Lifestyle Medicine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Series: Evidence-based Approaches to Symptom Management

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? IBS affects millions worldwide, causing discomfort, bloating, and unpredictable bowel habits. But you don't have to suffer in silence.

Lifestyle medicine takes a holistic approach to health by focusing on six key pillars: whole food plant-based nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, positive stress management, social connection, and avoiding risky substances. By addressing these aspects of well-being, lifestyle medicine can enhance the quality of life for people living with IBS and help reduce the impact of symptoms on daily activities.

What This Class Is:
- Group-Based Learning: This is a supportive group class where you'll learn alongside others who also have IBS. Together, we'll explore strategies to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Comprehensive Overview: The class provides a broad understanding of IBS and covers various lifestyle approaches to manage symptoms. Topics include dietary modifications, stress management, physical activity, and sleep hygiene.
- Practical Tips and Strategies: Gain practical, actionable advice on how to implement lifestyle changes that can help alleviate IBS symptoms.
- Community Support: Connect with peers, share experiences, and build a supportive network.
- Culinary Sessions: Learn how to make easy, gut friendly plant-based recipes.

Classes Include: Weekly check-in emails including links to recipes, class slides, handouts and additional resources.

Meet your instructor: This class is taught by Emily Haller, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in digestive health, lifestyle medicine, and endurance sports nutrition. Prior to joining the Trinity Health Lifestyle Medicine team, she led the GI Nutrition program at University of Michigan Health, Michigan Medicine.

What This Class Is Not:
- Not 1:1 Appointments/Care: This class is not a substitute for individual medical advice or one-on-one consultations. It is designed for group learning and general education.
- Not a Deep Dive on the Low FODMAP Diet: This class will touch on dietary strategies but does not provide an in-depth focus on the low FODMAP diet. For detailed guidance on this diet, we recommend consulting a specialized GI dietitian, as this is not within the scope of our team's services.

Cost: Each class is billed to your insurance. If not covered, the cost is $44 per class, totaling $220 for all 5 classes. Please contact your insurance provider to verify coverage for Medical Nutrition Therapy CPT code 97804, and to check any deductible, copays, or coinsurance you may owe. Also, confirm if a physician referral is required.

Class schedule:
Wednesday, March 19 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, March 26 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, April 2 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, April 9 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm