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Has anyone changed their DC's diet?

We are currently working with both a OT and PT for DD's developmental delays and are waiting for a neuro consult for her in October to see if there are any medical concerns.

My mother actually suggested that I consider changing DD's diet to mostly/all non-processed foods to help with any brain issues she might be having.  She's concerned that maybe she can't break down processed foods properly and this is inhibiting her learning.  Right now I am willing to try anything.

Anyone have any feedback/advice?  TIA!

Re: Has anyone changed their DC's diet?

  • I don't have any personal experience with this, but maybe you could call the pedi and ask what they think about doing this? At the very least, it's not like a "healthy" diet would hurt her, ya know? Keep  us posted
    Blake 04/29/05 Will 06/12/07 Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
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  • Since January we've been on a no artificial colors/flavors, chemicals "diet"  after consulting with a DAN dr who recommended it.  It's nothing crazy and worth a try IMO.  My kids eat lots of fresh foods and the processed foods they do eat are all organic (crackers, cookies, fruit snacks).  I can't say for certain if that has been part of my DS's improvements b/c we have been doing other things too.  But I figure it can only be good to eliminate chemicals from anyones diet, kwim?

    ETA - we also do organic meat and milk and avoid high fructose corn syrup.

    DS - June 2006 DD1 - November 2007 DD2 - August 2010
  • image-auntie-:

    And your mother is a pediatric neurologist, per chance?

    No, she's not of course.  But you already knew that answer.  I have an appt set up for her with a pedi neuro but the soonest they can get me in is in 2 months, since it's not an emergency situation.

    I'm just researching and throwing things out that.  I am not trying to imply that changing her diet would fix the "issue", if there is one.  But, like pp'r stated, even fresh fruits and veggies as a large part of her diet couldn't hurt.

  • I say go for it!!  It can't hurt.  I have heard many Austic partents say diet has helped their child.  Has it made them non-autistic?  I doubt it but if they have seen a change, then I believe them.  Try it and see if you see a difference.  I know your daughter is not autistic but I am just making an example :)
  • I disagree with Auntie - or at least have had a different experience.  I have seen many children with developmental delays benefit from dietary changes.  And, I have seen many who don't respond in any fashion.  

    And most importantly, I think in some way, we could all benefit from taking out a lot of crap in our diets.  If it is do-able in your household, there is no reason to not try dietary changes.  See what works for you.  I think all of our bodies would likely be happier if we took out a lot of ingredients common to typical American diets. 

    ETA: I don't think your pediatrician is most likely to encourage you to do this.  I believe someone suggested asking your pedi for his/her recommendation.  Granted, I would tell him/her.  But typically, a dietary change in this situation wouldn't be recommended as there is no "good" data to prove it's effectiveness.

  • I have changed my dc's diet to a "dairy-free or casein-free" one.  we did this under the guidlance of a DAN nutritionist who did testing to see if it would benefit him.  whatever you eliminate, be careful to make sure your dc is getting what he/she needs.

     for example, when we took out casein/milk and started giving him coconut milk, it lacked the same protein, vitamin d etc. so we gave him protein power and vitamin d drops.

     i don't think you should do anything without consulting someone who can do the nec. testing to see if its needed.- and who can tell you what to substitute in its place.

    however, if you want to eliminate things like high-fructose corn syrup and other things junk, go right ahead.  it can only do good.

     i can tell you our son's testing was downright scary... so many toxins in the body of a 20 month old.  eat organic is my advice.

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