDHFTalks on the pancreas and the gut microbiome. Watch the full version here: https://cdhf.ca//cdhf-talks-pancreatic-health-and-the-gu/

For the diagnosis of IBS, it’s important to rule out red flags. If you have symptoms of IBS and have red flags, you should discuss them with your doctor to further investigate your condition. Some of them include: If older than 50 yrs, get screened for colorectal cancer (CRC). Especially if there is a family history of Crohn’s, colitis, celiac disease or CRC... Unintentional weight loss Recent change in bowel habits Experienced during the night: diarrhea, pain Dr. Turbide will talk about these and more in part 4 of our latest #CDHFTalks on the gut microbiome and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Watch the full version to learn more: https://cdhf.ca//irritable-bow/ibs-and-the-gut-microbiome/

The cause of IBS is not yet known; however, there are a variety of factors that may contribute to the disorder. Through research within the microbiome, we can see that the microbiome of an IBS patient has less beneficial bacteria, larger amount of products of fermentation, and more short chain fatty acids; causing irritation, inflammation and pain. In part 3 of our latest #CDHFTalks with Dr. Turbide, he talks all about whether your microbiome can be a cause of your IBS. Watch the full version here: https://cdhf.ca//irritable-bow/ibs-and-the-gut-microbiome/

Did you know there are different subtypes of #IBS? IBD-D (diarrhea), IBS-C (constipation) IBS-M (alternating D and C), and IBS-U (unknown). In Part 2 of our #CDHFTalks with Dr. Turbide, he talks all about the various types. Watch the full video here: https://cdhf.ca//irritable-bow/ibs-and-the-gut-microbiome/

What is the prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? In part 1 of our #CDHFTalks with Dr. Turbide on IBS and the Gut Microbiome, he will be talking about how frequent IBS is in the Canadian population (depending on the study, about 15-20% of Canadians are living with IBS!) and the impact on them. Learn more by watching the full version of the video here: https://cdhf.ca//irritable-bow/ibs-and-the-gut-microbiome/

We are very excited to announce our new #CDHFTalks with Dr. Turbide, Gastroenterologist at the University of Calgary on a digestive condition that you may be familiar with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS for short. IBS is a chronic pain disorder, that is very common within the Canadian Population. In this series of videos, Dr. Turbide goes over all things IBS what it is, the different types of IBS, if your microbiome can be a cause of your IBS, and tips on managing IB...S. He also talks about all of the treatment options available whether that be prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, or psycho-social interventions. Available to viewers in both english and french, this is one you definitely don’t want to miss. Watch the full video here: https://cdhf.ca//irritable-bow/ibs-and-the-gut-microbiome/

Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency (PEI) produces a wide range of symptoms, and some of those may be similar to other conditions. In part 5 of our latest #CDHFTalks with Dr. Armstrong, he talks about what you should watch out for if you have Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency (PEI), what causes the symptoms of PEI, and what the treatment options are for those with PEI. Watch the full video to find out: https://cdhf.ca//cdhf-talks-pancreatic-health-and-the-gut/