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Ketogenic diet for preventing epileptic attacks

Know what changes in diet can help to control your epilepsy attack.

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Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Updated : March 24, 2015 5:02 PM IST

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Ketogenic dietThe question whether diet modification could help in the treatment of epilepsy was unanswered for over a century, until a few days back when a study by researchers at McGill University in Canada and University of Zurich in Switzerland was published in the journal Nature Communications.

Earlier, it was believed that brain cell signal transmission and metabolism were not related. With this study, the lost scientific interest of researchers in ketogenic diet is totally revived.

The study showed that the ability of brain cells to transmit information is directly linked to metabolism. It suggests that brain cells combine their independent functions of energy production and signal transmission using chemical messengers that play a role in keeping the brain healthy. The link between metabolism and signal transmission confirms the possibility that modification in diet can control epilepsy.

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This study is especially beneficial for patients with epilepsy who often have to suffer additional side-effects of anti-epileptic drugs. (Read: How people with epilepsy can lead a normal life)

What is ketogenic diet (KD)?

Ketogenic diet is rich in fats (about 80%) with low carbohydrates (about 5%) and proteins (about 15%). The ratio of fat to carbohydrates along with protein is taken between 2:1 and 4:1. The ratio of 2:1 means for every 2 grams of fats, the diet should include 1 gram of carbohydrates and proteins combined. With a high proportion of fats, the body is forced to burn stored fats (ketones) for energy, instead of carbohydrates. This increased level of ketones in blood reduces the frequency of seizures. (Read: World Epilepsy Day 2012: Top myths about epilepsy busted)

Ketogenic diet requires accurate planning by dieticians depending on the age and weight of the patient. Precise calculation of portion size and number of meals is also required. Therefore, you should consult your doctor and dietician about the diet to ensure whether it is suitable for you. Meanwhile, you can have a look at a few changes you will have to bring about in your meals. (Read: Epilepsy patients' brain activity to be monitored)

  • Selection of food items, their preparation and cooking style should be done carefully.
  • Include rich fat sources such as butter, oil (coconut oil, olive oil and palm oil), ghee, heavy cream, peanut butter, margaraine and chicken fat. Macadamia nuts, avocado, flax seeds are also good sources of fats.
  • Protein sources could include meat, cheese, fish and whole eggs. For children with epilepsy, protein sources are included such that at least 1 g of protein per kg of body-weight is supplied daily to maintain growth.
  • Since carbohydrates should be minimum in your diet, a few fruits and vegetables can be included.
  • In KD, patients are not allowed to have starchy fruits or vegetables. Avoid eating biscuits, cakes, pastas, chocolates, ice-creams, pies, pastries, puddings, sauces, jams, jellies, chewing-gums, sweet breads, condensed milk, sweetened medications, pickles, flavoured yoghurt and sources of simple sugars. Your dietician could help you with a detailed list of foods to be excluded from the diet.
  • Foods that should be completely avoided include sugars like glucose, fructose, lactose and sucrose, maple syrup, molasses, corn syrup and honey.
  • A few foods that have lesser amount of carbohydrates and proteins could be good meal fillers. These include diet soda, caffeine free soft drinks with saccharine as sweetener (restricted to 200ml per day), lime and vanilla essence. But, watch the amount you have.
  • Spices, herbs, garlic, salt, pepper and mustard can be included in small quantities.
  • Because the ketogenic diet compromises on vitamins and minerals, you might have to take supplementary vitamins and minerals.

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.

References:

  • Alexander L. Rogovik, MD PhD and Ran D. Goldman, MD MSc. Ketogenic diet for treatment of epilepsy.
  • Mc Gill Publications. (https://publications.mcgill.ca/medenews)
  • Ketogenic diet. (https://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/)

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Shraddha Rupavate

Shraddha Rupavate

Combining her Biotechnology background and sheer passion for reading and writing, Shraddha entered the field of scientific and health reporting in order to expand her knowledge base and communicate scientific information in the simplest form to millions of readers. ... Read More