Does your child or family member have epilepsy , or as we call it, “ fits ”? Do you have times when it’s hard to control your seizures even with the medication your doctor prescribes? In such a case, your doctor may have told you about a special diet plan. One of the most powerful and popular diets used to control epilepsy is the ketogenic diet .
Simply put, what is the Keto Diet?
The keto diet is a diet specifically designed to manage epilepsy. It involves reducing the amount of carbohydrates ( starches and sugars) we normally eat and increasing the amount of fat we eat. The amount of protein is kept to a reasonable level.
Think of it like a car. Normally, this car runs on gasoline called carbohydrates. But with the keto diet, we reduce the amount of carbohydrates we give our body and instead teach it to run on diesel called fat. This process causes a special chemical change in the body that helps control the fit.
This is not just a 'fad diet' to lose weight . This is a medical treatment , something that should only be done under the strict supervision of a doctor and a dietitian.
Are there main types of keto diets?
Yes, there are several main types of this diet. The doctor chooses the most suitable type based on the patient's age, condition, and convenience.
| Keto diet type | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Classic Ketogenic Diet (CKD) | This is the first and strictest method. It is high in fat, very low in carbohydrates, and moderate in protein. Every meal must be weighed and measured precisely, and it must be planned and eaten. It is mostly used for young children. |
| Modified Atkins Diet (MAD) | This one is a little looser than the one above. It's higher in fat, lower in carbs, but the amount of protein you can get is a little higher. You don't have to weigh everything, but you do have to be careful about the amount of carbs. This one is a little easier for younger people and older people. |
| Low Glycemic Index Diet | In this, fat and protein are consumed in moderate amounts. The specialty is that even if you do consume carbohydrates, you only consume types that are slowly absorbed by the body (low glycemic index). For example, instead of white bread, you can use kurakkan bread. |
How does this food actually control weight?
This is a very interesting question. Scientists are still figuring this out exactly, but there are a few main ideas.
Normally, the neurons in our brains run on glucose , which is the energy we get from carbohydrates. When a seizure occurs, these neurons fire suddenly and uncontrollably. This requires a lot of energy.
On the keto diet, the body uses chemicals called ketones, which are made from fat, instead of glucose for energy.. These ketones are a more stable source of energy than glucose. Because of this, the nerve cells are less likely to be stimulated suddenly. Simply put, the brain's nerve cells stop being 'overloaded'. We call this process ketosis .
In addition, research has found that this diet also balances the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Who is this treatment suitable for? Who should start it?
The keto diet is the best option for those who cannot control epilepsy with medication alone.
- Children: This has been used very successfully on children of all ages, from infants to toddlers. The results are very good.
- Adults: Adults with epilepsy can also do this. However, since this diet is somewhat restrictive (there are fewer things to eat), it can be a bit of a challenge for adults to continue.
The most important thing is to talk to your doctor before you start this. He or she will examine you, do blood and urine tests if necessary, and decide if this is safe for you. They may also ask you to keep a 'seizure diary' of how often you have a seizure.
If your doctor allows this, he or she will refer you to a dietitian or nutritionist. This is because the help of such a person is essential to plan this properly. Some children may have to stay in the hospital for a few days when starting this diet. This is to monitor things like blood sugar levels and dehydration.
Aren't there any risks and side effects to this?
Like any medical treatment, there are some side effects and risks. But most people adapt well to it. Let's break down the possible ones.
| – Stomach ache | – Vomiting |
| – Constipation | – Bloating (diarrhea) |
| – Dehydration | – Lethargy |
| – Decreased blood sugar levels | – Weight loss |
| – Kidney stones | – High cholesterol levels |
| – Decreased bone density and fractures | – Children's growth is slower than normal |
| – Metabolic acidosis |
It is to manage these risks that we often recommend seeing a doctor and getting tested.
How long does it take to see results?
Usually, good results can be seen within 3-4 months . Many doctors use this as a trial period to see if it is successful. Some people experience a 50% reduction in the frequency of their attacks. Others experience almost complete cessation of attacks.
The most important thing is to follow your doctor's instructions exactly during this time and to continue taking any other prescribed medications without stopping at any time.
You will need to see your doctor at least once every three months. He will then monitor your fitness and see if there are any side effects. If successful, your doctor may decide to gradually taper off the diet after a few years.
Take-Home Message
- The keto diet is not a weight loss fad, but a medical treatment for epilepsy.
- Never start this on your own. Always do it under the supervision of a doctor and a nutritionist .
- This can be a very effective treatment for epilepsy that is not controlled by medication, especially in children.
- This diet is somewhat restrictive, so it can be challenging to follow, but you can get help from your medical team.
- As side effects may occur, it is very important to see a doctor on time for a check-up .
- If you experience increased fatigue, allergies, or other discomfort while on the diet, notify your doctor immediately.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments have been posted yet. Add your comment here for the first time.
Add your comment