Ketogenic Diet to Control Epilepsy
Researchers from the John Hopkins Epilepsy Center and others claim that a ketogenic diet can help control epilepsy seizures in children. This treatment for controlling epileptic convulsions was discovered in the early 1920’s and since then has been reported to be very effective.
What is a ketogenic diet?
Experts explain that a ketogenic diet is a carbohydrate-free diet that contains a calculated proportion of high fats and proteins. In other words, the ketogenic diet is one which forces the body to use more fat than carbohydrate to produce energy.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is an uncontrolled condition of repeated convulsions that occurs without any specified irritants. Studies suggest that about 50 million people suffer from epilepsy worldwide. Epilepsy is such a condition which cannot be cured but controlled with the help of drugs. Surgery is sometimes recommended for complicated cases.
How does a ketogenic diet help in controlling epilepsy convulsions?
Though it is not yet ascertained as to how and why the ketogenic diet helps in controlling epilepsy seizures, the diet has proven to be effective. The ketogenic diet was side-tracked for a while due to the birth of new drugs. However, in 1990’s, the ketogenic diet sprung back as an effective remedy for controlling convulsions.
Children suffering from refractory epilepsy respond well to the ketogenic diet treatment. The ketogenic diet mainly constitutes fatty food like – peanut butter, creams, etc. It is a very unique diet that limits the intake of fluids, vegetables, bread, fruits and pasta.
The ketogenic diet needs to be taken under the careful supervision of a physician or dietician. Every meal should be carefully served to an epileptic child. Even the slightest of diversions in the quantities can reduce the effects of a ketogenic diet for controlling convulsions.
How is the ketogenic diet brought to effect?
Children requiring the ketogenic diet have to go on a day and night fast before starting the diet. The ketogenic diet is slowly introduced so that the body is able to withstand the sudden change. Children generally feel weak during the initial days and hence need to be hospitalized and need regular assistance and monitoring.
Side-effects of the Ketogenic Diet Treatment
Though the treatment is considered to be very effective, there are a couple of side-effects associated with the ketogenic diet for epilepsy:
- Behavioral changes
- Children’s growth rates are checked
- Kidney stones
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Constipation
Since a child or person is under the careful assistance and observation of a doctor, the side effects can be also be dealt with effectively. Experts maintain that the treatment may vary from person to person. In addition, since the ketogenic diet is weakening for an individual, both adult and child, vitamins and mineral supplements should also be taken.