A mother recently asked me a great question:
She has Crohn's disease, her sisters have colitis, her mother has Crohn's disease, and even her grandmother had UC. She wants to give her children the best chance to avoid these diseases.
But her husband thinks they should enjoy childhood – ice cream, birthday cake, pizza with friends.
Can you prevent IBD in your children?
So what is the best approach? Should she change her diet now? Add nutritional supplements? Allow treats outside the house?
I understand it. IBD also runs in my family. This also applies to colon cancer. And I have three children, now 18, 22 and 24.
None of them have intestinal problems. No food allergies. Nothing.
Here's what I did and what I recommend.
1. Probiotics to prevent intestinal problems in children
If you do nothing else, start your children on Natren probiotics.
They are alive, effective and one of the best protections for gut health. Even if you can't give it every day, it helps as often as possible.
My oldest son went through a phase where he only ate takeout – pizza, burgers, whatever. His diet was terrible, but he still didn't develop intestinal problems. Why?
Because he was taking Natren Healthy Trinity probiotics and vitamin C (1,000-2,000 mg per day).
These two supplements kept him healthy despite his poor diet.
I made an in-depth video with the founder of Natren Probiotics, Natasha Trenev. It contains lots of practical advice on using Natren's therapeutic probiotics, as well as questions from readers with IBD; Crohn's disease, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
Check it out here:
2. Teach your children to listen to their gut instincts
One of the best things you can do for your children is to help them tune into their own bodies.
I taught this to my children from a young age. When thinking about a food, place a hand on your stomach and ask, “Is this good for me?” or “Do I really want this?”
Your taste buds will always say yes to sugar and junk food. But your gut will tell the truth.
When I was nine, my son came home from a birthday party and said, “Everyone had two pieces of cake. I asked my gut if it wanted another one and it said no. So I didn't have it, even though I really wanted it.”
That's the goal: to teach children to trust their own instincts.
3. Don't project your fears onto your children
It's hard not to worry. You don't want your child to suffer like you did. But anxiety itself can cause stress and health problems.
Your children are on their own journey. If they develop an intestinal problem, you can help them heal. But don't bear the burden of preventing everything.
Instead, focus on what you can do:
- Give them the best possible nutrition + Natren probiotics at home.
- Teach them to listen to their bodies.
- Trust that her body is strong.
4. What about nutrition? Food at home vs. outside
When my children were young, I had complete control over their diet. Everything was organic, homemade and nutritious. Her taste buds were used to real food.
Then came play dates, parties and restaurant meals. They ate processed foods, fast food, and treats.
I let it go.
Because stress does more damage at every meal than junk food ever could.
Keep it clean and healthy at home. But when they are outside, they should be children. Let them enjoy life without guilt and fear.
If you're too busy to cook all the time, consider outsourcing. Hiring a personal chef (or even a family member who loves cooking) for a few hours a week can save you time and even money compared to takeout.
Final Thoughts on Preventing Bowel Problems in Children
Raising healthy children is not about being perfect. It's about balance.
- Give them Natren probiotics and vitamin C (and vitamin D3 if you don't live in a sunny place).
- Teach them to listen to their bodies.
- Don't worry about every meal.
- Trust that they are resilient.
Most importantly, give yourself grace. You do your best.
Love, positivity, nature and good bacteria contribute significantly.
And that's enough.
You may also be interested in:
Jini Patel Thompson is an internationally recognized expert in natural healing for digestive diseases. She healed herself from widespread Crohn's disease and has been medication and surgery free for over 25 years. Jini has appeared on numerous podcasts, TV and radio shows in the US, UK, Canada and Australia, giving people hope and vision on how to heal their colitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) using all-natural methods. Her books on natural healing of digestive diseases have been sold in over 80 countries worldwide. Jini is married and has three children, nine sheep, 11 horses, a cat and three dogs.
