How to Stop Your Kids from Getting a Gut Disease

A mom recently asked me a great question:

She has Crohn’s, her sisters have colitis, their mom has Crohn’s, and even her grandmother had UC. She wants to give her kids the best chance of avoiding these conditions.

But her husband feels like they should enjoy childhood – ice cream, birthday cake, pizza with friends.

Can You Prevent IBD in Your Kids?

So what’s the best approach? Should she change their diet now? Add supplements? Allow treats outside the home?

I get it. IBD runs in my family too. Colon cancer does as well. And I have three kids, now 18, 22, and 24.

None of them have gut issues. No food allergies. Nothing.

Here’s what I did and what I recommend.

1. Probiotics for Avoiding for Gut Issues in Children

If you do nothing else, start your kids on Natren probiotics.

They are live, potent, and one of the best protective measures for gut health. Even if you can’t give them daily, as often as possible helps.

My oldest son went through a phase of eating nothing but takeout—pizza, burgers, you name it. His diet was terrible, but he still didn’t develop gut issues. Why?

Because he took Natren Healthy Trinity probiotics and Vitamin C (1,000-2,000 mg per day).

Those two supplements kept him healthy despite his poor diet.

I made a detailed video with Natren Probiotics founder Natasha Trenev. It contains lots of practical advice on HOW to use Natren therapeutic probiotics with questions from readers with IBD; Crohn’s, colitis, and IBS.

Watch it here:

2. Teach Your Kids to Listen to Their Gut

One of the best things you can do for your children is to help them tune in to their own bodies.

I taught my kids this from a young age. When considering a food, place a hand on the belly and ask, “Is this good for me?” or “Do I really want this?”

Your taste buds will always say yes to sugar and junk. But your gut will tell the truth.

At nine years old, my son came home from a birthday party and said, “Everyone had two pieces of cake. I asked my belly if it wanted another, and it said no. So I didn’t have it, even though I really wanted to.”

That’s the goal—to teach kids to trust their own instincts.

avoid gut issues kids

3. Don’t Project Your Fears Onto Your Kids

It’s hard not to worry. You don’t want your child to suffer like you did. But fear itself can create stress and health issues.

Your kids are on their own journey. If they develop a gut issue, you can help them heal. But don’t carry the weight of preventing everything.

Instead, focus on what you can do:

  • Give them the best nutrition possible at home + Natren probiotics.
  • Teach them to listen to their bodies.
  • Trust that their bodies are strong.

4. What About Diet? Home vs. Outside Foods

When my kids were young, I had complete control over their diet. Everything was organic, home-cooked, and nutritious. Their taste buds were used to real food.

Then came playdates, parties, and restaurant meals. They ate processed foods, fast food, and treats.

I let it go.

Because stressing over every meal does more harm than junk food ever could.

At home, keep it clean and healthy. But when they’re out, let them be kids. Let them enjoy life without guilt or fear.

If you’re too busy to cook all the time, consider outsourcing. Hiring a personal chef (or even family member who loves cooking) for a few hours a week can save time and even money compared to takeout.

Final Thoughts on Preventing Gut Issues in Kids

Raising healthy kids isn’t 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 body.
  • Don’t stress about every meal.
  • Trust that they are resilient.

Most importantly—give yourself grace. You’re doing the best you can.

Love, positivity, nature, and good bacteria go a long way.

And that’s enough.

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