There are many different types of epilepsy, although all forms of this condition are characterized by recurring seizures. A seizure is a kind of electrical storm or misfiring in the brain, which causes neurological symptoms. Every individual's experience of epilepsy is unique, and some people with epilepsy find that certain foods can increase the likelihood of having a seizure -- this is known as lowering your seizure threshold. Consult your doctor for medical advice regarding your epilepsy diagnosis and the possible role of dietary monitoring in seizure prevention.
Caffeine
Although some people with epilepsy can tolerate caffeinated food and drinks without any increase in seizure activity, caffeine is known to be a potential seizure trigger for some individuals. In addition to potentially provoking seizures, caffeine has been demonstrated to prolong seizures in electro-convulsive therapy or ECT. If you believe caffeine triggers your seizures, foods to avoid include chocolate, snacks made from dried coffee beans, and foods, candies or syrups that have a significant chocolate content. Beverages to avoid include tea, coffee, caffeinated sodas and caffeinated energy drinks.
Alcohol
In a 2008 article for the Epilepsy Therapy Project, Dr. Steven Schachter states that most people with epilepsy find alcohol lowers their seizure threshold or even trigger seizures. Schachter advises that patients with an epilepsy diagnosis should either avoid alcohol completely, or consume alcohol only in moderation. Furthermore, the side effects of heavy alcohol consumption may act as seizure triggers. For patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, for example, the sleep deprivation caused by heavy drinking is a common seizure trigger. Likewise, alcohol-related dehydration or low blood sugar -- as a result of alcohol-related gastrointestinal symptoms -- can lower your seizure threshold.
Carbohydrates
Two major diets for seizure control -- the ketogenic diet and the modified Atkins diet -- function by restricting dietary carbohydrates. These diets are typically only used under medical supervision by individuals whose seizures do not respond well to anti-epileptic medications. The ketogenic diet strictly limits carbohydrate intake, together with limited caloric and fluid intake. A 2008 study published in "The Lancet" indicates that the ketogenic diet was successful in reducing seizure frequency among roughly half of the children involved in the study. The ketogenic diet -- like the modified Atkins diet -- are believed to work by forcing your body to metabolize fat for energy. Fat metabolism produces ketones, which are believed to have a natural anti-seizure effect upon the brain.
Considerations
If you keep a diary of your seizure symptoms together with a record of what you eat, it may become apparent that certain foods could be contributing to your seizure frequency. However, you should only consider significant dietary restrictions or changes after discussing your seizures and nutritional status with your health care provider. The ketogenic or modified Atkins diets carry the risk of negative health consequences such as high cholesterol, and are not suitable for every person with epilepsy. In general, eating a nutritional and balanced diet is likely to help your epileptic symptoms. Eating frequently will help you avoid dips and spikes in your blood sugar levels. Fasting has been known to precipitate seizures.
References
- Epilepsy Action: Possible Seizure Triggers
- Epilepsy Therapy Project: Alcohol
- "The Lancet"; The Ketogenic Diet for the Treatment of Childhood Epilepsy: A Randomised Controlled Trial; E.G. Neal et al.; June 2008
- 'American Journal of Psychiatry"; Use of Caffeine to Lengthen Seizures in ECT; P.E. Hinkle et al.; September 1987
- Jeanie Schottenstein Center for Advanced Torah Study for Women: Risk of Seizures from Fasting
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