Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome is caused by the presence of extra genetic material in the cells of a developing embryo. An infant born with Down syndrome usually has physical traits including a small head, poor muscle tone, a flat facial profile, slanted eyes, a depressed nose bridge, low-set ears, furrowed tongue, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. People with Down syndrome are more likely to suffer from a range of serious diseases and some level of mental retardation is usually present. It is said that because people with Down syndrome have a different genotype, their nutritional needs are different from the general population. It is possible to improve overall health, immune function, and metabolic function through a specialized diet and proper nutrition.

Fresh and whole foods rich in vegetable proteins should be eaten as well as foods high in magnesium. These include green vegetables, figs, meat, fish, and seafood, nuts, and seeds, tofu, blackstrap molasses, apples, kelp, soybeans, cornmeal, rice, apricots, and brewer’s yeast. Avoid consumption of foods high in gluten, refined sugars, dairy products, and alcohol.