What to Eat in Epilepsy?

While there isn’t enough evidence proving the link between food and epileptic seizures, but there are many patients of epilepsy who believe otherwise. And many neurologists also recommend dietary changes, depending upon your type of epilepsy and the medication you are taking. 

That’s why you should consult with your neurologist and ask if there are any changes you can make at home to avoid specific triggers.

Ketogenic Diets for the Treatment of Refractory Epilepsy

The ketogenic diet has proved successful in the treatment of children with epilepsy, although the studies on adult cases are not enough. These diets include high-fat foods such as:

• Eggs
• Bacon
• Butter
• Heavy Cream
• Nuts 
• Avocados
• Fish
• Cheese
• And Some fruits and vegetables.

The ketogenic diet is kind of restrictive, not very tempting to eat, and difficult to prepare. That’s why there is another type of diet named the Atkins diet which has been modified for use in patients with tough-to-treat epilepsy.

Other than that Omega-3 fish oil is also found to be successful in reducing the frequency of seizures for epilepsy patients.

Prevention and Precaution of Epilepsy

Although the causes of epilepsy are wide-ranging, here are few things you can do to minimize the risk of developing epilepsy:

• Having a healthy diet and regular exercise routine can reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
• Keep your vaccinations up to date. This minimizes the chances of infection which can cause epilepsy.
• Regularly wash your hands and practice other food safety habits to avoid Cysitcercosis infection, which is generally the cause of acquired epilepsy in the world.
• The highest rate of this infection tends to be found in places with poor sanitation like Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Other Seizure Precautions

Know Your Triggers– Although triggers generally don’t cause epilepsy but it does increase the chances of having seizures. Thus knowing your specific triggers can help you to know when they are coming. Typical seizures are:

• A particular time of day or night.
• Sleep deprivation.
• Flashlight patterns.
• Alcohol or smoking.
• Overstress.
• Low blood sugar.
• Excess of Foods like caffeine or other products may cause seizures.
• Use of certain medicines.
• Don’t use knives or other sharp objects while cooking. If possible buy foods which are already cut or take someone’s help in cooking.
• Don’t smoke or light fires when you are alone.
• When alone, try to avoid using ladders or stools.
• Avoid driving unless your seizures are under control.
• Always wear a helmet while riding a bicycle.

Asian Neuro Centre is one of the largest and most experienced practices in Indore where the best & experienced neurologist is skilled in dozens of specialties, working to ensure quality care and successful recovery.

Dr. Navin Tiwari
Consulting Neurologist

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