Over 3 million Americans live with epilepsy, a complex neurological disorder that causes sudden disruptions in brain activity, known as seizures. These episodes can be unpredictable, leaving you constantly wondering when the next one might hit.
Find compassionate, comprehensive epilepsy care with board-certified neurologist and medical acupuncturist Lori Schneider, MD, at Lakeside Neurology and Wellness Center in Cornelius, North Carolina. Dr. Schneider integrates complementary therapies with traditional anti-seizure medications to effectively manage your symptoms.
Did you know that simply switching up your diet could help reduce the frequency of your seizures, helping you live a more stable and fulfilling life? Read on to learn how diet plays a role in treating epilepsy and how to easily incorporate these changes into your routine.
Diets aren’t just for losing weight. What you eat has an impact on your whole body, including your brain. For those with epilepsy, changing your diet can be a way to keep seizures under control.
Low-carbohydrate diets, like the ketogenic (keto) diet and the modified Atkins diet, change the way your body gets its energy. Normally, the brain runs on glucose (sugar). However, when you drastically reduce carbs, glucose levels drop.
To compensate, your body starts breaking down stored fat for energy instead. This process produces molecules called ketones, which can have a stabilizing effect on brain activity and potentially reduce the frequency of seizures.
On the keto diet, you get 90% of your calories from fats, 6-8% from protein, and only 2-4% from carbohydrates. The modified Atkins diet offers a bit more flexibility, allowing around 10% of calories from carbs, with no strict limit on protein.
Less restrictive options, such as the low glycemic index (low-GI) diet, can also be effective in minimizing seizures for many individuals with epilepsy, as well as easier to stick with. The low-GI diet focuses on carbs that produce a slower rise in blood sugar.
Changing your eating habits takes time and effort. Instead of attempting a complete overhaul, begin with small, manageable adjustments towards a more epilepsy-conscious diet.
Start by eliminating foods high in added sugars from your diet, such as sweetened beverages and sugary desserts. Work on incorporating more unprocessed foods, like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, which provide essential nutrients and help regulate blood sugar levels.
To make the process easier, consider these tips:
Dedicate time each week to plan healthy meals that fit your diet plan. This helps you stay on track and avoid impulsive food choices that could increase your risk of a seizure.
Carefully read food labels and choose items that align with your dietary needs. Pay attention to carbohydrate content and added sugars. Added sugars may appear on food labels under other names, such as high-fructose corn syrup or anhydrous dextrose.
It’s normal to encounter challenges like cravings, navigating social events where food choices are limited, or maintaining your diet while traveling. Develop strategies to overcome these obstacles. For example, bring your own snacks to parties or pack healthy meals for travel.
Beyond medication and diet, simple lifestyle changes can make a real difference when it comes to the frequency of seizures. Techniques like mindfulness to ease stress, keeping a regular sleep schedule, and gentle exercise can be helpful tools.
Dr. Schneider may also suggest specific natural supplements that complement your treatment. She works closely with you, monitoring your progress and making adjustments along the way to ensure you’re getting the best possible care.
Looking for expert guidance and personalized epilepsy management? Call Lakeside Neurology and Wellness Center or request an appointment online today.
