IBS Mastery Group Program · For referring clinicians

A structured lifestyle program for your patients with IBS.

Four weeks, virtual, focused on the modifiable lifestyle factors that influence the course of IBS: diet, the gut-brain axis, daily rhythms, and structured support
Developed at the University of Calgary and delivered by a multi-disciplinary clinical team and certified health coaches
Free to every patient with IBS

Four weekly sessionsOne hour each, over four weeks
VirtualAll sessions recorded and retained, monthly cohorts
No costFree to any patient with IBS
AdjunctiveSupports your medical management

Curriculum

The four sessions

Each session ends with one specific action to try that week, and an action plan matched to their intake survey results.

Session 1

Lifestyle factors and treatment options

Dr. Maitreyi Raman, gastroenterologist · Dr. Lorian Taylor, PhD

Focus on four modifiable lifestyle factors that influence the course of IBS: diet, the gut-brain axis, daily rhythms, and structured support
Visceral hypersensitivity, and how each factor acts on a sensitized gut
Why structured support is the fourth factor, and what makes it modifiable
An expansive review of the lifestyle treatment options available
Where medication fits alongside lifestyle treatment, and what it can and cannot do for IBS

Session 2

Nutrition and dietary modification

Registered Dietitian delivered

First-line dietary modification before restriction
Soluble and insoluble fibre, with practical substitution
Evidence-supported adjuncts: peppermint oil, psyllium, probiotics
Low FODMAP as a time-limited protocol with structured reintroduction, not indefinite restriction
Hydration, meal timing and eating pace, practised in session

Session 3

The gut-brain axis and its therapies

Health Coach delivered

Visceral hypersensitivity and central sensitization
The stress-symptom pathway as physiology rather than psychology
The mind-body therapies with IBS evidence, CBT, gut-directed hypnotherapy, MBSR, ACT and yoga, with what each involves in practice and who it suits
Neuroplasticity, and why a sensitized gut-brain pathway can be retrained
Guided breathing practice the patient retains

Session 4

Physical activity and adherence

Kinesiologist delivered

Activity parameters tolerable for a sensitive gut
Guided sequence performed in session
Managing fatigue, recovery and flares without cessation
How much activity helps, in terms a patient can act on
Adherence strategies for after the program ends

The teaching team

Who delivers it

Every session is taught by the clinician or coach whose scope it falls within.

Dr. Maitreyi Raman, MD, MSc, FRCPCGastroenterologist and physician nutrition specialist, University of Calgary

Dr. Lorian Taylor, PhDCEO of LyfeMD, Registered Dietitian and behavioural scientist

Jackie Allen, RD, CDEChronic disease specialist

Alex EgertChiropractor and Kinesiologist

Chelsey BerendseHealth Coach

Charles CorlettHealth Coach

Evidence and governance

Where it comes from, and what we measure

Provenance and outcomes

Curriculum developed at the University of Calgary under Dr. Raman
Trial outcomes improved across symptom burden, mood, fatigue, sleep and quality of life together

Eisele M, Yousuf M, Haskey N, D’Silva A, Nasser Y, Franco L, Raman M. Smartphone application with health coaching facilitates multi-symptom improvement in IBS patients: a pilot feasibility trial. Neurogastroenterology & Motility. 2025;e70179.
Read the paper: doi.org/10.1111/nmo.70179

Scope of practice

LyfeMD delivers structured lifestyle care for patients diagnosed with IBS
We do not diagnose, order investigations, or alter medication

Contact

Questions about the program?

Write to Dr. Raman directly.

Email maitreyi.raman@lyfemd.comEmail mkothand@ucalgary.caWeb lyfemd.com