Diet and Exercise Guidelines for Managing Tourette Syndrome in Children

Diet and Exercise for Tourette Syndrome

Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask the following two questions.

1.
Regarding dietary considerations for Tourette syndrome, the doctor mentioned avoiding shellfish, nuts, chocolate, and caffeine, which seems to align with a low-copper diet.
However, the educational materials I found about low-copper diets are applicable to Wilson's disease, and I couldn't find information specific to Tourette syndrome.
My child is 4 years old and has recently started showing symptoms of Tourette syndrome.
He has been taking B6.
Should we strictly adhere to the "low-copper diet" guidelines and avoid high-copper foods? My child loves eating mushrooms, peanuts, brown rice porridge, whole grain bread, tofu, and red grapes, which are all high in copper, making it quite challenging.
I'm also concerned about ensuring he receives balanced nutrition.
Additionally, it was mentioned that sweets should be avoided; can he drink Yakult? What types of cookies are acceptable? Since he is only 4 years old, he sees other children eating and often asks for snacks as well.
2.
The doctor advised that increased physical activity can help alleviate symptoms.
Last night, I noticed my child blinking excessively and twitching his nose, and I thought he might not have exercised enough during the day.
I took him out for about 2 hours of exercise, but on the way home, I observed that he was blinking and twitching even more frequently, and he also started shrugging his shoulders.
I wonder if he was too tired; he mentioned feeling a little tired, but once we got home, he wanted to play cooking games and refused to sleep.
Therefore, I would like to ask the doctor how to differentiate between insufficient exercise and fatigue, as both seem to exacerbate the symptoms.
Thank you, Doctor!
Sincerely, a new parent.

Zhuó jí de jiā zhǎng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/06

Dr. Lin Guanglin reply Rare Disease

A.
Dietary recommendations for children with Tourette syndrome include: 1.
Avoiding foods and beverages that contain caffeine.
2.
Increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables.
3.
If tests reveal elevated levels of copper in the body, it is necessary to limit high-copper foods; otherwise, moderate consumption is acceptable.

B.
Exercise can help alleviate the symptoms of Tourette syndrome, although the effects may not be immediately noticeable and require consistent long-term effort.
It is advisable to avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime, as it may disrupt sleep.
Regular, skillful exercise that enhances physical fitness is particularly beneficial.

Reply Date: 2017/07/06

More Info

Managing Tourette Syndrome (TS) in children involves a multifaceted approach that includes dietary considerations and physical activity. As a parent of a child recently diagnosed with TS, it’s understandable to have questions about how to best support your child through diet and exercise.

Dietary Considerations
1. Copper and Diet: While there are recommendations regarding certain foods to avoid, it’s important to clarify that the dietary restrictions you mentioned, such as avoiding shellfish, nuts, chocolate, and caffeine, are not universally applicable to all children with Tourette Syndrome. These foods are often linked to concerns about copper intake, particularly in conditions like Wilson's disease. However, for TS, there is no established "low-copper diet" requirement unless specifically indicated by a healthcare provider due to elevated copper levels in your child.
If your child enjoys foods like mushrooms, peanuts, brown rice porridge, whole grain bread, tofu, and red grapes, it’s generally acceptable to include these in moderation, provided they are not causing any adverse reactions. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is crucial for overall health and development.
2. Sweet Foods and Snacks: Regarding sweet foods, moderation is key. While it’s advisable to limit sugar intake, especially refined sugars, occasional treats can be included in a child's diet. For example, yogurt drinks like Yakult can be a good option as they provide probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. When it comes to snacks, consider healthier alternatives like whole grain crackers or fruit-based snacks that are lower in sugar.

3. Nutritional Balance: It’s essential to ensure that your child’s diet remains nutritionally balanced. If you have concerns about specific food restrictions leading to nutritional deficiencies, consulting with a pediatric nutritionist can provide tailored advice that considers your child's preferences and dietary needs.

Exercise and Physical Activity
1. Exercise Benefits: Regular physical activity is indeed beneficial for children with Tourette Syndrome. Exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, which may exacerbate tics. However, the type and amount of exercise should be appropriate for your child's age and physical condition.
2. Signs of Fatigue: It’s important to monitor your child for signs of fatigue. If your child is experiencing increased tics after a long period of exercise, it may indicate that they are overexerting themselves. Children often have a natural inclination to play and may not recognize when they need to rest.
3. Finding Balance: To find the right balance, consider shorter, more frequent bouts of exercise rather than long sessions. Activities like playing in the park, swimming, or engaging in structured sports can be beneficial without leading to excessive fatigue. Additionally, incorporating relaxation techniques or calming activities after exercise can help manage any overstimulation.

Conclusion
In summary, managing Tourette Syndrome in children through diet and exercise requires a careful balance. While certain foods may be restricted based on individual health needs, a generally balanced diet is crucial. Regular physical activity is beneficial, but it’s important to ensure that your child is not overexerting themselves. Always consult with healthcare professionals, including pediatricians and nutritionists, to develop a personalized plan that supports your child’s health and well-being. Your proactive approach as a parent is commendable, and with the right support, your child can thrive despite the challenges of Tourette Syndrome.

Similar Q&A

Effective Treatments for Tourette Syndrome in Children: A Guide

Is there a medical remedy for Tourette syndrome? My child is 13 years old, and I would like to know how to help with symptoms such as facial tics, shoulder shrugging, and vocalizations.

Dr. Lin Guanglin reply Rare Disease
Considering the severity of the condition, most medication treatments only require an understanding of the illness and providing psychological support. For any questions, please call the Tourette Syndrome Association at 03-3281200 ext 8246.

Managing Uncontrollable Body Tremors in Children with Anxiety Disorders

My daughter, who is in the ninth grade, has been diagnosed by a psychologist with Asperger's syndrome combined with anxiety, irritability, and emotional instability. She has been taking Buspirone for nearly a year. Three weeks ago, one night, she experienced involuntary shak...

Dr. Wang Yazhen reply Psychiatry
Hello, Afun's mom: I understand that your child's condition must be very concerning for you, and I appreciate your efforts. Regarding the issue of tics, the pediatric neurologist should have initially ruled out neurological disorders after examination; tics may be a phy...

Understanding Tourette Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. It primarily affects boys and is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of muscle cells. The ma...

Dr. Chen Meizhu reply Psychiatry
Hello: I apologize for the delayed response as I did not receive your email until September 4th, when it was forwarded from the central office. The exact cause of Tourette syndrome has not yet been definitively established, but many studies suggest that it is related to an imbala...

Understanding Increased Deep Breathing in Children: A Pediatric Perspective

A 7-year-old child (entering second grade) is 120 cm tall and weighs 26 kg. Previously, the child would occasionally take deep breaths, but recently the frequency of deep breathing has increased. The child visited a nearby clinic and consulted a familiar physician, who performed ...

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Mrs. Cheng, Hello. Based on your description, it is very likely that your child has Tourette syndrome, which is one of the common ages for onset at 7 years old. Tourette syndrome was first described in 1885 by French physician Gilles de la Tourette. It is characterized by c...