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How to do Keto for Epilepsy
Ketogenic diet, also referred to as keto diet, is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has been used to improve the condition of Epilepsy. The concept behind the keto diet is simple: by reducing carbs, the body is forced to burn its fat stores for energy, producing ketones in the process. These ketones have therapeutic effects on the brain and can reduce the occurrence of seizures in epileptic patients.
If you or someone you know has epilepsy, then you may be interested in learning how to do keto for epilepsy. Here are three methods to get you started.
Method 1: Standard ketogenic diet
The standard ketogenic diet (SKD) is the most commonly used keto diet for epilepsy. It consists of a high fat, low protein, and very low carb diet. Typically, the SKD aims to get the individual to consume 75% of their calories from fat, 20% from protein, and only 5% from carbs.
To do the SKD for epilepsy, you will need to:
– Limit your daily carb intake to 20-50 grams per day.
– Consume more healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, and nuts.
– Add moderate amounts of protein such as meat, fish, and eggs.
It is important to consult a doctor or a registered nutritionist before starting the SKD. They can guide you through the diet and help ensure that you are getting the right nutrients for your body.
Method 2: Modified Atkins diet
The modified Atkins diet (MAD) is another form of the keto diet that has been used to help manage seizures. It is similar to the SKD but allows a few more carbs. The MAD typically allows the individual to consume 10-15 grams of net carbs per day and less than 10% of their calories from carbs.
To do the MAD for epilepsy, you will need to:
– Limit your daily carb intake to 10-15 grams of net carbs per day.
– Consume more healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, and nuts.
– Add moderate amounts of protein such as meat, fish, and eggs.
Method 3: Medium chain triglycerides
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are a type of fat found in coconut oil that can produce ketones more quickly than other fats. Adding MCT oil to your diet can help increase ketone levels, which may help reduce the occurrence of seizures in people with epilepsy.
To do the MCT for epilepsy, you will need to:
– Add 1-2 tablespoons of MCT oil to your diet daily.
– Limit your daily carb intake to 20-50 grams per day.
– Consume more healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, and nuts.
– Add moderate amounts of protein such as meat, fish, and eggs.
It is important to note that adding MCT to your diet should only be done under the guidance of a medical professional or a registered nutritionist.
Conclusion
Keto for epilepsy can be an effective way to help manage seizures. However, before starting the diet, it is important to consult with a doctor or nutritionist to ensure that it is the right choice for you. Additionally, it is important to have regular monitoring of your ketone levels and other health markers.
Real-life examples have shown that keto can be beneficial for managing seizures. For instance, a 6-year-old boy who had been having up to 60 seizures a day was put on the keto diet and saw a reduction in seizures. Additionally, a study was carried out with 145 epileptic children who either followed a keto diet or a standard antiepileptic drug regimen. The results showed that those on the keto diet had a greater reduction in seizures over time compared to those on the standard antiepileptic drug regimen.
In summary, keto for epilepsy can be a suitable option for people with epilepsy. The SKD, MAD, and MCT methods are effective ways to get started. Before starting any of these methods, it is important to consult with a medical professional or a registered nutritionist to ensure that you get the best advice for your specific condition.
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