Did you know that around 10,000 babies are born in the U.S. with cerebral palsy each year?
According to one source, between 1,200 and 1,500 school-aged kids are diagnosed with the neurological disorder annually, and about 764,000 kids and adults have at least one cerebral palsy symptom. Cerebral palsy is the number one diagnosed childhood motor disability in the country with almost eight in 10 kids with cerebral palsy having the spastic type of the disorder.
If your child has the disorder, one of the things to consider is their diet. Children with cerebral palsy often have low levels of manganese and copper, and this deficit can cause issues like weak bones, growth issues, a higher risk of infection, and neurological function problems.
Cerebral palsy can occur due to avoidable injuries during birth. You’ll want to consult a personal injury lawyer to explore your options if this scenario rings true for your family. A medical professional experienced in helping parents whose children have the disorder due to injuries caused by medical professionals is best suited to file a claim on your behalf.
While it’s best to work with medical professionals to find the right food plan for your child, it doesn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with the best foods for children with cerebral palsy.
What follows is a look at foods and drinks that are good for children with cerebral palsy.
Protein
Kids with cerebral palsy require food high in fiber. One reason it’s so vital is that it can combat constipation, which is something such children encounter due to their condition. So, you can reduce the odds of your child constipating by ensuring they get enough fiber with their meals. That means consuming sufficient amounts of legumes, whole grains, and produce.
Calcium
Another issue people with cerebral palsy deal with is low bone density. As a result, their diets should contain foods and beverages with calcium. The good news is there are many options to increase calcium consumption. Dairy products, whether drinks or foods, are good sources of calcium. Other good sources include leafy green produce, fish, legumes, nuts, and tofu.
Protein
Protein is also an important consideration. If your child has cerebral palsy, they may experience issues with muscle spasticity and weakness. That’s one reason to ensure your child’s diet contains enough protein. Again, the good news is plenty of protein sources exist, such as meat, eggs, fish, legumes, and nuts. So, if you have a picky child, there are many protein options.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is also important. In fact, that vitamin facilitates calcium absorption. While people can get vitamin D from exposure to the sun, kids with cerebral palsy might not spend as much time outdoors as others due to mobility issues. So, it’s all the more important to be intentional about including sources of the vitamin in their diet. Kids can get their vitamin D by eating dairy products like cheese, fish, beef, and eggs.
Iron
Children with cerebral palsy also need to watch their iron because of their heightened anemia risks. So, if your child has this disorder, it’s important to ensure they’re getting enough iron. Sources of iron include beans, poultry, fish, and meat.
This list will provide some guidance so you know what types of food they require. But going it alone isn’t an option. Being hands-off isn’t an option. You should work hand-in-hand with your child’s doctor. The doctor will likely recommend other medical professionals to work with. Your child will need a specialized meal plan to get the right food, and that will take a team effort.