Fasting and epilepsy:

In the early 1900s, it was discovered that fasting reduced the occurrence of seizures. This is believed 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 ...

How keto diet works for epilepsy:

When carbohydrates are consumed by an individual, they are metabolized in the body and converted into glucose. Glucose being the main source of energy and nutrition used to feed the body and the brain cells.

However, the keto diet is a regimen that requires consuming 70 to 80 percent of fat, 10 to 20 percent of protein, and around 5 percent of carbohydrates only (less than 50 grams per day). Hence, by following this diet ...

Keto diet guidelines for epilepsy:

The ketogenic diet used for epilepsy is structured as a ratio of fat grams to protein plus carbohydrate grams. The standard value is 4 to 1 ratio; however, this may differ on a case by case basis. 

It’s important to always consult with a medical team that includes a neurologist, dietitian and general practitioner to receive the proper guidance and supervision before following a keto diet for epilepsy.

There are no specific requirements for ...

Keto diet food types for epilepsy: 

The various food types incorporated in the keto diet are high in good fat and very low in carbohydrates. Maintaining the proper proportions is critical to maintain the state of ketosis. Proportions should be done as per the macro calculation provided in the diet structure section. 

Below is a list of the various food types for Keto diet: 

- Healthy fats: incorporate healthy high fat foods daily such as some oils (coconut ...

Keto diet for epilepsy: recommendations

- Always check food labels: some hidden carbs may be present in spices, vegetables, and drinks. Always read food labels carefully before you buy any product.

- Always stay hydrated: make sure you always drink enough water to stay hydrated. Carbohydrates retain water in the body, so a low-carb diet can lead to dehydration and constipation.

- Consume enough salt, electrolytes, and magnesium: minerals can be lost along with water while following a keto diet. It is important ...

Keto diet benefits:

The ketogenic diet includes many benefits besides its ability to treat Epilepsy. For instance, the diet is known for its ability to reduce weight, control blood sugar, increase mental performance, increase energy, reduce blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol. The diet can also help in Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and solving acne problems. 

Below is a list of the keto diet various benefits:

- Weight loss: the diet is quite effective for reducing weight as it increases ...

Keto diet for epilepsy: precautions

Before you start your keto diet, it is important to take some precautions in case you are taking some medication or if you have any medical condition. Always consult with a health expert especially if you have any of the following conditions or you are taking any medication.

- Blood-pressure: a combination of blood pressure medication and a low carb diet is risky because there’s a possibility of decreased blood pressure from the diet. Low blood pressure ...

Keto diet for epilepsy: side effects 

The ketogenic diet is mainly safe, however there are some side effects that need to be taken into consideration:

- Keto flu: the keto flu is a series of symptoms such as fatigue, headache, nausea and cramps that are experienced by some people following the keto diet. These symptoms are quite common especially at the beginning of the diet.

However, this problem will be resolved in few days by the time the body starts adapting to ...