The first time I met Henry was three years ago. He was 10 at that time. Henry was a bit timid during the visit, but he was very engaged. He answered all my questions without being prompted by his mom.
When Henry was 9, he started losing weight over a few months. He also became more tired. He had abdominal pain and loose stools a few times a week, but these symptoms were mild. His pediatrician eventually did some lab work and found his C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and calprotectin were elevated.
The follow up colonoscopy and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease.
The causes of Crohn’s disease is still not well understood in the medical world, but the current hypothesis is that the person’s immune response to the microbes in the intestinal tract become dysregulated. Those with a family history of Crohn’s disease are more susceptible.
Picture the intestinal tract as a lively residential street in a bustling city, flanked by houses. These houses symbolize a diverse community of microbes. Some are well-established, with flourishing gardens, prominent fences, and busy households brimming with extended family and friends. Others are newcomers looking for a welcoming neighborhood to build their homes and communities. Immune cells patrol this street to ensure safety.
In the case of Crohn’s disease, however, this vibrant neighborhood devolves into uncontrollable skirmishes between neighbors. The once orderly street descends into chaos, with homes and yards left in ruins, resulting in numerous casualties. This disruption is not caused by a single individual stirring conflict but by a complex shift as certain microbial families—bacteria, yeast, or archaea—proliferate and dominate.
As these microbial gangs multiply and gain strength, law enforcement struggles to maintain order. In response, additional reinforcements are called in, expanding the battlefield and inadvertently causing further damage to the neighborhood.
Treating Crohn’s Disease in Children
To treat Crohn’s disease, we will need to reduce the activities of the police, reduce the size and activities of the mobs and clean up the damage.
One of the most researched and effective tool is a liquid, or elemental diet, for a short period of time. The liquid diet helps starve the microbes, provide some rest to the bowel and nutrients and calories to the patients. It can be very effective in inducing remission without needing to use steroid medications. While effective, this treatment needs to be closely monitored by a medical professional to prevent unwanted weight loss and nutrient deficiency.
Besides inducing remission, diet is also essential in helping patients stay in remission. The foods we eat closely influence the activities and functions of the microbes living in us.
Through years of clinical observation, we have seen that complex carbohydrates, such as legumes and grains, are particularly problematic for Crohn’s patients. High fiber diet is very helpful in prevention of flare, but we need to be selective of the fiber we consume.
Beyond diet, incorporating the right herbs, probiotics, and nutrients can enhance tissue healing, reduce inflammation, curb the overgrowth of bacteria and yeast, and promote gut microbiome diversity, thereby accelerating recovery. Just as every neighborhood is unique, so is each digestive tract. Therefore, the most effective protocol should be customized for each individual.
Crafting such a personalized treatment plan requires a skilled provider who can utilize the patient’s medical history, symptom progression, test results, and craft a protocol that is both effective and feasible for the patient’s family to follow.
If your child is suffering from Crohn’s disease, it is important that you seek out trained professionals to guide you through the process. Our providers are happy to schedule a brief consultation with you to answer your questions regarding our approach in treating Crohn’s.
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Dr. Sherry Su, ND, FABNG
Naturopathic Doctor San Jose
408-356-1364
