From Heartburn to Constipation 
Symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, gas, constipation and bloating originate from our digestive tract and are very common. For the majority of sufferers, these symptoms are occasional and merely uncomfortable. For others, symptoms are frequent and bothersome, or even disabling.
These symptoms are frequently misinterpreted and their impact misunderstood by healthcare providers and sufferers. At one extreme, sufferers may ignore symptoms which are potentially life-threatening and at the other, minor and transient upsets cause fear and anxiety unnecessarily. In between the two extremes lie a large number of individuals whose distress is under unappreciated and symptoms incorrectly evaluated and managed.
The World Gastroenterology Organization's 2012 World Digestive Health Day theme, "From Heartburn to Constipation" was created to help healthcare providers and sufferers alike better understand and effectively managed these symptoms. The CDHF issued a special edition newsletter last month to honour this theme and help you have the most effective appointments with your health care professional. We can help you recognize and track symptoms as well as learn more about appropriate tests and treatments, this includes your having the best overall digestive health resource on hand - see Your Digestive Health Guide
Understand. Take Control. Live Better.
To help you build a comprehensive understanding of digestive symptoms and disorders and maximize your digestive health, simply click on the hot links (bold, red, underlined text) below for more info.
About 5 million Canadians have heartburn and/or acid reflux, which can be referred to as gastro-esophogeal reflux disease (GERD), at least once a week and more than 50% of pregnant women experience it at least occasionally. To help relieve symptoms of GERD, the CDHF recommends eating small, frequent meals, avoiding lying down after meals, eating 3 to 4 hours before going to bed, and elevating the upper body when sleeping.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects about 5 million people in Canada - Far more common in women than men. The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation recommends adding fibre, using a food diary, avoiding junk foods, excessive caffeine and "pop" beverages, exercising regularly, getting enough rest, and minimizing stress.
One in 133 Canadians are living with celiac disease. This intolerance of gluten (present in wheat, rye, barley, oats, and triticale), damages the absorptive surface of the small intestine and impairs the body's ability to absorb nutrients. The CDHF recommends explaining your dietary needs to family and friends so they can help you follow a gluten-free diet and control symptoms. Learn more about celiac disease now.
Colon Cancer is nearly 100% preventable. If you are 50 years of age or older, have a family history of colon cancer, have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, have had a diagnosis of polyps or early-stage colon cancer, or have a diagnosis or family history of hereditary syndromes linked to colon cancer, you should talk to your doctor about getting screened. The CDHF recommends that all people 50+ get screened. Learn more about colon cancer now.
Constipation can result from insufficient fibre or fluid intake, lack of physical activity, not emptying your bowels when you have the urge, regular use of laxatives, or certain medications. When stools move slowly through the digestive system, they lose too much water which causes them to become hard, dry, and difficult to pass. This is known as constipation. Learn more about constipation now.
And finally....we have a WINNER!
