Cerebral palsy is a congenital disorder that usually occurs during or before a child's birth, but can occur in the first three to five years after birth. Cerebral palsy, also called CP, affects motor skills, movement and muscle development. CP also can lead to learning disabilities, hearing or vision loss and speech problems. While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, physical therapy, diet and special equipment can improve your quality of life.
Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic diet is one aimed at controlling seizures in children who have intractable epilepsy. Food and liquid must be highly regulated and controlled. You must weigh everything your child ingests to make sure they receive exacts amounts of various food groups. The diet is low in carbohydrates and sugar and high in fat, forcing the body to burn fat for energy instead of glucose. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, the diet help two out of three children who use it and can reduce seizures in one out of three children. A ketogenic diet is made up of about 80 percent fat and must be closely monitored by a physician to prevent complications.
High Fiber
Mealtimes may be difficult as children with CP often have difficulties swallowing and chewing. Constipation is a common side effect among kids with cerebral palsy, reports 4 My Child, a legal advocacy group aimed at providing information and advocacy for families dealing with CP. A diet high in fiber and low in fat can help relieve constipation while providing necessary nutrients for growth and development. Diets low in whole grains and fibrous carbs can lead to low energy levels and malnutrition, which plagues about 35 percent of children with cerebral palsy.
Supplemental Foods
Because of the difficulty kids with CP have, you may need to rely on liquid supplements to make sure your child gets sufficient calories during the day. Liquid nutritional supplements available in the grocery store can help replace those calories you have problems getting into your child, according to Caring for Cerebral Palsy. Soft foods such as cheese, eggs, ice cream, peanut butter and custard also may be tolerated more effectively. Sneak in extra calories when you can, using ingredients such as wheat germ, powdered milk and blended fruits.
Vitamin D
High doses of vitamin D to a regular healthy diet may help children with CP develop healthier bones and muscles and decrease the risk of developing osteoporosis, according to the Paijat-Hame Central Hospital in Finland. Vitamin D plays an integral role in normal skeletal development and children with disabilities often have particularly low levels of the important vitamin. Children given 1,000 international units, or IU, of vitamin D3 per day, five days a week, increased their vitamin D levels significantly levels without adverse side effects.
