Asperger’s Syndrome and Organic Fruits and Vegetables
Asperger’s Syndrome is among the most popular autism disorders. Children and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome will struggle with developmental growth. It can be diagnosed in children as young as two years. This article looks at the food habits, diet, and the effects of organic fruits and vegetables on people with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Children with AS are very picky when choosing foods. For instance, a kid may refuse to eat his food because different foods touch each other on the plate. Others will refuse to eat slimy foods, while others suffer from food allergies. So should I feed my child with Asperger’s Syndrome organic fruits and vegetables?
What should I feed a child with Asperger’s Syndrome
Early diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome is necessary for a child’s growth. Only then will you understand their needs and also the Asperger’s Syndrome behavior. Not only will they be selective with food, but they also have communication and social challenges. This leaves it up to you to discover what is right for your child.
Unfortunately, your child will choose their favorite foods and stick to that. They would eat it every time if they had the opportunity to. However, this would not be healthy for their growth. Kids with AS often dislike fruits and vegetables. This is due to their significant smells and taste. Most of them also hate slimy fruits, while others develop food allergies.
Organic fruits and vegetables do not contain any additives. They are grown naturally, which means less exposure to chemicals. If your child seems allergic to the fruits or vegetables from the grocery stores, you could go for organic products.
If you are worried about your child’s nutrition, you could work with a nutritionist. They will study your child’s eating habits and food preferences to determine what is right for them. However, note that changing your child’s diet will be met with resistance. Most people with Asperger’s Syndrome prefer processed foods as opposed to fruits and vegetables.
However, they require vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables. Your nutritionist will guide you on how to introduce new foods to your child. It will be a gradual process, especially if a child seems to dislike the new food.
There is a need for more research to determine whether organic fruits and vegetables enhance
Three types of foods for children with Asperger’s Syndrome
Children with Asperger’s Syndrome will struggle to adapt to change. This is why any changes in their lives must be very gradual. For instance, if you are introducing new foods to their diet, start with a small piece. It would also help to supplement the new food with their favorite foods.
Well, when planning a diet for a child with Asperger’s Syndrome, consider the following foods;
- Omega-3 rich foods
Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids will help manage some symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome. For instance, fatty fish and fried eggs are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
In return, Omega-3 fatty acids help with managing hyperactivity in people with Asperger’s Syndrome. It is especially important if your child has Attention Deficit Disorder. These fatty acids also help reduce inflammation.
- Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins help manage sleep. They also aid in digestion, which can be a challenge for people with Asperger’s Syndrome. Most vitamins are found in fruits and vegetables. For instance, Vitamin B6 and magnesium are known to improve behavior in children with autism.
However, as indicated above, the correlation between autism and diets needs to be investigated further. Parents who have used Vitamin B6 and Magnesium supplements report a change in behaviors caused by the autism spectrum disorder.
- Gluten-free and Casein-free diet
Gluten is a form of protein found in wheat, while Casein is found in dairy products. Most children with Asperger’s Syndrome present allergic reactions to gluten and Casein. While it is advisable to switch to a gluten-free and casein-free diet, it is also expensive. Besides, it means that your child will only choose foods from a limited variety. This means that they might suffer from certain nutrients deficiency.
Organic fruits and vegetables can come in handy, especially if your child is susceptible to food allergies. A lot of these allergies are caused by the chemicals used in growing foods. You may try organic foods if you have access to these fruits and vegetables at a lower price. For instance, Farmer’s market can be a good source of organic fruits and vegetables. People with backyard gardens can also grow organic vegetables and fruits.