The Link Between Nutrition and Learning Disabilities

The Link between Learning Disabilities and Nutrition

by Irene Helen Zundel

It is common to hear stories of children with learning disabilities reported in the media. Many people know someone who has such a disorder. Statistics show about 5% of school age children are diagnosed each year as learning disabled, and the amount of new cases rises each year.

Medical science is unsure what causes learning disabilities, and many of the medications prescribed to treat them have unsatisfying results or serious side effects. Frazzled parents don’t know where else to turn for help.

Luckily, recent research indicates some learning disabilities may be caused by food or environmental allergies, or dietary deficiencies. Lifestyle and dietary changes plus the use of nutritional supplements can often bring marked improvement in the symptoms that accompany learning disorders.

Following is a brief question and answer section that defines what a learning disability is, how it is diagnosed, what its root cause may be, and what treatment options are available--all based on recent research studies and clinical trials. There are also several books, newsletters and websites listed so you can find out more on your own.

What is a learning disability?

A learning disability is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to interpret what they see or hear, or to link information from different parts of the brain. These difficulties show up in many different ways:

difficulties with speech or language

lack of coordination

problems with self-control and

inattentiveness

These problems can hinder learning to read, write, and do math

What are the types of learning disabilities?

Generally speaking, thee are three types:

Developmental speech and language disorders

Academic skills disorders and

Other (a broad category used to include coordination disorders and learning handicaps not covered by the other two categories).

How can I tell if my child has a learning disability?

Children reach certain "milestones" of development: the first word, the first step, and so forth. Children with learning disabilities that have a skill delay of two or more years when compared to their peers in the primary grades are generally informally flagged for evaluation. The actual diagnosis of a learning disability is determined by standardized tests.

What is attention deficit disorder?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are diagnoses applied to children and adults who consistently display three characteristic behaviors over a period of time:

inattentiveness (a difficult time keeping ones mind on a task and a tendency to become easily bored)

hyperactivity (an inability to sit still or a tendency toward continual restlessness) and

impulsivity (an inability to curb ones immediate reactions, or to think before they act)

What causes learning disabilities?

The exact cause of learning disabilities is unknown. Recent studies and clinical trials (conducted at Purdue University in the United States and Surrey and Oxford in the United Kingdom) indicate that some learning disorders such as ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia (Clumsy Child Syndrome) may have a nutritional basis.

Other studies indicate that some learning disabilities might be caused by allergies to certain foods, food additives and dyes or environmental allergies.

In a nutshell, here are the results of the studies:

In learning disabilities caused by nutritional deficiencies, research has shown Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids may be missing from the diet. Symptoms of ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia have markedly improved when diets were modified to include cold water fish (tuna, salmon and mackerel) and organ meats and/or fatty acid supplements such as cod liver or flax seed oils.

In cases of allergy, diets were modified to exclude foods containing salicylates (apples, blackberries, boysenberries, cherries, currants, gooseberries, grapes, nectarines, oranges, peaches, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries and strawberries)

or foods that are commonly known to cause allergies in children (milk, yeast, eggs, corn and corn products, soybeans, soy sauce, lentils, potatoes, and peanuts). Also eliminated, where warranted, were perfumes, dyes, glues, pesticides and paint.

What are some physical symptoms that indicate my child may have allergies?

If your child has some of the following symptoms for which your doctor has found no cause, he/she may be reacting to one or more food or environmental allergens:

Pale, sallow complexion

Puffiness, dark circles under eyes

Recurrent stomachaches, constipation or soiling

Headaches, including migraines

Leg and muscle aches

Bed wetting

Chronic stuffy, itchy runny nose

Recurrent ear infections

Fatigue

Mental sluggishness, spaciness, inability to concentrate

If you suspect your child has a learning disability, have a qualified professional evaluate them and give them the appropriate standardized tests. If you are concerned your child’s learning problems are nutritionally based, or may be caused by allergies, take them to a qualified doctor, nutritionist or allergy specialist for evaluation and treatment.

To learn more on your own, try the following resources:

Books:

12 Effective Ways to Help your ADD/ADHD Child:

Drug Free Alternatives for Attention-Deficit Disorders

Laura J. Stevens, William G. Crock

Avery Penguin Putnam, 2000

Your Miracle Brain

Jean Carper

Quill, 2002

The LCP Solution: The Remarkable Nutritional Treatment

for ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia

B. Jacqueline Stordy, Ph D.

Malcolm J. Nicholl

Ballantine Books, 2000

Newsletters:

The LCP Focus

subscribe at http://www.drstordy.com

ADD/ADHD Online

subscribe at http://www.nlci.com

Websites:

The Schwab Learning Foundation

www.schwablearning.org

The Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities

www.ldonline.org