What happens during fasting?

In the early 1900s, it was discovered that fasting reduces the occurrence of seizures. This is suggested to be the result of a metabolic shift that happens in the body during the fasting period.

As such, when people fast, carbohydrates reserves become depleted in the body. Hence, the liver can’t produce glucose from carbs anymore.

Subsequently, since glucose is the primary source of energy for the body and brain, the body will be forced to look for ...

Why the Modified Atkins Diet helps treat Epilepsy:

The Modified Atkins diet is a regimen very low in carbohydrate that allows unlimited fats and proteins. Plus, this regimen does not restrict calories and fluids. 

Generally, when a person consumes carbohydrates, the liver converts them into glucose. Hence, by following the Modified Atkins diet and limiting carbs consumption, the quantities of glucose produced by the liver become reduced.

This would regulate the level of glucose in the body and decrease ...

How the Modified Atkins Diet works for Epilepsy: 

The Modified Atkins diet is an eating plan that mimics the fasting state by restricting carbohydrates.

While on this type of diet, the body is forced to look for an alternative source of energy besides glucose in order to survive. This happens mainly because carbohydrates are no longer available to produce glucose in sufficient quantities. Accordingly, the body will turn into burning fat. 

Subsequently, the liver starts producing ketones derived ...

The Modified Atkins diet foods for Epilepsy:

The Atkins diet restricts carbohydrate and stresses on fat while limiting protein. 

The Modified Atkins diet is generally tried for 3 months and depending on seizure frequency the length of the diet will be adjusted.

What you should eat for epilepsy:

The Atkins diet promotes foods that are considered low in carbohydrates or carbohydrate-free for consumption. These foods include:

-    Fish and seafood

-    Pork, turkey, and chicken

-    Eggs

-    Non-starchy vegetables ...

The Modified Atkins Diet for Epilepsy: what you should avoid

The Atkins diet restricts carbohydrates consumption and tends to eliminate many foods based on their carbohydrate content. Accordingly, the diet removes the following foods from the regimen:

- All types of grains, legumes, and starches

- Sugar and alternative sweeteners

- Sugar sweetened beverages and drinks

- Most fruits and vegetables that are high in carbohydrates

- Starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn

- Vegetables oils like corn oil, canola oil, soybean oil …

- Condiments ...

The Modified Atkins diet for epilepsy: precautions

There are several side effects that might come along when you follow a low carbohydrate diet such as the Atkins diet. When there is an elimination or even restriction of carbohydrates from the diet, symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, headaches, sleep disturbances, trouble breathing, irritability and mood swings, and bad breath might occur. 

Digestive problems also happen with the Atkins diet due to several reasons such as constipation and diarrhea. Even nausea might ...