How Long Is The Healing Process For 2 Year Old?

[Jules]

I was wondering if anyone could give me an approximate length of time (I know that its different for everyone) that it should take the intestines to heal after going on a strict gluten free diet (with no known gluten mishaps)? The child I am referring to is 2 years old and has been on a gluten-free diet since April.

Thank you.

[dandelionmom]

It does depend on a lot of variables. My 3.5 year old was significantly better within a month, was able to digest dairy after about two months, and grew two clothing sizes in 8 months.

She's been gluten-free for about a year now and is totally better unless she gets accidentally glutened.

[AMQmom]

My daughter was diagnosed immediately before her 3rd birthday. Her body had quit functioning - distended belly and all. Once gluten-free, she had energy again within days. By the time a month went by, her speech started to improve a little. She was diagnosed in February and she is now looking great - growing, shiny hair, no belly, talking like she never has before. We had to thoroughly examine our house for gluten sources, though. Changed cat food and saw big improvements (gluten-free cat food), changed dog food, hair and soap and lotions, etc.

[MarsupialMama]

It depends on how much damage was done, and also how fast you heal. I know that sounds really stupid and basic, but my husband can heal a wound in a few days what would take a month for me. I don't know why that is, although I've always been a slow healer.

Daughter has been gluten free for 3 months and we noticed improvements in appetite, sleep, and attitude, but not too much in weight, which I would imagine would be due to slow intestinal healing.

Some people take a few months for the major part of healing, but I have heard to give it between 6 months to a year gluten free before assuming complete healing has taken place.

There are things you can do to aid the healing (like herbs or aloe vera or whatnot). I make my daughter teas with slippery elm powder and hide small amounts of fresh aloe vera in her smoothies. There are other foods, such as dairy, fried foods, spicy foods (peppers, mustards, condiments, etc), or too much starchy refined foods, that can cause irritation to the intestines and slow healing. A sugary diet (refined sugars, not fruit sugars) slows healing dramatically.

Bottom line, give you little one a highly nutritious diet, avoiding all the junk (especially soda), and give the time lapse about a year and see what happens.

Good luck!