Importance of Nutrition in GI Conditions

Two weeks ago I was able to hear more about the importance of nutrition in GI conditions when I attended the conference Food: The Main Course to Digestive Health. At this conference, my friend Carol and I got the latest research on nutrition for digestive health from national medical and nutrition experts in the field of GI Health and Nutrition.

Plans to Attend the Conference

I look forward to sharing some of the latest research and nutritional recommendations in upcoming blog posts and nutrition counseling visits!

All summer, I had the post card for the conference on my desk as a reminder to see if there was any way that I could attend the September 20-22 for the conference. I really attend but there but I felt that there were many personal obstacles to prevent me from getting there. These included helping my mom who lives over 800 miles away off and on this past summer and I had a bad case of the shingles all August. I was also filling in as a care provider for my grandchildren when there were holes in child care. As well as keeping up with work in with here at Vine Ripe Nutrition.

Opportunity Knocks

As time got closer, I had decided that there was no way that I could attend the conference. But then, I received a few encouraging texts from a dietitian friend, Carol asking me if I would like to attend the conference with her!

As you know, sometimes it takes just a few encouraging words from someone else to move mountains! So, I got on the stick to get my reservations and I made it! Thank you Carol!

Importance of Nutrition in GI Health

I am so glad that I got to attend the GI nutrition conference which included both lecture series and panel discussions. We heard from national experts in the field of IBS including William Chey MD Professor of Internal Medicine at University of Michigan and Emily Haller. In addition, we had the chance to hear about the latest nutrition therapy for IBD from GI Nutrition expert Patsy Castos.

This conference highlighted nutrition in the management of pancreatitis, celiac disease, short gut syndrome, food allergies and achalasia.

We enjoyed learning about complementary and behavioral therapies for GI health from Kate Scarlata and GI Pychologist Megan Riehl.  And we found out about the role of the pelvic floor and GI Disorders from physical therapist, Jen Shifferd.

One of the most intriguing topics for me at the conference was about Mast Cell Activation presented by Kate Scarlata where she gave us a great review of histamine intolerance and discussed mastocytosis and mass cell activation disease.

Foods for Gut Health

There were also several nutrition companies who showed us some valuable food products that people who have digestive health conditions can use to minimize their symptoms. These can be great tools for them to be able to continue to eat some of the foods that they love.

Fody has a large selection of gluten free and low fodmap foods. Some of my favorites of their products include an onion free, gluten free taco seasoning, salsa and taco sauce and pasta sauce. I also love their delicious chocolate almond energy bar, it is so decadent!

Enjoy Life not only offers gluten free and low fodmap products but also has one of the largest selections of foods that are free from the most common food allergens so it is a great resource to provide clients with food allergies.

Casa de Sante offers certified low fodmap foods that also without gluten and organic. They include a wide range of fodmap friendly seasonings and condiments.

Schar specializes in gluten free foods. It originally started in Europe but now available worldwide specializes in baked goods, pastry dough and pasta.

Rachel Pauls Food is best known for her Happy Bars but also has soup bases, baking mixes, spices and jerky that are low in fodmaps.

Support and Information on Importance of Nutrition in GI Conditions

Two non-profit groups at the conference are a great resource for GI health and they include the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders and Fodmap Friendly.

Here is a little bit about eat of them.

International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders 

is a non-profit organization that shares extensive and solid information on gastrointestinal conditions to consumers and health providers. There are so many unreliable resources online about GI health and nutrition. However, it’s great to know that there’s this resource. It has so many great resources for clients to have for on additional reading that is based on scientific information!

Fodmap Friendly

This international trademark for certified low fodmap foods. It’s nice to be able to see this emblem on the food and know that foods have been tested for fodmaps. This can help reduce high fodmaps and may trigger IBS symptoms.

GI Friendly Home Meal Delivery Companies

See Importance of Nutrition GI Conditions

Many people don’t like to cook or feel that they don’t have the time. Other people may like to cook but may feel overwhelmed during the low fodmap elimination phase. I always chuckle when some of my clients have said to me that they wish I would come over and make all of their meals.

And now there two home delivery companies out there that will do just that! The first company is Modify Health which is under the close direction of low fodmap nutrition expert, Patsy Castos using recipes developed by award winning chefs.

Another new meal service that delivers both gluten free and low fodmap meals is Epicured.

And as of March 2020, registered dietitian, Registered Dietitian, Kate Scarlata has come onboard. I enjoyed learning more about the latest on GI health to help my clients live healthier and happier lives. Having IBS myself, I also personally benefit from the information!

In addition, to sharing this conference the important of Nutrition in GI conditions, an important reminder is how powerful someone’s encouragement is to someone. If my friend had not contacted me and encouraged me to come, I would not made it to the conference. All of us just need a little nudge. Here is a picture of Carol and I at the conference.

Thank you for encouraging me to come with you!

If you are having GI symptoms that provide discomfort, here is more information on my Fresh Approach to Digestive Wellness.