Information On Diets That Stop Seizures

A seizure occurs when an electrical misfiring in your brain causes neurological symptoms. The incidence of epilepsy -- a neurological condition involving a pattern of repeated seizures -- is estimated at 1 percent, according to the 2010 article "Overview of Epilepsy" by Stanford Neurology physicians Robert Fisher and Maslah Saul. The standard treatment for epileptic seizures is anti-seizure medication; however, certain diets are effective in reducing the incidence of seizures in patients with epilepsy. Consult your doctor for personalized medical advice before making any significant changes to your diet.

Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet has traditionally been used to reduce the incidence of seizures among patients who continue to experience regular seizures despite taking anti-seizure medication. The diet has been used most frequently with children. The ketogenic diet does not necessarily stop seizures completely, and does not work for everybody. A study published in "The Lancet" in June 2008 indicated the ketogenic diet reduced the incidence of seizures among half of the study subjects. This diet prompts your body to produce ketones through metabolism of fat for energy. In order to force ketone production, the diet involves a strictly limited overall calorie consumption, and a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. The ketogenic diet should only be undertaken with medical approval and supervision.

Modified Atkins Diet

The Atkins diet is a low-carbohydrate eating plan. Like the ketogenic diet, a modified version of the Atkins diet can be used to reduce seizure activity through the production of ketones. The modified Atkins diet for seizure control is similar to the ketogenic diet in that carbohydrate intake is limited and high-fat foods are allowed. The modified Atkins diet differs from the traditional ketogenic diet, in that neither protein consumption or fluid intake are limited. In 2002, a study conducted by Dr. Eric Kossoff at John Hopkins Hospital found that a modified Atkins diet could be effective in reducing or controlling patients' seizures.

Exclusion Diets

For certain individuals, specific foods may increase the likelihood of seizure activity. Diet modification to exclude known or suspected seizure-triggering foods can be effective in seizure control. Dr. Steven Schachter, writing for the Epilepsy Therapy Project, indicates that alcohol is a seizure trigger in most types of epilepsy. Caffeine -- present in tea, coffee, certain sodas and energy drinks, chocolate and chocolate products -- may trigger or prolong seizures in some instances as well. If you keep a seizure diary together with a record of your diet, this can help you identify potential seizure-triggering foods and drinks to limit or eliminate from your diet.

Considerations

Dietary control or treatment of epileptic seizures is not something you should attempt on your own. Consult your doctor to find out which -- if any -- dietary mode of seizure control is most appropriate to your condition and lifestyle. Both the ketogenic diet and the modified Atkins diet can have negative side-effects due to high consumption of saturated fat -- both diets may contribute to elevated cholesterol levels. Fisher notes that dehydration or low blood sugar may precipitate seizures for some patients. A diet that is nutritionally balanced and promotes steady blood sugar levels is advisable for long-term seizure control and overall health.