A new review looked at natural treatments that might help children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The researchers found that mind-body practices like yoga and therapy, gut-friendly bacteria (probiotics), and certain plant-based supplements could work alongside regular medicine to help kids feel better. While these natural approaches show promise for reducing symptoms and improving quality of life, more studies are needed to prove they’re safe and effective for children specifically.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether natural treatments like yoga, probiotics, and herbal supplements can help children with inflammatory bowel disease when used with regular medicine
  • Who participated: This was a review of existing research studies rather than a new study with participants
  • Key finding: Several natural treatments, especially mind-body practices like yoga and cognitive behavioral therapy, show promise for helping kids with IBD feel better
  • What it means for you: If your child has IBD, talk to their doctor about adding safe natural treatments to their regular care plan

The Research Details

This was a comprehensive review where researchers looked at many existing studies about natural treatments for pediatric IBD. They examined different types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) including mind-body practices, gut microbiome treatments, and herbal supplements. The researchers analyzed what previous studies found about how well these treatments work and whether they’re safe for children.

Review studies are important because they bring together findings from many different research projects to give us a bigger picture of what works. This helps doctors and families make better decisions about treatment options.

Since this is a review of existing research, the quality depends on the individual studies examined. The authors noted that more pediatric-specific trials are needed, which suggests the current evidence comes mainly from adult studies.

What the Results Show

Mind-body practices showed the most promising results. Cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, and acupuncture appeared to help improve quality of life for kids with IBD and might even help modify the disease itself. These treatments seem to work by helping children manage stress and pain, which can trigger IBD flares. The research suggests these approaches are generally safe when used alongside regular medical treatment.

Gut microbiome treatments like probiotics and fecal microbiota transplant (where healthy gut bacteria from donors are transferred) showed potential for changing the disease course. However, researchers emphasized that more studies are needed to understand safety and effectiveness. Plant-based supplements, particularly curcumin (from turmeric) and Indigo naturalis, showed promising results in clinical trials for reducing ulcerative colitis symptoms, though most studies were done in adults.

This review confirms what many families with IBD already suspected - that natural treatments might be helpful additions to regular medicine. It builds on growing research showing the gut-brain connection and the importance of the microbiome in IBD.

The biggest limitation is that most research has been done in adults, not children. The review also noted that pediatric IBD is becoming more common, but we still need more studies specifically testing these natural treatments in kids to know the right doses and safety profiles.

The Bottom Line

Consider discussing mind-body practices like yoga or therapy with your child’s IBD team, as these have the strongest evidence for safety and benefit. Be more cautious with supplements and always talk to the doctor before starting anything new. Probiotics may be helpful but should be chosen carefully with medical guidance.

Families of children with IBD who are looking for additional ways to help their child feel better should find this research interesting. However, these treatments should complement, not replace, regular medical care.

Mind-body practices might show benefits in quality of life within weeks to months of regular practice. Gut microbiome changes could take several months to show effects, and supplement benefits may vary widely.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track IBD symptoms, stress levels, and quality of life scores daily to see if natural treatments are helping alongside regular medicine
  • Start with one mind-body practice like guided meditation or gentle yoga, practicing for 10-15 minutes daily while monitoring symptoms
  • Log symptoms, mood, energy levels, and any natural treatments used to identify patterns and share comprehensive data with your child’s IBD team

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your child’s gastroenterologist or pediatrician before starting any complementary treatments for IBD. Some natural treatments can interact with medications or may not be appropriate for all children.