People need basic health literacy skills to make good decisions about their health care. However, 9 in 10 adults do not have the basic skills they need to manage their health. Patients with low health literacy may be unable to follow directions in adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors, participate actively in their care, self-manage their medication regimens, and follow treatment recommendations of health care team members. Patients with low health literacy face numerous challenges in maneuvering through the health care system and self-managing chronic illnesses. Living with a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, such as inflammatory bowel disease, can be very challenging for patients. A range of skills can be required to deal with some of the issues and uncertainties associated with living with a GI disease.