Summary
The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation directly impacts millions of Canadians by providing evidence-based education and digital management tools such as the "My IBD journal" for young adults and the "myIBS" tracking app. Individuals can support this mission through the RISEUp fundraising event, donations, or newsletters. These efforts expand access to reliable information and fund patient-centered research to improve lives across the country.
As we move into 2026, the conversation around “gut health” has shifted from a niche medical topic to a mainstream cultural phenomenon. However, for the millions of Canadians living with chronic conditions like Crohn’s, colitis, and IBS, this isn’t just a trend—it is a daily reality defined by complex symptoms and a search for reliable answers. Amidst a sea of social media “quick fixes” and rising grocery costs, finding science-backed guidance has never been more vital.
Today, I am joined by Kelsey Moore, RD, from the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF). As a Registered Dietitian at the forefront of digestive health education, Kelsey is uniquely positioned to help us separate fact from fiction. We’ll be discussing the current state of gut health in Canada, the rigorous standards behind the “CDHF Certified” seal, and how emerging digital tools are helping patients reclaim their quality of life.
Leslie Andrachuk: Kelsey, thank you for being here. To start, Canada is often cited as having some of the highest rates of digestive disorders globally. From your vantage point at the CDHF, what does the landscape look like for Canadians as we head into this year?
Kelsey Moore: Yes, while digestive health conditions affect people worldwide, Canada, in particular, has seen high rates of IBD, IBS, and colon cancer in recent years. More specifically, currently, Canada has one of the highest incidence and prevalence rates of IBD worldwide, with over 320,000 Canadians living with IBD.
Some of the key challenges Canadians with digestive health issues are facing include long wait times to access specialists, procedures, and treatments. Further, persistent symptoms often interfere with daily life, leading to a lower quality of life and missed days at work. The uncertainty and chronic nature of these conditions often create significant stress, which can further affect mental health and overall well-being.
LA: With ‘gut health’ becoming a massive trend on social media, there is a lot of misinformation out there. How does the CDHF help Canadians distinguish between scientifically-backed advice and ‘wellness’ myths, particularly when it comes to popular diets or supplements?
Kelsey Moore: With such easy access to all types of information online, it’s tempting to listen to anything that offers a “quick fix” or sounds convincing. However, not all information is credible.
That’s why CDHF works with regulated health care professionals to create resources based on scientific evidence to help dispel inaccurate information online. Whether it’s through online articles, presentations, or short-form videos, CDHF puts healthcare providers at the forefront of information sharing so Canadians know CDHF information comes from a trusted, credible source.
Besides creating credible, evidence-based resources, CDHF helps consumers make informed choices in the grocery store through the CDHF Certified program.
Be sure to subscribe to The Health Insider newsletter to get our April 2026 Spotlight on Gut Health delivered right to your inbox.
LA: Canadians are often overwhelmed by the choices in the grocery and pharmacy aisles. Can you explain the ‘CDHF Certified’ program? What criteria must a product meet to earn that seal of approval, and how does it make life easier for someone with a sensitive digestive system?
Kelsey Moore: CDHF Certified was created to help Canadians make informed choices. The CDHF Certified Symbol of Distinction helps Canadians quickly identify credible products, as products that bear this symbol can be trusted to meet safety and efficacy standards.
The symbol also indicates that any CDHF-supported health claim associated with the product has been independently and thoroughly evaluated against a body of scientific evidence from credible, third-party sources. This review process ensures that the claim has been checked to ensure it’s clear, responsible, and genuinely linked to a specific digestive health benefit.
CDHF lists all certified products and their associated health claims on our website so that consumers can easily access that information.
Certification is not about promoting a “one-size-fits-all” solution, but about helping people identify options that meet a baseline of credibility and quality.
LA: The CDHF is involved in various research projects, including the IMAGINE Network and studies on digital tools for health management. Are there any specific research initiatives or emerging technologies—like the use of AI or digital tracking apps—that you are particularly excited about right now?
Kelsey Moore: As technology continues to advance, there are a lot of exciting initiatives emerging in digestive health research. One area we’re particularly enthusiastic about is the work coming out of the IMAGINE Network focused on digital tools for people living with IBS and IBD. They’re helping evaluate and organize existing apps, such as symptom and diet trackers so patients and providers can more easily identify tools that are trustworthy and useful.
This work is important because while there are many health apps available, very few are vetted or connected to the health system. IMAGINE’s approach helps move digital care beyond isolated apps toward tools that better support everyday disease management.
LA: Recent reports highlight that rising food costs are making it harder for Canadians to maintain healthy diets. What advice or resources does the CDHF offer to help people manage their digestive conditions (like Celiac disease or IBS) as ‘gut-friendly’ options become more expensive?
Kelsey Moore: While grocery prices continue to rise for Canadians, CDHF focuses on real, tangible solutions for managing digestive health conditions.
One way to reduce food costs is to choose seasonal, canned, or frozen fruits and vegetables. Foods that are frozen or canned typically retain their nutritional content over time, as they are frozen or canned at their peak nutritional value.
Further, there are supports for costs associated with specific digestive health conditions. For example, those diagnosed with Celiac disease are eligible for a yearly medical expense tax credit to help offset the cost of gluten-free products, as gluten-free foods are typically more expensive than their gluten-containing equivalents.
Finally, educating yourself from credible sources on digestive health tailored to your specific needs can help you make more cost-effective, informed choices.
CDHF offers trusted, plain-language resources on conditions like IBS and celiac disease that translate clinical guidance into everyday meal planning, label reading, and symptom management, helping people avoid trial-and-error spending.
Check out CDHF’s resources on tips for eating well amid rising food costs to learn more.
LA: There is growing awareness of the link between mental health and gut health. Could you speak to how the CDHF is addressing the ‘gut-brain axis’ and the importance of holistic care for those suffering from chronic GI issues?
Kelsey Moore: Our gut and brain are in constant two-way communication through the nervous system. This helps explain why digestive conditions can significantly impact mental well-being– and stress and anxiety can worsen digestive condition symptoms.
What we eat is one way to influence the gut microbiota. While the research is still emerging, here are a few tips to help promote digestive health:
✅Getting enough fibre. Health Canada states that women need 25 grams of fibre daily, and men need 38 grams. Aim to make half your plate fruits or vegetables at each meal to help you reach this goal.
✅Focusing on dietary variety – especially whole plant-based foods and fibre-rich foods that contain prebiotics (prebiotics are a special type of fibre that helps to feed the beneficial bacteria in our gut).
✅Reduce excess red & processed meat intake by swapping for leaner or high fibre protein options like tofu, beans, or fish.
✅Reduce intake of ultra-processed foods that are high in sugar, fat, and salt and low in nutrients & fibre, and replace with whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
✅Stress can influence digestion and gut function, so incorporating stress-management and psychological strategies, such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, or evidence-based therapies when appropriate, can be an important part of supporting overall digestive health.
CDHF continues to create up-to-date resources on emerging research on the gut-brain axis to raise further awareness of this topic among Canadians.
LA: For Canadians who are just starting to experience digestive symptoms but feel embarrassed or unsure of where to turn, what are the first three steps you would recommend they take to find answers and reclaim their quality of life?
Kelsey Moore: Firstly, we understand that talking about digestive health symptoms can feel awkward, but we are here to remind Canadians that digestive symptoms are common, and help is available! We recommend starting with these steps:
First, talk with a health care provider early. Your healthcare provider is there to support you in a judgment-free environment and help you with your health needs. We always recommend talking to your healthcare provider as soon as possible if something doesn’t feel right or if you are experiencing unwanted symptoms.
Second, you are your own best advocate! It’s important to speak up to your healthcare provider or health team. Before your appointment, write down your questions and symptoms so you feel empowered to get the answers you need to manage your care in a way that is best for you.
Lastly, we encourage Canadians to know you are not alone; millions of Canadians have ongoing digestive health conditions. CDHF is a resource hub that has information on 23 different digestive health conditions that is free to access for anyone. Early support can make a difference in both physical health and overall well-being.
LA: How does the CDHF directly support Canadians on their gut health journey, and for those who want to get involved or support your mission, where is the best place for them to start?
Kelsey Moore: We provide trusted, evidence-based education on digestive conditions, practical resources for daily management, and programs that improve access to care. We work closely with health care professionals to ensure our resources are science-based. In 2025 alone, CDHF.ca had 3.1 million views across a variety of digestive health topics designed to educate and empower Canadians and navigate their digestive health journey with confidence. In addition, CDHF has several free digital tools to support targeted digestive health conditions:
- CDHF’s My IBD journal is an online journaling tool created to help support young adults and adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) as they transition from pediatric to adult care. It is a secure platform that allows you to take control of your healthcare journey by maintaining a private record of your medical history and personal experiences with IBD.
- Also, the CDHF myIBS app is a user-friendly tracking app for those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) that allows you to digitally track your symptoms, bowel movements, food, sleep, stress, medications, and more, to help you better understand and manage your IBS.
The best place to get involved is to start with our website CDHF.ca, where Canadians can sign up for updates via our newsletter, participate in community events such as our annual RISEUp fundraising event, or support our work through donations or partnerships. Every form of involvement, whether learning, sharing resources, or donating, helps us expand access to reliable digestive health information, fund patient-centered research, and improve quality of life for people across Canada.
Be sure to subscribe to The Health Insider newsletter to get our April 2026 Spotlight on Gut Health delivered right to your inbox.
~ Read more from The Health Insider ~
- Canada’s Growing Gut Health Crisis
Canada has some of the world’s highest rates of IBD. Facing 2026, the CDHF discusses specialist wait times, the impact of chronic GI symptoms and tools Canadians can use to help themselves. - The Mood Menu: How Your Plate Shapes Your MindDiscover how simple food choices like turkey and yogurt can boost your serotonin and stabilize your mood.
- Guilt-Free Indulgence for the Holidays. This is How it’s Done.Enjoy every plate this season! Prep your gut with our low-effort tips: boost hydration, sip digestive tea, and avoid the post-feast crash.
- #Fibremaxxing: The Right Way to Jump on This Gut Health TrendTikTok’s fibre trend has great intentions, but many people end up bloated. Here’s how to get the benefits without the uncomfortable side effects.
- Freezing Your Bread Makes It Healthier According To ScienceA frozen loaf could be your gut’s best friend. Learn how freezing and toasting bread boosts resistant starch and supports better blood sugar control.
- Elimination Diet vs. Food Sensitivity Testing: What’s Better for Your Gut?Feeling bloated or foggy after meals? Food sensitivity tests aren’t always reliable. An elimination diet might be the clearer path.
The information provided on TheHealthInsider.ca is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. TheHealthInsider.ca advises consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider when seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. To read about our editorial review process click here.
