We all know that a healthy diet is one of the key ways to achieve a healthy lifestyle. And this is especially true for children with Down syndrome because the problem with the genetic condition is not only the condition itself, but the increased risk of other medical conditions. Those with Down syndrome are also at risk of things like congenital heart defects, thyroid conditions, celiac disease and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the help of a healthy diet can help your child potentially avoid these other conditions and live a happy, healthy life.
When you’re out grocery shopping, remember to add these yummy (and gluten-free) foods to your list:
- Beans, seeds, and nuts in their natural, raw form
- Fresh eggs
- Fresh poultry, fish, and lean meats (not breaded, batter-coated or marinated)
- Fruits and vegetables
- Most dairy products: While some dairy products are great, you may want to keep avoid protein from cows and substitute with non-dairy products or goat milk products. Children with Down syndrome respond well to both of those.
To keep your child at a healthy weight, choose nutrient dense foods and try to limit as much junk food as possible. An easy rule of thumb to follow is to eat foods found in nature, and avoid man-made foods, or “processed foods,” as much as possible.
Test out some of the above options and see how your child feels and acts. Keep track of your child's new diet with a food journal and note how your child reacts to different foods. Once you figure out what he or she likes best, you can stick to the basics and make different recipes based on those ingredients. Simply by incorporating these healthy, nutrient dense foods into your family's diet, you can ensure a happy, fulfilling life for your child.
No comments:
Post a Comment