Childhood Crohns and Colitis - Top 5 Mistakes Parents Don't Know They're Making

Mistake #1 Feeding grains, especially wheat, too early.

Feeding grains to infants is a "proceed with caution" zone. The enzymes that digest grains only begin to develop in children at about six months of age and are not fully developed until the age of two. This means that the child can’t fully digest the grain, so it’s possible for undigested molecules to enter the bloodstream. When this happens, the immune system may consider the molecules to be foreign proteins and will mount a defense against them which leads to food allergies and digestion problems...

Young children’s intestines are quite permeable, allowing for easier absorption of nutrients. This makes the problem worse and increases the likelihood that undigested food molecules will indeed pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream.

When there is a family history of gastrointestinal problems it’s essential that every precaution be taken to avoid stressing the child’s digestive system to prevent childhood Crohn's or Colitis.

Breastfeeding is strongly encouraged for six months or longer. Consider pureed vegetables as the first solid foods to be fed to the child. Mashed or pureed squash, sweet potato, carrots and peas are good choices. Delaying the use of wheat and other grains in the diet until the age of 24 months is helpful for children with a family history of digestive problems.

Go to Mistake #2 Infant Colic & Temper Tantrums from Fabric Softener Folly