Tourette's syndrome, also called Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by unusual body movements and sounds called tics. Symptoms of Tourette's syndrome usually develop during childhood. Children often outgrow Tourette's syndrome after adolescence. Certain dietary modifications may help improve Tourette's syndrome.
Magnesium
Magnesium may help improve Tourette's syndrome neurological symptoms, according to Henry Spink Foundation. Magnesium is a mineral that helps nerve cells and muscles function properly. You can obtain magnesium from foods such as green leafy vegetables, meat, fish, beans, peas and bananas. You can also obtain magnesium from dietary supplements.
Vitamin B-6
According to a study published in June 2008 in "Medicina Clinica", Vitamin B-6 , also known as pyridoxine is important for improving Tourette's syndrome neurological symptoms. However, further research is needed with a control group, and evaluation of varying doses. B-6 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps maintain normal nerve function. B-6 deficiency can damage nerve cells and lead to abnormal movements such as tics. You can obtain vitamin B-6 from foods such as whole grains, meat, dried legumes, poultry, avocado and bananas.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12, or cobalamin can also help improve Tourette's syndrome neurological symptoms, according to Henry Spink Foundation. B-12 helps maintain healthy nerves of the central nervous system. Prolonged B-12 deficiency can cause permanent neurological damage. You can obtain B-12 from animal products such as beef liver, meat, fish, eggs, shellfish, salmon, chicken, turkey, milk and dairy products.
Symptoms of Tourette's Syndrome
Symptoms of Tourette's syndrome include sudden repetitive movements or sounds known as tics. Common tics include eye blinking, shrugging shoulders, head jerking, yelling and braking. The tics may worsen during periods of sleep, stress, excitement, anxiety, illness and fatigue. During teenage years, your child may experience more severe tics.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome; David C. Dugdale; March 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Tourette Syndrome; May 2010
- The Henry Spink Foundation; Tourette Syndrome
- "Medicina Clinica"; An open study evaluating the efficacy and security of magnesium and vitamin B(6) as a treatment of Tourette syndrome in children; Garcia Lopez, et al.; November 2008
