Does your child have constant tummy aches? Is your youngster dealing with vomiting or watery stools? Does your child have a fever or body ache? These are some common signs of stomach flu which is prevalent during the winter season. Stomach flu is widespread in children of all ages and is unavoidable because you can’t stop them from playing and getting infected. Keep reading to find out the causes, symptoms, prevention and foods to manage stomach flu in children.
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What is Stomach flu?
Stomach flu is also called gastroenteritis. Stomach flu is the viral infection which is highly communicable that leads to intestinal inflammation or irritation. Though gastroenteritis is commonly referred to as flu, it is not the same as influenza. “Flu” can affect the respiratory system but “stomach flu” affects the stomach and intestines.
Rotavirus and Norovirus are the main causes of stomach flu. Symptoms usually emerge after coming into touch with an infected person. They can also happen as a result of consuming contaminated food or water. Children can become ill if they:
Touching infected material, then food or their mouth.
Sharing contaminated foods or drinks
Being with an infected individual, even if they aren’t sick.
Rotavirus vaccination can prevent children from stomach flu. Here are some other prevention strategies that can help to manage stomach flu in children:
Handwashing
Handwashing is critical in preventing the spread of the disease. Viruses on your hands can readily spread to surfaces, food, and individuals you come into contact with. Make sure that your kids thoroughly wash their hands after using the restroom, touching any washroom surfaces, and before handling food.
Proper food handling
Stomach flu can be spread through contaminated food or water.
If you keep yourself hydrated, it controls the level of acid in gastric juice as well as the balance of good bacteria in the gut. Water intake is as important for the gut as food intake. You can also offer your kids. Coconut water which helps to heal the inflammation of the stomach and buttermilk which neutralises stomach acids.
The body loses a lot of sugar and salt during diarrhea, which is the main cause of dehydration in kids. The first home remedy for diarrhea is homemade sugar salt solution. Boil one liter water, let it cool, now add one teaspoon of salt and 8 teaspoons of sugar. Give this solution in a regular interval. This is an excellent remedy to keep your baby hydrated during diarrhea.
It is best to give during diarrhea as it helps to harden the stool. Banana is the rich source of potassium, which helps to balance electrolytes lost due to frequent loose motions. It is a rich source of iron and fiber which contributes to a healthy digestive tract. It is a superfood which can be used as a complete plant to treat digestion.
Probiotics are live bacteria that aids in digestion and maintain the gut health. These “beneficial” bacteria are rich in foods like yogurt, kefir and kanji. Probiotics help to reduce the inflammation of stomach lining.
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are composed of short fructose chains. They are a type of carbohydrate called oligosaccharides. FOS occurs naturally in many plants. They are prebiotic fibres that support the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract which in turn stops the spread of Helicobacter pylori. It helps in reducing the symptoms of stomach flu.
Ginger has antibacterial and antiviral properties that help heal internal infections. This is a reason why ginger juice stands to be effective in treating diarrhoea in children. Add some grated ginger to 500ml of boiling water. Drain the water and let it cool . Give sip of this drink to your child throughout the day
While suffering from diarrhoea, a glass full of lemon juice can help ease the symptoms by neutralising the acids in the stomach and countering infections.
Rice water is starchy water left after rice is cooked. It is a great source of energy, as it contains carbohydrates. It also maintains the fluid level of the body and decreases the frequency of stool.
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Does your child frequently get irritated or anxious? Are you concerned by your child’s frequent tantrums or abrupt silence? Did your child frequently cry uncontrollably or wet the bed? These are some common signs of anxiety in kids. Approximately, 40% of kids with ASD and 60% of kids with ADHD are dealing with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). However, if your child’s anxiety disorder will start to negatively impact their wellness, they could require assistance. Keep reading to understand the causes, tips and foods to manage generalised anxiety disorder in children.
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Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalised Anxiety disorder can be characterised by persistent and unstoppable worrying about everyday events. It can usually coexist with ASD and ADHD and the symptoms may overlap. The percentage, severity, and length of anxiety can frequently interfere with daily activities. Children with generalised anxiety disorder may have more frequent anxiety about their studies (both school and college), career, finances, health, relationships etc.
According to some study, kids with generalised anxiety disorder may have experienced childhood trauma or stressful incidents or when any of their family members have a history of anxiety. It may worsen during stressful situations. Generalised anxiety disorder typically develops at a younger age, and symptoms may appear more slowly than in most other anxiety disorders.
However, these are separate conditions, the symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder may usually overlap with symptoms of ASD and ADHD.
Similarities between ASD and GAD
Anxiety is especially crucial to diagnose and manage in case of ASD because it has a significant impact on the focus and concentration, worsening social disengagement and repetitive behaviours. Furthermore, while untreated comorbid anxiety has been linked to the development of sadness, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, aggressiveness, and self-harm in ASD.
Similarities between ADHD and GAD
If ADHD and GAD coexist with each other, it can impair the capacity to concentrate and may also lead to behavioural issues including,
Treatments for managing generalised anxiety disorder
1.DIALECTICAL/COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY
DBT is a kind of cognitive-behavioural therapy that seeks to alter behaviour by helping people acknowledge and embrace their emotions. It seeks to alter their behaviour by acknowledging and accepting their current emotions and providing tools that can help with regulating their emotions and improving tolerance and mindfulness. This cognitive behavioural therapy has been adapted to accommodate the unique needs of children. Its main goals are teaching coping mechanisms, identifying problematic thought patterns, and regulating intense emotions.
Psychotherapy focuses on assisting kids by having conversations with them individually regarding how to express emotions and manage their anger and anxiety. It might enhance the kid’s self-worth and it can also help them to become skilled.
Family counselling includes mom, dad, siblings and other family members to take part in the therapy session. It can aid in improving family communication and teaching parents some tactics for resolving conflicts with their children to make it safer in the family. In some cases, strengthening the bond between parents and children can also enhance family dynamics.
To promote empathy in kids and teens, group therapy will help. Group therapy can be performed with the classmates or friends of your kid which might help your kid to develop their social and communication skills.
In the short run, children will feel better if you help them avoid the things they are nervous of, but in the long run, it will just make their anxiety worse.
Don’t assure a youngster that what they fear won’t occur—that you are sure they won’t fail the test—but rather, reassure them that he/she will be able to handle whatever comes their way.
4. RESPECT THEIR FEELINGS, BUT DON’T ENLARGE THEM:
Accepting feelings does not imply validating them. Therefore, if a child is afraid to visit the doctor, do listen to her and show empathy, but also give her the confidence to overcome her concerns.
7. MAKE AN EFFORT TO MINIMISE THE ANTICIPATION TIME:
The hardest part of facing our fears comes right before we act on them. For instance, don’t bring up a child’s anxiety about going to the doctor until you absolutely have to.
8. TALK THE FEAR OUT:
Talking through what would happen if a worry came true and how he/ she would handle it might be helpful at times. For some children, making a plan can lessen uncertainty in a positive, useful way.
Allow children to hear or see you handling stress and anxiety in a calm manner while accepting it and feeling good about getting through it. Don’t pretend that you don’t suffer stress and worry.
Foods that help to manage anxiety disorder in kids
1.NUTS:
All the nuts like almonds, cashew, peanuts and hazelnuts are rich in vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acid. Research has established a link between omega 3 fatty acids and brain development in early childhood. These healthy fats have amazing brain boosting power and play a vital role in enhancing memory and attention span.
2.SEEDS:
Apart from nuts, seeds like sunflower, melon and pumpkins also contain powerful antioxidants like vitamin E that protect the brain from free radical damage. Sunflower seeds impact overall mood and mental processing powers and therefore it is considered a brain boosting snack. Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium, copper, and much higher in zinc than other seeds, which help in increasing concentration and memory. One of the easiest to feed brain boosting foods for kids.
3.HERBS:
ASHWAGANDHA:
It is a small woody plant native to India and North Africa. Ashwagandha has a strong affinity for GABA receptors. As a result, Ashwagandha can be used to treat Autism symptoms such as sensory issues, memory loss, anxiety, and attention deficit.
Brahmi is a brain superfood that is believed to sharpen the brain by protecting cells and increasing chemicals involved in learning and memory. It acts on the CNS, where it improves grasping power, eye contact, memory, intellect, and speech, as well as correcting sensory sensitivity, emotional, mood, and personality aberrations in an individual.
In order to improve brain functioning, shankhapushpi is an old remedy. The powerful antioxidants and flavonoids present in it improve the memory capacity, focus, concentration, calmness, alertness of an individual. Since it is a brain tonic and stimulator, people taking shankhapushpi have improved autism features like sensory issues, memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities.
Gotukola has strong anti-oxidant qualities and enhances cognition, memory, and mental performance. It gently relaxes the nervous system while also encouraging alertness—the best possible state of consciousness for any form of mental focus, study, or cognition.
Spearmint extract has higher quantities of phenolic compounds that enhance working memory, spatial working memory and also increase attention, concentration, and brain function by promoting the formation and protection of new brain cells.
ST. JOHN’S WORT:
St John’s wort contains chemical messengers like Hyperforin and Adhyperforin. These chemicals have antidepressant properties. The extracts of this herb enhance mood, focus, and also reduce anxiety and insomnia. According to several studies, adolescents with ADHD may benefit from taking St. John’s wort every day for four weeks. It is also used to treat problems including anxiety, exhaustion, appetite loss, and difficulty sleeping that might occasionally accompany depression.
PASSION FLOWER:
The chemicals in the passion flower provide a calming and relaxing effect. Early research indicates that taking passion flower orally for eight weeks may help some ADHD symptoms in kids aged 6 to 13 years.
The herb valerian has relaxation properties. Additionally, it contains some anticonvulsant qualities that might be advantageous for kids who are prone to seizure activity. Children with ADHD, cognitive impairment, hyperactivity, irritability, anxiety, behavioural regulation, and neurodevelopmental abnormalities can benefit from valerian for improved attention and sleep.
The most well-known essential oil for soothing is lavender. Lavender essential oil can be helpful for reducing anxiety and making you feel more at ease, which may help with ADHD symptoms. The aroma of lavender oil can calm and soothe the nervous system. Its relaxing qualities can benefit autistic children by enhancing their sleep quality and also assisting their bodies in combating emotional stress.
Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric is known to improve spatial memory, long-time retrieval and also visual memory as per a study. It helps in managing anxiety, depression etc which is commonly seen in people with ADHD disorder.
Ginkgo biloba is a promising herbal supplement that may alter the neural system in a disorder similar to ADHD. It also helps in enhancing memory and cognitive performance. According to a study, Children who took a ginkgo extract daily for three to five weeks showed a decrease in the symptoms of ADHD.
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Does your child drool unintentionally? Have you observed that your child’s pillow or clothes are drenched in wetness? Drooling is common in children below 3 years of age. But if it continues after the age of 4, it may indicate other underlying conditions. Keep reading to understand more about the causes, symptoms, tips and foods to manage excessive drooling in children.
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What is drooling?
Drooling is when too much saliva runs out of the mouth uncontrollably or unintentionally. It is also referred to as sialorrhea or ptyalism. Drooling is common in babies below 2 years of age because babies don’t have complete control over the muscles surrounding their mouth. People frequently drool while they are asleep. This can happen due to excessive salivation or weak oral muscles. Drooling can occasionally be a sign of neurological diseases such as autism, ADHD, Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy.
If the excess saliva is not contained, it will drip into the child’s face and, if not, their clothes.Cleanliness and skin care difficulties may result from this. As a result, they could also struggle to socialise.
Posterior sialorrhea
When saliva leaks down a children’s airway rather than being swallowed, it is referred to as posterior sialorrhea. Chronic lung irritation and other health problems can be brought on by this type of drooling issue.
The drooling is easily identifiable in case of anterior sialorrhea. Frequently, there is persistent drooling, which leaves chronically damp clothing. The drooling can occasionally be more severe at night which is characterised by damp bedding every morning.
Although posterior sialorrhea can be more hard to diagnose, it may need to be taken into account if the kid is frequently seen choking and coughing or seems susceptible to pneumonia.
Drooling may be a sign of a health issue, a developmental delay, or the side effect of some medications. It may result from anything that causes an excessive amount of saliva to be produced, trouble swallowing, a lack of sensation in the lips and cheeks, poor muscular tone or issues with muscle control. Here are some major causes of drooling:
1. Age
Drooling is common in newborns and infants. The secretion of excessive saliva usually peaks between three and six months of age, and teething may make symptoms even worse.
2.Diet
The consumption of particular meals and beverages may increase salivation. Foods with a high acidic nature, such as citrus fruit and sugary foods have been linked to increased salivation.
3.Neurological conditions
Drooling may be the symptom of certain neurological conditions like
Cerebral palsy
Autism
ADHD
Stroke
Parkinson’s disease
Down’s syndrome
Multiple sclerosis
These conditions may result in muscle weakness that make it difficult to swallow saliva (dysphagia) and seal the mouth.
4.Infections
Certain infections like allergies, strep throat, tonsillitis and sinus can make it difficult to swallow and cause excessive drooling.
5.GERD
Gastrointestinal reflux disorder (GERD) is a digestive issue which causes the contents in the stomach to return back to the esophagus (food pipe) which results in damage of the inner lining of the esophagus. Difficulty to swallow or the sensation of a lump in the throat can be brought on by GERD. Some people have excessive drooling as a result of this sensation.
Drooling may be a sign of sleep apnea. When you have sleep apnea, your breathing pauses periodically throughout the night, which disrupts your sleep. Sleep apnea is a serious condition and requires medical attention.
Some drugs may increase your tendency to drool. It has been demonstrated that antipsychotic drugs can make people drool excessively. Antibiotics might cause excessive drooling as well.
Treatment for excessive drooling
Therapies
Speech and occupational therapists can help with excessive drooling. They teach how to position and control the posture of the mouth which can help with lip closure and swallowing problems. Therapists may also advise that you consult a nutritionist in order to reduce the number of acidic foods in your diet.
Oral motor refers to the way our mouth’s muscles are used. The tongue, lips, cheeks, and jaw are all included in this. All of them are components of our mouth that are connected to numerous muscles; like all muscles, they can be strong or weak. Oral motor mouth exercises indeed help in strengthening the oral muscles and also aid in chewing and swallowing actions.
A specialised appliance implanted in the mouth aids with lip closure when swallowing. This choice will work best for the ones who have some swallowing control.
Tips for parents to manage excessive drooling in children
1.Sleeping position
Altering your child’s sleep position is the first thing you should do. In order to prevent saliva from dripping down your face or soaking your pillow, it is best to sleep on your back. This will allow you to better control the flow of saliva.
2. Sensory activities
Blowing bubbles, humming a song and making exaggerated lip noises like “ooh,” “eee,” and “puh-puh-puh” are the simple fun activities that improve oral sensitivity. As a result, a child’s lips, tongue, mouth, and chin become more sensitive. This helps your child to distinguish between dryness and wetness so that he/she can recognise when he is drooling.
Encourage your child to use a napkin or handkerchief to wipe his face while he is learning to recognise the presence of wetness on his face. Practise of “wipe (one side of mouth), wipe (other side of mouth) and swallow” during mealtimes can help to promote this socially acceptable behaviour. To promote this practice during meals, attach the handkerchief to a bracelet of your child.
Avoid citrus fruits, sweet foods, and sour foods that can trigger excess saliva production. Dry and bland food items like bread or crackers may assist in absorbing more saliva and offer quick relief.
5. Reward your kid
Make a reward system to encourage your child as they chew, swallow, wipe, and most importantly, keep their face dry and clean. Always try to encourage and compliment your child. For example:
“That’s fantastic. I’m very glad you chewed and swallowed the cookies !”
Foods that help to manage excessive drooling in children
The types of food that can aid motor functioning that can effectively impact oral functioning include:
1. Nuts
Children who bite and chew more fibrous sources of protein, such as nuts, have stronger jaws and are less likely to experience bite problems. Apart from that all the nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashew, peanuts and hazelnuts are rich in vitamin E and help in boosting memory. They are also antioxidants which protect against cell damage. Walnuts are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and are also valuable substance for brain function, memory and thinking abilities.
Seeds like flax, chia, melon, sesame and pumpkins also contain powerful antioxidants like vitamin E that protect the brain from free radical damage.Sunflower seeds impact overall mood and mental processing powers and therefore it is considered a brain boosting snack. Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium, copper, and also higher in zinc than other seeds. They also help in increasing concentration and memory. Healthy brain can effectively help in improving oral functioning.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen. It can help in reducing anxiety and stress. Moreover, it increases acetylcholine levels which support better memory, mental focus and intelligence. Ashwagandha also improves communication between nerve cells and stimulates the body’s capacity to heal any nervous system damage. For general nourishment and renewal, ashwagandha is typically eaten with ghee and honey (in equal parts), which serve as anupans (a medium for delivering herbs deeper into the tissues).
Brahmi is a superfood for the brain. It helps in sharpening the brain by protecting cells and also increases the chemicals associated with learning and memory. It has shown to improve spatial learning and retaining power in kids. Kids in the older times, were often given Brahmi powder with ghee/honey. This would increase their focus and attention while keeping them calm and distressed. The most notable advantage of brahmi is that it enhances cognitive abilities and also stimulates the mind to increase focus and memory. Bacopa, taken twice daily at a dose of 300 mg, was found to improve test results related to cognitive function after six weeks of regular treatment.
Shankhapushpi is a traditional remedy for increasing the functioning of the brain. The powerful antioxidants and also the flavonoids present in it improve the memory capacity, focus, concentration, calmness and alertness of an individual. Because it is a brain tonic and stimulator, people taking shankhapushpi have improved memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities.
Pure cocoa powder (unsweetened) contains brain boosting components as it is packed with a large number of antioxidants molecules, the main is epicatechin helpful to improve cognition and speech impairment in studies. Hence cocoa powder is also an important brain development food for children. This may significantly help out in easily building up the oral motor skills.
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Does your child get out of bed and walk around? Did your child sit up in bed and open their eyes without waking up from sleep? Is your child acting confused or disorganised? Does he/she talk gibberish while sleeping? These are some common signs of sleepwalking in kids. Around 29% of children are dealing with sleepwalking. Let’s dive deeper into it to understand more about causes, symptoms, tips and foods to manage sleepwalking in children.
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Feedback from parents on Sleep well chocolate spread
What is Sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking is commonly described as somnambulism, which is a type of sleep disorder called parasomnia in kids. Parasomnias are irregular sleeping patterns. It is usually characterised by getting out of the bed and walking around in the middle of sleeping. Sleepwalking is more prevalent in children than adults. Sleepwalking takes place while you are sleeping deeply. Most frequently, it happens one to two hours after you go to sleep since this activity peaks in the early hours of the night. The sleepwalking episodes don’t indicate any major issues or need special medical attention. The majority of them get over it by the time they hit adolescence, although it can occasionally last into adulthood.
However the causes for sleepwalking is still mysterious, scientists believe that there could be a connection between heredity and sleepwalking. Here are a few causes of sleep talking:
Parents can take some easy steps to control sleep talking in kids. Here are some tips:
1.BEDTIME ROUTINE
A decent sleep can make a positive impact on your child’s entire day. Kids need to get enough night sleep so they can achieve their necessary growth milestones, play, learn and perform well. Following a proper bedtime routine can help to control sleepwalking in kids.
If your child consistently sleepwalks at the same hour each night, try to gently wake them for a few minutes 15 to 30 minutes earlier before their sleepwalking time. By changing their regular sleep cycle, this may prevent them from sleepwalking.
Don’t give coffee or soda to your kid before bedtime. These may raise energy levels and interfere with the child ‘s potential to get a good night’s sleep. Still, giving a warm cup of milk can help your kids to relax and calm before bedtime.
A cosy bed encourages peaceful sleep in kids. Choose high-quality soft pillows and bedding as well as adequate ventilation in the room to make your kid feel comfy in bed
Small events that occur in a kid’s life can upset them. Talk to your kids about those issues and then stand by them. It can reduce their anxiety, which can also help them to sleep better.
The bright lights emitted by electronic devices can prolong the release of sleep hormone (melatonin) and cause sleep deprivation in kids. Avoid playing video games or watching scary movies on television before bed.
Avoid telling scary bedtime stories to your kids. Use dim lights and mild music. Give them toys like stuffed animals and monster sprays for making them feel safe.
Foods that help to improve the sleep cycle and manage the sleepwalking are given as follows:
1.PUMPKIN SEEDS
A study published in 2005 in Nutritional neuroscience suggested that consuming tryptophan alongside a carbohydrates source is one of the best ways to treat sleep deprivation. Pumpkin seeds may be small but they are packed with valuable nutrients. They are rich in healthy fats, magnesium, fiber, antioxidants and zinc. If your kid has trouble sleeping, give a few pumpkin seeds before bed with small amounts of carbohydrates such as a piece of fruit. It may be beneficial in providing the body with tryptophan needed for melatonin production, which can lead to better sleep. Also, for younger kids, powdered pumpkin seeds can be an option.
Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios and cashews are often considered to be a good food source for sleep. They contain melatonin (sleep hormone) as well as magnesium, vitamin B6, protein and zinc. Magnesium is helpful in promoting sleep because of its ability to reduce inflammation (body heat). The level of stress hormone cortisol, which is known to interrupt sleep, can be reduced by including nuts in your diet.
Chamomile is considered to be a safe and effective way to help a child relax. It’s a dried flower. These flowers are white and yellow and look like beautiful little daisies. Native to Europe and Asia. For centuries, it has been used for medicinal purposes to calm the mind and mildly induce sleep.It Improves relaxation and relieves stress, reduces anxiety, promotes sleep and also relieves insomnia.
Lemon balm extracts: A Phytomedicine Compound Improves Symptoms of hyperactivity, Attention Deficits, and Impulsivity in Children. As per the study conducted by NIH, the fraction of children having strong/very strong symptoms of poor ability to focus decreased from 75% to 14%, hyperactivity from 61% to 13%, and impulsiveness from 59% to 22%. Parent rated social behavior, sleep and symptom burden showed highly significant improvements.
Pure Cocoa powder (unsweetened) contains brain boosting components as it is packed with a large number of antioxidants molecules, the main is epicatechin which is helpful to improve cognition in studies. Hence, cocoa powder is also an important brain development food for children.
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Puberty is a natural and healthy phase of adolescence. Numerous changes can occur gradually to your body over this puberty period. Many researchers have speculated that there is a link between puberty and ADHD symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD can be strongly impacted by hormonal changes. This transition can look different for both boys and girls. However, more research is needed to thoroughly understand this connection. Keep reading to find out some of the known connections between puberty and ADHD as well as some tips and foods that can help to get over the difficulties during puberty.
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How puberty affects ADHD symptoms?
Puberty can be a challenging time for both children and parents. In developing teens, shifts in hormone levels can cause mood changes, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing. However, the transformation to puberty can be made even more difficult for children with ADHD. When it comes to emotional development, children with ADHD sometimes lag behind their peers. This means that despite the fact that both boys and girls with ADHD experience identical growth and development like their peers, they are younger in emotional level. Although the physical effects of puberty on ADHD or ADD are definitely more prominent in girls, they shouldn’t be dismissed in boys.
Boys who experience changes in their testosterone levels during adolescence tend to take more risks. Mood problems and anxiety often emerge between the ages of 8 and 12. Testosterone interacts intricately with other hormones related to ADHD, including dopamine.
Teenage boys frequently find these tremendous physical and psychological changes, which are brought on by these “raging hormones”. They feel unpleasant at a time when they are incredibly anxious to fit in.
Early adolescence may be difficult, isolating, and risky if longstanding ADHD symptoms have led to poor interpersonal skills and little interaction with friends.
Teen boys may experience mood and behavioural issues as a result of these hormonal changes.
The need to fit in with others and low self-esteem in teen boys are more likely to get involved in substance abuse.
Signs of some behavioural disorders like conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorders can show up at this stage.
Girls normally begin puberty between the ages of 9 and 11 and begin menstruating between the ages of 11 and 14. According to research, symptoms of ADHD in girls frequently aggravate during puberty as the level of oestrogen rises. As you are already aware, a girl undergoes significant changes during puberty as she makes the shift from childhood to adulthood.
Girl may feel a variety of emotions as a result of the biological, intellectual, and social changes that are occurring in her body as it grows and develops.
Parents may encounter moodiness and emotional fluctuation from teen girls as they sort through the problems and inner confusions that their maturing bodies, thoughts, and shifting social interactions give rise to.
Girls with ADHD may experience mood and behavioural issues as a result of these hormonal changes.
Sleep issues could arise or get worse, and challenges like being easily distracted, having trouble focusing, being disorganised, and feeling overwhelmed could become more common.
This can make her more self-conscious. As a girl starts to internalise unfavourable beliefs about herself, her self-esteem may drastically decline.
Girls with ADHD often struggle more with premenstrual symptoms, which can make the situation worse.
Talk to your child in a quiet, calm voice while paying attention to their emotions. Educate your kid by reading some books or through cartoon videos. In addition to providing tips and tactics, it can help them to become more organised and conscious of their strengths and struggles, this can help them realise they are not the only ones dealing with puberty.
A youngster is far less likely to be impulsive if they are well-balanced in all other areas of their lives, including sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management. Monitor your teen’s stress level closely, and if you notice overload developing, offer them support and direction to resolve it.
Knowing who your kid is hanging out with and trying to encourage them to talk to you about friendship and relationship issues are the most essential things you can do. Encouragement of extracurricular activities is also crucial since they provide social interactions in a standardised manner. You might need to contact a therapist who teaches social skills if you notice that they are genuinely struggling to make and keep friends.
Many parents of teenagers with ADHD are concerned about declining motivation as a result of social and academic failures. Give your teen several chances to engage in activities that promote self-esteem. This could be anything from games to a hobby to a commitment, like looking after a pet, that affirms their value and potential to contribute.
Casein is one of the major proteins found in any dairy product. Casein upon reaction with stomach acid creates an exorphin. Exorphins can cause a variety of problems, including brain fog, fuzziness, difficulty concentrating, and numbness to pain, when they bind to the opioid receptor sites.
Dairy alternatives: Plant-based or nut milk like almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk can be used.
2.GLUTEN:
It is a protein found in many kinds of cereal like wheat, barley, and rye. These gluten proteins when consumed can aggravate inflammation as the body starts producing antibodies against gluten that may cause an inflammatory reaction in the brain.
Gluten alternatives: Gluten-free products like millets, rice lentils and pulses can be used.
3.SUGAR:
Cutting back on sugar and refined carbohydrates while increasing lean protein will greatly enhance judgement and focus while reducing impulsivity.
Sugar Alternatives: Jaggery or brown sugar can be used. Try including probiotic products in diet as it helps in digestion issues.
Gotu kola has strong anti-oxidant qualities and enhances cognition, memory, and mental performance. It gently relaxes the nervous system while also encouraging alertness—the best possible state of consciousness for any form of mental focus, study, or cognition.
2. SPEARMINT:
Spearmint extract has higher quantities of phenolic compounds that enhance working memory, spatial working memory and increase attention, concentration, and brain function by promoting the formation and protection of new brain cells.
St John’s wort contains chemical messengers like Hyperforin and Adhyperforin, which are recognised for their antidepressant qualities. The extracts of this herb enhance mood, and focus, and reduce anxiety and insomnia. According to several studies, adolescents with ADHD may benefit from taking St. John’s wort every day for four weeks. It is also used to treat problems including anxiety, exhaustion, appetite loss, and difficulty sleeping that might occasionally accompany depression.
The chemicals in the passion flower provide a calming and relaxing effect. Early research indicates that taking passion flowers orally for eight weeks may help some ADHD symptoms in kids aged 6 to 13 years.
5.VALERIAN:
The herb valerian has relaxation properties. Additionally, it contains some anticonvulsant qualities that might be advantageous for kids who are prone to seizure activity. Children with ADHD, cognitive impairment, hyperactivity, irritability, anxiety, behavioural regulation, and neurodevelopmental abnormalities can benefit from valerian for improved attention and sleep.
The most well-known essential oil for soothing is lavender. The lavender essential oil can be helpful for reducing anxiety and making you feel more at ease, which may help with ADHD symptoms. The aroma of lavender helps in calming and soothing the nervous system. Its relaxing qualities can benefit autistic children by enhancing their sleep quality and assisting their bodies in combating emotional stress.
Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric improves spatial memory, long-time retrieval and visual memory as per a study. It helps in managing anxiety, depression etc which is commonly seen in people with ADHD disorder.
Ginkgo biloba is a promising herbal supplement that may alter the neural system in a disorder similar to ADHD. It helps in enhancing memory and cognitive performance. According to a study, children who took a ginkgo extract daily for three to five weeks showed a decrease in the symptoms of ADHD.
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Did you notice a delay in your child’s ability to sit up, walk, or eat themselves? Does your child find it difficult to hold pencils or crayons? Did your child frequently trip over things or fall? Does your child struggle to learn new skills? If yes, this could be some common signs of dyspraxia. Movement and hand-eye coordination issues can be brought on by dyspraxia. Let’s dive deeper into it to understand more about the causes, symptoms, treatments and foods to manage dyspraxia in children.
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What is Dyspraxia?
Developmental coordination disorder (DCD), commonly referred to as dyspraxia, is a lifelong disability that affects fine and gross motor (movement) skills and hand-eye coordination (balance). Children with dyspraxia can take longer to meet developmental milestones. Some of these might be apparent at a young age, while others might not be apparent until your child reaches adulthood. Due to their lack of coordination, children with dyspraxia may find it challenging to play sports or ride a bike. It can also be called clumsy child syndrome as they have trouble speaking clearly and look clumsy. Language issues are a common symptom of dyspraxia, and occasionally cognitive and perceptual issues as well.
Scientists are unsure about the root cause of dyspraxia. According to experts, a person with dyspraxia may have under-developed motor neuron cells that help to regulate muscles and nerve signals. If motor neurons are unable to link properly, the brain will process the information significantly more slowly which leads to delay in motor skills. Here are some of the possible causes of dyspraxia
Babies that are born prematurely, especially those with very low birth weights, appear to be more likely to have dyspraxia.
Sometimes, dyspraxia symptoms coexist with autism and vice versa. Although the two disorders can have symptoms, they are still regarded as different disorders. Here are some similarities and differences between dyspraxia and autism:
Similarities
Certain autistic and dyspraxic individuals have distinctive speech patterns. Speech apraxia is the term used to describe this in dyspraxia.
Struggle to manage the loudness and pitch of the voice.
Sensitive to certain temperatures, lights, and sounds
Difficulty focusing which can coexist with other learning disabilities like dyslexia.
Autism is a complex condition which is indicated by facing challenges in interpersonal and communication skills, sensory sensitivities, obsessive and rigid behaviours but dyspraxia impacts the motor skills and hand-eye coordination which is not observed in children with autism.
Dyspraxia is not curable. But, with proper therapies we can manage the symptoms of dyspraxia and improve certain skills. Several aspects will alter the therapy strategy. The severity of the symptoms can be taken into account before treatment.
1.Occupational Therapy (OT)
This type of treatment helps children learn life skills such as eating and dressing themselves, bathing, and understanding how to interact with others. The skills they learn are helpful to them live as independently as possible.
ABA is frequently used in clinics and educational settings to teach your child appropriate behaviours and lessen inappropriate ones. It can support your child’s social growth, teach them practical life skills, and reroute potentially dangerous behaviours like self-injury. ABA also imparts useful skills and applies it to new circumstances.
Speech therapy is a crucial therapeutic choice for children with dyspraxia since they struggle with social communication. It improves an individual’s communication abilities with a certified speech-language pathologist, enabling them to express their needs and wishes more clearly. When speech-language pathologists collaborate with teachers, support staff, families, and the child’s classmates to encourage functional communication in natural contexts.
Physical therapy increases a person’s capacity to engage in daily activities, much as occupational therapy. It improves gross motor skills and sensory integration problems, particularly those involving the patient’s capacity to feel and be aware of his body in space. PT aims to teach and enhance abilities like sitting, walking, coordination, and balance. It is most successful by including physical therapy along with occupational therapy in an early intervention programme.
Psychotherapy focuses on assisting kids by having conversations with them individually regarding how to express emotions and manage their anger. It might enhance the kid’s self-worth and it can also help them to become skilled.
Foods that help to manage the symptoms of dyspraxia
Adding foods that support brain development can help to improve motor skills and hand-eye coordination in kids. The types of foods that effectively impact motor skills and coordination include:
1. NUTS
All the nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashew, peanuts and hazelnuts are rich in vitamin E and vitamin B6. They help to improve the motor skills and coordination in kids. They are also antioxidants which protect against cell damage. Walnuts are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and are a valuable substance for brain function, memory and thinking abilities. This fatty acid also encourages cognitive functions.
Seeds like flax, chia, melon, sesame and pumpkins also contain powerful antioxidants like vitamin E that protect the brain from free radical damage. Sunflower seeds impact overall mood and mental processing powers and therefore it is considered a brain boosting snack. Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium, copper, and also higher in zinc than other seeds. They also help in increasing concentration and memory. Healthy brain can effectively help in improving motor skills and coordination.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen. It can help in reducing anxiety and stress. Moreover, it increases acetylcholine levels which support better memory, mental focus and intelligence. Ashwagandha also improves communication between nerve cells and stimulates the body’s capacity to heal any nervous system damage. For general nourishment and renewal, ashwagandha is typically eaten with ghee and honey (in equal parts), which serve as anupans (a medium for delivering herbs deeper into the tissues).
Brahmi is a superfood for the brain. It helps in sharpening the brain by protecting cells and also increases the chemicals associated with learning and memory. It has shown to improve spatial learning and retaining power in kids. Kids in the older times, were often given Brahmi powder with ghee/honey. This would increase their focus and attention while keeping them calm and distressed. The most notable advantage of brahmi is that it enhances cognitive abilities and also stimulates the mind to increase focus and memory. Bacopa, taken twice daily at a dose of 300 mg, was found to improve test results related to cognitive function after six weeks of regular treatment.
Shankhapushpi is a traditional remedy for increasing the functioning of the brain. The powerful antioxidants and also the flavonoids present in it improve the memory capacity, focus, concentration, calmness and alertness of an individual. Because it is a brain tonic and stimulator, people taking shankhapushpi have improved memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities.
Pure cocoa powder (unsweetened) contains brain boosting components as it is packed with a large number of antioxidants molecules, the main is epicatechin helpful to improve cognition and speech impairment in studies. Hence cocoa powder is also an important brain development food for children. This may significantly help out in easily building up the motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
It’s no SECRET that following an Ayurvedic lifestyle has numerous advantages. This unique collection of Kids Ayurvedic Brain Booster is also an easy solution to feed daily nutrition for Brain development to kids without any fuss. Made with Proven Ingredients. No Preservatives or Artificial Colour or Flavour. No Side Effects. Trusted by 20000+ Parents and Practitioners. To know more about kid’s ayurvedic foods – SHOP HERE
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Does your child frequently get into arguments? Did your child get angry easily? Is your child trying to irritate or annoy people on purpose? Does your child say harsh and hateful words when disturbed? It is very common for most kids to throw temper tantrums or act impulsively or defiantly. These are frequently typical phases of childhood development. But when the behaviour is consistent, prolonged, or out of place for the child’s age and stage of development, it could be a symptom of oppositional defiant disorder. Keep reading to understand more about oppositional defiant disorder.
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Feedback from parent
What is Oppositional defiant disorder?
Defiance and disobedience towards authority people are characteristics of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Disruptive behaviour disorder, or ODD, can result in serious issues at home and also in the classroom. When a child is a toddler or adolescent, oppositional conduct is a common developmental stage. However, when compared to other people of the same age, that conduct becomes hostile, frequent, and excessive, it may signify ODD. It can typically begin as early as 8 years or even up to 12 years in some kids.
Around 40% of kids with ADHD and ASD are dealing with oppositional defiant disorder. Even though these conditions frequently coexist, they all are separate conditions.
ADHD: Children with ADHD have trouble paying attention, controlling in impulsive actions, and regulating their restless feelings.
ODD: The behaviour of a child and how they communicate with their parents, siblings, elders, teachers, and peers are factors in ODD.
ASD: Autism spectrum disorder is a complex condition which is indicated by facing challenges in interpersonal and communication skills, sensory sensitivities, obsessive and rigid behaviours.
It is possible that a lot of biological, mental and social issues are likely to cause oppositional defiant disorder. These issues tend to overlap with each other. Here are some causes of oppositional defiant disorder:
HEREDITARY CAUSES
There is a high probability of oppositional defiant disorder being hereditary. This indicates that when a close member of the family has a psychiatric disorder, a mood related issue, or a personality disorder, it may pass on the conduct disorder to their offspring.
The oppositional defiant disorder in kids and teens may be driven by the damage of the specific part of the brain which is responsible for controlling the behaviour, feelings, and impulses. Mental disorders including ADHD, chronic anxiety, or learning issues could also be other biological causes of oppositional defiant disorder.
Family related issues, child abuse, traumatic events, strict parenting, poor education and insufficient monitoring are all highly associated with oppositional defiant disorder.
Treating oppositional defiant disorder is quite challenging as kids and teens hardly exhibit something inappropriate with their behaviour. Showing anger and forcing them to act good won’t work. The best way to manage kids or teens with oppositional defiant disorder is to move them from their problematic surroundings and place them in a highly organised environment. Here are some of the ways to control oppositional defiant disorder:
1.DIALECTICAL/COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY
DBT is a kind of cognitive-behavioural therapy that seeks to alter behaviour by helping people acknowledge and embrace their emotions. It seeks to alter their behaviour by acknowledging and accepting their current emotions and providing tools that can help with regulating their emotions and improving tolerance and mindfulness. This cognitive behavioural therapy has been adapted to accommodate the unique needs of children. Its main goals are teaching coping mechanisms, identifying problematic thought patterns, and regulating intense emotions.
Psychotherapy focuses on assisting kids by having conversations with them individually regarding how to express emotions and manage their anger. It might enhance the kid’s self-worth and it can also help them to become skilled.
Family counselling includes mom, dad, siblings and other family members to take part in the therapy session. It can aid in improving family communication and teaching parents some tactics for resolving conflicts with their children to make it safer in the family. In some cases, strengthening the bond between parents and children can also enhance family dynamics.
To promote empathy in kids and teens, group therapy will help. Group therapy can be performed with the classmates or friends of your kid which might help your kid to develop their social and communication skills.
ODD can be effectively treated using supportive therapies that enhance academic performance, social interactions, and problem-solving abilities. Such approaches could consist of:
The teacher of your kid will receive training and resources to enhance classroom behaviour.
They should be trained in using some methods for preventing oppositional behaviour or its escalation.
Foods that help to manage oppositional defiant disorder
1.NUTS:
All the nuts like almonds, cashew, peanuts and hazelnuts are rich in vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acid. Research has established a link between omega 3 fatty acids and brain development in early childhood. These healthy fats have amazing brain boosting power and play a vital role in enhancing memory and attention span.
2.SEEDS:
Apart from nuts, seeds like sunflower, melon and pumpkins also contain powerful antioxidants like vitamin E that protect the brain from free radical damage. Sunflower seeds impact overall mood and mental processing powers and therefore it is considered a brain boosting snack. Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium, copper, and much higher in zinc than other seeds, which help in increasing concentration and memory. One of the easiest to feed brain boosting foods for kids.
3.JOWAR FLOUR:
Jowar, which is rich in iron, can also lessen ADHD symptoms like anxiety, hyperactivity, and tantrums. Iron has the ability to relax the nervous system, which helps the child with ADHD syndrome to become more at ease.
Gotukola has strong anti-oxidant qualities and enhances cognition, memory, and mental performance. It gently relaxes the nervous system while also encouraging alertness—the best possible state of consciousness for any form of mental focus, study, or cognition.
Spearmint extract has higher quantities of phenolic compounds that enhance working memory, spatial working memory and also increase attention, concentration, and brain function by promoting the formation and protection of new brain cells.
ST. JOHN’S WORT:
St John’s wort contains chemical messengers like Hyperforin and Adhyperforin. These chemicals has antidepressant properties. The extracts of this herb enhance mood, focus, and also reduce anxiety and insomnia. According to several studies, adolescents with ADHD may benefit from taking St. John’s wort every day for four weeks. It is also used to treat problems including anxiety, exhaustion, appetite loss, and difficulty sleeping that might occasionally accompany depression.
PASSION FLOWER:
The chemicals in the passion flower provide a calming and relaxing effect. Early research indicates that taking passion flower orally for eight weeks may help some ADHD symptoms in kids aged 6 to 13 years.
The herb valerian has relaxation properties. Additionally, it contains some anticonvulsant qualities that might be advantageous for kids who are prone to seizure activity. Children with ADHD, cognitive impairment, hyperactivity, irritability, anxiety, behavioural regulation, and neurodevelopmental abnormalities can benefit from valerian for improved attention and sleep.
The most well-known essential oil for soothing is lavender. Lavender essential oil can be helpful for reducing anxiety and making you feel more at ease, which may help with ADHD symptoms. The aroma of lavender oil can calm and soothe the nervous system. Its relaxing qualities can benefit autistic children by enhancing their sleep quality and also assisting their bodies in combating emotional stress.
Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric is known to improve spatial memory, long-time retrieval and also visual memory as per a study. It helps in managing anxiety, depression etc which is commonly seen in people with ADHD disorder.
Ginkgo biloba is a promising herbal supplement that may alter the neural system in a disorder similar to ADHD. It also helps in enhancing the memory and cognitive performance. According to a study, Children who took a ginkgo extract daily for three to five weeks showed a decrease in the symptoms of ADHD.
Sunflower lecithin is an excellent source of choline, a vital nutrient required for a variety of health functions. Since choline is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning, choline is also particularly significant for maintaining good brain function.
It’s no SECRET that following an Ayurvedic lifestyle has numerous advantages. This unique collection of Kids Ayurvedic Brain Booster is also an easy solution to feed daily nutrition for Brain development to kids without any fuss. Made with Proven Ingredients. No Preservatives or Artificial Colour or Flavour. No Side Effects. Trusted by 20000+ Parents and Practitioners. To know more about kid’s ayurvedic foods – SHOP HERE
India’s First Tasty Kids Nutrition fortified with Ayurvedic herbs.
For Kids with ODD, Autism, ADHD, behavioural issues, Lack of Concentration or Focus giveKids & Teens Brain Booster Chocolate/ Savoury Spread | 0% preservatives | 0% refined sugar | 0% palm oil | Fortified with SHANKHAPUSHPI, ASHWAGANDHA, BRAHMI | Contains OMEGA 3, PROTEIN | ORDER |
Does your child have sensitivity to the texture, flavour, aroma, or colour of food? Have you noticed that your child avoid certain foods and not ready to try new foods? Does your child gag when they see or smell certain foods? These are some common signs of food sensitivities in kids. Many children with autism are dealing with variety of sensory issues. Among them, food sensitivity issues are one of the major concern. Keep reading to understand more about food sensitivities in children as well as the tips and foods that can help to manage it.
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Food sensitivities in children
Children are exposed to a variety of foods, flavours, and sensations during their early years. Kids who refuse to taste or consume certain foods are frequently referred to as “picky eaters”. However, this picky eating habit is prevalent in kids, it can be more intense and also lasts in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Additionally, studies show that many children with autism have high preferences for processed foods and carbs while avoiding fruits and veggies. Moreover, it can cause nutritional deficits and also obesity, especially if exercise is restricted.
Sensory integration dysfunction is the inability of the brain to process the signals and information it receives from the sense organs. Due to this, the child becomes extraordinarily sensitive to things like normal sounds, touch, and food texture. Some kids experience extreme sensitivities for the smell or flavour of the food. This can result in nausea, vomiting or spitting out the food. Health professionals think that sensory processing disorder may also manifest on its own, despite the fact that its symptoms are frequently linked to other developmental issues like autism spectrum disorder.
Oral motor refers to the way our mouth’s muscles are used. The tongue, lips, cheeks, and jaw are all included in this. All of them are components of our mouth that are connected to numerous muscles; like all muscles, they can be strong or weak. To speak, eat, or drink through a straw, we require oral motor skills. Children who face difficulty chewing are unable to handle food and they will reject it. So, the foods that need little oral-motor skill can be chosen by kids as that can be eaten easily.
Some coexisting conditions like food allergy, stress or anxiety, Genetic Disorder, abnormal brain activity/ lack of proper brain activity, other medical conditions can cause food sensitivities in kids.
Children who may have food sensitivities to food texture, taste, smell or temperature may exhibit the following symptoms:
Rejection of some foods
Irregular eating habits
Not willing to try new foods
Meals-related outbursts or meltdowns
Treatment for Food sensitivities
1.Therapies
Children can develop coping mechanisms through therapies. The therapist will assist you in teaching your kids how to manage the problem. The child’s sessions will depend on whether they are oversensitive, undersensitive, or a combination of both.
Types of Therapy:
Sensory integration therapy (SI): It is based on fun activities that help the child to manage the situation without getting overwhelmed by environmental factors.
Sensory routine/ diet: These are the list of activities given to children that help to stay focused and organised in control.
Occupational therapy: It helps to develop good motor skills and cope with everyday activities.
tips that can help children with food sensitivities
Here are some tips and tricks that can help your children to cope up with food sensitivities:
1.Look into the reason
The first task is to investigate why a kid has food sensitivities. Asking your children questions that clarify their feelings and difficulties while eating can be quite helpful. Once the food has been identified, you can determine whether your child dislikes that specific food alone or a set of foods as a whole. This can make it easier for you to comprehend why the kid doesn’t enjoy it.
In some cases, what a child eats can be more crucial than how they eat. Occasionally only a change in strategy is required. Accept your child’s desire to avoid particular meals. Present the same food in a different way. It is efficient to introduce a new food that is nutrient-dense yet still has the desired texture. For example, if your kid enjoys munchy or crunchy foods like chips, give him/her beetroot chips instead of potato chips.
Gradually, introduce new meals. Don’t force your kid. You can start by asking your child to simply sniff or lick the meal when served for the first time or you can use the “try one bite” method. In addition to any new introductions, include one or two old favourites in every meal.
Toddlers typically develop coping skills through play. Playing with food that has a sensory component can help your kid become more used to sensory stimuli. Every child will respond differently to food, so the strategy needs to be tailored. One strategy that works well is to put food in plastic bags and write letters or shapes on them. This can help your child to touch the foods without hesitating and improves the sensory skills.
Nutrients required to alleviate food sensitivities in children
According to experts, anything that is good for the brain is likely to be good for autism and food sensitivities. Below is a list of the essential nutrients and ingredients recommended as part of a healthy ASD diet.
1.ASHWAGANDHA:
It is a small woody plant native to India and North Africa. Ashwagandha has a strong affinity for GABA receptors. Ashwagandha is used to treat Autism symptoms such as sensory issues, memory loss, anxiety, and attention deficit.
2.BRAHMI:
Brahmi is a brain superfood. It sharpens the brain by protecting cells and increasing chemicals involved in learning and memory. It acts on the CNS, where it improves grasping power, eye contact, memory, intellect, and speech, as well as correcting sensory sensitivity, emotional, mood, and personality aberrations in an individual.
3.SHANKHAPUSHPI:
In order to improve brain functioning, shankhapushpi is an old remedy. The powerful antioxidants and flavonoids present in it improve the memory capacity, focus, concentration, calmness, alertness of an individual. Since it is a brain tonic and stimulator, people taking shankhapushpi have improved autism features like sensory issues, memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities.
4.PROTEIN:
Protein is an essential component of a healthy diet. It helps to build, maintain, and repair body tissues. It is also necessary for brain health and plays an important role in neurotransmitter production (brain chemical).
There is a link between omega 3 fatty acids and early childhood brain development, according to research. These healthy fats have incredible brain-boosting properties, additionally play an important role in improving autism features like sensory sensitivity, memory, and attention span. Fish and walnuts are excellent sources of omega 3.
Magnesium is responsible for nerve transmission and nerve-muscle coordination in our bodies. In other words, it guards against a child’s excessive excitement (which can be traumatic). It also increases the effectiveness of vitamin B. This is important in the production of enzymes in the brain. It may improve sensory sensitivity and reduce behavioral issues.
Zinc is a mineral that our bodies require in trace amounts. Because our bodies do not store zinc, we must consume small amounts of it on a regular basis to maintain our health. Zinc helps in proper brain development and function, immune function, protein synthesis, and wound healing.
All nuts, including almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, and hazelnuts, are high in vitamin E and aid in memory enhancement. They are also antioxidants that protect cells from damage. Walnuts are high in omega 3 fatty acids and are beneficial to sensory sensitivity, brain function, memory, and cognitive abilities. This fatty acid is also beneficial to cognitive functions.
Aside from nuts, seeds such as flax, chia, melon, sesame, and pumpkins contain potent antioxidants such as vitamin E, which protect the brain from free radical damage. Sunflower seeds are brain-boosting snack. It have an effect on overall mood and mental processing abilities. Pumpkin seeds contain more magnesium, copper, and zinc than other seeds, which aid in eye contact, concentration, and memory. One of the simplest brain-boosting foods for children to consume.
10.COCOA POWDER:
Pure Cocoa powder (unsweetened) contains brain-boosting components. It is packed with a large number of antioxidants molecules, the main is epicatechin improves cognition. Hence, cocoa powder is also an important brain development food for children.
It’s no SECRET that following an Ayurvedic lifestyle has numerous advantages. This unique collection of Kids Ayurvedic Brain Booster is also an easy solution to feed daily nutrition for Brain development to kids without any fuss. Made with Proven Ingredients. No Preservatives or Artificial Colour or Flavour. No Side Effects. Trusted by 20000+ Parents and Practitioners. To know more about kid’s ayurvedic foods – SHOP HERE
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Does your child get irritated by loud noises? Did your child pay attention to some noises that you are unaware of? Does your child cover his or her ears when they hear loud noises like alarms, crackers or speakers? Does your kid like to visit quiet places like museums or libraries rather than crowded places like malls, theatres and concerts? These are some of the strong signs of sound sensitivity in children. Children with autism can often have excessive sensitivity to sound or overcrowding. Do you understand why this occurs? Let’s learn more about sound sensitivity in children and tips and foods to manage it.
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What is Sound sensitivity ?
Autism spectrum disorder is frequently characterised by decreased sound tolerance disorders. The most typical forms of sound sensitivity are hyperacusis, misophonia and sonophobia.
Hyperacusis, which is also known as sound sensitivity is the extreme sensitivity to sounds including television, speakers, alarms, sirens, crackers etc. This can make a child feel uncomfortable and irritated. A child who finds a sound upsetting may express their uneasiness by covering their ears, attempting to mute the source, or escaping the noisy area.
Misophonia is a response to certain noises, most frequently throwing tantrums, anger or hatred. This response can be triggered by breathing, whispering, chewing or slurping sounds.
Sonophobia is a prolonged and abnormal aversion to sound, whether it is a particular sound like an alarm or background noise in general.It may interfere with one’s sleep, focus, psychological control and also can induce stress. On the other hand, children who are not sensitive enough will not be able to fully utilise their senses.
Our ears can sense the vibrations in noises. Our brain may misinterpret or amplify some vibrations in case of sound sensitivity.To put it simply, when a noise is made, the brain reacts more strongly than necessary. Your child may experience a fight or flight reaction as a result of this, which is characterised by a strong sense of discomfort that something will go wrong. There is still no clear explanation for what causes sound sensitivity. Hyperacusis is not commonly inherited from birth. Typically, specific illnesses or other health problems cause it. Here are the most typical causes of sound sensitivity:
Children who deal with sound sensitivity may scream or cry in distress. Symptoms of sound sensitivity can differ from mild to moderate. Here are some mild signs:
Normal sounds being overly loud
Feel discomfort in ears (due to the volume of own voice)
DBT is a kind of cognitive-behavioural therapy that seeks to alter behaviour by helping people acknowledge, accepting their current emotions and providing tools that can help with regulating their emotions to sounds and improving sound tolerance and mindfulness. Its main goals are teaching coping mechanisms, identifying problematic thought patterns, and regulating intense emotions to particular sounds.
When you hear ringing noise or other disturbances in your ears, it’s called tinnitus. Other people normally cannot hear the sounds you hear since it is not caused by an outside sound. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) employs a tool resembling a hearing aid. This medical device produces low-intensity sound. This can eventually assist your brain in placing less focus on the tinnitus.
Your child has to listen to gentle static noise for a certain period of time each day during sound desensitisation. Your kid’s tolerance level for sound or noise may progressively rise as a result of this. To observe results, it may take up to 6 months.
Parents can follow some strategies to manage sound sensitivity in children. Here are some effective tips to manage sound sensitivity:
1.Acknowledge the issue:
Without understanding a child’s situation, it is impossible to make adjustments for them. When you acknowledge the issue, you see that his or her behaviour is not unreasonable but instead a typical fight-or-flight reaction to prolonged exposure to noises.
The most crucial step is probably figuring out which sounds make your child anxious. A television, vehicle horn sound, washing machine or dishwasher noises are few examples of the triggers. If your child shows signs of discomfort when a sound first appears, list it out.
A set of earplugs is generally sufficient for children to block out external sounds or noises to certain points where they feel safe and relaxed. Preferably, parents should always have these with them especially when they are going out with their children to set off the reaction.
Note down the locations where your youngster feels secure and at peace. It might be meditation centres, religious places like church or temple, painting classes, library, or a walk in a park.
Diverting your child’s attention may help them cope with the intrusive sound. Engage your child in some focus building activities which can really help them to divert their focus from upsetting or unpleasant sounds.
Providing your child with a sense of control over the sound may help them cope with new sounds more easily. For example, if the vacuum cleaner makes a lot of noise, let your kid operate it. This can help your child to increase their tolerance level.
Almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and macadamia nuts all have unique qualities to offer. Macadamias support healthy brain functioning and pistachio nut oils store fatty acids and fight inflammation. Almonds aid with memory improvement. They all help in alleviating ASD symptoms.
Flaxseeds are a great source of fibre and omega-3 fats. They help in enhancing the parts of the brain involved in controlling mood and cognition. Flaxseeds are best eaten ground, and can easily be added to baked goods, oatmeal, sprinkled on salads, or desserts. According to research, Muskmelon seeds help in increasing oxygen flow to the brain thereby calming and making it stress free. Seeds rich in omega-3 and Vitamin E help in maintaining brain health.
Ashwagandha’s most highly valued advantages includes it beneficial effects on stress, anxiety and mood. The ingredients in ashwagandha have anti-inflammatory, brain-protective, and stress-reducing properties that may shield your body from a number of ailments. Ashwagandha is offered at nutritional stores and health food markets in the forms of powder, extract, and also as supplements.
According to Ayurveda, Shankhpushpi relieves tension and anxiety and helps in calming the brain. Its Medhya (improves intelligence) characteristic also helps memory by functioning as a brain tonic. Take Shankhpushpi powder with warm milk or water as it assists in improving focus and memory. Shankhapushpi is a traditional remedy for increasing the functioning of the brain. The powerful antioxidants and flavonoids present in it improve the memory capacity, focus, concentration, calmness, alertness of an individual. Since it is a brain tonic and stimulator, people taking Shankhapushpi have improved memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities.
A wide variety of herbs with therapeutic properties are the center of the ayurvedic world. Brahmi is a popular herb in Ayurveda and is one of these because it can transform your health from unhealthy to highly healthy. It helps to enhance focus and memory. Some of the chemical constituents in brahmi stimulate the neural pathways involved in cognition, which aids in the development of cognitive and sensory skills. Furthermore , this plant finds its use in treating dementia, ASD and also other mental diseases like Alzheimer’s. So it helps in maintaining brain health.
Pure cocoa powder (unsweetened) contains brain boosting components as it is packed with a large number of antioxidants molecules, the main is epicatechin helpful to improve cognition and also speech impairment in studies. Hence cocoa powder is also an important brain development food for children and contributes in maintaining sound brain health.
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