Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy

Children with cerebral palsy often have the muscles of their mouth and throat affected by their condition. So they may have trouble chewing and swallowing food and liquids. This difficulty can lead to poor nutrition if they are unable to eat sufficient amounts of food to grow at a normal rate.

Because of spasticity with cerebral palsy, it can result in the use of extra calories, which would make their caloric needs greater than average.

You want to make sure that a person with cerebral palsy has a highly nutritious diet. Here is information on two major minerals and their food sources

Foods with calcium can help strengthen nerve and heart function, immune defense and prevent bone loss. Calcium foods include dairy products (unless there are allergies), fish, tofu, broccoli, chard, and legumes.

Magnesium is often called the anti-stress mineral because it has a calming effect when taken. It helps induce restful sleep. It is very much needed by the person who has a hyperactive nervous system. Sources of Magnesium include: fresh green vegetables (chlorophyll), raw wheat germ, soybeans, low fat milk, whole grains, fish, figs, corn, apples, almonds.

Jeannie Crabtree C.Ac.

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