Nutrition
Proper nutrition is crucial for learning; deficiencies can hinder growth, cognition, and behaviour. Struggling learners often have heightened nutrient requirements.
From running to laughing to thinking, food contains the substances necessary for every operation in the body. If you lack essential nutrients, the body reduces or stops affected operations. The body cannot borrow or substitute for missing nutrients; they must be consumed. Missing zinc? Children stop growing. Short on choline (a nutrient found in fish and soy)? The brain struggles to learn new things. Deficiencies during children’s growth and development can cause the most trouble.
Struggling learners have typical nutrition needs, but their challenges often increase nutrient requirements. Sensory processing issues or higher frustration levels, due to the difficulty of learning, trigger the release of stress hormones in the body. Attention, mood, and behaviour issues can contribute to picky eating, leaving children tired and hungry rather than ready to learn.
There are also higher nutrient needs in specific situations. For instance, small studies show that up to 70% of children on the autism spectrum are not processing folic acid (found in leafy green vegetables) properly. Merely eating enough leafy greens, which is rare anyway, does not help. They require therapeutic doses of a specific form of the nutrient. When they get it, behaviour and language improve.
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Why is nutrition important for my child?
Nutrition is vital because it provides the essential substances needed for every function in the body, from physical activities like running to mental processes like thinking. Without proper nutrients, the body’s operations can be affected, impacting growth, learning, and overall health.
How does nutrition help struggling learners?
Struggling learners often have increased nutrient requirements due to factors like sensory processing issues and higher levels of stress hormones triggered by learning difficulties. Good nutrition supports attention, mood, and behaviour, helping children be more alert and ready to learn.
What are some specific ways nutrition impacts learning?
Nutrients play a crucial role in cognitive function and behaviour. For example, deficiencies in nutrients like zinc and choline can affect growth and brain function, impacting a child’s ability to learn new things and perform well academically.
How can picky eating affect a child’s learning?
Picky eating, which can be triggered by attention, mood, and behaviour issues, may lead to inadequate nutrient intake, leaving children feeling tired and hungry rather than energised and ready to learn. Ensuring a balanced diet can help address this.
Are there specific nutrient needs for children with learning challenges?
Yes, children with learning challenges may have higher nutrient requirements, such as certain vitamins and minerals. For example, some studies suggest that children on the autism spectrum may have difficulty processing folic acid and may benefit from therapeutic doses of specific nutrients to improve behaviour and language skills.
What are some common signs of poor nutrition in children?
Signs of poor nutrition in children may include fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, slow growth, and frequent illness. These signs can indicate that a child is not getting enough essential nutrients to support their growth and development.
How can parents ensure their child gets adequate nutrition?
Parents can promote good nutrition by offering a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products. They can also involve children in meal planning and preparation to encourage healthy eating habits.
Where can parents seek guidance on nutrition for their child?
Parents can consult with healthcare professionals such as paediatricians, dietitians, or nutritionists for personalised advice on meeting their child’s specific nutritional needs. These professionals can provide guidance on dietary choices, supplements if needed, and strategies to support healthy eating habits.
