Systema IBD

Systema IBD is comprehensive 1 year program designed to help people with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and the other IBDs achieve remission through a personalized, science-based approach. We offer expert group and 1-on-1 coaching workshops alongside the most advanced community of IBDers on earth.

The Program

The Systema IBD Approach

There is no one-size-fits-all fix for inflammatory bowel disease. Systema IBD helps you find your unique pattern of interventions to develop a well-rounded, science-based protocol to get you to your remission goals.

The Systema IBD Approach
The Systema IBD Approach

We Believe

Our Guiding Philosophies

Science & Evidence

We focus on interventions that have been scientifically studied and have a basis in the biological mechanisms of IBD.

Systems & First Principles

IBD is multidimensional. Dysfunction in one area can pull the system off-balance, but a multi-pronged approach can bring you back into alignment.

Science & Evidence

Systema facilitates changes in habit and mindset that are foundational to long-term healing. Health is a habit.

Love & Compassion

You are more than a number. Our community embodies empathy and care, and each new member makes us stronger.

Science & Evidence

We focus on interventions that have been scientifically studied and have a basis in the biological mechanisms of IBD.

Systems & First Principles

IBD is multidimensional. Dysfunction in one area can pull the system off-balance, but a multi-pronged approach can bring you back into alignment.

Neuroplasticity & Mindset

Systema IBD facilitates changes in habit and mindset that are foundational to long-term healing. Health is a habit.

Love & Compassion

You are more than a number. Our community embodies empathy and care, and each new member makes us stronger.

How Systema IBD Works

Our Unique 3-Step Approach

Stop the Inflammation

IBD is foremost an immune response to bacterial organisms and food particulates leaking across the epithelial membrane of the gut into the lamina propria (the “inside” of the body). Multiple cytokines like TNF and white blood cells like macrophages and neutrophils rush to battle with these “invaders”. Stopping the inflammatory cycle is Step 1 to achieving remission.

Nourish the Microbiome

Specific gut microbiome profiles have been correlated with IBD, with even distinctions observed between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Frontline medical interventions for IBD do not address the emerging evidence of the role of the microbiome. We can take action to nourish a healthy gut ecosystem.

Repair the Barrier

The lining of the gut must selectively absorb important nutrients from food and keep everything else out. Reducing inflammation prevents damage to this protective tissue while microbiome-focused interventions can promote beneficial microbes that feed the enterocytes and fuel a strong intestinal barrier. Gut permeability is the mechanism least understood and addressed by current frontline IBD interventions.

Stop the Inflammation

IBD is foremost an immune response to bacterial organisms and food particulates leaking across the epithelial membrane of the gut into the lamina propria (the “inside” of the body). Multiple cytokines like TNF and white blood cells like macrophages and neutrophils rush to battle with these “invaders”. Stopping the inflammatory cycle is Step 1 to achieving remission.

Nourish the Microbiome

Specific gut microbiome profiles have been correlated with IBD, with even distinctions observed between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Frontline medical interventions for IBD do not address the emerging evidence of the role of the microbiome. We can take action to nourish a healthy gut ecosystem.

Repair the Barrier

The lining of the gut must selectively absorb important nutrients from food and keep everything else out. Reducing inflammation prevents damage to this protective tissue while microbiome-focused interventions can promote beneficial microbes that feed the enterocytes and fuel a strong intestinal barrier. Gut permeability is the mechanism least understood and addressed by current frontline IBD interventions.
Dipali spending time with her family and thriving with ulcerative colitis.

Experiential Learning Platform

The Systema IBD experiential learning platform is the most unique, comprehensive, immersive, and advanced curriculum currently available to IBD patients. We help you feel better immediately with tangible interventions you can implement with the support of your entire medical team. Then we build upon your early wins to teach you the foundations for long-lasting health and self-advocacy.

Dipali spending time with her family and thriving with ulcerative colitis.

Dipali spending time with her family and thriving with ulcerative colitis.

Nikki achieved remission from a severe case of Crohn's Colitis after Systema IBD in 2020
Nikki achieved remission from a severe case of Crohn's Colitis after Systema IBD in 2020

Nikki achieved remission from a severe case of Crohn’s Colitis after Systema IBD in 2020

Expert-Driven Workshops

Nothing replaces live human-to-human contact and support. Our monthly schedule of virtual events means that members are never more than a couple of days away from getting support. During our weekly workshops, we work to explore your unique IBD challenges in the context of the scientific literature and in relation to how others are applying what they are learning and discovering about themselves.

Our events feature our expert science advisors, support resources for loved ones, and tailored IBD support.

Compassionate Community

Sarah and her family on a recent skiing trip—Member since 2021

Compassionate Community

Our amazing community makes us who we are. Professionals, parents, healthcare providers, students–we come from diverse backgrounds with unique biologies, but we ALL have IBD. Many members report they have no one else in their circle who really understands the good, bad, and ugly of living with IBD, and the taboo nature of symptoms means it’s just hard to relate.

Here at Systema IBD, we are connected by our common, profound desire to heal and support one another with empathy and care.

Compassionate Community

Sarah and her family on a recent skiing trip—Member since 2021

SYSTEMA IBD

5 Pillars of Systems-based Health Coaching

Systems & Biology

Discover the underlying biological pathways and triggers of your health and longevity to better understand your condition.

Learn More

Diet & Nutrition

Explore personalized dietary and longevity strategies to support health and wellness.

Learn More

Supplements & Herbs

Learn of evidence-based supplements & herbal remedies that can complement your comprehensive care.

Learn More

Medications & Healthcare

Navigate your treatment options with insights into medications and professional healthcare approaches.

Learn More

Lifestyle & Mindset

Uncover the impact of lifestyle changes and mindset shifts in managing symptoms & improving quality of life.

Learn More

Featured Posts

Inflammatory Bowel Disease 101

Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Inflammatory Bowel Disease

THE STORY THAT CHANGED LIVES

Who's the Perfect Fit For Systema IBD?

We know you have many options to choose from when seeking support on your journey to remission from IBD. With personalized, evidence-based comprehensive support, Systema IBD is the right fit for…

diagnosed with IBD
Those who are newly diagnosed with IBD and don’t know where to begin
Parents of a child with IBD who are looking for lifelong support and resources
Parents of a child with IBD
struggling with IBD
Those who have been struggling with IBD for some time and feel out of options
Those who are in remission but want to achieve new health goals and optimize their IBD protocol
Those who are in remission
IBDers who had an ostomy
IBDers who had an ostomy and are seeking support and resources to help thrive
Those who are sick of “quick fixes” and “cure-alls” and are ready for a personal, lifetime Remission Master Plan
quick fixes” and “cure-alls”

Those who are newly diagnosed with IBD and don’t know where to begin

Parents of a child with IBD who are looking for lifelong support and resources

Those who have been struggling with IBD for some time and feel out of options

Those who are in remission but want to achieve new health goals and optimize their IBD protocol

IBDers who had an ostomy and are seeking support and resources to help thrive

Those who are tired of “quick fixes” and “cure-alls” and are ready for a personal, lifetime Remission Master Plan

JOIN US

We Will Never Give Up On You

We Will Never Give Up On You

During your admissions call and strategy session, we’ll work one-on-one to comprehensively address your IBD by:

During your admissions call and strategy session, we’ll work one-on-one to comprehensively address your IBD by:

Respectfully listening and honoring your unique IBD story and working together to identify what has worked and what has not.
Providing an inside look at our dynamic curricula, loving community, and our newest highlighted findings in the IBD literature.
Instilling newfound hope, inspiration, and clarity on your strategic IBD plan and your next steps on the road to remission.

Respectfully listening and honoring your unique IBD story and working together to identify what has worked and what has not

Providing an inside look at our dynamic curricula, loving community, and our newest highlighted findings in the IBD literature

Instilling newfound hope, inspiration, and clarity on your strategic IBD plan and your next steps on the road to remission

Are you ready to take back your health from IBD?

IMPORTANT: after submitting the booking form you will be redirected to a survey page. The survey is mandatory. Any appointment without a completed survey will be canceled.

IMPORTANT: after submitting the booking form you will be redirected to a survey page. The survey is mandatory. Any appointment without a completed survey will be canceled.

Expanding Access to Healthcare

We’re Here To Help

Expanding Access to Healthcare

In 2024, Systema IBD launched a non-profit arm called Systema IBD Fund. Together, we are expanding access to life-changing IBD interventions worldwide and ensuring that no IBDer ever falls through the cracks of the healthcare system.

Expanding Access to Healthcare

JOIN THE SYSTEMA IBD HEALTH COMMUNITY: OPEN TO ALL

Find the Answers You Need

We offer several program options to meet your needs:

  • Systema Core: A monthly membership program providing access to our foundational curriculum, Health Design Sessions, and community support across all four health domains
  • Systema IBD: A comprehensive year-long program specifically designed for those with inflammatory bowel disease, and access to our intensive IBD Workshop Calls
  • Systema 1-on-1: An intensive three-month coaching program offering personalized guidance and support

All programs include access to our comprehensive curriculum that’s continuously updated with the latest scientific research, and to our vibrant community. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic health condition or seeking to optimize your health, we’re here to support your journey.

Systema Core is our foundational monthly membership program that provides:
  • Access to a foundational curriculum across all four health domains
  • Regular Health Design Sessions
  • Community support and discussion
  • Health Master Plan (HMP) tool
  • Adaptive Dietary Framework (ADF)
  • And much more
Systema IBD is our specialized year-long program that includes:
  • Everything in Systema Core
  • IBD-specific protocols and strategies
  • Intensive Workshop Calls specific to IBD
  • Enhanced support for inflammatory bowel disease
  • Specialized IBD community access
  • Additional resources focused on achieving and maintaining remission
Systema 1-on-1 is our three-month intensive coaching program featuring:
  • Personalized guidance from Systema 
  • Customized protocol development
  • Regular one-on-one sessions
  • Priority support
  • Access to all Core features

We offer several program options to meet your needs:

  • Systema Core: A monthly membership program providing access to our foundational curriculum, Health Design Sessions, and community support across all four health domains
  • Systema IBD: A comprehensive year-long program specifically designed for those with inflammatory bowel disease, and access to our intensive IBD Workshop Calls
  • Systema 1-on-1: An intensive three-month coaching program offering personalized guidance and support

All programs include access to our comprehensive curriculum that’s continuously updated with the latest scientific research, and to our vibrant community. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic health condition or seeking to optimize your health, we’re here to support your journey.

Systema Core is our foundational monthly membership program that provides:

  • Access to a foundational curriculum across all four health domains
  • Regular Health Design Sessions
  • Community support and discussion
  • Health Master Plan (HMP) tool
  • Adaptive Dietary Framework (ADF)
  • And much more

Systema IBD is our specialized year-long program that includes:

  • Everything in Systema Core
  • IBD-specific protocols and strategies
  • Intensive Workshop Calls specific to IBD
  • Enhanced support for inflammatory bowel disease
  • Specialized IBD community access
  • Additional resources focused on achieving and maintaining remission

Systema 1-on-1 is our three-month intensive coaching program featuring:

  • Personalized guidance from Systema 
  • Customized protocol development
  • Regular one-on-one sessions
  • Priority support
  • Access to all Core features

Systema works across four main health domains:

  • Immune-inflammation: Including IBD, arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune conditions
  • Gut-microbiome: Including IBS, SIBO, and various digestive issues
  • Lifestyle-metabolism: Including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular health, and weight management
  • Brain-mindset: Including focus, stress management, and mild-to-moderate anxiety

We also serve healthy individuals looking to optimize their wellbeing and prevent future health challenges.

Conditions including and similar to the following are currently outside of scope of Systema Core:

  • Severe mental health conditions: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, autism, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, eating disorders, and others.
  • Genetic or congenital conditions: Cystic fibrosis, down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease (and all others). 
  • Most acute and chronic infectious disease: Lyme disease, severe acute COVID infections, HIV/AIDs, STDs, Hepatitis, prion diseases, etc.  
  • Most neurological disorders: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, stroke, epilepsy, severe headaches, etc.
  • Cancer: all types and forms of cancer.

*Many other conditions not explicitly mentioned may also be out of scope for Systema.

 

**Being diagnosed with one of these conditions does not disqualify you from becoming a member. It just means Systema Core is not currently designed to help you navigate these particular conditions. However, improving your health in general may serve as a foundation and, in many cases, members with these conditions may notice a positive impact.

While the curriculum of Systema Core is not specifically designed for these conditions, by following the Systema Core health protocols, members may find improvements in symptoms from the following conditions: 

  • Kidney disease (and kidney stones) 
  • Pulmonary disease 
  • Pain conditions (like fibromyalgia) 
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome 
  • Endometriosis 
  • Eye conditions like glaucoma 
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 
  • Hemorrhoids 
  • Gallstones 
  • Gastritis

Systema may be beneficial to the health of most individuals, regardless of their medical status. However, our program’s efficacy is particularly pronounced for conditions significantly affected by environmental factors, which show a more substantial response to lifestyle adjustments. Nevertheless, various components of our program, such as the Health Master Plan (HMP), have universal applicability across a broad spectrum of health issues.  In the next slides, we provide an evaluation of the conditions that are currently most amenable to our program.

Systema works across four main health domains:

  • Immune-inflammation: Including IBD, arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune conditions
  • Gut-microbiome: Including IBS, SIBO, and various digestive issues
  • Lifestyle-metabolism: Including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular health, and weight management
  • Brain-mindset: Including focus, stress management, and mild-to-moderate anxiety

We also serve healthy individuals looking to optimize their wellbeing and prevent future health challenges.

Conditions including and similar to the following are currently outside of scope of Systema Core:

  • Severe mental health conditions: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, autism, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, eating disorders, and others.
  • Genetic or congenital conditions: Cystic fibrosis, down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease (and all others). 
  • Most acute and chronic infectious disease: Lyme disease, severe acute COVID infections, HIV/AIDs, STDs, Hepatitis, prion diseases, etc.  
  • Most neurological disorders: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, stroke, epilepsy, severe headaches, etc.
  • Cancer: all types and forms of cancer.

*Many other conditions not explicitly mentioned may also be out of scope for Systema.

**Being diagnosed with one of these conditions does not disqualify you from becoming a member. It just means Systema Core is not currently designed to help you navigate these particular conditions. However, improving your health in general may serve as a foundation and, in many cases, members with these conditions may notice a positive impact.

While the curriculum of Systema Core is not specifically designed for these conditions, by following the Systema Core health protocols, members may find improvements in symptoms from the following conditions: 

  • Kidney disease (and kidney stones) 
  • Pulmonary disease 
  • Pain conditions (like fibromyalgia) 
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome 
  • Endometriosis 
  • Eye conditions like glaucoma 
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 
  • Hemorrhoids 
  • Gallstones 
  • Gastritis

Systema may be beneficial to the health of most individuals, regardless of their medical status. However, our program’s efficacy is particularly pronounced for conditions significantly affected by environmental factors, which show a more substantial response to lifestyle adjustments. Nevertheless, various components of our program, such as the Health Master Plan (HMP), have universal applicability across a broad spectrum of health issues.  In the next slides, we provide an evaluation of the conditions that are currently most amenable to our program.

Yes! Systema serves ages 13 and up. For younger members, we require parent or guardian involvement until the member reaches adulthood. This approach ensures proper support while developing crucial self-advocacy skills and health management strategies that will serve them throughout their lives.

Absolutely! Many of our members are health-conscious individuals looking to optimize their wellbeing and prevent future health challenges. Our systems-based approach helps you understand the interconnections between different aspects of health, allowing you to build robust protocols for long-term wellness and longevity. Learn more about Systema 1-on-1
Systema Health Core is our foundational program that addresses overall health optimization across our four domains. It provides essential tools, frameworks, and community support for anyone looking to improve their health. Our condition-specific programs, while still built upon the Core foundation, focus on the particular challenges of a particular condition. For example, Systema IBD offers more specialized protocols, a higher level of support, and an IBD-specific community.
Yes! Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing your condition for decades, our program offers valuable insights and support. Our systems-based approach helps you develop comprehensive protocols that address your unique needs, while our community provides a rich database of experiences and strategies from fellow members at various stages of their health journeys.

Yes! Systema serves ages 13 and up. For younger members, we require parent or guardian involvement until the member reaches adulthood. This approach ensures proper support while developing crucial self-advocacy skills and health management strategies that will serve them throughout their lives.

Absolutely! Many of our members are health-conscious individuals looking to optimize their wellbeing and prevent future health challenges. Our systems-based approach helps you understand the interconnections between different aspects of health, allowing you to build robust protocols for long-term wellness and longevity. Learn more about Systema 1-on-1
Systema Health Core is our foundational program that addresses overall health optimization across our four domains. It provides essential tools, frameworks, and community support for anyone looking to improve their health. Our condition-specific programs, while still built upon the Core foundation, focus on the particular challenges of a particular condition. For example, Systema IBD offers more specialized protocols, a higher level of support, and an IBD-specific community.
Yes! Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing your condition for decades, our program offers valuable insights and support. Our systems-based approach helps you develop comprehensive protocols that address your unique needs, while our community provides a rich database of experiences and strategies from fellow members at various stages of their health journeys.

Systema’s unique approach combines:

  1. Systems Thinking: We look at health holistically, understanding how different body systems interact
  2. Scientific Foundation: All our protocols are grounded in current research and evidence-based practices
  3. Personalization: Our frameworks help you develop custom protocols that work for your unique situation
  4. Community Support: Access to a knowledgeable community of fellow health seekers
  5. Integrated Approach: We bridge conventional and complementary medicine thoughtfully

You’re likely a good fit if you:

  • Are motivated to take ownership of your health
  • Value both conventional and complementary approaches to healthcare
  • Are willing to engage in self-discovery and implementation of personalized protocols
  • Appreciate community support and learning from others
  • Are under the care of a licensed healthcare provider

Members gain access to:

  • Comprehensive curriculum across our four health domains
  • Health Master Plan (HMP) for protocol development and tracking
  • Adaptive Dietary Framework (ADF) for personalized nutrition
  • Regular Health Design Sessions with experts
  • Active community platform for support and discussion
  • Continuous updates on latest health research and strategies

Many members find us when they feel they’ve exhausted other options. Our systems-based approach often reveals new perspectives and possibilities you might not have considered. Through our comprehensive frameworks, expert guidance, and supportive community, we help you identify and address root causes while developing sustainable protocols for long-term health.

Systema’s unique approach combines:

  1. Systems Thinking: We look at health holistically, understanding how different body systems interact
  2. Scientific Foundation: All our protocols are grounded in current research and evidence-based practices
  3. Personalization: Our frameworks help you develop custom protocols that work for your unique situation
  4. Community Support: Access to a knowledgeable community of fellow health seekers
  5. Integrated Approach: We bridge conventional and complementary medicine thoughtfully

You’re likely a good fit if you:

  • Are motivated to take ownership of your health
  • Value both conventional and complementary approaches to healthcare
  • Are willing to engage in self-discovery and implementation of personalized protocols
  • Appreciate community support and learning from others
  • Are under the care of a licensed healthcare provider

Members gain access to:

  • Comprehensive curriculum across our four health domains
  • Health Master Plan (HMP) for protocol development and tracking
  • Adaptive Dietary Framework (ADF) for personalized nutrition
  • Regular Health Design Sessions with experts
  • Active community platform for support and discussion
  • Continuous updates on latest health research and strategies
Many members find us when they feel they’ve exhausted other options. Our systems-based approach often reveals new perspectives and possibilities you might not have considered. Through our comprehensive frameworks, expert guidance, and supportive community, we help you identify and address root causes while developing sustainable protocols for long-term health.
While Systema does not work with insurance companies, in many cases you can use your HSA account to pay for Systema membership fees.
In most cases, we do not work directly with healthcare providers. However, all members are required to work with their own healthcare team alongside Systema. Our Health Master Plan (HMP) tool is designed to facilitate better communication with your healthcare team. Many members find success sharing their HMP with their providers to create more effective treatment strategies. We always emphasize collaboration with your medical team rather than replacement of conventional care. In some situations in our higher tier programs like Systema IBD and Systema 1-on-1, we will set up a collaborative meeting with the entire healthcare team
While Systema does not work with insurance companies, in many cases you can use your HSA account to pay for Systema membership fees.
In most cases, we do not work directly with healthcare providers. However, all members are required to work with their own healthcare team alongside Systema. Our Health Master Plan (HMP) tool is designed to facilitate better communication with your healthcare team. Many members find success sharing their HMP with their providers to create more effective treatment strategies. We always emphasize collaboration with your medical team rather than replacement of conventional care. In some situations in our higher tier programs like Systema IBD and Systema 1-on-1, we will set up a collaborative meeting with the entire healthcare team

our motivation

Stories of Hope

I have been lucky enough to know Andrew Kornfield for many years, and I love being a member of Systema IBD. I will admit at first that it was a leap of faith, but over time, I have found Systema IBD to be one of the most excellent tools I have in managing my Crohn’s and other health areas in my life. I already have an excellent medical support team of doctors, but Systema IBD is still critical for my day-to-day health management. Every time I complete a group meeting with Systema IBD, I walk away more informed and clear-minded about my health situation and the steps I must take to live my best life, even when I have to cope with the challenging aspect of dealing with this disease.

Erika, Ulcerative Colitis

Lifestyle & Mindset

Uncover the impact of lifestyle changes and mindset shifts in managing symptoms & improving quality of life.

Benefits of Fasting for IBD

26 min readFasting and intermittent fasting have gained popularity around the world for numerous health benefits—but can fasting be a new treatment for symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?

READ MORE »

Medications & Healthcare

Navigate your treatment options with insights into medications and professional healthcare approaches.

Benefits of Fasting for IBD

26 min readFasting and intermittent fasting have gained popularity around the world for numerous health benefits—but can fasting be a new treatment for symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?

READ MORE »

Supplements & Herbs

Learn of evidence-based supplements & herbal remedies that can complement your comprehensive care.

Benefits of Fasting for IBD

26 min readFasting and intermittent fasting have gained popularity around the world for numerous health benefits—but can fasting be a new treatment for symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?

READ MORE »

Diet & Nutrition

Explore personalized dietary and longevity strategies to support health and wellness.

Benefits of Fasting for IBD

26 min readFasting and intermittent fasting have gained popularity around the world for numerous health benefits—but can fasting be a new treatment for symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?

READ MORE »

Systems & Biology

Discover the underlying biological pathways and triggers of your health and longevity to better understand your condition.

Benefits of Fasting for IBD

26 min readFasting and intermittent fasting have gained popularity around the world for numerous health benefits—but can fasting be a new treatment for symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?

READ MORE »