Resource Articles
Teens with Crohn’s disease often face a lot more than the physical symptoms—school, social life, body image, mental health, autonomy, planning for college or work, etc. Resources that help aren’t just medical ones; they need to support emotional health, peer connection, self-management, and life transitions.
Here are some of the best tools and supports available right now. MyGut™ (Crohn’s & Colitis Canada) Tracking symptoms, seeing trends, communicating with doctors Allows daily tracking of symptoms & lifestyle (diet, sleep, etc.), graphs over time, educational resources. (crohnsandcolitis.ca)
Nori Health Managing symptoms, especially stress, fatigue, pain; helps with flare-ups A 6-week digital therapy program, guided chat coach, techniques for diet, stress, mood. (Nori Health)
Bezzy IBD Connecting with other teens (or people with IBD) to reduce isolation Has community feed, forums, live chat, one-on-one messaging. (Apple)
Crohn’s Disease by AZoMedical Staying up to date with news / research & basic information Provides updated information & news; works offline for some content. (azomedical.com)
Accessing Support in School
ormal education plans, and ongoing communication with their school. Here are some key steps:
1. Medical Documentation
- Ask your gastroenterologist or primary care doctor for a letter that explains the diagnosis, symptoms (like fatigue, pain, or urgent restroom needs), and how Crohn’s might affect school attendance or participation.
- This documentation helps the school understand what’s needed and is often required for accommodations.
2. 504 Plan or IEP (in the U.S.)
- A 504 Plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act can outline accommodations such as:
- Unlimited restroom access.
- Flexibility with attendance or deadlines.
- Permission to carry water, snacks, or medication.
- Modified physical education if needed.
- Unlimited restroom access.
Research Updates
Diet, Microbiome, & Functional Changes
- Mi-IBD Diet & Gut Microbiome Function
In an interesting metaproteomics study, researchers had Crohn’s patients follow a high-fiber, low-fat diet (“Mi-IBD diet”) for 8 weeks, then followed up to 36 weeks. The diet changed how the gut microbiome worked (not just who was there) — increasing carbohydrate + iron transport/metabolism pathways. The effect differed depending on disease location (ileal vs colonic). For people with colonic involvement it appeared to show more benefit. BioMed Central
- Biomarkers from Microbiome Metabolites (“Reverse Metabolomics”)
Researchers are pushing beyond cataloging which bacteria are present, toward what molecules the microbiome is producing. A study using “reverse metabolomics” (mass spectrometry + data science + organic chemistry) is identifying molecules made by gut microbes that correlate with disease severity; these might become diagnostics or even therapeutic targets in the future. Crohn's & Colitis Foundation