Growth Hormone Deficiency in Kids

October 26, 2022December 29, 2022 | aadyasathe

Do you feel your tiny tot isn’t growing the way he should? Does he seem short with respect to his age? Then it can be the sign of growth hormone deficiency! Being a parent you would certainly wish for your child to grow healthy and possess good height. A lack of growth hormone can develop early in life or later in development. Approximately one in 4,000 to 10,000 kids suffers from a lack of growth hormone. Children who receive a diagnosis early frequently make a full recovery. If the illness is not treated, it may cause delayed puberty and shorter than average height.

Let’s try to get a deeper understanding of it.

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What’s Growth Hormone deficiency?

When the body does not produce enough growth hormone to support a child’s normal rate of growth, this condition is known as GH (Growth Hormone) deficiency.

One a simple note, its of two types:

Congenital Growth Hormone deficiency: Some newborns are born with this kind. They may also experience issues with different hormones. Some infants appear to be growing normally even though they were born with the disease until they were between 6 and 12 months old. There can be abnormal functioning of GH related genes.

Acquired Growth Hormone deficiency: This happens when the body stops making enough GH to grow normally. It can begin at any point during the childhood and thus is called acquired GH deficiency.

Let us understand what might be the cause behind GH deficiency.

Causes

The causes again involve two types as specified earlier.

Congenital Causes	Acquired Causes
1. Genetic abnormalities (GH gene malfunctioning)	1. Tumor’s , Infections, Injury to brain
2. Developmental defects	2. Irradiation

Symptoms of GH Deficiency

Signs and symptoms of growth hormone deficiency include:

The face of a youngster could look younger than children of the same age
Delayed Puberty
Mild to Moderate chubbiness
Delayed Tooth development
Increased fat around the face and stomach
Low blood sugar levels
Muscle Weakness
Sluggish Hair growth

Can we do something about all this?

Continue reading to know about some remedies for it.

Remedies

The solutions to this include:

1. Growth hormone Therapy

The most typical treatment for treating growth hormone deficiency in both children and adults include growth hormone therapy injections of growth hormone into the body. Child will normally require daily growth hormone dosages after the doctor orders growth hormone therapy for him. However, the frequency of the growth hormone injections may vary depending on the severity of the disease.

Additionally along with this emotional therapy may be required.

2. Mental or Emotional Therapy

The GH deficiency can also significantly cast a negative impact upon the child’s mental health. For instance, being extremely short might lower a child’s self-esteem since classmates may ridicule them until they cry. Because of this, mental and emotional therapy is frequently a crucial component of treatment. You can talk about your emotions and learn coping mechanisms for growth hormone shortage from a mental health professional or psychologist.

A child’s overall healthy development also depends on getting adequate sleep, consuming a balanced diet, and exercising frequently.

Let’s look at some nutritional aspects.

Foods that can help

The child’s body needs a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals to grow properly. A nutritious diet plan must provide all the essential nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water in the required amounts. Requirements of essential nutrients vary with age, gender, physiological status and physical activity.

Nutrient rich foods that can foster the overall growth and development includes:

CARBOHYDRATES:

Carbohydrates are also known as energy giving foods. It provides glucose, which is converted to energy and further used in body functioning and physical activities which helps to reduce tiredness and helps in body strengthening. Foods rich in carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet.

PROTEIN:

Protein is the body’s building block and repair agent. It also helps them to build a healthy and strong body during the growth. It’s also integral in forming enzymes and hormones in the body. (What are some easy sources of protein for kids?)

IRON:

It is an important dietary mineral that is essential for the growth and development of kids both physical and mental growth. Iron helps form haemoglobin that is found in the blood cells of the body and helps in growth mechanism. (Foods for Iron deficiency)

CALCIUM:

One of the most important minerals in our body is CALCIUM. Calcium consumption has a good impact on bone formation and development. Bones are 70% calcium and it is only calcium that gives bones their hardness for protection and support. Bones also serve as the calcium bank of the body.

VITAMINS:

Vitamin plays an important role in the growth and development as it helps the body grow and work the way it should. There are 13 essential Vitamins — Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and Vitamin Bs. Some help in eyesight and energy production, while others support healthy nerves and cells and in fighting infection. (Importance of different vitamins for kids)

HEALTHY FATS:

During the growth period, physical and brain development is at its peak point. Healthy fats are crucial to brain and overall physical development and can help stabilize mood. Also help with healthy metabolism, blood clotting and letting the body absorb vitamins.

FIBRE:

Fibre is a non-digestible carbohydrate. It is responsible for keeping our digestion healthy and regular. Lack of fibre rich food in diet may cause constipation, which creates a nutrient-deficient disease. During growth period, nutrient requirement is more from the body. (Fibre-rich foods for constipation)

ALMONDS:

Amongst all the nuts, almonds are the highest in calcium. One ounce of almonds or about 22 almonds, provides 8% of the recommended daily intake of calcium.

Also check, Iyurved’s Daily Nutrition Chocolate and Savoury spread made of Almond and 6 other nuts and seeds

SEEDS:

Many seeds are good sources of calcium. For instance, 1 tablespoon (9 grams) of poppy seeds has 13% of the recommended daily intake, while the same serving of sesame seeds packs 9% of the recommended daily intake. In addition to calcium, chia seeds are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

VEGETABLES:

Cabbage, mustard (sarson leaves), broccoli & ladyfinger are good sources of calcium.

Also check, Pasta recipes with hidden vegetables

LOTUS SEEDS/ MAKHANA:

Makhana or lotus seeds are grown in Asian countries and are considered as a power food to increase height. Makhana is an excellent source of many important nutrients. It is loaded with protein, fibre, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and carbohydrates. Just a bowl of makhana is a great snack for kids.

Also check, Health benefits of makhana

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Techniques to reduce Stammering in Kids

October 25, 2022December 10, 2022 | nirkayani

Does your kid often face difficulty to start a word or phrase? Does your child add sounds like “hmm” to the phrase? Is your child not able to speak fluently? These are the signs of “Stammering”. If this isn’t taken care of sooner, it can later lead to speech difficulties. Some techniques can help your kid to overcome stammering.

Let’s know more about it!

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A MOM’S OPINION ABOUT HOW Brain BOOSTER HELPED TO reduce stammering

What is stammering?

Stammering is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which children have speaking difficulty and struggle to talk clearly and fluently. They may, for example, repeat or lengthen a word, a phrase, or a consonant or vowel sound. They may also halt during talking when they reach a difficult word or accent. Most stuttering occurs at the start of a phrase when kids repeat the first letter a few times before it is proper.

Also check, Fine motor skill development

Techniques that help to reduce stammering

Here are some strategies that you or your kid may do to help lessen the stammering issue :

1.SLOW DOWN TECHNIQUE

Speaking slowly is one of the efficient techniques to overcome stammering. Trying to rush through a topic can make you stutter, or have difficulty forming the words. This technique has two advantages, one, it gives your child an example of how to talk more fluently and smoothly and two, it gives the discussion extra time so that your kid doesn’t feel pressurized.

Additionally, you can slow down your speech by including more gaps and extending them longer than usual. Also, by purposefully extending the sound of first word of each sentence, you may deliberately slow down your speaking. For example, speak like “Hooww…. iss.. yoour…. daayy?”. This makes the kids feel more comfortable and relaxed throughout the conversation.

Also check, Tips improve concentration in kids

2. ROBOT SPEECH TECHNIQUE

The stammering in kids can be reduced by 96% when they use the robot speech technique on a daily basis. It is also called as syllable-timed speech technique. It took advantage of the repeated sound pattern’s capacity to encourage fluent speech. First segment the words into separate syllables and try to talk like this “Em..ploy….Ro..bot..speech..in..dai..ly..con..ver..sa..tion”. You may think that this will make you look quite awkward and weird at first. But speaking at a regular speed by breaking the syllables can increase fluency.

Also check, Focus and Attention building games

3. CANCELLATION TECHNIQUE

As kids with stammering struggle to get their words out, they frequently build up a lot of stress and pressure in their jaws, mouth and throat. Stammering can be modified by a technique known as a cancellation. This technique involves taking a moment or stopping to talk when they begin to stammer, taking deep breaths, letting go of the stress, and extending the stammered sound to make it seem natural like this, “Llll… (stop to let go of the pressure) Let’s play outside”

Also check, Tips for personality development for kids

4. TONGUE TWISTERS

Tongue twisters are the phrases or sentences that contain words with repetitive sound patterns. It is a great way to help to get rid of stammering in kids. Practicing jumbled, meaningless words with similar sounds in a daily manner will help to improve pronunciation and fluency of each word and syllables.

Try teaching your kids simple tongue twisters like “An ape hates grape cakes”. First say it slowly and then repeat it for 3 to 4 times. Also, encourage them to increase the speed and say it loud. This will be fun and your child will enjoy this activity.

Also check, Activities to improve brain development

5. FEEDBACK TECHNIQUE

This feedback technique can help kids between the age of 3-6 years. A child’s brain can be encouraged to talk more effortlessly by receiving vocal feedback on their speech. So, parents can give more feedback about their speech. These feedback aids in normalizing stammering and also develops confidence in kids to speak fluently. Try some following techniques

Give them applause and reward
Make them assess their own speaking
Appreciate their stutter-free speech

Also check, Oral motor exercises for kids

Foods that help to reduce stammering in kids

Without the brain, there would be no language. The human brain has a few areas that are specific to language processing and production. Adding foods that support brain development can help to reduce stammering in kids.

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 functions in kids who stammer. 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.

Also check, Best nuts for protein

SEEDS:

Apart from nuts, 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 much higher in zinc than other seeds, which help in increasing concentration and memory.

Also check, Health benefits of pumpkin seeds

OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS:

Multiple studies have shown the link between low omega 3 fatty acids and poor development, ADHD, speech delay, poor focus and concentration. These healthy fats are crucial for the brain development and helps to manage speech disorder like stammering in kids.

Also check, What are some home benefits of omega 3?

COCOA POWDER:

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 in studies. Hence cocoa powder is also an important brain development food for children.

Also check, More benefits of cocoa powder

ASHWAGANDHA:

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen. It can reduce 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.

Also check, More benefits of Ashwagandha

BRAHMI:

Brahmi is a superfood for the brain and is believed to sharpen the brain by protecting cells and increasing chemicals associated with learning and memory. It has shown to improve spatial learning and retaining power in kids. That is why in older times, kids were often given Brahmi powder with ghee/honey. This would help in keeping them calm and reduce stammering.

Also check, More benefits of brahmi

SHANKHAPUSHPI:

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.

Also check, Foods to manage hyperactivity in kids

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Techniques to Develop Fine Motor Skills in Toddlers

October 21, 2022April 3, 2023 | nirkayani

Did your toddler try to eat by himself? Does your kid hold a crayon and scribble in your note? Did your child try to open/close the door by turning the knob? Does your baby start to hold keys or other stuff tightly between the first finger and thumb? If this is the case, your kid’s fine motor skills are developing. But if your kid face difficulty doing these stuffs, it may be delay in fine motor skills. Some techniques can help to develop the fine motor skills in kids. Let’s know more about it.

Fine motor skills

Fine motor skills are the capacity of your kid’s hands, wrists, and fingers to work together with their eyes in a cooperative manner. It starts from tightly holding the fingers of others to cutting the paper in different shapes, playing piano or dressing on their own. Holding the spoon or fork to eat or using crayon for colouring or holding the toys can be regulated by fine motor skills. It’s so overwhelming to see your kid doing new activities everyday, but these abilities don’t develop overnight. Kids put a lot of effort and handwork to achieve these fine motor skills.

Also check, Activities for brain development

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Delays in fine motor development

Kids develop their skills gradually. But some kids might have delays in fine motor development. Here are some of the signs for fine motor developmental delays:

Kids might face difficulties in doing personal care things like not being able to tie shoelaces or unable to dress up themselves.
They find it challenging to pick up tiny items which require a lot of time and effort.
They may struggle to hold the object in their hand.
Have trouble using both hands at one.
School kids may enjoy playing outside rather than writing, drawing, and playing with toys as they feel it is difficult.

Also check, Foods for speech delay in kids

Causes of fine motor development delay

Some kids just achieve their motor goals longer than others because their muscle development might be slow. Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) or dyspraxia, on the other hand, is a neural and coordination issue in kids which happens when the brain and muscles can’t coordinate properly. Some of the causes for fine motor development delay are listed below,

Learning disability
Premature birth
Genetic issues (Down’s syndrome)
Nerve related or muscle related problems
Brain injury or trauma
Hearing loss
Autism

Also check, Types of developmental delays in kids

Importance of fine motor skills

When kids join the school, the fine motor development gradually increases and they will learn to flip the book pages, write legibly or carry out activities on their own. If a kid struggles to complete certain daily activities, it may have an impact on their education, their potential to build independence and confidence.

Also check, Motor tics in kids

Tips for improving the fine motor skills of kids

Do not worry about your kid if they are experiencing symptoms of a fine motor development delay. Here are some tips that help to improve the fine motor skills in kids in your home.

1. Playing with clay or slime

Playing with clay or slime is commonly utilised as an element of senses. Help your kid to make different structures like balls or snakes with that clay. Allow your kid to pull, twist, and press the slime which will eventually improve the fine motor skills.

Also check, Tips to improve concentration

2. Solve puzzles

The ability to hold things with the first finger and thumb may increase while solving puzzles. Since your kids effortlessly give up, misplace the pieces and become frustrated in the puzzle game, sit with them to assist. Motivate them to solve simple puzzles first, then gradually increase the difficulty level. This helps to improve their eye-hand coordination thereby developing fine motor skills.

Also check, Tips for personality development

3. Wet sponge game

This game is very simple. It only requires a sponge and a bowl with water. First, tell your kid to soak the sponge in the water. Then, tell him to squeeze the water in another bowl. You can also join with your kid and challenge them. This is an easy exercise to aid in fine motor development.

4. Painting

Kids who paint with brushes will learn how to grasp a paintbrush and have better control. To stimulate their curiosity and develop your kid’s fine motor skills, try experimenting with various painting techniques and materials including colour pencils, markers, water colour, palette painting etc.

Also check, Focus and attention building games for kids

5. Play with sand

When you go to the beach, give your kid a toy shovel. Allow them to play with sand like digging, scraping, building castles, etc. Your kid will enjoy it and it may improve the fine motor skills of your kid. In indoors you can use play-sand.

6. Gardening

Engage your kid in gardening activities like digging with a shovel, putting the seeds or saplings into the garden. This will improve their eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills.

Also check, Foods that help in walking

7. Syringe game

You need an empty syringe, liquid food colours and 5 glasses filled with clear water to play this game. Give your kid an empty syringe. Tell them to fill the syringe with colours and allow them to pour it into the clear water. This will increase their muscle strength thereby helps in fine motor development.

Also check, Foods to manage hyperactivity in kids

8. Lego games

Legos are full of fun! It helps a child in building up a structure step by step with small boxes as their basic unit. With LEGO bricks, kids can create and even pick up objects while exercising their fingers. Children enjoy the excitement of creating, and they can do this for hours while developing strong little hand muscles that will aid them in learning other abilities, like how to write.

Also check, Oral motor exercises for kids

Foods that can aid in the development of fine motor skill

Adding foods that support brain development can help to improve fine motor skills in kids. The types of foods that effectively impact fine motor skills 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 fine motor skills 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.

Also check, Best nuts and seeds for protein.

2. Seeds

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 fine motor skills.

Also check, Health benefits of pumpkin seeds.

3.Ashwagandha

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).

Also check, Health benefits of Ashwagandha.

4.Brahmi

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.

Also check, Benefits of brahmi for brain development

5.Shankhapushpi

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.

Also check, Herbs that help to get rid of brain fog.

6. Cocoa Powder

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 fine motor skills.

Also check, More benefits of cocoa powder.

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Benefits of Brahmi in Brain Development

October 20, 2022November 4, 2022 | nirkayani

Does your child face difficulty in paying attention? Does he/she struggle to focus? Is your child forgetting tasks easily? Is your child not able to speak fluently? If yes, this may be a signs of decline in the cognitive functions of the brain. Fortunately, an ayurvedic herb called “Brahmi” helps in improving the brain development and cognitive functions! Let’s know more about the benefits of brahmi.

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What is brahmi?

Brahmi, Bacopa monnieri is a creeping herb that helps to increase the cognitive functions of the brain thereby improving the memory, attention and focus of a child. It contains various bioactive compounds like bacosides, bacogenins, bacopasides, bacopa saponin, cucurbitacin, triterpenes and flavonoids. Brahmi’s benefits are not only restricted to brain development but it also increases immunity, prevents hair fall, treats gastric issues, cold, cough and congestion.

Also check, Brain development foods for children

Health benefits of Brahmi:

There are numerous benefits of brahmi. Some of them are listed below:

Cognitive development

Cognitive development refers to a child’s capacity for thinking, exploring, and problem-solving. Cognition develops alongside the brain. The impairment in cognitive functions is the issue when a kid struggles to learn, focus, pay attention and memorise things. Brahmi is a nootropic herb. Nootropic means “cognitive enhancers” which helps in increasing the memory and learning ability of a child. The bacosides in brahmi reverses the cognitive impairment thereby increasing the memory power. According to a research, brahmi enables faster sensory response and improved visual data processing capacity in school- aged kids. A study suggested that brahmi improves the logical memory of the children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It also helps in treating a learning disabilities like dyslexia.

Also check, A healthy diet plan for ADHD

MEMORY BOOSter

Memory is responsible for processing and recalling recent information by the students so that they can achieve their tasks. Children having trouble with short-term or long-term memory face difficulties in arranging the information and understanding the topic. These kids usually fall behind in class. Developmental disabilities cause memory problems in children. Brahmi is a superfood for the brain and is believed to sharpen the brain by protecting cells and increasing chemicals associated with learning and memory. It is also called as “brain tonic” because it can reach the brain to positively influence challenging activities and to engage the central attention. Its also shown to improve spatial learning and retaining power in kids.

Also check, Tips to improve concentration

SPEECH

Language development of the child is an important aspect of a child’s overall growth and development. But speech and language problems are the most common developmental delay a child faces. Stammering is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which children have speaking difficulty and struggle to talk clearly and fluently. A study proved that massaging with brahmi oil in the head can help to treat stammering. The cognitive power can be stimulated by this process. Being lipophilic, brahmi play a prominent role in the central nervous system where it improves speech and response speed in kids.

Also check, Foods to improve speech

ANXIETY

Anxiety and stress causes real physical changes in the body, including harming the neurological, endocrine, and immune systems. Brahmi is an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens help in increasing the concentration of dopamine and serotonin hormones which make the body fight against stress, anxiety and fatigue. Amongst many benefits of brahmi, the most important is that, it can be a natural way to enable our kids’ bodies to handle and tolerate stress way better. The bacosides present in the brahmi helps in decreasing the anxiety thereby increasing the learning ability, immunity and weight in teens.

Also check, How to handle anxiety attack in kids

DEPRESSION

Depression is the most common mental health condition due to persistent sadness caused by prolonged stress. It causes loss of appetite, lack of sleep and low self esteem in teens. The phytochemicals like bacosides, bacopasaponin and bacopasides in brahmi is proved to have anti-depressive activity. It might be beneficial for enhancing psychological health. Also, it helps to manage the mental diseases like depression, stress, and schizophrenia.

Also check, Tips for dealing with post-partum depression

SLEEP

This herb can help children to improve sleep and thus health benefits of brahmi include not only reducing stress but also improving overall well-being. In today’s world, children live in a world of electronic devices. Their exposure to gadgets and their electro-magnetic frequencies (EMF) starts from birth or even earlier on. One of the many negative consequences of this life style is improper sleep. Insufficient sleep affects the brain development, immunity, weight and growth related issues. Brahmi is a fantastic sleep inducer. Brahmi induces sleep in both kids and adults. It contains an amino acid called tryptophan which can later converted into serotonin. Serotonin provides soothing effects to the brain, helps to relax and also promotes good sleep.

Also check, Foods that improve sleep

CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW

Cerebral blood flow (CBL) is important to provide oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Lower cerebral blood flow (CBL) causes damage of brain tissues that leads to cognitive decline and memory related issues. As study suggested, brahmi increases cerebral blood flow which contributes to neuroprotective property and improves cognitive function of the brain.

Also check, Omega 3 for brain development

How to take Brahmi?

There are different ways to achieve the benefits of brahmi. Here are some of the ways to take brahmi:

Take brahmi powder (300mg per day) and mix it with the meal or honey or milk.

Add brahmi leaves (2-3 pieces) and honey in the tea pot with water. Squeeze the leaves and drink the tea.
Massage your head with brahmi oil for 30 minutes and rinse well.

Also check, Best drinks for brain health

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Gastritis in kids: Causes, symptoms and foods that help

October 18, 2022January 3, 2023 | nirkayani

Does your child have constant tummy aches? Is your child burping all the time? Does your kid feel full and eating less than usual? Does he/ she have frequent stomach upset? If this is the case, your child may be dealing with “Gastritis”. Continue reading to know more about gastritis.

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Gastritis

Gastritis is a common condition which occurs due to a variety of reasons. More than half of the people around the globe have gastritis. Our stomach is coated with two protective mucus layers. The outer mucus layer is thin but the inner mucus layer is 50-200 micrometre thick and coated in the inner wall of the stomach. This mucus layer protects the stomach from acid and germs. When this mucus layer gets irritated or inflamed, it will cause damage in the stomach lining which is referred to as “Gastritis”.

Gastritis is mainly caused by a harmful bacteria (bad bacteria) which causes infection in kids. Most of the bacteria in our body are good for our gut which is called as “Beneficial bacteria”(Good bacteria). These good bacteria help in digestion and maintaining the gut health. If we increase the good bacteria through our diet, it will fight with bad bacteria, virus and fungi thereby reducing gastritis.

Also check, Causes of stomach pain in kids

Types of Gastritis

Gastritis can be classified into two types, acute gastritis and chronic gastritis depending on how long the symptoms persist.

1. Acute gastritis

Acute gastritis will suddenly start with intense stomach pain when we have spicy and oily foods or due to bacterial infection or injury. It is also known as Self-limiting which means the illness and pain will be temporary that goes away on its own and doesn’t impair the health in the long run.

2. Chronic gastritis

Chronic gastritis on the other hand starts with dull stomach ache and will cause serious illness in the stomach. It is also known as Non Self-limiting which means the inflammation of the mucus layer will be aggressive and damage to the stomach lining will be permanent.

Also check, Tips and foods for bloating

Causes of Gastritis

Gastritis can be caused due to various reasons. Here are some of the causes of gastritis

1. Bacteria and fungal infection

The main causes of chronic inflammation of the mucous layer of the stomach are bacterial and fungal infection. It will spread through contaminated foods or drinking water. It will also affect people with weak immune system.

Also check, How to increase child’s immunity

2. Food habits

All spicy foods contain a chemical compound called capsaicin. This compound may aggregate the esophageal irritation and also the food remains in the stomach for a long time. Eating spicy, oily, salty, deep-fried and highly acidic foods will increase the severity of gastritis.

Also check, Gut healthy foods

3. Medicines

Some painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin are often advised to be taken after a meal. Food aids in reducing the inflammation of stomach lining. Taking more antibiotics or painkillers in an empty stomach can damage the mucosa of the stomach leading to gastritis.

4. Stress

Stress and anxiety usually causes excessive contraction of muscles. If the stomach muscles get impacted by stress, it pressurizes the stomach and leads to the increased production of acid. The acid thereby damages the stomach lining and causes gastritis.

Also check, How to handle anxiety in kids

5. Auto-immune

The parietal cells present in the stomach produce the stomach acid. The body’s own immune system mistakenly destroy these cells and causes inflammation of stomach lining thereby leads to chronic gastritis. This will further increase the pH of the stomach which makes it difficult to absorb Vitamin B12 and iron leads to deficiency.

Signs and Symptoms of gastritis

Frequent stomach ache or stomach upset
Burning sensation in the stomach
Constant burping often associated with foul smell
Indigestion
Bloating
Loss of appetite
Feeling of fullness in the stomach
Nausea
Vomiting

Foods that help to reduce gastritis

Following are some foods and herbs that can help to manage the symptoms of gastritis.

1. PARTIALLY HYDROLYSED GUAR GUM

Guar gum is a fibre made from guar bean or Indian cluster bean. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best gut-healthy foods. While partially hydrolyzed guar gum is derived from guar gum by the process of enzymatic hydrolysis. PHGG is a water soluble dietary fibre and it regulates gut function.

When the gastric emptying is slow, it will cause inflammation in the stomach. According to the study conducted by NIH, guar gum helps in increasing the gastric emptying time in patients with severe gastric retention which leads to reduction of inflammation of stomach lining. It has also been useful in treating Ulcer, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms in both adults and kids.

2. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS- Prebiotic Fibre)

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 gastritis.

Also check, Role of prebiotics for gut health

3.Papaya

The papaya fruit contains two enzymes, papain and chymopapain. Papaya is also high in fibre and water content, both of which help to prevent constipation and promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract. Papaya is rich in antioxidants like zeaxanthin as well as micronutrients like folate, vitamin A, magnesium, copper,B vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, potassium and vitamin K. The natural enzymes present in papaya help to improve digestion and reduce the inflammation caused by gastritis.

Also check, Health benefits of fruits

4. Turmeric

Due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties turmeric is one of the best foods for gastritis. It inhibits the growth of Helicobacter pylori (bad bacteria) and treats the inflammation of the stomach.

Also check, How to make turmeric and honey balls

5. Garlic

Garlic is a prebiotic, naturally high in inulin, a type of non- digestible carbohydrate that feeds the good bacteria in your gut and prevents disease promoting bacteria from growing at the same time. It alleviates the symptoms of gastritis.

6. 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.

7. Probiotics

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.

Also check, Role of probiotics for healthy gut

8. Giloy

It is a shrub and an essential herb in ayurvedic medicines. Giloy treats wide range of health conditions. It contains important plant compounds like terpenoids, alkaloids, lignans, and steroids. Research shows that these compounds have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties which not only helps in boosting immunity, but Giloy stem can also help improve digestion, reduce constipation, acidity, gastritis and bloating. It works well for people with a weak digestive system.

Also check, Brain booster foods

9. Isabgol (Psyllium husk)

Isabgol is driven from the seeds of plantago ovate. It have probiotic potential, which supports the growth of beneficial bacteria and increases the production of short chain fatty acids, which has positive effects on colonic health. Psyllium is also rich in fiber contents and has the ability to absorb water that means it soaks up water in your gut and makes bowel movement easier. It is a natural remedy for gastritis.

Foods to Avoid

These foods do not cause gastritis but aggravate the symptoms of gastritis.

1. PROCESSED SUGAR AND MEAT

Sugar mixes with saliva which contains beneficial bacteria to cause an acidic environment. It causes inflammation in the body which results in weaker immunity. Greatest source of sugar in the average kid’s diet are sugary snacks and beverages like cookies, cakes, candies, fruit juice, soda, and sports drinks. Everything that the child picks up to eat today has strains of added sugar in some form or the other. Meat is rich in fats and proteins, so it is difficult to digest.

Also check, Foods for providing healthy nutrition

2. SPICY AND SALTY FOODS

Avoid chillies and pepper loaded spicy foods. High-salt foods like pickles will worsen gastritis.

3. FRIED FOODS AND HIGH FAT FOODS

Avoid fried foods, butter, and heavy whipping cream which are rich in fat.

Also check, Natural way of reducing weight

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Worst foods that May affect kids’ oral health this festive season

October 15, 2022December 29, 2022 | nirkayani

Do you know which foods cause tooth decay in kids? Do holidays influence the oral health of your kid? Sweets are unavoidable, particularly during festive seasons like Diwali! However, protecting your kid’s teeth and maintaining their oral health is also crucial. Continue reading to know about some foods which are worst for your kid’s teeth and tips to maintain oral health.

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Why is oral health important?

Germs are often kept in check by the body’s own defence mechanisms and maintenance of oral health. But without good dental hygiene, bacteria may build up to the extreme where they cause cavities and pain. Oral health has an impact on overall health of the body. For example, Diabetic patients seem to experience gum disease more frequently and severely. Proper dental care can help to regulate diabetes.

foods that affect children’s oral health

It’s crucial for parents to be aware of the foods that are the worst for children’s teeth. Here are some of the foods that can cause cavities in kids:

1. SUGAR

Sweets and desserts are high in sugar. They tend to adhere to your teeth and get stuck there. Your mouth has microorganisms that naturally convert carbohydrates to acid. As a result, the protective coating of our teeth called enamel will be eroded and cause cavities. However, sugar has many positives and contains healthy nutrients, if you take it in its natural form. In processed form, large intake of sugar in the form of candies, sweets, lollipops, jellies etc can harm the growth and performance of a child. Sugar not only affects the oral health but also damages the protein in our body, resulting in ageing of organs, which further compromises immunity, growth and functioning. Regular flossing can also help remove the residual particles from the teeth.

Also check, Healthy alternatives of sugar

2. CITRUS FRUITS

Fruit supplies nutrients including vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, and phytonutrients, which keep your kid healthy and prevent chronic conditions. But not all the fruits are beneficial for oral health. Citrus fruits like lemon, oranges or berries have high acidity. These acids erode away the enamel of the tooth and increase the risk of cavities in children. While drinking citrus juices, insist your kid to use straw to avoid the reaction of acid in the teeth. Also, assist them to their mouth with water after drinking the juice which can neutralise the acid.

3. STARCHY FOODS

Children love to eat starchy foods like chips, biscuits, pasta, noodles, bread, pizza etc. Although these foods aren’t bad, their stickiness makes them prone to become stuck between teeth. Additionally, they may have higher amounts of simple sugar than you know and damage the teeth’s enamel.

4. CARBONATED DRINKS

Carbonated drinks are popular among both kids and adults. Most of these drinks are loaded with sugar and are very acidic. It has no advantage in improving the body’s health and nutrition but it influences the damage of teeth’s enamel. Rinsing aids in reducing any extra sugar that adheres to teeth.

5. CANNED FRUITS

Fruits like peaches, apples, pineapples etc are usually soaked in sugar syrups while canning. The sugar syrup in the canned fruits will coat every tooth and gradually erode the enamel. This increases the probability of getting cavities.

6. PICKLES

Pickles add flavour to your food but are bad for your oral health. It contains vinegar which is highly acidic and causes tooth damage.

7. POPCORN

Popcorn is the favourite movie time snack for everyone from kids to adults. However, the corn kernels will get trapped between your teeth, it can be challenging to remove them. It will eventually cause infection in the mouth.

Tips to maintain the oral health

Brushing is essential for maintaining oral health to prevent cavities as well as bad breath. You can motivate your kids to maintain a good oral hygiene by following the below steps,

Encourage your kid to brush twice (morning and night)
Give them tiny soft bristle toothbrushes.
Till 1 year of age, carefully massage your kid’s gums with a clean soft towel.
Once the first tooth erupts, cleanse its surface with water and a baby toothbrush.
Allow your child to brush himself with toothpaste at 2 years
Ensure that they are cleaning the corners of their mouth
Make sure they are properly flossing and rinsing after brushing their teeth.
Teach them to rinse their mouth after eating anything.

Also check, Benefits of coconut oil for oral hygiene

Key vitamins and minerals for dental health

Diet plays a significant role in teeth development in babies and toddlers. What your child eats affects their teeth. Too much carbohydrates, sugar and starch can cause tooth decay. As a parent it is your responsibility to encourage your child to make healthy food choices.

1. CALCIUM:

Calcium is the key building block for teeth and bones. It helps to harden your enamel and help teeth fight off erosion and cavities. Dairy products including milk, yogurt and cheese are good sources of calcium, but always try less sugar or no sugar varieties as sugar can promote tooth decay. So give more calcium rich foods as soon as the teething age in babies starts.

Also check, What are some calcium rich foods?

2. VITAMIN D:

Vitamin D is very important for your dental health as it allows your body to absorb calcium. It plays a key promoting dental health and helping prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Deficiency of vitamin D can make kids’ teeth prone to decay. By spending about 15 to 20 minutes in sunlight each day can meet your daily requirement of vitamin D. You can also consume foods such as fortified milk, egg, fish that are rich in vitamin D.

Also check, How to absorb more calcium and Vitamin D in the body?

3. PHOSPHORUS:

Like calcium and vitamin D, Phosphorus is also a key mineral for strong teeth. 85% of your body’s phosphorus content lies in your teeth and bones. Phosphorus also helps your body to absorb calcium, which aids in building strong bones, teeth and rebuilding tooth enamel. Daily need of phosphorus can be achieved by consuming foods such as pumpkin seeds, whole grains, soybean, fish and egg.

4. VITAMIN A:

Not only for eye sight, vitamin A is equally important for your dental health. Vitamin A helps your salivary glands to keep active which aids to prevent tooth decay. It also promotes saliva production in your mouth which is crucial for cleaning away bacteria and food particles between teeth and gums. Foods rich in vitamin A are sweet potato, carrot, yellow fruits like mango, papaya, apricot, eggs, and cheese.

Also check, How to cook a vitamin A food to extract more vitamin?

5. VITAMIN C:

It is required for both teeth and gum health. Vitamin C helps keep the connective tissues in your gums healthy and strong, which hold your teeth in place. By consuming any of the citrus fruits like oranges, grapes, guava, kiwi, and lemon you can meet daily requirements of vitamin C.

Also check, What is the easiest way to meet Vitamin C requirement for the day?

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Asperger syndrome: causes, symptoms and remedies

October 14, 2022October 20, 2022 | aadyasathe

Does your kiddo struggle to express their emotions? Did your child find it difficult to communicate with others? Does your kid become upset when even small things change? Is your kid highly sensitive to light or sound? If yes, these are all the common signs of Asperger syndrome.

Let’s try to understand it more deeply.

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What is Asperger’s Syndrome?

Asperger’s syndrome is the milder type of autistic spectrum disorder. The majority of the people affected by Asperger’s syndrome were smart and able to carry out their daily duties, however they may struggle with social interactions. They may have repeated thoughts and behaviour patterns. Additionally, they struggle to express themselves with gestures, facial expression and body language.

Also check, Early signs of Autism.

Causes of Asperger’s syndrome

Abnormalities in the brain cause Autistic Spectrum Disorder, although the specific origin of these abnormalities that causes Asperger’s syndrome is still unknown. It was believed that genetics and a polluted environment are the major elements to cause autism.

Also check, Vocal stimming in Autism.

Symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome

Every child with Asperger Syndrome is unique. Their peculiar interpersonal skills and obsessed behaviour differentiate them from one another. Here are some of the symptoms of Asperger syndrome listed below,

Not able to make eye contact
Feel uneasy in social gathering
Struggle to communicate with others
Neglect interpersonal signs such as body language or facial expressions.
Inability to understand the emotions of others
Don’t express anything like laughing
They are abnormally sensitive to light or sound.
Engage themselves in obsessive activities
Quickly recalls the facts and information.
Minor changes in their life will make them furious

Tips to manage Asperger’s syndrome

Parents play a crucial role in a child’s success. Parents of children with Asperger syndrome symptoms can take following steps:

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.

Also check, Common behavioural disorders in kids.

Behavioural therapies

A scientific method for analysing behaviour is called Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). A set of guiding principles known as ABA are concerned with how learning occurs as well as how behaviors change or are impacted by the environment. To improve and teach new behaviors, ABA calls for the application of well-established learning principles, behavioural methods, and contextual changes. Positive reinforcement is used to teach new abilities and alter behaviors in autistic children using a variety of adaptable strategies and interventions. The entire family’s quality of life would increase if you chose ABA behavioural therapy for your child.

Also check, Benefits of Behaviour Therapy in Autism.

Speech therapy

Speech therapy is a crucial therapeutic choice for Asperger’s syndrome patients 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, speech treatment for people with Asperger’s syndrome is frequently most effective.

Also check, Speech sound disorders in kids.

Occupational therapies

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 living as independently as possible.

Also check, Types of Therapies for Autism.

Social-emotional skill training

This training helps children to learn ways to communicate with other people and present themselves in a more socially acceptable manner.

Educating parents

Family counselling includes mom, dad, siblings and also the other family members to take part in the therapy session. It can aid in improving family communication and teaching parents some tactics for handling conflicts with their children with Asperger’s syndrome to make it safer in the family.

Also check, Gut brain connection with speech delay.

Nutrient requirements for kids with Asperger’s syndrome

There is no cure for Asperger syndrome yet. But, the associated complications of Asperger’s syndrome are decreased by consuming foods which are high in vitamins B6, C, D, magnesium, and other nutrients.

NUTS:

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 a valuable substance for brain function, memory and thinking abilities. This fatty acid also encourages cognitive functions.

Also check, best nuts for protein.

SEEDS:

Apart from nuts, 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 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.

Also check, Soaked and sprouted seeds benefits.

OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS:

Multiple studies have shown the link between low omega 3 fatty acids and poor development, ADHD, speech delay, poor focus and also the concentration. These healthy fats are crucial for brain development and help to manage speech disorder and delay in kids. ( What are some home benefits of omega 3?)

Also check, Omega 3 Foods for Brain development.

COCOA POWDER

Pure cocoa powder (unsweetened) contains brain boosting components in the form of 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.

Also check, More benefits of cocoa powder.

ASHWAGANDHA:

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen. It is helpful in reducing anxiety and stress. Moreover, it also increases acetylcholine levels which support better memory, mental focus and intelligence. Ashwagandha also improves communication between nerve cells and so also, stimulates the body’s capacity to heal any nervous system damage.

Also check, Health benefits of Ashwagandha.

BRAHMI:

Brahmi is a superfood for the brain. It helps to sharpen the brain by protecting cells and increasing chemicals associated with learning and memory. It has shown to improve spatial learning and retaining power in kids. Kids were given Brahmi powder with ghee/honey in the olden times. This would also increase their focus and attention while also keeping them calm and distressed.

Also check, How to improve child’s memory.

SHANKHAPUSHPI:

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Oral motor exercises for kids

October 12, 2022March 15, 2023 | aadyasathe

Does your child face difficulty in chewing foods? Have you spotted your child facing trouble in sipping up juice with the help of straw? Does he always smash food using tongue rather than his cute teeth? If this isn’t taken care of sooner, it can later lead to chewing and eating difficulties. And then oral motor exercises of the mouth can come to the rescue. To know if they’re going to be helpful for your child, we’ll need to do some detective work. To begin with, you’ll need to think about what and also how your child eats.

Let’s try to understand it with clarity!

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What does Oral motor exactly mean?

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. Although most of us don’t give them much thought, they are indeed very crucial.

Also check, Focus and attention building activities for kids.

Signs: Necessity for oral motor mouth exercises

The following are some warning signs that oral motor skills require attention:

When attempting to eat, food spills out of the mouth.
Sucks food rather than chewing it
Mashes food with the tongue
Gagging on food after it’s been in mouth
Tongue hangs out of the mouth
Preference for a certain food texture (Crunchy or soft)
Drooling
Mouth is frequently in an open position
Having trouble sticking out the tongue
Having trouble chewing
Inability to hold straw in mouth

Also check, Speech sound disorders in kids.

Types of mouth exercises that can help

Oral motor mouth exercises indeed help in strengthening the oral muscles and also aid in chewing and eating actions.

They include:

1. Tongue exercises

Some of these exercises help in stimulating the tongue movements.

Brush teeth using vibrating toothbrush – It helps to intensify sensory input
Licking the popsicles and lollipops – Helps in regulating tongue movements
Placing pudding, yoghurt, or applesauce on the mouth’s corners and letting them lick it off. In case your child has trouble doing this, mirrors can be useful – Helps in making the tongue flexible
Count teeth with the tongue – Helps in improving tongue movements
Clicking and blowing with tongue (6-7 times for 10 secs each)

Also check, Hearing and speech development.

2. Lip and Cheek exercises

These exercises help in strengthening the cheek muscles.

Blowing Air kisses – Helps in relaxing the muscles
Making silly faces like Fish lips, spread lips far apart, kiss lips, making “O” shape with lips, Blowfish with cheeks puffed out – To gain control over lip movements
Playing Harmonica – Helps for cheek muscle workout
Blow Whistles – Help in controlled lip movements (4-5 times)
Straw Manipulation 1: Place a straw in the centre of your mouth. Move the straw to the right side of your mouth and then to the left without using your hands.
Straw Manipulation 2: Place a straw in the centre of your mouth. Have a 1-2 minute conversation without dropping the straw or using your hands to keep it in place.

Also check, Speech regression in kids.

3. Jaw Exercises

These type of mouth exercises help in improving jaw muscles.

Biting a vibrating toy – Helps in relaxing the jaw muscles
Holding a handheld massager against the jaw for a brief period of time will help to stimulate the muscles.
Bite on fruit snacks and frozen gummies are excellent additions to reduce jaw resistance.
The animal jigglers can even be used as utensils and are designed to fit inside your child’s mouth. Children are frequently encouraged to chew on the chewy texture.
Jaw Circles: Ask the child to move their lower jaw around slowly in a complete circle.
Jaw Opening: Ask the child to open his jaw as wide as he can until feels firm stretching but no pain. Also, ask him to hold this position for 5 seconds.

Also check, Home remedies for oral health of kids.

Foods that can aid oral motor muscle development

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. It helps in improving oral motor skills and speech development.

Also check, Best nuts and seeds for protein.

2. Seeds

Also check, Health benefits of pumpkin seeds.

3. Ashwagandha

Also check, Health benefits of Ashwagandha.

4. Brahmi

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. It helps in improving the oral motor skills and speech development. 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.

Also check, Herbs for kids.

5. Shankhapushpi

Also check, Herbs that help to get rid of brain fog.

6. Cocoa Powder

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.

Also check, More benefits of cocoa powder.

The finest gains come from practicing these mouth exercises at home in between sessions. The better, the more opportunities are offered. However, the child should never be forced to mouth, bite and so also to chew. It takes time, a lot of patience, and innovative thinking to teach these abilities. But also, with consistency and patience , oral motor muscles can be effectively trained for chewing a wide range of foodstuffs!

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SPEECH SOUND DISORDERS IN KIDS

October 10, 2022August 7, 2023 | aadyasathe

Is your child pronouncing a word by omitting or adding some sounds like “Sh” or “ca”? Does your child speak unclear words that you cannot understand? Does your child abruptly alter the tone while speaking? Is your child not able to speak fluently? All these things, if continued above 2 years of age, will be considered as “Speech sound disorder”. Speaking skills of Kids will improve with age. However those who make mistakes on a regular basis may be dealing with speech sound disorder. Here are some symptoms and factors that can help you identify a speech sound disorder, as well as some advice and foods that can help you fix it.

Lets try to understand it little deeper!

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Feedback from parents

What is speech sound disorder?

Speech sound disorder can be associated with speech delay in kids. Children who are dealing with speech sound disorder have difficulty speaking correctly and pronouncing the words with proper sound. They might find it challenging to produce a particular sound or modulate their voices. Others struggle with stammering and pronouncing “s or z” sounds with “th” sound.

What are the types of speech sound disorder?

Articulation disorder : Articulation means “producing sounds”. Speaking is facilitated by a variety of different muscles and nerves associated with tongue, lips, teeth, roof of the mouth and lungs. Articulation disorder is the inability to produce sounds.

Phonological disorder : Phonetics is the study of how sounds are combined to form words. Kids with phonological disorder struggle to speak, read or write. This includes omitting sounds of some letters from the words.

What are the major causes of speech sound disorders?

The reason for a speech sound disorder is usually unknown. However, some speech sound issues might be caused due to the following reasons.

The physical conditions called cleft palate or cleft palate, is the fissure in the roof of the mouth or lips which in turn causes speech-impairment
Developmental or cognitive impairment
Damage of speech-related nerves
Hearing impairments

Also check, speech disorders in kids.

signs and symptoms of speech sound disorder?

Remember that an accent may cause alteration of some sounds. It may not be a speech sound disorder. Clarify your confusions by reading the below symptoms.

Children with articulation disorder will have the following symptoms

Alter the pronunciation of the word with a specific sound- While pronouncing “fish” they will say “fith”.
Modifying the sound of words- Instead of saying “rhino” they will say “whino”.
Making words with sound- Instead of saying “clay” they will say “culay”.

Children with phonological disorders will have the following symptoms

Say word with only one syllable – Instead of saying “lady” they will say “lay”.
Repeating the same syllable two times- Instead of saying “waffle” they will say “wawa”.
Omitting consonant sound from a word- Than saying “cat” they will say “ca” or “at” .

Other symptoms

Kids will find difficulty moving the lips, tongue, and jaw.
A scratchy or dry voice while speaking.
Having trouble breathing while speaking

Tips for managing the speech sound disorder

While it is critical to identify the underlying cause of your kid’s speech disorder, you can take several steps to address it. Here are a few recommendations:

Spend a lot of time communicating with your baby. Sing a song or rhyme and encourage imitation of sound and gesture.
Talk slowly and clearly. Use simple and short sentences.
Read stories to your child daily. Encourage them to talk to you about the plot and characters, ask them how they think a character could behave, let them ask questions whenever they feel like they’re simply learning how to express themselves.
Don’t miss any opportunity and use everyday situations to create communication. Keep on telling the name of different objects around the house.
Explain what you are doing as you are cooking, dish washing or cleaning or engage them by saying let’s do this or that.
If you are not watching the television, turn it off and also the excess background noise can cause delays in the formation of words
Let the child lead the conversation.
Ask a lot of daily questions and give time to your child to answer questions.
Give lots of praise and positive reinforcement while also correcting, instead of criticizing the child for not saying the word properly.
Encourage your baby to use straw for drinking or just to blow air through it. This helps the child to develop the oral muscles used for speech.

Also check, Speech Apraxia in Kids.

Food that help to manage the speech sound disorder

ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen. It is known to reduce 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.

Also check, Health benefits of Ashwagandha.

BRAHMI

SHANKHAPUSHPI

NUTS

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 a valuable substance for brain function, memory and thinking abilities. This fatty acid also encourages cognitive functions. (best nuts for protein)

Also check, Best Nuts and seeds for protein.

SEEDS

Apart from nuts, 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 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.

Also check, Health benefits of Pumpkin seeds.

OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS

Multiple studies have shown the link between low omega 3 fatty acids and poor development, ADHD, speech delay, poor focus and concentration. These healthy fats are crucial for brain development and also help to manage speech sound disorders and delay in kids.

Also check, 10 reasons of giving the kids Omega rich foods.

COCOA POWDER

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.

Also check, More benefits of cocoa powder.

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It’s no SECRET that following an Ayurvedic lifestyle has numerous advantages. This unique collection of Ayurvedic spreads is an easy solution to feed daily nutrition for Immunity, Eye, Brain development, Bone strength and overall growth to kids without any fuss. To know more about kid’s ayurvedic foods –SHOP HERE.

India’s First Tasty Kids Nutrition fortified with Ayurvedic herbs.

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Immunity, Gut health, Digestion, Weight, Brain development, Speech delay, Epilepsy, Eye health, Hormones, Sleep, Hyperactivity, Bones and Overall growth