The learning disability dyslexia causes difficulty with reading and comprehension. Sufferers might see words and letters in the wrong order, have a hard time with pronunciation or trouble spelling, among other issues. It is caused by a brain abnormality and as of 2011, it has no cure. Limited research, anecdotal reports and the opinions of medical professionals might offer some guidance regarding changes to experiment with, but there are no recommendations in the way of heavily studied interventions conclusively proved to make any difference.Talk to your doctor before making any major changes in diet, especially if you are looking to treat your child's dyslexia.
Omega-3/Omega-6 Balance
Researchers from Oxford University report that ‘’increasing evidence’’ suggests an imbalance of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids might play a role in dyslexia. Their study, which involved testing the reading and spelling skills of both dyslexic and non-dyslexic adults and measuring levels of these fatty acids, was published in the January 2007 issue of ‘’European Neuropsychopharmacology.’’ They found that higher concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids were associated with better reading ability in both groups. In individuals with dyslexia, reading was adversely affected by a high level of omega-6 fatty acids and low levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The typical Western diet often contains excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids – which can cause numerous negative effects when consumed in excess -- and low levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-6 fatty acids are found in soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil and safflower oil; when cooking, opt for olive oil or canola oil, and read food packages carefully, as most packaged snacks and other foods use oils rich in omega-6. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include cold water fish such as salmon and tuna, flax seed, hemp seed and walnuts.
Cutting Out Artificial Ingredients
Dr. Ben Feingold was a pediatric allergist who believed certain chemicals triggered hyperactivity and other behavioral issues in children and devised a specific diet. Mainly touted to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, the Feingold Diet has also been recommended for dyslexia and other learning disabilities. A major component of the diet involves cutting out artificial flavors, coloring and preservatives. The program believes the preservatives BHA, BHT and TBHQ are particularly problematic.
Testing Salicylate Sensitivity
Many foods contain chemicals called salicylates that act as sort of a natural preservative. Normally harmless, some people have sensitivity to them, and Dr. Feingold believed they contributed to behavioral and learning problems. The program calls for eliminating all foods with salicylates from the diet for several weeks. If you notice an improvement in your symptoms, you add back the foods you normally eat one at a time every few days to determine which ones bother you. The specific foods that cause issues can vary among individuals, so this somewhat tedious testing is really the only way to find your personal problem foods.
According to the Auckland Allergy Clinic in New Zealand, fruits and vegetables that are very high in salicylates include apricots, blackberries, black currants, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, currants, dates, grapes, guava, oranges, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, red currants, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, capsicum, champigon mushrooms, chicory, courgette, endive, gherkin pickles, hot peppers, olives, radishes, tomatoes and tomato-based foods. Other items that contain salicylates include commercially prepared sauces and gravies, curry, dill, thyme, anise seed, cayenne, jams, jellies, marmalade, gum, almonds, vinegar and Worcestershire sauce.
Eliminating Gluten
Nunnykirk, a school for dyslexic students in Great Britain, conducted an experiment in 2004 that had the students stop consuming gluten – a protein found in wheat and other grains – after observing the changes in one student following a gluten-free diet. In recent years, gluten allergy and sensitivity has been implicated in affecting the course of various conditions. Many of the students were reading below their grade levels. Six months after starting the diet, the Nunnyykirk students took the annual reading and comprehension tests and the majority had made at least one year’s progress, according to an article in the ''Sunday Times.'' Anecdotal reports such as this are not enough to conclude that eliminating gluten will help treat dyslexia, but it is a relatively harmless change to experiment with. Grains and foods to avoid include wheat, spelt, semolina, rye, triticale, barley, bulgur, durham, farina, graham flour, kamut, rye and matzo. Grains without gluten include corn, amaranth, arrowroot, quinoa, tapioca, polenta, rice and buckwheat.
References
- Feingold Association of the United States: Dylexia, Dysgraphia and Learning Disabilities
- Feingold Association of the United States:Details of the Feingold Program
- Auckland Allergy Clinic: Salicylate Sensitivity
- ''European Neuropsychopharmacology''; Membrane Fatty Acids, Reading and Spelling in Dyslexic and Non-Dyslexic Adults; E. Cyhlarova,et al.; January 2007
- ''The Sunday Times''; Wheat-Free Diet Gives Food forThought
