Epilepsy and the keto diet

Children with epilepsy have repeated seizures. These are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This condition is usually treated with medicines. But if medicines can’t  control the seizures, a special diet like a ketogenic programme might help. 

A ketogenic (or keto) diet is high-fat and low-carbohydrate. This may help reduce seizures.

The science
According to the University of Rochester Medical Centre, a ketogenic diet causes the body to make ketones (when the body uses fat for energy). The diet is very high in fat, and very low in carbohydrates. It includes enough protein to help your child grow, too.

Ketones are chemicals made from the breakdown of body fat. With a normal healthy state and diet, the body generally doesn’t make or need to make ketones.

Ketones are an energy source that the body uses normally during fasting. A ketogenic diet for epilepsy will enable the brain to use ketones for energy rather than glucose - as much as possible. Ketones are largely water-soluble, so they move easily to the brain. The brain can’t use fatty acids for energy, but it can use ketones for a large portion of its energy needs.

Ketogenic diet and epilepsy 

A keto diet is gaining popularity as a back-up plan for children whose epilepsy symptoms are difficult to control with medication.

The diet is sometimes used as a treatment for children with seizures when medicine isn’t working properly. While there isn’t enough research as to how effective this diet may be, changes in neurotransmitters, gene expression, and influences on neuron receptors are some of the possibilities.The diet may not work for every child; but some children become seizure-free when put on it. Some may stay on it for many years. Your child’s doctor can help determine if the diet is right.

Diet menu 

A dietician will help figure out exactly what your child needs to eat, and how much of it. The ketogenic diet is low in important nutrients, so your child will probably need supplements like Vitamin D, folic acid, iron, and calcium.There are three food groups for this diet:

Fats: cream, butter, margarine, oils, mayonnaise, salad dressings, nuts, nut butters and avocado. 

Protein: chicken, red meat, fish, cheese, milk, eggs and nuts.

Carbohydrates: bread, pasta, rice, potato, fruit and vegetables.

Breakfast

Scrambled eggs made with:

• 2 tbsps heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 medium strawberry

Lunch 

Quesadilla with creamy avocado dip made with:

• 1 tbsp heavy cream
• 2 tsps mayonnaise
• 1 tsp olive oil
• One-sixth of an avocado
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 large egg white
• 2 tsps almond flour
• 12g grated cheddar cheese 

Dinner 

Chicken salad served on an iceberg lettuce leaf made with:

• 3 tbsps heavy cream
• 20g cooked chicken breast
• 2 tbsps mayonnaise
• 34g cucumbers and tomatoes

Snack

• 26g macadamia nuts
• An orange