You rely on your senses to help you function in the world, but when these senses are not working properly, this causes a myriad of challenges. Sensory processing disorder interferes with sensory messages, and although there are several existing therapies, nutrition can also play a part in treatment. Talk with your health-care professional about how nutrition affects your situation before altering your diet or taking any supplements.
Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory processing disorder, or SPD, involves abnormalities in the way sensory signals from the nervous system develop into behavior and motor skills, explains the SPD Foundation. It can also be called sensory integration disorder. When an individual with the disorder experiences something through the senses, it does not get interpreted correctly in the brain. This can lead to increased sensitivity to things like clothing, sound or light; it can also lead to under-responding, where an individual does not respond to significant sensory cues like pain. These experiences can interfere with daily life, and since this is a chronic disorder, an individual may experience depression or social isolation due to his continued symptoms.
Vitamins and Minerals
The nervous system needs adequate nutrition to function optimally; this is especially important in individuals who have SPD. According to nutritionist Kelly Dorfman, minerals, essential fats, B-vitamins and fat-soluble antioxidants are all necessary for good sensory development and functioning. Magnesium is especially important, because it aids in sending information through the nervous system. If a magnesium deficiency exists, these sensory signals are disturbed and can be less accurate and misinterpreted, which is what happens in SPD. If you or your child have been diagnosed with SPD, talk with your doctor about whether you are deficient in any vitamins and whether supplementation is safe and appropriate.
Foods
Individuals with SPD often have sensitivities to foods, like temperature, smell or texture. Dorfman explains that diets of those with SPD usually tend to be either crunchy or creamy. Foods in the crunchy diet can include brown or white processed foods, such as pretzels and crackers. The creamy diet relies on milk products, pasta and bread, says Dorfman. Neither diet is nutritionally sound for these individuals, but treatment for SPD can help focus on activities to desensitize the mouth. Replacing empty calories with healthier choices can help provide better overall nutrition as well.
Considerations
Occupational therapy and sensory integration are treatments for SPD, and these help an individual better react to sensations and respond appropriately, improving daily functioning. Talk to a nutritionist or your doctor about how nutrition affects SPD, and how you can modify your child's diet or your own for better health and functioning. Do not use nutritional supplements without first consulting with your doctor to make sure they are appropriate for your situation.
