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The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat dietary therapy that may reduce seizures in some individuals with epilepsy. Additionally, it improves other symptoms associated with epilepsy such as sleep and memory.
The ketogenic diet works by altering how your body uses energy. It causes fats to be broken down into molecules called ketone bodies, which some studies suggest could have anticonvulsant effects on the brain.
Nuts and seeds
The keto diet is an eating plan designed to help those living with epilepsy manage their seizures. It does this by altering how the body uses energy; it’s low in carbohydrates and high in fat.
Ketones provide energy from chemical compounds called ketones, which produce fewer free radicals than glucose and may have a stabilizing effect on nerve cells.
Keto dieters must monitor their carb intake carefully. Furthermore, it’s essential that they get enough protein and healthy fats from food sources.
Olive oil
High-grade extra virgin olive oil is an excellent way to incorporate heart-healthy fats into your diet. Plus, its antioxidant content helps protect cells from free radical damage caused by molecules known as free radicals.
Olive oil is not only used to cook with, but it can also be used as a moisturizer and hair conditioner. Plus, you can even use it to remove ear wax from the outer ear canal.
However, you must choose the appropriate olive oil. Light and pure oils, for instance, are typically refined olive oils that have been heat-processed to remove impurities. They usually have a paler color and flavor than extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is an ideal choice for those suffering from epilepsy, as it helps reduce seizures and raises blood ketone levels.
Coconut oil contains fatty acids which convert to ketone bodies, helping regulate seizure activity. Ketogenesis, or keto eating, is an ideal choice for people with epilepsy since it allows the body to burn fat instead of glucose as fuel.
A study revealed that children with epilepsy who consumed medium chain triglycerides from coconut oil experienced fewer seizures. This may be because these triglycerides are absorbed and metabolized differently than long-chain triglycerides.
Berries
Berries are an ideal way to add sweetness and flavor to your keto diet without adding too many carbs. Plus, they contain essential vitamins and minerals that can benefit your health in numerous ways.
The classic ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan that may help control seizures in some individuals with epilepsy. It should only be initiated under medical supervision and used along with anti-seizure medication to maximize success.
Dieting can switch your body’s metabolism away from relying solely on glucose (sugar) for energy, to burning fat as the primary fuel source – creating a metabolic state known as ketosis. This has been known to help reduce the risk of epilepsy and other health conditions.
Meat
When managing epilepsy, nutrition plays an integral role. According to the Epilepsy Society, many seizure triggers are linked to inadequate dietary intake.
A diet rich in protein and fat can help to reduce seizures, especially for those who don’t respond to medicine or have refractory (drug-resistant) epilepsy.
Meats like steak, chicken breast and pork chops make ideal keto diet choices due to their low carb content as well as being packed with beneficial nutrients like iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids.
Vegetables
Eating more fruits and vegetables on a keto diet may help control seizures. Studies have demonstrated that people with epilepsy who follow this eating plan experience decreases in their seizures.
Vegetables are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins C, K and A. Furthermore, they contain very few carbohydrates, making them suitable for a keto diet.
The keto diet, which is high in fats and moderate in protein, causes the body to enter a state of ketosis. During this process, stored fat is burned for energy production.