Epilepsy is a seizure disorder traditionally treated with medication or surgery, but a ketogenic diet also might help. A ketogenic diet is high in fat and low in carbohydrates and can be particularly beneficial for epileptic children. A ketogenic diet should only be done under a doctor's supervision because of the risk of side effects.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is characterized by recurring seizures because of abnormal brain activity. According to the Mayo Clinic, seizures can be mild or severe and cause temporary confusion, uncontrollable jerking of the extremities, loss of consciousness and staring episodes. Anti-seizure medications can support a seizure-free life or decrease the frequency and intensity of seizures, but a ketogenic diet also can help.
Ketogenic Diet
According to the Epilepsy Foundation (EF), the ketogenic diet forces the body to burn fat for energy instead of sugar or glucose. A ketogenic diet is about 80 percent fat and contains four times more fat than carbohydrates and protein. The diet requires that all foods get precisely weighed to keep the diet proportions and calories consistent.
The EF says children on a ketogenic diet need to eat all the food that is served to them to ensure that the right balance of nutrients is met. The diet can be tested for one to three months to see whether it has a positive effect on seizures. Children who respond positively to the diet might stay on it for as long as two years. The EF says about one-third of epileptic children who follow a ketogenic diet are seizure-free, and some are able to go off the diet and remain seizure-free. Another third experience fewer seizures, but the remaining third are unaffected by the diet.
Modified Atkin's Diet
Johns Hopkins Medicine says a modified Atkin's diet is an alternative to the ketogenic diet for epileptic adults. The modified Atkin's diet differs from a ketogenic diet because although it strongly encourages fats, it does not restrict protein or calories. Foods are also not weighed or measured. According to the Epilepsy Therapy Project (ETP), preliminary studies have shown that two-thirds of adults on a modified Atkin's diet have 50 percent fewer seizures after six months and are often able to reduce their anti-seizure medication. Individuals who eliminate seizures on a modified Atkin's diet might be able to stop the diet and remain seizure-free.
Side Effects
The EF says side effects of a ketogenic diet include dehydration, constipation, an increased risk of kidney stones or gallstones, menstrual irregularities in women, pancreatitis, decreased bone density and eye problems. The EF notes that ketogenic diets are not nutritionally balanced and require vitamin and mineral supplements. The Mayo Clinic says children following a ketogenic diet might have slowed growth from nutrient deficiencies. According to the ETP, side effects of a modified Atkin's diet include increases in cholesterol and a higher risk of kidney stones.
Supplements
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, dietary supplements and herbs that might reduce the frequency of seizures include taurine, folic acid, vitamin E, bacopa, kava, valerian and passionflower. Epileptics should not take supplements without consulting a physician. Supplements are not federally regulated, and many are not scientifically proven to be safe or effective in treating epilepsy. Supplements can also have unknown side effects and interact with prescription medications.
