Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often diagnosed in the first few years of life and can have a variety of symptoms, including difficulty communicating, repetitive behaviors, poor social skills, and sensory issues.
Recent studies have shown that nutrition may play an important role in helping children with ASD. In fact, there is some evidence to suggest that certain foods can help reduce some of the autistic-related symptoms.
This article outlines some of the most promising food-based treatments for children with ASD.
Research on the link between food and brain development
One study found that children who ate more vegetables had higher IQ scores than those who didn't eat as many veggies. Another study found that kids who ate more fruits and vegetables scored significantly higher on tests measuring memory and attention skills than kids who didn't eat enough fruit and veg.
A third study found that children who consumed more whole grains were less likely to develop ADHD symptoms later in life.
The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids have been well documented for decades. Omega-3s are essential fats that are important for growth and development. They're also critical for maintaining heart health and helping prevent depression. The best sources of omega-3s are fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, herring, trout, and lake whitefish. You can also find omega-3 supplements in capsule form or liquid form.
Omega-6 fatty acids are another type of essential fat. These fats are necessary for normal cell function and growth. However, too much omega-6 can lead to inflammation and other problems. Omega-6s are abundant in vegetable oils such as corn oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, and cottonseed oil.
Let's have a look at the most important ingredients that may help people with autism spectrum disorders handle their symptoms with more ease.
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Around 60% of our brains are made of fat — half of that fat is the Omega 3 kind. The brain also utilizes this type of fat to create nerve cells, which makes them even more important for kids. High levels of Omega 3 were associated with better memory function and improved reading skills. Also, Omega 3 oils seemed to support the treatment of different behavioral issues in children due to their role in the neurotransmitters' function.
Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish such as salmon, trout, and tuna are important nutrients for children. They're available in various forms, including supplements, foods, and oils. You can include them in your child's diet by eating salmon, tuna, or trout at least once a week. Try making sandwiches, salads, or pasta for lunch instead of pizza or burgers.
2. Egg yolks.
Essential vitamins are nutrients that our bodies require but cannot produce themselves. They come from food sources such as fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and eggs. Choline is one of these essential vitamins. It plays a vital role in the formation of nerve cells in your body. Without adequate amounts of choline, you may experience problems with memory and learning. Egg yolk contains high levels of choline, so children who consume large quantities of eggs regularly are likely to get enough choline without supplementation. In addition, eggs are packed full of protein and other important nutrients, including iron, or zinc.
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Eggs are an excellent source of protein and contain vitamins B12, D, E, K, A, C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, copper, manganese, iodine, and riboflavin. They're also low in saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and calories.
3. Whole grains.
Whole grains contain lots of nutrients for brain health, including fiber, B vitamins, and minerals. Oats, rye, and quinoa are good choices for children because they're easy to introduce into their daily routines. Try to give your child something nutritious to eat first thing in the morning, whether it be oatmeal, granola cereal with milk, or anything else.
4. Beans.
Beans are an excellent source of protein and complex carbohydrates. They're high in fiber and low in fat, making them ideal for children who need lots of energy without packing on too much weight. Kidney beans are particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acid content, which makes them a good choice for kids who don't eat seafood. Beans can be added to an infant’s diet by adding them to a salad, tortilla, or pasta dish, or they can be mixed into pureed apple sauce for babies who don't yet eat solid foods.
5. Berries.
With berries, you're in a good spot when it comes to providing your kids with a healthy dessert choice. You can offer them strawberries, cherries, blueberries, or blackberries. They will be rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, omega-3s, and fiber. Here are just some of the foods that can help autistic children handle their symptoms more easily.
Read this post about the Best Organic Foods for Increasing Memory and Attention.
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