Question
My sister-in-law gave birth to her firstborn, a nephew, this year. The baby weighed only a little over five pounds at birth and has always had a weak constitution. The doctor even diagnosed that due to the complications of the difficult labor, the child might have cerebral palsy. What should we pay attention to in his daily diet?
Answer
Children with cerebral palsy typically experience daily losses of potassium, sodium, chloride, and calcium, and are prone to deficiencies in vitamins A and D. Therefore, their diet should feature “unrefined,” “superior,” “fresh,” and “soft” qualities. It is recommended to eat small, frequent meals, drink 1-2 glasses of diluted salt water daily to replenish fluids and electrolytes, and ensure adequate intake of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.