Cerebral Palsy Diet Therapy: Foods to Avoid for Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) affects a person’s movement, balance, and posture. It is the most frequent motor impairment in children and is quite common. The name “cerebral” signifies a connection to the brain, whereas “palsy” indicates weakness or issues with muscle function.

A person with CP has impaired control over their muscles as a result of the brain’s abnormal growth.

Common Feeding Issues in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Gastrointestinal Issues in Cerebral Palsy and Feeding

Additionally, children with cerebral palsy may experience gastrointestinal issues related to their eating habits, such as:

• Bloating
• Abdominal cramping
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

When they don’t get enough calories and key nutrients, they may as a result lose weight, miss out on crucial developmental milestones, or become malnourished. In the most severe situations, some cerebral palsy patients are completely incapable of eating by mouth and need a feeding tube.

Why are nutritional inadequacies seen in CP patients?

Children and adults with CP may suffer from poor nutrition for a number of reasons, including:

• Difficulties eating and swallowing due to weakening in the muscles of the jaw, tongue, and face.
• Increased nutritional requirements.

Patients with CP may also lack the coordination needed to feed themselves or have behavioral problems that interfere with mealtimes. They could also have trouble expressing their hunger or thirst.

Cerebral Palsy Diet

People with cerebral palsy (CP) experience issues with their muscles, their ability to move, and/or their motor skills. Due to issues with swallowing, eating, and digestion, they also experience growth limitations. Because of this, they require a balanced and wholesome diet for overall health and development.

Essential Nutrients for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Children with cerebral palsy require different dietary needs compared to other kids. These needs encompass essential nutrients and recommended foods. Several crucial nutrients for children with CP include:

People with cerebral palsy frequently struggle with low bone density, thus calcium-rich meals and beverages are crucial. It is present in a variety of foods, including dairy goods, leafy green vegetables, almonds, beans, seeds, fish, and tofu.

Protein is necessary for tissue growth and repair. Muscle weakness or stiffness in children with CP may increase their need for protein. Protein-rich foods include meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, and nuts.

Phosphorus is beneficial for bones and teeth, which can suffer if your child has cerebral palsy. It can be found in foods like dairy goods, meat and fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans, and vegetables including potatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

Due to their restricted movement or poor nutrient absorption, children with CP may be more susceptible to anemia. The formation of red blood cells depends on iron. Meat, chicken, fish, beans, and fortified grains are excellent sources of iron.

Constipation is a typical issue for kids with CP. Consuming enough fiber helps support regular bowel motions. Beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are all excellent sources of fiber.

So, include these nutrient-rich foods in your child’s diet to support their health, especially if they have cerebral palsy.

Suitable Cuisine/Foods For a Cerebral Palsy Diet 

There is no “one size fits all” diet for cerebral palsy. Every child has unique nutritional demands because of differences in factors like mobility, motor coordination, and muscular density.

The following foods are commonly suggested for children with cerebral palsy:

People with cerebral palsy often consume eggs since they are a wonderful source of choline and protein. Consuming enough protein is essential for supporting tissue and muscle growth. 

Consuming adequate amounts of choline is necessary for producing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that influences mood, memory, muscle control, and other critical functions of the nervous system.

As a result, choline intake can supply essential nutrients to the brain, thereby enhancing motor functions.

Feeding problems in many children with cerebral palsy can result in insufficient nutrient intake, leading to weakened bones and muscles.

Milk and yogurt have a lot of calcium, which is important for strong bones and healthy nerves. Moreover,  yogurt also has a lot of protein, which may promote muscle-building cell growth and repair.

Diets for people with cerebral palsy may include olive oil as a healthy fat. Olive oil is rich in antioxidant-packed micronutrients known as polyphenols, which contribute to neuroprotection by scavenging free radicals, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, and possessing anti-inflammatory properties.

Avocados are nutrient-rich fruits with high fat and calorie content.

Due to their inability to control their mouth muscles, many people with cerebral palsy may be undernourished.  So they can have trouble chewing and swallowing.

Avocados are a good example of a high-calorie, nutrient-dense food that makes sure CP sufferers get adequate calories without having to eat more food overall.  

Dark leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, are important for any healthy diet, but people who have cerebral palsy may benefit most from them since they contain vitamin K, which is necessary for both strong bones and a healthy brain.

Additionally, leafy greens provide folate, a B vitamin required for the production of serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These neurotransmitters help elevate mood and might assist in controlling the heightened behavioral issues that are common in kids with CP.

Nut butter, such as peanut and almond butter, have good fats and don’t need much chewing, so eating these foods may help people with cerebral palsy get enough calories.

They are also quite adaptable and typically kid-friendly. You can increase your child’s meal’s protein, fiber, healthy fats, and other vital vitamins and minerals by incorporating them into smoothies or oatmeal.

Turmeric

The healthy yellow herb turmeric is frequently used in Indian cuisine.

Up to 50% of kids with cerebral palsy also have epilepsy. Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, is believed to have anticonvulsant properties due to its rich antioxidant content. 

Additionally, curcumin promotes the production of a vital growth protein called BDNF, aiding the brain in adapting through the formation and strengthening of neural connections. This makes it a potential benefit for the 50% of children with cerebral palsy who may also suffer from epilepsy.

For thousands of years, ginger has been utilized both as a culinary and medicinal ingredient. It has numerous medicinal benefits that might improve immunity, brain function, digestion, and blood circulation.

Antioxidants are abundant in ginger, and they actively protect the brain by combating oxidative stress. Furthermore, ginger enhances blood flow, enabling brain neurons to absorb more oxygen and vital nutrients for optimal functioning.

Most people with cerebral palsy spend the majority of their days in wheelchairs. Long-term abdominal compression from this delays digestion and reduces blood flow.

Oats, brown rice, whole wheat, whole rye, barley, and quinoa are examples of whole grains that are very nutrient-dense and high in fiber.

Prebiotics are dietary fibers that are present in whole grains. They facilitate digestion and support the growth of good bacteria in the gut.

Strategies for Addressing Feeding Difficulties in Cerebral Palsy Patients

The most common strategies used to address feeding difficulties in cerebral palsy patients include:

Oral-motor therapy

 This therapy focuses on enhancing a child’s ability to move their mouth, tongue, and lips during eating.

Postural therapy

 This therapy aims to improve the child’s positioning during meals, making swallowing easier.

Nutritional counseling

 A dietitian can offer guidance on meeting your child’s nutritional requirements and increasing the consumption of specific foods.

Modified diets

Adjusting meals to incorporate softer, easier-to-swallow foods can enhance the comfort of eating.

Medication

In certain cases, medications may be prescribed to reduce acid reflux and assist with digestion.

Conclusion

Feeding difficulties are a common symptom in children with cerebral palsy, and these difficulties can have an effect on a child’s behavior, growth, development, social skills, nutrition, and general health. 

A nutritious diet helps improve the immune system, blood flow, and cognitive capacities in those with cerebral palsy. A moderate amount of physical activity is also crucial.

 Effective management and therapy can lessen symptoms and stop them from getting worse.

Start feeling healthier with the support and expertise of Clinical Nutritionist Sania Gul. Book an appointment at Nutrition by Sania for Personalized Meal Planning, PCOS, Weight Management Issues, Nutrition Advice, and Support.

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1179/1476830513Y.0000000052

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3137939/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30696294/

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-HealthProfessional/