Sweet potatoes, with their vibrant orange hue and sweet flavor, are more than just a delicious addition to family meals. They are a nutritional powerhouse, offering a plethora of vitamins and minerals that are particularly beneficial for children on the autism spectrum. In this article, we will explore the fantastic benefits of sweet potatoes for these children, highlighting the specific vitamins they contain and various creative ways to incorporate this superfood into their diets.
Read MoreChildren with ASD and ADHD often exhibit patterns of nutrient intake that fall below recommended levels for various crucial components. These include calories, protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. These deficiencies can detrimentally impact growth, cognitive function, immune health, and overall well-being. Integrating comprehensive micronutrient testing into the assessment process allows for personalized dietary recommendations to rectify these shortcomings.
Read MoreIron is a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen throughout the body, supporting brain development, and maintaining a healthy immune system. In children with autism and ADHD, iron deficiency can exacerbate existing challenges by contributing to behavioral issues and sleep disturbances.
Read MoreAs the back-to-school season approaches, if your child has dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free and casein-free needs, you may be seeking nutritious and delicious lunchbox ideas to keep your little ones fueled throughout the school day. It's important to provide balanced meals that contain protein, fiber, and healthy fats to support their growing bodies and active minds. In addition to focusing on the contents of the lunchbox, we'll also explore eco-friendly lunchbox packing options, specifically stainless steel items from trusted brands like LunchBots, PlanetBox, and Bentgo.
Read MoreAutism and ADHD can present challenges in nutrient absorption, leading to potential deficiencies. There can be many reasons behind this issue and it is essential to get to the root cause and explore factors such as digestive enzyme insufficiency, gut dysbiosis, constipation, gut inflammation, and nutrient-depleted foods.
Read MoreWhile multivitamins are commonly used to supplement essential nutrients, they may not be sufficient for children with nutrient deficiencies or those with autism who require extra Methylated B vitamins, Vitamin D and minerals such as magnesium and zinc.
Read MoreWhile conventional medicine offers valuable insights into these conditions, the rapidly evolving field of functional medicine testing has provided us with a deeper understanding of the intricate connections between gut health, nutrient deficiencies, heavy metal toxicity, and food sensitivities in these children.
Read MoreAs a pediatric clinical nutritionist, I often encounter concerned parents seeking guidance on their child's food sensitivities. It's crucial to understand the signs and symptoms associated with food sensitivities, as they can manifest in various ways, including behavioral issues, digestive problems, rashes/eczema, and even attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Moreover, children with conditions like autism and ADHD are more prone to developing food sensitivities.
Read MoreAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals worldwide. Research suggests that a multidimensional approach focusing on biomedical and epigenetic factors can offer valuable insights and potential therapeutic interventions. A few of the key elements of the biomedical and epigenetic approach to autism, include the roles of MTHFR, nutrition and nutrient deficiencies (particularly vitamin D and B12), gut dysbiosis, and the brain-gut connection.
Read MoreThere is a growing concern regarding the use of pesticides in our food production systems. Pesticides, chemicals designed to kill pests and protect crops, have become a pervasive part of modern agriculture. However, their potential toxicity poses a significant risk, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children.
Read MoreEosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder that affects the esophagus, causing inflammation and the buildup of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. EoE has been increasingly recognized in recent years, particularly among children.
Read MoreThe intricate connection between our gut and overall health has been the subject of much scientific investigation in recent years. The gut microbiome, a vast ecosystem of microorganisms residing in our digestive tract, plays a pivotal role in various aspects of our well-being. Emerging research suggests that the health of the gut microbiome and its interaction with nutrients can have a profound impact on childhood conditions such as autism, allergies, asthma, and ADHD.
Read MoreNutrigenomics explores how specific nutrients or dietary components can influence gene expression and metabolism, leading to personalized dietary recommendations for optimal health outcomes. This emerging field has shown promise in addressing various childhood disorders, including autism, eczema, and autoimmune conditions.
Read MoreAnxiety is a complex condition that affects people of all ages, including children and is a common comorbid condition that affects children with autism and ADHD. It can manifest in various ways and may be triggered by a combination of genetic, environmental, and physiological factors. As I have mentioned in several other articles, the root of many of these factors begins in the gut. When our digestive health is out of whack, the rest of our bodies will be too. If we are not able to digest properly, we will not be able to absorb nutrients and many functions in the body will not work optimally. Also, if there are food sensitivities then those can lead to improper digestion, improper absorption and create inflammation leading to many symptoms.
Read MoreThe human microbiome, consisting of trillions of microorganisms inhabiting our bodies, plays a crucial role in most aspects of our health. Recent research has shown that the microbiome's composition can be influenced by diet, leading to both positive and negative effects. In children, an imbalanced microbiome has been associated with conditions such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Read MoreCalcium is a vital nutrient for growing children, as it is essential for healthy bone development. While dairy products are a common source of calcium, they are not suitable for children with lactose intolerance, allergies, or those following a dairy-free lifestyle. Fortunately, numerous dairy-free calcium-rich foods are available to ensure children receive the necessary amount of this essential mineral.
Read MorePicky eating is a common challenge many parents face when it comes to feeding their children. Dealing with a limited range of food preferences can lead to concerns about nutrient deficiencies and overall health. However, with the right strategies, it is possible to address picky eating effectively.
Read MoreEczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that affects millions of children worldwide. It is characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin that can be uncomfortable and even painful for children. There are many strategies that parents can use to help manage their child's symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Let’s look at five strategies to help with eczema in children: elimination diet, anti-inflammatory foods, exercise, coconut oil, and red light therapy.
Read MoreChildren with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation and irregular bowel movements, and sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep and waking up frequently during the night. Magnesium supplementation can be a useful tool for parents to alleviate these symptoms and improve their child's quality of life.
Read MoreAs we discuss quite often, gut health is crucial to brain health.
The connection between the gut and the brain is a sensitive balance of interdependence. Healthy brain function is dependent on the neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced in the GI tract.
If there is inflammation and imbalance in the gut, it will contribute to digestion problems, anxiety, aggression, mood swings, lack of focus and attention and interrupted sleep.
However, there are some easy additions you can do daily to start healing the gut now!
Read More
