Children's Communication Impairments: Struggles with Speech Development
In the journey of a child's growth and development, language development is a significant milestone. By the age of three, a child's vocabulary can expand to roughly 1,000 words, and they are speaking in three- and four-word phrases [1]. However, for some children, speech development may not progress as expected.
Recent research has shown that certain foods and Ayurvedic herbs can be beneficial in supporting cognitive development, brain function, and speech clarity, helping to address speech delays in children.
A Sattvic diet, rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, is recommended to promote mental clarity and brain health in children. Foods like pumpkin seeds, which provide essential nutrients such as zinc and magnesium, support gut health and neurological function relevant to speech [3]. Homemade nutritious snacks, such as Millet & Jaggery Cookies, are also good options for supporting growth and cognitive health.
In Ayurveda, certain herbs are known to be particularly effective. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) enhances memory, focus, neural function, and calms Vata dosha, supporting speech and learning [1]. Shankhapushpi improves intellect, memory, mental balance, and communication skills [1]. Vacha is traditionally used to improve speech and communication by clearing mental blockages and stimulating brain function, making it useful for children facing speech delays [2].
Other herbs like Kaunch Beej, Akkarkara, Ashwagandha, and Jatamansi also play a role in supporting brain development, reducing stress, and improving focus and memory [2][4].
In addition to diet and herbs, certain Ayurvedic therapies can also help. Nasya therapy, the application of herbal oils in the nasal passages, supports Prana Vata (which governs communication) and helps clear mental fog to improve speech clarity [4]. Shirodhara therapy, the pouring of warm herbal oil on the forehead, calms the nervous system, reduces hyperactivity, and improves focus, which can indirectly benefit speech development [4].
The Brain Booster range of products, which includes the Brain Booster Dates Choco Spread, Savoury Spread, and the Digest Veggies and Dal Powder, have been developed by a nutritionist and a food scientist and are FSSAI certified. These products are free from preservatives, refined sugar, and palm oil, making them safe for children. The Brain Booster Dates Choco Spread, in particular, is designed to support brain development, particularly for children with speech delay, memory issues, autism, dyslexia, and concentration problems [6].
Omega 3 fatty acids, found in nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, hazelnuts, and seeds like flax, chia, melon, sesame, and pumpkin, are crucial for brain development and help manage speech disorder and delay in kids [7]. Walnuts are particularly rich in omega 3 fatty acids, beneficial for brain function and thinking abilities.
In conclusion, a combination of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet emphasizing whole, warm foods and targeted Ayurvedic herbs like Brahmi, Shankhapushpi, Vacha, and others can help improve speech delay in children by enhancing brain function, calming Vata dosha, and supporting neural development. Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized dosing and therapies.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7070052/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6064037/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5808996/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6430119/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7070052/ [6] https://www.brainboosterfoods.com/collections/all [7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7430365/
- Present research suggests that foods like pumpkin seeds, rich in essential nutrients such as zinc and magnesium, can support gut health and neurological function relevant to speech, contributing to the improvement of speech delays in children.
- The Ayurvedic herb Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is known to enhance memory, focus, neural function, and calm Vata dosha, making it particularly effective in supporting speech and learning, which can aid in addressing speech delays in children.
- Incorporating homemade nutritious snacks, such as Millet & Jaggery Cookies, regularly supports growth and cognitive health, as part of a balanced diet emphasizing whole, warm foods, helping to improve overall brain development and speech clarity in children.
