Traditional Epilepsy Management Includes Pharmacological Treatment

Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition in the world, with an estimated prevalence of 1% of the population. The highest incidence occurs in childhood and in the elderly, with lower levels in early adulthood. Traditional epilepsy management includes pharmacological treatment, epilepsy surgery, and vagal nerve stimulation. Despite these therapies, 25% of children continue to have uncontrolled seizures. The ketogenic diet (KD), which has been in use since 1921, is a treatment option for many of these children. A meta-analysis of 19 studies with a combined sample of 1084 pediatric patients was completed in 1998 by Blue Cross Blue Shield. 50% reduction. The KD is high in fat, moderate in protein, and low in carbohydrates. This combination of energy results in a sustained ketosis that somehow serves to abate seizures through an unknown mechanism. Strict adherence to the diet is required for it to be effective. Newer, more liberal versions of the KDs have been recently introduced and are being studied in children and adults. Administration of all of these metabolically adjusted diets must be medically managed as there can be adverse effects. The focus of this review is on the pediatric application of the KD.

Just because it’s low in carbohydrates or high in fat doesn’t mean it’s always healthy for you. Is There Any Science Or Proof That The Keto Diet Works? Given that the ketogenic diet has only recently become very popular, there is a dearth of reliable studies on it. 1 (self-experiments and anecdotal evidence) experiments like triathlete Ben Greenfield’s experiment. However, researchers like Jeff Volek and Stephen Phinney, authors of The Art and Science of the Low Carbohydrate Performance, are starting to get some reliable data. If you want to read more about the science behind ketosis, then I highly recommend checking out Dr. Peter Attia’s blog here. How Does a Keto Diet Work and What Do I Eat? OK, let’s get down to the details. The keto diet is relatively simple in terms of the rules you have to follow. Eat Very Little Carbohydrates. Eat Lots of Fats. Eat Moderate Amount of Protein.

Subsequent food intakes after inducing the state of ketosis are meant to keep the ketosis process running by appropriately adjusting further carbohydrate consumption to provide just the basic amount of calories needed by the body. For example, the Atkins Diet which is obviously the most popular ketogenic diet aims to help dieters achieve what the diet calls the individual's Critical Carbohydrate Level for Maintenance (CCLM) - a carbohydrate consumption level where the dieter neither gains nor loses weight anymore. In 2003, the Johns Hopkins treatment center came up with a modified version of the Atkins Diet protocol to treat a group of 20 children with epilepsy. After the treatment, it was observed that two-thirds experienced a significant reduction in their seizures while 9 were able to reduce their medication dosages and none developed kidney stones. Furthermore, there are ongoing scientific studies by the National Institute of Health (NIH) concerning the effectiveness of the classic ketogenic diet and the modified versions of the Atkins Diet in helping people to lose weight and also in the treatment of epilepsy.

Staying hydrated is important. But be careful with what you drink on a keto diet since many drinks we think are low-carb are the exact opposite. When in doubt, go for plain water. Otherwise, follow the tips below. Water: Including mineral, lemon water, and mineral water. Plain coffee: Don't add sugar or creamer to your coffee. Instead, make plain or keto coffee. Tea: Unsweetened tea and herbal teas are ok on keto. Keto smoothies: You will find many low-carb recipes to make this breakfast staple. Diet coke: Although not healthful, diet coke has zero carbs in it. Juices: All fruit juices, including orange juice, apple juice, and grapefruit juice. Also, avoid green juices since they have more carbs than whole vegetables. Sugar-sweetened beverages: Not allowed for obvious reasons on a keto diet. Milkshakes: You can make keto-friendly milkshakes at home; otherwise, avoid the restaurant stuff. Some alcoholic beverages are low in carbs, others not so much. But even low-carb beverages can be a problem on keto since alcohol interferes with ketosis. If you choose to drink alcohol on your keto diet, prefer hard liquor. Spirits: Vodka, tequila, whiskey, and other spirits have barely any carbs. Dry wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay are just some examples. Light beers: Bud Select and Michelob ultra are good examples. Liqueurs: These generally have too much sugar to be keto-friendly. Examples include Baileys, Carolans, and cherry liqueur.