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Digestive Health: Listen to Your Gut, Know Your Core Score

From:
KETCHUM
Kathleen Bertolani
1050 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 984-6121
kathleen.bertolani@ketchum.com

For:
CALIFORNIA DRIED PLUM BOARD
Richard Peterson
(916) 565-6232
rpeterson@cdpb.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BETHESDA, MARYLAND (March 12, 2003) Americans report more than 81 million cases of chronic digestive problems, such as heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea or nausea each year, according to a digestive health knowledge survey conducted recently by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) via a grant from the California Dried Plum Board.

These problems come with a significant price tag. Topping the list is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which cost $9.8 billion in medication, doctor visits and time lost from work, according to AGA estimates.

The AGA survey also found that digestive health problems are suffered fairly equally among all age groups. Heartburn/abdominal pain and diarrhea are almost universal, suffered by 36 million Americans more than three times a month. Constipation, diarrhea or nausea affects roughly 15 million Americans more than three times a month per symptom.

Digestive Health and Obesity
In a nation where nearly two-thirds of adults are overweight, obesity is a growing concern. The regimen that results in good digestive health correlates to that required for diet and weight loss. However, in the AGA survey, digestive health ranked fifth in a list of growing health concerns, while diet and weight control ranked number one and two respectively.

The Role of Diet
Dr. Samuel Klein, medical director of the Washington University Weight Management Center and chairman of the AGA nutrition education campaign points out “Quality of life is tied to what you eat. Poor food choices can lead to disruptive digestive symptoms like gas and abdominal pain.”

“By making healthy decisions and eating a balanced, varied diet of foods and beverages, you can reduce disruptive digestive symptoms and may prevent weight gain and eventually obesity - which can cause a number of health problems,” added Dr. Klein.

Improving Digestive Health
Digestive disorders can be moderated or prevented by good digestive health habits. To improve your digestive health, follow these tips:

• Eat a balanced and varied diet that contains fruits and vegetables.
• Other foods that specifically promote/aid intestinal health and function include, bran and other whole grain breads and cereals, beans, dried plums and nuts.
• Try to limit fats and avoid concentrated sweets, emphasizing instead complex carbohydrates.
• Get enough fluids via beverages or foods. Include a beverage with every meal or snack. Low-calorie or non-caffeinated selections could include water and herbal teas and fruit juices such as prune juice.
• How you eat is just as important as what you eat. Eat slowly, stop eating when you feel full, and don’t eat just before bedtime. Make time for proper nutrition. If you find that you’re always on the go, take along good-for-you portable snacks such as fresh fruit, granola, almonds and dried plums.
• Exercise, doing activities you like. Try aerobic or strength-building activities. Or try stretching exercises like yoga or Pilates.
• Manage your stress. Relaxing should be a part of your daily to-do list, just as work, social and family obligations are.

Where to Get Help
For more information about digestive health issues and to take a Core Score self-diagnostic quiz, visit the American Gastroenterological Association’s Web site at www.gastro.org/corescore. For more information about healthy eating and the Core Score quiz, visit the Web site of the California Dried Plum Board at www.californiadriedplums.org.

AGA Advisory Board

• Samuel Klein, MD, Washington University School of Medicine
• Michael Camilleri, MD, Mayo Clinic
• Steven Itzkowitz, MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
• Lee M. Kaplan, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital
• Lawrence Schiller, MD, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas

About the American Gastroenterological Association
Founded in 1897 the AGA is the oldest non-profit specialty medical society in the country. With nearly 14,000 domestic and international members, the AGA is the largest GI society in the United States and among the largest GI societies in the world. AGA membership encompasses a rich and diverse constituency representing every facet of gastroenterology practice, research and education. More information on gastroenterology and digestive health issues can be accessed at AGA’s Web site www.gastro.org.

About the California Dried Plum Board
The CDPB represents 1000 dried plum growers and 22 dried plum packers under the authority of the Secretary of Food and Agriculture. Revered as part of California’s rich history, the dried plum remains a vital player in California’s economic wealth. California produces 99 percent of the United States’ and 60 percent of the world’s supply of dried plums, a convenient, healthy snack for today’s busy lifestyle. For more information regarding California dried plums visit www.CaliforniaDriedPlums.org.