Maintaining a healthy diet rich in minerals is important if you have epilepsy. Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and causes you to have seizures. Seizures occur when nerve cells in your brain send out abnormal signals to your body. This can result in strange sensations, strange behaviors, loss of consciousness, or muscle spasms. Adequate mineral intake may need to be considered if you have epilepsy.
Manganese
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, rats that are deficient in manganese have shown a greater susceptibility to seizures than rats with adequate manganese levels. The Linus Pauling Institute also says that some research of humans with epilepsy have also shown a deficiency in manganese compared to humans without epilepsy. Manganese deficiency is not determined as a cause of epilepsy. However, the Linus Pauling Institute says that further studies need to be conducted to determine the association. Manganese can be found in supplements or foods. Food sources include kale, mustard greens, raspberries, romaine lettuce, collards, and pineapple.
Calcium
Low levels of calcium may be associated with the seizures in epilepsy. According to The Epilepsy Support Centre, low levels of calcium in people with epilepsy can alter the electrical activity of the brain and lead to increased incidence of seizures. The Support Centre explains that these low calcium levels are frequently due to hormonal changes, kidney disease, or deficient levels of magnesium in the body. It is important that you consume the proper amount of minerals in your diet in order to allow proper body functioning, according to The Epilepsy Support Centre. Calcium can be obtained in a supplement or through food sources such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and dark leafy greens.
Magnesium
Low levels of magnesium may also be associated with epileptic seizures. The Epilepsy Support Centre says that a low level of magnesium in people with epilepsy has been shown to raise the frequency of seizures. You may experience low levels of magnesium if you have low calcium levels, abuse alcohol, or are malnourished. Magnesium can be obtained in a supplement or through various food sources such as whole grains, nuts, and green vegetables.
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