Nutrition and Supplements for SPD to Help Alleviate Symptoms

supplements for sensory processing disorder

When deciding to tackle a parenting concern, it’s vital to take a holistic approach.

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Often times, we can see symptoms of an issue and just try to figure out the quickest way to get that symptom or behavior to stop.

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But usually this ignores the root causes.

When our kids have alarming symptoms or behaviors, we should approach it from as many angles as possible. Considering the emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, physical, and sensory needs in play gives us a much better shot at addressing the underlying issues.

When your child is struggling in the sensory department, obviously it is good to learn about sensory activities and sensory toys. Understand how the sensory system works and why proprioception is essential.

But don’t ignore the rest of the body, especially the nutritional needs that might be adding to the issue.

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What Causes Sensory Processing Disorder?

Is Sensory Processing Disorder hereditary? SPD often seems to be inherited, passed down through genetics. You often see in running in families. Yet at the same time, we see environmental factors and lifestyle choices greatly affect outcomes.

What explanations are there for the causes of Sensory Processing disorder?

I like the theory of a famed neurobiologist that has helped countless people with sensory struggles. He suggested that the issue is both genetic AND environmental.

He believes that a genetic mutation of the MTHFR gene can be passed down from parents to kids. The MTHFR mutation causes issues in processing folate. This in turn leads to inflammation along the nervous system, often showing up as sensory issues.

But by supplementing with a bio-available folate, and working on calming inflammation, many of the symptoms of sensory processing disorder can be lessened.

What Foods Should You Avoid If You have Sensory Processing Disorder?

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Well, as you could probably guess, anything that causes inflammation. Most of the Standard American Diet (aka S.A.D.) is a no-no.

Red meats, fried foods, and artificial food dyes all can cause an overactive inflammatory response. Refined sugars affect the bacteria in your gut.

Unfortunately, kids with sensory issues are usually picky eaters who tend to love the “SAD” diet. I understand the battle and the discouragement of knowing your in a downward cycle. Here’s some tips for improving the habits of a picky eater.

Because suddenly overhauling a sensory child’s diet can have disastrous effects, start in an area that is easier to make swaps.

Easiest Nutritional Changes to Make for Picky Eaters

Eliminate Artificial Food DyesFor our family, our most basic nutritional rule is to eliminate artificial food dyes. It was one of the top culprits of behavior issues, known as a carcinogen and is banned in most European countries. It also doesn’t affect taste so picky eaters don’t seem to miss it too much. (Beware, artificial food dyes are in EVERYTHING! We even found RED food dye in a vanilla frosting!?!!)
Avoid Artificial Ingredients (Eat Natural, Homemade and/or Organic)The second step for our family was to avoid chemical additions to our food. The more natural, the better. Obviously, the labels get complicated and we aren’t perfect, but the closer to nature, the easier to pronounce the ingredients, the simpler and less processed, the better.
Use Food Chaining to Add in Fruits and VeggiesOccupational therapist use a method called Food Chaining to get kids to bridge the gap between a food they like, to another one that is healthier. Through changing just one thing (like texture, color, shape, smell, etc) you can gradually get a child to feel comfortable with a larger (and more healthy) variety of foods. Read this article to learn more.
Add Supplements to Reduce Inflammation– Our first addition was to get this lotion (hallelujah for not having to deal with picky eating for this supplement!) that has BioActive B6, B12, Methyl Folate, Vitamin D and K1. It’s pricey, but one bottle lasts for a couple months and I have three kids plus myself who use it daily! And it makes a noticeable different in sensory behaviors. – A probiotic for gut health. These kid friendly supplements are from a trustworthy brand. Or try to introduce fermented foods like yogurt, kombucha, sauerkraut etc. – While not necessarily for reducing inflammation, DHA has helped our boys with cognitive function and sensory struggles.

A Word of Encouragement

If you’re like me, it may feel overwhelming to attempt to change a picky eater’s diet. It can be tempting to think you have to be perfect. To think that it’s all or nothing.

But here’s the thing: even small changes in the right direction can yield results. And getting out of a downward spiral will make the next change and the next change that much easier.

So don’t ignore the underlying nutritional needs that may be making sensory issues worse. Pick one small thing to change and use that momentum as you help your child’s sensory regulation.