If your epileptic seizures are not completely controlled by anti-seizure medications, you might consider supplementing your existing regimen of medication with an anti-seizure diet. Several different diets have been recommended for epileptic individuals; the traditional anti-seizure diet used for children, in particular, is a restrictive, high-fat diet known as the ketogenic diet. As of 2010, a diet combining features of the ketogenic diet and the Atkins diet has been shown to have similar seizure-reducing effects.
Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet most commonly used for children with epilepsy. As a complement to a regimen of anti-seizure medications, the ketogenic diet has been proven effective in reducing the incidence of seizures in approximately 50 percent of children. Through mimicking the effects of starvation, the ketogenic diet produces ketones in the body. Ketones are produced when the body uses fat as an energy source in the absence of carbohydrates, and have a demonstrated anticonvulsant effect. The ketogenic diet should only be undertaken, started or stopped with medical supervision.
Modified Atkins Diet
Like the ketogenic diet, a modified version of the Atkins diet has been proven helpful in reducing seizure activity, particularly in children with medication-resistant seizures. The modified Atkins diet is similar to the ketogenic diet in that carbohydrates are strictly limited and high fat consumption is encouraged. Unlike the traditional ketogenic diet, the modified Atkins diet does not limit the amount of proteins which can be consumed. Nor does the modified Atkins diet restrict the amount of fluids; fluid restriction is a hallmark of the ketogenic diet. The modified Atkins diet was studied in 2002 at John Hopkins Hospital by a research team led by Dr. Eric Kossoff, and the diet was proven effective in raising ketone levels and thereby reducing seizures.
Avoidance of Trigger Foods
Although the effects vary from individual to individual, certain foodstuffs and beverages can contribute to an increase in seizure activity. When keeping a seizure diary, it may be apparent if certain foods or drinks act as seizure triggers for your epilepsy. Alcohol is a common seizure trigger, and so many people with epilepsy aim to reduce or eliminate alcoholic drinks from their diets. Additionally, caffeine acts as a seizure trigger for some, so foods and drinks containing caffeine may also need to be excluded from your diet. These include not only coffee and tea but also chocolate, caffeinated sodas and energy drinks.
References
- "The Ketogenic Diet: A Treatment for Children and Others with Epilepsy"; John Mark Freeman et al.; 2007
- "The Lancet"; The Ketogenic Diet for the Treatment of Childhood Epilepsy: A Randomised Controlled Trial; E.G. Neal et al.; June 2008
- Epilepsy.com: Modified Atkins Diet
- "Psychopharmacology"; Changes in Caffeine Seizure Threshhold After Electroconvulsive Shock; Christoph H. Gleiter et al.; 1988
- Epilepsy.com: Alcohol
