Importance of Diet for Epilepsy: A Closer Look at Research-Based Findings
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 22, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 22, 2024Table of Contents
Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and leads to repeated seizures. People who have it face unique daily challenges. One key challenge is having a good diet that may help manage seizures and promote health. A well-rounded diet is said to greatly impact how we manage seizures.
In this article, we’re going to explore the ties between diet and epilepsy. We’ll also look into what foods and nutrients are proposed to be good for those living with epilepsy. We’ll help you understand the various diet therapies out there. Also, we’ll highlight the value of teaming up with healthcare providers. We are also talking about food-based seizure risks and answer some commonly asked questions regarding epilepsy and nutrition.
Did you know?
A good diet is key for overall well-being and smooth body functions. This includes the steady working of the brain. By having all the essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed, we may keep the brain healthy and lower the odds of seizures. What’s more, some focused diets are proposed to help those with epilepsy manage their symptoms better.
A robust diet offers a range of crucial nutrients needed for each body system to work right. This also covers the nervous system. For brain health and to control seizures in the right way, those with epilepsy need to have a good balance in their diet. This balance includes the right mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. All these are key to brain health.
In managing epilepsy, we should not overlook the following key nutrients.
Many vitamins and minerals help with brain functions and nerve health. Some of the most important ones are as follows.
Omega-3 fatty acids aid in brain health by reducing inflammation and helping neurons work more efficiently. Some great sources of Omega-3s are as follows.
Enough protein is critical for healthy brain function. It helps build and keep the neurotransmitters that enable communication within the brain. High-quality protein sources are as follows.
Also Read: Epilepsy Treatment Adherence: Research-Based Guidelines for Effective Management
The ketogenic diet has been in use since the 1920s to manage epilepsy. It is often useful in cases where common drugs do not work. Inspired by the finding that fasting may control seizures, the ketogenic diet imitates a fasting state. It does this by using fats for energy, leading to the state known as ketosis.
Ketosis happens when the body uses sources called ketones for energy instead of glucose from carbohydrates. This metabolic change is proposed to result in better seizure control for those with epilepsy. While studies are ongoing on the exact ways, ketosis seems to protect and reduce inflammation of the brain.
There are types of ketogenic diets that are a bit different from the usual ones. They are as follows.
For some people, the ketogenic diet helps reduce or stop seizures. The level of benefits differs from person to person. But, around 50% to 60% of kids and 40% to 50% of adults who follow a monitored ketogenic diet often see significant seizure control. More research is being undertaken to find the mechanism by which it may help control seizures.
Despite potential benefits, the ketogenic diet can be limiting and tough to stick to. It requires strict watch on quantities and can bring side effects. These include weight loss, constipation, kidney stones, high cholesterol levels, and nutrient deficiencies.
The Low Glycaemic Index diet aims to control seizures. It does this by focusing on eating foods with a low glycemic index. These foods have little impact on blood sugar levels. Slow and stable changes in blood sugar seem to improve epilepsy control in some cases.
Eating foods with a low glycaemic index, like meat, cheese, and high-fiber vegetables, helps keep blood sugar in check. This may help manage seizures. Though you don’t have to weigh foods, portion sizes and a balanced intake of macronutrients are key parts of this diet.
While more research is needed, the diet shows a similar success rate as the classic ketogenic diet in reducing seizure frequency for both kids and adults. The less strict and more flexible nature of this diet makes it easier to stick to for many people.
The Modified Atkins Diet (MAD) is a less restrictive version of the classic ketogenic diet. It encourages a high-fat, reasonable-protein, and low-carbohydrate intake. Unlike the classic ketogenic diet, MAD does not limit fluid, protein, or calories, and it does not ask for weighing foods.
Studies show that the Modified Atkins Diet may reduce seizure frequency in many people. Due to its greater ease of use and more flexibility, this diet may be a better fit for some people with epilepsy compared to the classic ketogenic diet.
Also Read: Tips to Avoid Breakthrough Seizures: A Comprehensive Guide
Starting dietary therapies for epilepsy can be difficult. The key to success lies in sticking to the plan. Getting help from healthcare professionals and experts will let you monitor properly, get the right advice, and make changes that suit the patient’s unique requirements.
When starting dietary rehab, it helps to work closely with a registered dietitian or nutritionist. They can give expert advice and support. They can help plan meals, provide alternatives for restricted foods, and ensure the right nutrient intake is met.
Teaming up with a neurologist or specialist in epilepsy is vital to make and start an effective dietary therapy plan. They can check if a specific diet is a fit, follow progress, and change management plans if needed.
Certain types of food and lifestyle factors can raise the risk of seizures, even though specific foods don’t typically tie to triggering seizures. Knowing these potential triggers and making required changes may improve epilepsy management.
Caffeine and other stimulants found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, or chocolate can increase the risk of seizures in some people. Keeping an eye on caffeine intake and not taking too much can help avoid triggering seizures
Heavy drinking can interact with epilepsy medications and trigger seizures. It’s important to reduce or avoid alcohol.
Although food allergies do not directly link to epilepsy, they can make seizures worse in some cases. It is always helpful to be aware of any existing allergies or sensitivities.
Having a balanced diet and stable blood sugar levels may help control seizures. Regular meals and avoiding high-sugar, processed foods can help keep blood sugar levels in check.
Also Read: Role of Stress & Sleep in Epilepsy Management: A Comprehensive Research-Based Guide
Diet plays a vital role in managing epilepsy, with the right balance of nutrients leading to better seizure control. Those living with epilepsy must aim to follow a well-rounded diet for overall health and wellness. Those who find it hard to control seizures might find a lot of help from focused dietary therapies. The ketogenic diet, low glycaemic index diet, and modified Atkins diet may offer some help.
However, these dietary therapies can be hard to navigate. If people with epilepsy want the best outcome, they should seek expert advice and support from healthcare professionals. By very carefully thinking about dietary choices and working with specialists, those living with epilepsy can make wise decisions. These decisions may lead to improved control of seizures and a better quality of life.
Also Read: What Can Happen If Epilepsy Medicine Doses Are Missed: A Guide to Understanding the Risks
There isn’t a fixed list of foods to avoid. But, people with epilepsy should aim for a balanced diet and avoid too much caffeine. Also, they should reduce alcohol or not have it at all.
A well-planned, nutritious diet may help control seizures. It does this by keeping blood sugar levels stable, promoting overall health, and reducing brain inflammation. Some diets, like the ketogenic diet, low glycaemic index diet, and the modified Atkins diet may be helpful in managing seizures in people resistant to drugs.
An epilepsy-friendly diet should have many whole foods and minimally processed foods that offer key vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and proteins. This diet should contain fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, plant oils, nuts, and seeds.
In rare cases of what is known as reflex epilepsy, certain foods might trigger seizures. But, this does not happen for most people with epilepsy.
Yes, a few foods like grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice, and alcohol can interact with epilepsy medications. This can make the medications less effective. So, it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider and follow their advice on any needed dietary changes while taking epilepsy medications.
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