ionally, individuals with motor impairments are less likely to move around and be exposed to their environment, which makes them less likely to develop immunity.
Cerebral palsy can affect the muscles around the mouth, making it difficult for individuals to chew and swallow their food.
Feeding difficulties commonly result in malnutrition, which represses the immune system.
Anxiety and Stress
Individuals with cerebral palsy are more likely to experience heightened levels of anxiety and stress due to their motor impairments.
This causes the brain to activate our body’s stress response and release hormones (primarily cortisol) that suppress immune cell function.
Stress reduces the number of lymphocytes in the body, which are essential for fighting off infection.
Actions You Can Take to Support Your Immune System:
Here are some steps individuals with cerebral palsy can take to help support their immune system:
1. Use a Blender
It is best to get essential nutrients from food. However, it can be difficult for individuals with CP to eat.
By using a blender, the need for chewing is nearly eliminated and the child can focus on slowly swallowing the drink.
Because oral motor impairments also make it difficult to swallow, choosing nutritionally-dense foods that don’t add a lot of volume such as nuts, fruits, and vegetables provide the best nutrition.
If necessary, blend vitamins into your child’s drink. Vitamins C, B6, and E can help boost your child’s immune system.
2. Use a Feeding Tube
If it is difficult for your child to chew or swallow, your physician may recommend using a feeding tube to ensure optimal nutrition.
About 1 in 15 individuals with cerebral palsy utilize a feeding tube.
Feeding tubes are surgically inserted through an opening in the abdominal wall and deliver food directly to the stomach.
3. Increase Daily Physical Activity
Making an effort to move around more will help promote circulation and keep the body functioning at its best. The more you move, the better equipped your body will be to fight off infect