Skip to content
Ntro

What foods are good for sensory processing disorder? A guide to sensory-friendly eating

•
5 min read

According to research, individuals with sensory processing disorder (SPD) often have higher nutritional needs due to limited food intake caused by sensory sensitivities. This guide addresses what foods are good for sensory processing disorder and provides strategies to help create more successful and nourishing mealtimes for both children and adults.

Quick Summary

A sensory-friendly diet addresses sensitivities to texture, taste, temperature, and smell by incorporating preferred foods to improve nutrient intake. Key nutrients like Omega-3s, protein, and magnesium are vital for supporting nervous system health and regulation. Strategic mealtime approaches, including adjusting food presentation and gradually introducing new options, can help sensory-sensitive individuals expand their palate.

Key Points

  • Identify Sensory Needs: Observe whether an individual is a 'sensory seeker' (craving intense input) or a 'sensory avoider' (preferring mild input) to guide food choices.

  • Vary Food Textures: Incorporate crunchy foods for seekers (carrots, apples) and soft/smooth foods for avoiders (yogurt, smoothies) to provide appropriate oral stimulation.

  • Support Nervous System Health: Include nutrient-dense foods rich in Omega-3s, magnesium, and B vitamins to support overall sensory regulation and neurological function.

  • Use Strategic Mealtime Approaches: Employ methods like gradual exposure ('food chaining'), involving individuals in food prep, and adjusting presentation to reduce anxiety and increase comfort.

  • Create a Calming Environment: Reduce sensory overload during meals by limiting distractions, using divided plates, and keeping noise levels down.

In This Article

Understanding Sensory-Friendly Eating

Eating is a multi-sensory experience that can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory processing disorder (SPD). For some, a food's texture, smell, or even its appearance on a plate can trigger strong aversions. A 'sensory diet'—a program of sensory-rich activities—can include tailored food choices to help regulate the nervous system. The goal is not just to broaden food variety but to provide adequate nutrition in a way that respects an individual's unique sensory profile. This approach can involve offering a mix of textures, temperatures, and flavors to provide consistent sensory input without causing distress.

Foods for Different Sensory Profiles

Food preferences in people with SPD often align with their sensory needs. Some individuals are 'sensory seekers' and crave intense flavors or textures, while 'sensory avoiders' prefer blandness and consistency. Catering to these distinct profiles is key to successful mealtimes.

Crunchy and Chewy Foods for Oral Sensory Seekers

For those who crave strong oral input, crunchy and chewy foods can provide satisfying proprioceptive input to the jaw, helping to calm and organize the sensory system.

  • Crunchy: Raw carrots, apples, bell peppers, celery sticks, nuts, pretzels, and whole-grain cereals are excellent options. Roasted chickpeas or edamame also offer a great crunch.
  • Chewy: Dried fruit (like raisins or fruit leather), beef jerky, hard cheese, and chewy bagels provide resistance that can be very calming.
  • Resistive Sucking: Offering thick smoothies, yogurt, or applesauce through a straw can provide strong oral motor resistance.

Soft and Smooth Foods for Oral Sensory Avoiders

Individuals who are sensitive to texture may prefer soft, predictable, and smooth foods. These options minimize the potentially overwhelming tactile sensations inside the mouth.

  • Smooth: Homemade smoothies with fruit and leafy greens, yogurt, fruit purées, and creamy soups are often well-tolerated.
  • Soft: Tofu, soft beans, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and shredded chicken or fish provide easy-to-chew options without overwhelming sliminess.
  • Consistent Textures: Bland, uniform foods like plain pasta, white bread, or certain crackers can be considered 'safe' foods.

The Impact of Temperature and Flavor

Temperature and flavor intensity also play a major role. Sensory avoiders may prefer lukewarm or mild-tasting foods, while seekers might enjoy the contrast of hot and cold, or bold flavors.

  • Temperature: Offering frozen foods like fruit popsicles or chilled grapes can provide alerting input for seekers. Avoiders may prefer foods at room temperature or slightly warmed to prevent sensory shock.
  • Flavor: Mild seasonings like basil and onion powder can be used for sensitive palates. More intense flavors, such as sour fruits, chilies, or spicy curries, can satisfy sensory seekers.

Key Nutrients for Supporting Sensory Function

Beyond just texture and flavor, certain nutrients are crucial for supporting nervous system function, which is often a challenge in SPD. Targeting these nutritional gaps can be an important part of a sensory-friendly diet.

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, and walnuts, Omega-3s are vital for brain health and cognitive function. They can help regulate attention and memory.
  • Magnesium: This mineral plays a key role in nerve signal transmission. Sources include almonds, spinach, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate.
  • B Vitamins: These vitamins boost overall brain function. Incorporate foods like fish, peanuts, soybeans, oats, and bananas.
  • Protein: Essential for producing neurotransmitters, protein sources like eggs, poultry, lean meats, and legumes support brain health.
  • Probiotics: Research shows a link between gut health and brain function. Probiotics found in yogurt and other fermented foods can support the gut-brain axis.

Comparison of Sensory Food Textures

To better understand food options, consider how different items can be categorized by their sensory input.

Food Texture Examples Sensory Benefit
Crunchy Apples, carrots, nuts, whole-grain pretzels Provides alerting and organizing proprioceptive input.
Chewy Dried fruit, bagels, beef jerky, string cheese Offers calming, resistive oral motor feedback.
Soft/Smooth Yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, soups Minimizes overwhelming tactile input, preferred by sensory avoiders.
Mixed Casseroles, fruit salad, stews Can be challenging for those with texture sensitivities; combine multiple sensations.
Strong Flavors Citrus fruits, spicy curries, sour candies Stimulates the mouth, ideal for sensory seekers.
Bland Flavors Plain pasta, white bread, rice Low sensory input, provides a sense of predictability and safety.

Practical Mealtime Strategies for Success

In addition to food choices, the mealtime environment and approach are critical for individuals with SPD.

Involve the Individual

Allowing the person to participate in food preparation can increase their comfort level and willingness to try new foods. Simple tasks like washing vegetables, stirring ingredients, or arranging food on a plate give a sense of control and make the experience less intimidating. For children, using cookie cutters to create fun shapes can also spark interest.

Introduce New Foods Gradually

Using a strategy called 'food chaining' involves linking new foods to familiar ones based on similar characteristics. For example, if a child likes crispy orange foods, you might first offer a crunchy carrot stick. The process should be slow, with no pressure to eat. Small exposures, such as just smelling or touching a new food, are important steps.

Create a Relaxed Mealtime Environment

Reduce potential sensory overload by creating a calm setting. This can involve dimming bright lights, turning off screens or background noise, and using unscented products. Use divided plates or bento boxes if a child dislikes foods touching each other.

Adjust Food Presentation

How food is presented can make a difference. If a child is sensitive to mixed textures, serve ingredients separately rather than mixed in a stew. If they are visually motivated, arrange foods into fun patterns or use colorful plates.

Conclusion

Navigating food choices with sensory processing disorder requires a mindful and patient approach. Focusing on foods that support nervous system health and cater to an individual's specific sensory preferences can transform mealtimes from a source of stress into a positive, nourishing experience. By understanding the link between food and sensory regulation, and employing practical strategies like gradual exposure and creating a calm environment, it's possible to ensure that individuals with SPD receive the balanced nutrition they need to thrive. For personalized guidance, consulting a healthcare professional or a feeding therapist is highly recommended.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

A 'sensory diet' in the context of nutrition refers to deliberately incorporating foods with different textures, tastes, and temperatures into a person's diet to help regulate their sensory system. It's a strategy used to provide the necessary sensory input, especially for individuals with SPD.

Gradually introduce new foods alongside familiar favorites, and use strategies like 'food chaining' to link new foods to textures or tastes your child already accepts. Avoid pressure and celebrate small successes, such as just smelling or touching the food.

While a balanced diet is the primary goal, a healthcare professional may recommend vitamin or mineral supplements to address nutritional gaps, especially in very limited eaters. Supplements are not a replacement for a healthy diet, and should only be used under professional guidance.

Strong odors can be overwhelming for some individuals with SPD. Try serving foods at cooler temperatures, as cold foods tend to have less smell than hot ones. Avoid heavily scented products in the kitchen, and consider keeping meals short if smells are a major trigger.

Use separate plates or bento boxes to keep different foods from touching each other. You can also try deconstructing meals, like offering taco fillings in separate piles rather than a mixed salad. Gradually introduce foods with similar textures to familiar options.

Yes, diet can influence mood and behavior. Research indicates that a balanced diet and specific nutrients, such as Omega-3s, magnesium, and B vitamins, support neurological function and can help with regulation. Limiting processed foods and sugars can also help stabilize blood sugar and mood.

Chewing on non-food items can be a self-regulation strategy for sensory seekers. Providing safe, appropriate chewy or crunchy food options, like hard carrots or beef jerky, can help satisfy this need. Specialized chewy necklaces or other oral sensory tools are also available.

References

  1. 1
    The Link Between Sensory Processing Disorder and Diet
  2. 2
    Mealtime Strategies for Children with Sensory Processing Challenges
  3. 3
    Healthy Sensory Foods for Children With Autism
  4. 4
    Sensory-Friendly Food Ideas for Kids
  5. 5
    SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER (SPD) - IYURVED-IN
  6. 6
    Sensory Processing: Helping Children/Youth who are Oral Seeking
  7. 7
    Sensory Processing and Picky Eating: Understanding Your Child’s Unique Needs
  8. 8
    Nutrition Interventions for Sensory Processing
  9. 9
    Sensory Challenges And A Balanced Diet: Helping Neurodivergent Eaters Thrive
  10. 10
    10 Tips for Kids Who Need to Chew - An Oral Sensory Diet

Related Topics:

#nutrition #mealtime strategies #picky eaters #Sensory Processing Disorder #SPD #Sensory Diet #Feeding Therapy #Oral Motor

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.