Food for the Brain Foundation
“ Treatment for mental health symptoms should include correcting nutritional imbalances as a first line procedure ”
The Food for the Brain Foundation aim to raise awareness of the importance of nutrition in mental health. They are a charitable foundation working to inform organisations and empower individuals with research-based information including sections such as Nutrition for children specifically for parents on how to build a healthy brain and Nutrition for your mental health condition covering a whole range of mental health disorders from ADHD, Autism, Anxiety and beyond. Both of these sections are found under the ‘For Individuals’ tab.
For further background reading, their ‘Evidence Database’ gives access to a whole host of research studies and their ‘Articles’ section is another reliable resource, they also host regular webinars with leaders in the field.
Research Articles.
Autism Symptoms: Improve digestion & absorption
Studies show that a high proportion of children with Autism diagnosis also suffer from Gastro-intestinal issues. Restoring a healthy gut can be pivotal. Simply supplementing digestive enzymes and giving probiotics to restore the balance of gut bacteria can be a great place to start. Both measures help heal the digestive tract and promote normal absorption, and have produced positive clinical results in autistic children.
It’s likely to be different for each child, but studies have shown that reversing deficiencies such as Omega 3, vitamins and minerals can impact symptoms.
ADHD Hyperactivity
Although it is unlikely, on the basis of the studies to date, that ADHD is purely a deficiency disease, most children with this diagnosis are deficient in certain key nutrients, and do respond very well.
In a study of 530 hyperactive children, Dr Neil Ward of the University of Surrey collated findings that could explain the link between ADHD and such deficiencies.
Dyslexia & Dyspraxia
Alongside assessments and tailored teaching, children with dyslexia and dyspraxia can benefit hugely from the specific nutrition. The most important factor to consider is essential fat deficiencies.
A study of 97 dyslexic children by Dr Alex Richardson and colleagues at Hammersmith Hospital in London showed that essential fat deficiency clearly contributes to the severity of dyslexic symptoms.