Down syndrome and epilepsy are two different health problems, although some people with Down syndrome may experience seizures. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development states that Down syndrome is a collection of mental and physical symptoms that are caused by an extra copy of Chromosome 21. Nutritional therapies such as dietary changes and supplementation have long been used in treating Down syndrome-related symptoms, although your doctor should always be consulted before using these natural treatment approaches.
About Seizures and Down Syndrome
Approximately 5 percent to 10 percent of people with Down syndrome experience seizures, reports Epilepsy Ontario, a non-profit non-governmental organization, or NGO, that is dedicated to improving the lives of people with seizure disorders. It states that Down syndrome-related seizures may be caused by a combination of factors, including brain abnormalities and medical complications associated with the syndrome. People with Down syndrome are most likely to experience seizures in their first year of life and again in their 30s and 40s.
Nutritional Approach
A balanced diet including plenty of fresh and whole foods rich in vegetable proteins is an important nutritional approach to managing Down syndrome and its associated problems, notes nutrition researcher and certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Balch also recommends foods that are high in magnesium, including green leafy vegetables, meat, fish, seafood, figs, nuts, seeds, tofu, apricots, brewer's yeast and blackstrap molasses. Consider minimizing your consumption of gluten-rich foods and foods containing sugar and dairy products.
Helpful Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements are often used as a nutritional strategy in treating Down syndrome and seizures. Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," states that vitamins B and E, taurine, zinc, selenium, manganese, coleus and magnesium may be among the most helpful nutritional supplements in treating seizures. Other beneficial nutritional supplements for this health purpose may include potassium, lecithin and essential fatty acids. A larger collection of scientific evidence may be needed to validate all of these supplements' purported benefits.
Considerations
Down syndrome is just one of many possible causes of seizures. A person with Down syndrome who experiences seizures should visit his primary care provider for a full and thorough evaluation. A qualified health-care professional can assess his condition and make helpful treatment recommendations, including recommendations about natural treatment approaches such as dietary changes and nutritional supplements. Not all supplements may be right for people with Down syndrome, as some supplements may cause unwanted health effects. For example, brewer's yeast, though sometimes helpful for people with Down syndrome, may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.
References
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: Down Syndrome
- Epilepsy Ontario: Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders and Down Syndrome
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., N.D.; 2002
