Diet Restrictions With Epilepsy

Diet Restrictions With Epilepsy 

        If you are reading this post, chances are you or someone you are close with has epilepsy. Epilepsy is a birth defect that causes unexplained seizures. This is a life-changing condition and has many effects. There is no cure, but there are ways to lessen the effects such as dieting. Dieting as an epileptic can have its challenges but if done safely and correctly it can have amazing results. The keto diet will be the topic of this blog and will cover how healthy diets correlate with the brain, the statistics of epilepsy patients that diet, and finally guides and tips on safely dieting. 

Ketosis

      What is ketosis? Ketosis is a popular low-carb “weight loss” diet. In addition to increasing the rate you burn fat, ketosis can make you feel less hungry. It also encourages muscle growth. Your body uniquely goes through different adjustments and adaptations. Differing breath (many report a fruity taste in the mouth), decrease in hunger and feeling more focused and energetic. 

      You Are What You Eat

     You have probably heard this more than once but it has some truth. What you eat directly affects your moods, growth, and brainwaves. The medication many patients receive has a HUGE impact on one’s moods. Creating alterations of one’s lifestyle can result in your favor. Harvard Medical School states that 90% of serotonin receptors are located in the gut (serotonin is the chemical responsible for happiness). So if an epileptic person has an issue with mood swings, instead of treating it with more medicine resorting to a change of habit may be best.   

Let’s Talk Statistics 

       Many neurologists will recommend a change in diet to control how well a patient’s brain will function. The epilepsy organization states that doctors often recommend the keto diet for children whose seizures have not responded to several seizure medicines. It is so effective that over half of children who go on the diet have at least a 50% reduction in the number of seizures. Some children, usually 10-15%, even become seizure-free. In other cases, many lean off medication or reduce their dosages. This is incredible considering the fact that there is no cure.

I Want to Try Keto but How? 

           The first step is to meet with your doctor and they will set you up with a dietitian that is specialized in epilepsy. The keto diet can be intense but if you slowly start implementing it into your daily routine it will become less and less intimidating. You can start by using one slice of bread instead of two or incorporating healthy fats into your diet. Avocados, fish, eggs, nuts, and cheese are all healthy fats are great starting foods. My next suggestion is to start looking at labels and finding options that are low on carbohydrates. An example to help lessen your carb intake is asking for vegetables instead of french fries at a restaurant. The keto diet guidelines suggest using coconut oil instead of using cooking oils because it helps your body reach ketosis. Another tip to help with this diet is healthy exercise and maintaining adequate protein. 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/gut-feelings-how-food-affects-your-mood-2018120715548   

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/d/diet-and-mental-health   

https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/dietary-therapies/ketogenic-diet