|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutrition

Disabled People Diet & Exercise

There are many different types of disabilities that make physical exercise a challenge. However, being disabled does not mean that your body should not be cared for with exercise. Regardless of the disability, many exercise techniques can be applied to any daily program. Added with a proper diet, exercise will benefit the body and mind.

  1. Yoga

    • Yoga focuses on breathing, posture and meditation. It can be done at different intensity levels, making it ideal for people with disabilities such as multiple sclerosis (MS), arthritis, Asperger's syndrome, ADDHD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and learning disabilities. Yoga helps people with disabilities learn concentration and relaxation. It also increases physical flexibility, which helps with the body's circulation.

    Strength Training

    • Strength training is a different, more accurate way of saying weight training. It is crucial that the muscles stay active and healthy. There are simple ways to do this without having to lift heavy weights or join a gym. Strength training is ideal for people with disabilities such as Down syndrome, MS, ADDHD and people in wheel chairs. Weights can be used while sitting in a chair or standing up, and any amount can be used, according to individual levels. Check with a doctor before beginning a strength training program.

    Walking

    • Walking helps bodies in a number of ways. Walking, regardless of age, gender, mental health and most physical impairments, helps the body stay active by keeping the heart pumping. Walking helps people with ADDHD, Asperger's syndrome, and anxiety and other learning disabilities concentrate better. It also helps with depression because walking releases a chemical in the brain called serotonin. Regardless of disability, if you are able to walk then take advantage of doing so because it is one of the easiest and most beneficial forms of exercise that can be done.

    Diet

    • Diet is very specific to the disability, and most doctors will oversee a special diet, especially with disabilities such as diabetes, depression and ADDHD. Diet plays a crucial role in how each of us functions, disability or not. Drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses daily, and eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats, being mindful of any allergies. Stay away from processed foods, fried foods, sugary cereals and treats, and high-fat foods such as cream, cheese and butter.

Nutrition - Related Articles