Is it effective at reducing seizures?
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet used to treatepilepsy.
It is commonly recommended for children with refractory (treatment-resistant) epilepsy.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Adults with epilepsy also benefit from the keto diet and similar plans.
Some people have even reported no seizures after starting and staying on the diet.
This article discusses the ketogenic diet for epilepsy.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
It explains how the keto diet works to control epileptic seizures.
It also offers ways to modify the traditional ketogenic diet while still being effective.
What Is a Ketogenic Diet?
Keto diets work to control seizures by inducing a state of ketosis.
This switches the body’s metabolism from burningglucosefor energy to usingketone bodies.
It is thought these two fuel sources act differently on parts of the brain that trigger seizures.
As ketone bodies increase in the bloodstream, a body is said to go into a state ofketosis.
Ketosis appears to decrease the frequency of seizures in manybut not allpeople with epilepsy.
To maintain normal body function and growth, an adequate intake of dietaryproteinis needed.
(This is not necessary but may help induce ketosis quicker).
The diet is then started by slowly increasing calories and the ratio of fat to carbohydrates and protein.
What Does a Keto Diet for Epilepsy Look Like?
That represents anywhere from 75% to 90% of calories from fat.
Coconut oil or specialmedium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oilmay also be used.
This means consistently keeping your daily carbohydrate intake low.
Eating too many carbs in one day can knock you out of ketosis.
In children, the keto diet can impact a child’s growth and development.
Some children with epilepsy are able to become completely seizure-free on a ketogenic diet.
What’s more, research shows these benefits can persist even after discontinuing the diet.
This suggests the keto diet may have neuroprotective effects.
Similar findings have been seen in older children and adults.
However, the safety of this approach has not been established.
Themodified Atkins dietis a popular and easier-to-follow alternative to a traditional keto diet.
The diet is far less restrictive as calories, fluids, and protein are not measured.
Thinking and planning ahead can help you be successful.
It’s a good idea to provide food for your child to take to parties and playdates.
Summary
The ketogenic diet is an effective treatment for people with epilepsy.
The high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet has been shown to reduce the frequency of seizures in children and adults.
The diet switches the body’s fuel from glucose to ketones.
It puts the body into a state of ketosis, which appears to have seizure-preventive effects.
These benefits sometimes last even after the diet has been stopped.
It is important to work with your doctor and a nutritionist to ensure you are following the diet correctly.
Toavoid nutritional deficiencies, children and some adults on a ketogenic diet may need vitamin supplements.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
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