Diet always goes a long way in determining a person’s health. For example, if a person is depressed, the doctor recommends less and less consumption of sugary food, caffeine, and other stimulants.
In short, diet plays a significant role in determining one’s mental and physical health. Recently, however, a new finding has pointed to more benefits of healthy eating, particularly during pregnancy.
A healthy prenatal diet decreases the chance of Autism.
According to the research, expectant mothers who maintain a healthy diet during pregnancy have a decreased chance of their child developing autism. Results from the study showed a 22% lower probability of autism diagnosis among these mothers (who followed a nutritious prenatal dietary pattern). In fact, one soon-to-be mother from Livingston County, Jenna S., expressed her thoughts on this discovery.
She admitted she was not fully aware of the importance of prenatal care. This beneficial diet plan, which showed positive results, is characterized by higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, fish, and nuts.
The study also found that certain foods may potentially increase the risk of autism in children. These included diets high in processed foods, frequent intake of red and processed meats, as well as a diet high in refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. It’s worth mentioning that these findings do not guarantee the prevention of autism, however, they do suggest that making mindful and healthy food choices during pregnancy clearly benefits the neurodevelopment of the child.
Advice and practical steps
For parents-to-be who are looking for a doctor’s expert advice and practical steps, Dr. Puja Uppal, a renowned Family Medicine practitioner, strongly recommends incorporating a diverse range of nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into one’s daily meals.
Dr. Uppal, on the other hand, emphasizes regular prenatal checkups, which play a crucial role in monitoring maternal and fetal health. Speaking of prenatal checkups, Dr. Shelandra encourages expectant mothers to inquire about their eligibility for Medicaid or other insurance programs that cover prenatal care, as this could greatly ease the financial burden and ensure access to quality healthcare during pregnancy.
Other factors
Stress management also becomes a key factor in maintaining good health during pregnancy, which impacts the fetus’s development. According to Dr. Bell, incorporating activities like prenatal yoga or meditation can help reduce stress levels and improve overall mental well-being for both mother and baby. These simple steps may have a significant impact on the child’s physical and neurological development.
Besides maintaining a healthy diet and managing stress levels during pregnancy, early intervention is crucial in supporting infants and toddlers who may require treatment for their cognitive and social development.
This is where NAC can play a vital role in providing tailored behavioral therapy for individuals with Autism. For Autism support and treatment, we at Nevada Autism Center are here to assist you in all ways possible.
