A Major concern about people with cerebral palsy is that they have trouble gaining weight. A good, nutritious way of gaining weight for those with cerebral palsy is adding key foods to their diet. The following list is made up of these kinds:

1. Corn oil or canola oil margarine on bread, vegetables, rice, pasta, hot cereals
2. Powdered skim milk added to regular whole milk
3. Wheat germ
4. Raisins
5. Puddings
6. Peanut butter
7. Custards
8. Eggs
9. Thick shakes
10. Cheese
11. Ice cream

There are also nutritional supplements available in drug stores that do not require a prescription; however, it is recommended that you consult your child’s pediatrician before purchasing any of these. There are also doctor prescribed supplements too. Remember that supplements are useful, but not as good as the real thing.

According to cerebralpalsy.org, the ketogenic diet is good, but better for children than adults. The diet includes many fats and limits carbs. It recommends 3 or 4 grams of fat for every gram of carbohydrates. You will be feeding the child high-fat dairy products, peanut butter and fatty meats. You will need to supplement this diet with calcium, vitamin D, iron and folic acid. Other diets are out there to try, but this one was what seemed more reasonable than some of the others.

Many methods are available if your child has trouble chewing. Your GP may be able to help you set up meetings with a dietician and a language therapist can help with the method of chewing itself. Dried apricots and fruit strips can also be helpful in between meals if your child has trouble chewing.

The child’s muscle tone is also an important factor in figuring out an appropriate diet. For example, if the child has high muscle tone, they will burn calories much faster than a child with low muscle tone.  The goal in supplementing his diets is to add calories without adding bulk (roughage) or empty calories in the diet. Supplemental calories should come from protein, fats, and unrefined carbohydrates. For example, you can add nutrients and calories to your child’s diet with sprinklings of powdered milk, ground nuts, and cheese. There are also many infant formulas designed to give a high caloric, balanced diet, as well as supplements to increase calories. In addition, underweight children with cerebral palsy sometimes benefit from more frequent mini-meals rather than the usual three meals a day. Your child’s pediatrician, speech-language pathologist, and nutritionist can advise you on these and other ways of increasing or enhancing your child’s nutrition.”

Exercise is also very important for those with Cerebral Palsy. It can help increase heart and lung exercise as well as reduce risk for several chronic diseases, like osteopathy or high blood pressure. It is suggested that exercise be made part of the child’s daily routine. It is also said that it should be incorporated into things such as eating and dressing. Swimming can also be helpful since it may improve respiratory ability.

As great as exercise is in helping with cerebral palsy, every child has limitations. Everything comes in moderation, especially with children who have cerebral palsy. Exercising with cerebral palsy is not only good for the patient but in most cases it is absolutely essential for the well-being of the patient and for loosening the muscles which can be very constricted at times. The exercises must be adapted to the particular patient's needs but general movement is agreeable as well. Playing outdoors, swimming, aerobic exercise, weight resistance training, all are acceptable forms of exercise for people suffering from cerebral palsy.