Ask a Question
or
Create a Poll
  1. Home /
  2. Questions /
  3. Health

by faridah on May 21st, 2009

faridah

Question

Help answer this question below.

Do people with epileptic seizures need to observe a special diet? Can a change in their life style, for example, stop smoking or avoiding caffeine, reduce or stop the attacks?

  • Like
  • Report
Share:
Other

Answers. 1 helpful answer below.

  • by nzguy.. on May 21st, 2009

    nzguy..

    Most people who have epilepsy have it controlled by medication.
    There is a method for treating epilepsy using diet.
    It's the Ketogenic diet:
    What is the Ketogenic diet?

    The Ketogenic diet is a high fat, low carbohydrate and low protein diet used in the treatment of epilepsy. The diet was first developed in the early part of the last century when it was discovered that fasting could alleviate seizures. But its popularity declined in later years with the introduction of modern anti-convulsant drugs.

    Over the years different versions of the diet have been used predominantly in America and the UK. The initial diet was based on the 'Classical' Ketogenic diet - based on a ratio of fat to carbohydrate in the diet. In the early seventies a new form of giving the diet was developed called the medium chain triglyceride (MCT) diet - where MCT is used as one source of fat in the diet.
    How does the diet work?

    The diet appears to be effective in a significant proportion of children, but not every child. It works by mimicking the effects of starvation. When fasting or starving your body first uses up glucose and glycogen before burning up stored body fat. In the absence of glucose it produces chemicals called ketones, which provide energy. The diet alters the body's metabolism by replacing glucose with fats as a major energy source. The broken down fat produces ketone bodies that help to alleviate seizures in some people. However, the exact mechanism by which the diet works is not yet known.
    What does the UK study of the diet hope to establish?

    FruitAs well as already demonstrating that the diet does actually work in reducing seizures, the UK clinical trials aim to establish the exact mechanism by which the diet works. The research is being undertaken by Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) together with the Institute of Child Health (ICH), the National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy (NCYPE) and the Central Middlesex Hospital. GOSH experts also believe it is not known which of the two ways of giving the diet are better. Up to 120 children (aged two to sixteen) will be recruited on the study. The study will examine if there is actually any difference between the diets by randomising half of the children to each diet. Click onto www.gosh.nhs.uk for further details of the study
    What are the benefits of the diet?

    Already the UK clinical trials have demonstrated that the diet can work as a dietary alternative to drugs in dramatically reducing or ending seizures in children with challenging and resistant epilepsy. While only a percentage of children become seizure free, many show a significant improvement in alertness, awareness and responsiveness. It is worth noting that in some cases the diet has not proved an effective means of reducing seizures.
    Who would the Ketogenic diet be suitable for?

    The diet is a recognised alternative treatment for any child with challenging or drug-resistant epilepsy. This would usually include children who experience a minimum of two seizures a week despite anticonvulsant medications. Parents of children with drug resistant epilepsy interested in taking part in the ketogenic diet trial will need to seek a medical referral from their local pediatrician. The paediatrician will assess the appropriateness of the Ketogenic diet for their child's seizure disorder. Please note that the diet should only be undertaken with the full support of a pediatrician and experienced dietician.
    How is the diet calculated and applied?

    The diet is often regarded as difficult to implement, as every child's intake is different. To ensure that it is safe and nutritionally adequate for the child it must therefore be individually calculated by a skilled and experienced pediatric dietitian. However, with the right level of support, basic understanding and specialist advice the diet will quickly become routine.
    Can a child have other medication on the diet?

    Yes, but the sugar and calorie content needs to be checked. Low calorie, carbohydrate-free medicines are best, however sugar-free does not necessarily mean carbohydrate free. If in doubt parents need to ask their pharmacist or pediatrician.
    How is the diet monitored?

    Every family is given a diary to complete to record the number of each seizure type each day including changes in the child's mood, alertness and overall behaviour. Each child will have regular follow-ups in outpatients with the dietitian and pediatrician, who will monitor the child's growth (height and weight), health, the epilepsy and the need for change in medication.

    Typically what type of food is eaten on the diet?

    EggsAlthough high in fat, meals on the ketogenic diet can be extremely tasty if well prepared and some parents have conjured up some very inventive recipes to make the diet as palatable as possible. The exact dietary composition will depend on which type of ketogenic diet a child is following, and on their individual prescription. A typical breakfast on the classical diet might include double cream, egg, butter and a small portion of fruit or vegetable, whereas more starchy carbohydrate would be allowed on the MCT diet, for example a small serving of cereal or bread. However, the special MCT supplement is needed with each meal on the MCT diet - this can be mixed into milk or food. Lunch and dinner might include a protein source, such as meat, fish or cheese, a serving of vegetable or fruit, and fat in the form of butter, double cream, oil or mayonnaise, or the MCT supplement if on the MCT diet. Snacks can be included if these suited a child's eating pattern. The portion sizes will be individualised for each child, however do tend to look smaller than normal, as fat provides more calories per gram than carbohydrate or protein.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

Want to attach an image to your answer? Click here.

Did this answer your question? If not, then ask a new question or create a poll.

More Questions. Additional questions in this category.

You're reading Do people with epileptic seizures need to observe a special diet? Can a change in their life style, for example, stop smoking or avoiding caffeine, reduce or stop the attacks?

Follow us on Facebook!

Related Ads

Related Questions

Professionally Researched

ANSWERBAG BUZZ

I have epilepsy do i need a special diet
Diet of an epileptic person
Dietary help for epilepsy
Does barbecue smoke have effect on an epileptic person
Energy needs for adults with seizures

Answerbag

a Demand Media company