Important nutritional advice for children with Down syndrome

The following is a set of healthy eating habits that a family with children with Down syndrome should consider:

1 – It is recommended to eat a lot of foods rich in iodine, especially for those who suffer from hypothyroidism in the secretion of hormones required every day. The most important of these foods are fish, seafood, dairy products, and iodized table salt.
2- It is recommended to eat a lot of foods rich in vitamin C, especially for those who suffer from gum infections.
Among the most important foods that nutritionists recommend in this regard are citrus fruits, green peppers, red peppers, broccoli, spinach, green leafy plants, cabbage, turnips and strawberries.

3 – It is recommended to eat a lot of foods that are considered antibiotics that resist microbes, especially garlic, onions, thyme, wormwood, and cinnamon. All of them effectively kill bacteria in addition to strengthening the immune system.
4- It is recommended to avoid eating foods that irritate and increase heartburn and esophagus, the most famous of which are citrus fruits, sugars, foods rich in fats, and fried foods, especially for anyone who suffers from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

5 – It is known that people with Down syndrome are more likely than others to have disease problems that reduce the absorption of digested nutrients in what is known as Celiac Disease, and this of course reduces the benefit of children with Down syndrome from what they eat.
Therefore, it is advised to delay the use of foods that contain gluten (a protein compound naturally found in some grains, including wheat, barley, oats, and also foods made from grains, such as: wheat. (Bread, sweets, cakes, pies, pasta.) Processed meats Brown rice syrup Barley derivatives, including bread and malt vinegar Some types of soy sauce
These foods are prohibited for infants until the age of 18-24 months, and they are completely avoided for patients who are proven to be infected with it.
6 – Follow a special diet for those who suffer from diabetes, as its occurrence is common among patients with Down syndrome.
7- Increase the intake of vegetable fibers found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, drink sufficient amounts of fluids, exercise and walk, in order to stimulate the peristaltic movement in the intestines to reduce the incidence of constipation common in children with Down syndrome, due to the general weakness of their muscles, Which leads to laziness in bowel movement.