Epilepsy is a neurological condition categorised by frequent seizure attacks. It usually develops due to a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain, which results in a temporary interruption in the messaging systems of the brain cells. Some of the common symptoms associated with seizures include convulsions with no fever, intermittent fainting episodes, during which bladder or bowel control is lost, which is persistently followed by exhaustion and stiffness.
The exact cause of epilepsy is not clear. However, genetics, head injury, and brain conditions such as strokes, tumours or infectious diseases may be some of the causative factors for seizures.
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Several pieces of evidence have proven that an epileptic diet may help remarkably in reducing the episodes of seizures. In a few people, it may also make them seizure-free. Read this article to get an overview of the Epileptic diet, how to follow it, and foods to add and avoid.
Also Read: Seizures: Signs, First Aid And Safety Precautions
What Is An Epileptic Diet?
An epileptic diet plan is a dietary pattern specially designed to manage and ease seizures in persons with epilepsy. The ketogenic diet is the most common type, which is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate and moderately rich in protein. This diet plan induces a state of ketosis, where the body uses fat instead of glucose for energy. The epileptic diet regimen is known to stabilize brain activity and reduce episodes of seizure frequently.
Other modifications include:
Modified Atkins Diet (MAD): This is very similar to keto but less restrictive.
Low Glycemic Index Treatment (LGIT): This eating pattern focuses on low-GI carbs to control blood sugar and reduce seizure episodes.
Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Diet: This dietary approach mainly uses MCT oil as a main fat source, which produces ketones more easily.
How Does Diet Benefit?
Reduces Seizure Episodes
The ketogenic diet is proven to lessen seizure episodes, mainly in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Studies revealed that about 50% of patients experience almost 50% or greater reduction in seizure attacks.
Promotes Brain Function
This diet may help epileptic patients improve their cognitive skills and memory. It also aids in easing neurological inflammation, which may be valuable for epilepsy patients.
Foods to Add
Epileptic diet mainly prioritizes adding healthy fats, good quality proteins and low-carb vegetables.
Healthy Fats: Avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, butter, and ghee are included in this diet regimen. MCT oils.
Proteins: A rich array of protein-rich foods such as salmon, sardines, eggs and meat are included.
Plant-based proteins like nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts and chia seeds.
Low-Carb Vegetables: This diet focuses on adding low-GI foods like leafy greens (kale, spinach, moringa and other green veggies). Zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumber, asparagus, and mushrooms are also included in this diet.
Snacks: Cheese and full-fat yogurt. Berries (strawberries, raspberries) in moderation.
Also Read: National Epilepsy Day: Learn About Dietary Management For Epilepsy
Foods to Avoid
When on an epileptic diet, it is important to eliminate or refrain from having some of these foods:
Carbohydrate-Rich Foods: Bread, pasta, white rice, and grains are avoided. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn and all other starchy veggies like carrots, peas and beets are restricted.
Sugary Foods and Drinks: Refined sugars and sugar products like candy, soda, fruit juice, and desserts. All processed foods with hidden sugars.
High-GI Fruits: Mangoes, bananas, dried cranberries, raisins, pineapple and watermelons.
Side Effects
Some of the side effects of the diet include:
Difficulty gaining weight
Risk for bone fractures
Constipation
Kidney stones
Low blood sugar
How to Follow an Epileptic Diet?
Before starting this diet regimen, it is important to seek advice from your healthcare provider. Consult with a neurologist or dietitian before starting the diet.
Children on this diet plan should be carefully monitored and properly guided. Also, people with other comorbid conditions should be monitored.
To begin with, the keto diet is not a one-step process, rather, the child needs to be admitted to the hospital for evaluation when the diet begins. The ketogenic diet team in the hospital include a neurologist, a registered dietitian and a registered nurse.
They will be monitoring the child and will provide:
First, small amounts of water or sugar-free liquids are given.
In the next 24 hours, the child’s new diet starts. For infants, premixed, ready-to-use ketogenic formulas are provided.
Blood sugar levels are closely checked in the initial 48 hours of starting the diet, as the child may develop hypoglycaemia during the initiation of the keto diet.
The child is constantly assessed for any need for supplements like calcium or vitamins.
Points To Consider
The ketogenic diet should be followed under proper guidance and monitored by a medical team which includes a physician and a dietitian.
Since it is a very restrictive diet, it’s important to follow the recommendations of medical practitioners. There are several variations of the ketogenic diet such as the classic ketogenic diet, modified Atkins diet, and low glycaemic index treatment, each with differing levels of restriction.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics, including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Diet in the Treatment of Epilepsy: What We Know So Far
Alberto Verrotti 1,*, Giulia Iapadre 1, Ludovica Di Francesco 1, Luca Zagaroli 1, Giovanni Farello 1
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7551815/
Dietary Approaches to Epilepsy Treatment: Old and New Options on the Menu
Carl E Stafstrom
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1176378/
