Ketogenic Diet and Epilepsy

Treating Neuro Disorders through the Use of a Special Diet

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb and high-fat diet, and has been used as a treatment for epilepsy, dominantly in uncontrolled pediatric patients. It reduces the number of seizures by changing the body’s energy source from carbohydrates to fat. This article tackles the advantages, disadvantages of this type of diet and its application in the treatment of epilepsy as well.

What Happens In The Body During the Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet works in such a way that the body will switch to the utilization of fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. Decreasing the level of carbohydrates in our bodies causes the system to synthesize ketone bodies from triglycerides which replaces glucose as an energy source. This state of energy utilization is termed as “ketosis” and it has been observed that it dulls the responsiveness of neurons that often are the primary triggers of seizures.

A person following the classic ketogenic diet derives about 90% of his or her daily caloric intake from fat, which forces the body to achieve a state of ketosis. This change in energy source has been credited for a marked improvement in seizure activity in many of the patients, especially in those who have failed to respond well to medications.

Antiepileptic medication in pregnancy:

Pregnancy causes increased blood volume and metabolism, thus the dosages of ASMs (anti-seizure medication) for seizure control may become irregular. Regular follow ups with a doctor is critical to ensure the wellbeing of the growing fetus. Some ASMs pose a high risk of fetal malformations to the fetus, like neural tube defects and mental disability. Women with epilepsy should meet with a health care provider to assess their risk and consider safer ASMs prior to conception. Women with epilepsy should never stop their ASMs without medical consultation.

Advantages of the Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is very useful in controlling seizures among the children suffering from resistant seizures especially typical of the Lennox Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. Most of them experienced at least a fifty percent decrease in seizure frequency, while few of them became seizure-free. Adults can also lower their seizures through this diet, however the dietary restrictions might be more difficult to adhere to.

In certain rare syndromes of epilepsy, the ketogenic diet can be the main source of treatment however most epilepsies may still require the use of anti-seizure medications.

Negative Effects

• Although the benefits of this diet can be appreciated, it also has its disadvantages. The most frequently occurring ones are constipation, feeling dry, dehydration- due to calorie inadequacy as a result of the narrow range of foods permitted in the diet. To address the above concerns, most patients have to take vitamins or mineral supplements to achieve their dietary requirements.
• Restrictive dieting can carry certain associated risks with some of them being high cholesterol, kidney stones and stunted growth in children. Checking up with a doctor periodically is ideal in most cases. Some also suffer from minor symptoms such as fatigue and nausea during the first few weeks, this is usually termed as “temporary keto flu”.

Practical Limitations

• On the other hand, the ketogenic diet is quite limiting; as one should refrain from eating most carbohydrates and instead consume more fat produce like butter, fatty meat and other high-fat foods. The assistance of a nutritionist is critical to make sure that person is consuming the right meals and is staying in the state of ketosis.
• Social aspects are also worth noting in regards to children in particular. As restrictions of the diet may impose great difficulties in their activities like eating out or their participation in celebrations such as birthday parties or school events. The role of family and health care providers is vital in enabling patients to stick with the prescribed plan over time.

Conclusion

The ketogenic diet appears to be a highly effective treatment for prominent types of epilepsy especially for patients who do not respond to medications. The diet works by reversing the metabolic process in the body and accelerating ketosis. Nevertheless, it requires careful consideration, enforcement of the diet and support of the patients by specialists and their circle of family and friends. When implemented in a correct manner, the ketogenic diet is an efficient way for managing epilepsy conditions opposed to other conventional means, as it can significantly improve the patients’ seizure control and their quality of life.