Dyslexia Diet: Best Foods to Boost Brain Function in Kids

The best foods to boost brain function in kids include fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, chia seeds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and soybeans. Others are lean red meat, chicken, turkey, lentils, spinach, fortified cereals, berries, dark chocolate, avocados, broccoli, turmeric, and whole grains. Avoid sugary and processed foods.

Introduction

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects reading and writing abilities, often leading to frustration and low self-esteem.

Unfortunately, the issue goes beyond just academics as it can affect every aspect of a child’s life including socializing and communication. However, one aspect that is often overlooked is the impact of proper nutrition on dyslexic children.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a neurological disorder that affects language processing in the brain. It affects approximately 10% of the population worldwide and is more common in males than females. Dyslexic individuals struggle with recognizing words accurately, decoding them properly, and comprehending what they read.

The disorder can be diagnosed as early as kindergarten when children start to learn to read but may go undetected until middle or high school when reading requirements become more challenging.

Dyslexia does not reflect intelligence or talent; it only means that their brains process information differently than non-dyslexic individuals.

Importance of Proper Nutrition for Children with Dyslexia

Proper nutrition is essential in brain development and functioning in all children, but it’s even more critical for those with dyslexia. A diet lacking essential nutrients can worsen symptoms like poor memory retention, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and irritability.

On the other hand, incorporating certain foods into their diets may help improve brain functioning by boosting energy levels, improving focus and memory retention. As a result, better cognitive abilities can mean better academic performance while reducing frustration levels associated with learning difficulties.

It’s essential to note that nutrition is only one aspect of managing dyslexia.

Other interventions like educational support, tutoring, therapy, and accommodations are crucial in helping children with dyslexia reach their potential.

Nevertheless, incorporating a well-balanced diet rich in the following nutrients can benefit not just children with dyslexia but everyone’s cognitive development.

Foods that Boost Brain Functioning

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The Brain’s Best Friend

If you want your dyslexic child to have a fighting chance in this world, make sure they are getting enough Omega-3 fatty acids. Not only do these healthy fats help with brain functioning, but they can also improve mood and reduce inflammation. These benefits can lead to improved memory and better comprehension skills in children with dyslexia.

So how exactly do omega-3s help the brain? Well, for starters, they play a crucial role in building cell membranes.

This means that these fatty acids are necessary for the healthy functioning of every cell in the body. When it comes to brain cells specifically, omega-3s contribute to maintaining the structural integrity of neurons.

This helps them communicate more effectively with one another which is essential for learning and comprehension.

Some excellent sources of omega-3 include fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, chia seeds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and soybeans.

If your child doesn’t like seafood or seeds, you can always try an omega-3 supplement specifically designed for kids.

Iron-Rich Foods: Fueling Your Child’s Brain Power

Another nutrient that is essential for brain function is iron. Iron helps carry oxygen to the brain which is necessary for optimal cognitive functioning.

In fact, research has suggested that low iron levels may be linked to poor academic performance in children. So how much iron does your dyslexic child need?

The daily recommended intake varies by age and gender but generally ranges from 7 mg/day up to 15 mg/day during periods of rapid growth such as puberty. The good news is that there are plenty of delicious foods that are high in iron.

Some iron-rich foods that your child might enjoy include lean red meat, chicken, turkey, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals.

To help boost the absorption of iron from plant sources, pair them with a source of vitamin C. For example, serve a bowl of berries with their oatmeal or sprinkle some lemon juice on their spinach salad.

The Best Foods for Memory and Concentration

Memory and concentration are critical for children with dyslexia to excel in their studies. Fortunately, certain foods can help improve these cognitive functions. Berries and dark chocolate, in particular, are great options to include in their diet.

A Delicious Combination for Improved Brain Functioning

Berries are packed with potent antioxidants that play a crucial role in protecting our cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that can enhance brain function. Some of the best berries to include in your child’s diet are blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

Dark chocolate is another food that can boost cognitive functioning. Like berries, it contains antioxidants, caffeine, and theobromine, which stimulate brain activity. Dark chocolate also contains flavonoids which improve blood flow to the brain. It’s important to note that while dark chocolate is beneficial in small amounts, it should still be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.

The Superfoods for Your Child’s Brain Health

Avocadoes are rich in monounsaturated fats which protect brain cells and promote healthy blood flow. They also contain vitamins C and E which can prevent oxidative stress on the brain cells.

Nuts such as walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids which aid with memory function. Almonds have been linked to improved memory retention as they contain high levels of vitamin E which protects cell membranes from damage caused by free radicals.

Seeds like chia seeds and pumpkin seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids like walnuts but also high in fiber which helps regulate blood sugar levels leading to stable energy for the child throughout the day. They are also a great source of antioxidants, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper. Consuming these seeds regularly can help boost memory and concentration.

Whole grains like brown rice provide a slow release of glucose into the bloodstream providing stable energy throughout an extended period and helping children stay focused for longer.

Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable that is rich in antioxidants and compounds that promote brain health. It’s also packed with vitamin K, which has been associated with improved memory and cognitive function.

Turmeric is known for its vibrant color. It contains a compound called curcumin, which possesses powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin may have beneficial effects on memory and overall brain function.

Including these foods in your child’s diet can greatly help with their dyslexia by improving their memory and concentration. As a parent, it’s important to remember that a balanced diet is essential for your child’s overall health and well-being.

Foods to Avoid or Limit

Sugar: The Devil in Disguise

Sugar, oh sugar! The ubiquitous ingredient has crept its way into every food imaginable, from cereals to drinks and even bread. But for dyslexic children, sugar should be avoided or limited as much as possible.

Sugar causes spikes in blood sugar levels, which can lead to a lack of focus and poor memory retention. Furthermore, excessive consumption of sugar can affect the development of the brain and impair cognitive functioning.

It is no secret that children love sugary treats such as candy and chocolate bars. However, parents must recognize that these foods are hindering their child’s ability to learn and retain information.

Instead of sugary sweets, encourage your child to eat natural snacks such as fruits with minimal added sugars like bananas or grapes. Limiting sugar intake will not only improve your child’s academic performance but also set them on a path toward healthy eating habits in the future.

Avoiding Processed Foods for Better Cognitive Functioning

Processed foods are a common staple in households worldwide due to their convenience and affordability. Unfortunately, they are detrimental to dyslexic children’s cognitive functioning because they contain high amounts of additives and preservatives that impair brain function.

Parents need to start looking at labels more closely when shopping for groceries. Foods with ingredients that you cannot pronounce should be avoided at all costs because they often have adverse side effects on the body’s health.

Instead of processed foods, opt for whole foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables that are packed with essential vitamins and minerals necessary for proper brain function.

While it may take more time and effort preparing meals from scratch; it is worth it when considering the overall health benefits gained by consuming natural whole foods.

Conclusion

The importance of nutrition cannot be overstated when it comes to improving dyslexia symptoms in children. A well-balanced diet that includes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and antioxidants can help improve cognitive function, memory, attention, and concentration in dyslexic children.

However, it is equally important to avoid or limit sugar and processed foods to prevent further damage to the brain. Parents must take an active role in monitoring their child’s diet and making the necessary changes to ensure that they are getting the proper nutrients needed for healthy brain development.

By instilling healthy eating habits at a young age, parents can set their children on a path toward success both academically and physically. With a few simple changes to your child’s diet, you can make a significant impact on their overall health and well-being.

Read our related article Best Foods for ADHD: A Guide to Fueling Focus

Further Reading

Understanding Dyslexia (Nemours Foundation)

Dyslexia  (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)

Learning Disabilities (National Library of Medicine)

What Are Reading Disorders?  (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)

Learning Disorders in Children (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)