While most understand the role of dietary choices in gaining and losing weight, the mechanisms behind metabolism, timing of eating, and even the truth about the role played by nutritional components of the foods we eat is less clear. Not many people realize that overweight individuals often suffer from varying degrees of malnutrition. To read more about this, click here.
It takes a team to balance wellness – especially when we don’t know for certain why a loved one or we are unable to achieve our optimal state of health. When children struggle to thrive – mind, body or spirit, it can break a parent’s heart.
We must wonder: is it possible that food sensitivities might be behind my child’s attention deficit disorder, inability to lose (or gain) weight or short stature? Does my child have an absorption issue that I can address and fix?
Very important questions well worth exploring, especially if medications and/ or other advanced interventions are already in place or being considered. Autism Speaks offers a wide range of information regarding diet and nutrition. Click here for details. Dr. Hyman and Dr. Ludwig suggest ways to balance the mind and body – beginning with nutritional intervention. They strongly believe that, unless we address food issues and help educate our children right now, they are set up to be the first generation that will die younger than their parents.
If you believe food sensitivities might be a possible issue for your child – especially regarding any diagnosis ‘on the spectrum,’ or even ‘failure to thrive,’ bringing a nutritionist onto your team is a valuable step to take. There is a lot of information out there on the web, some of which is not ‘evidence-based’ so do be careful about what you read and always run the information past your pediatrician. Be cautious about making dietary additions, restrictions or implementing any harsh interventions without first hearing what your nutritionist and/or pediatrician have to say about it.
ADHD and Diet. In ruling out food sensitivities, an elimination diet is easy enough to do at home – click here for additional information; however, I repeat my caution against eliminating foods without the guidance of a nutritionist and/or other healthcare provider well versed in balancing physiological needs of the developing body. The reason is simply that elimination of certain foods without direction from a trained professional might complicate issues related to diagnoses ‘on the spectrum’ as well as those related to failure to thrive. The goal is to facilitate balance of mind, body and spirit. The impact of nutrition on the brain – specifically mood and cognition, is significant. Foods that support brain function are often referred to as ‘brain food’ and evidence shows this to be fact. For decades we have known that foods rich in the omega-3 fatty acids positively impact the human brain – across diagnoses. Click here to read more.
Could short stature or issues with being underweight be rooted in disorders of the endocrine system? This is a possibility that must be ruled out. Click here for details on endocrinology as it relates to growth patterns in children. Remember that short stature or below average weight might be a natural expression of healthy genetic make-up, having nothing to do with any disorder whatsoever. Click here for parameters.
The bottom line is that our children deserve the best shot at everything this world has to offer. Each individual has potential. The gift children deserve to receive from their parents is a fighting chance to fulfill their potential, find their joy, and discover how to achieve and maintain their own balance of mind, body and spirit.
For additional information about the impact of diet on the body:
Dr. Nancy Iankowitz DNP, RN, FNP-BC 