The ketogenic diet is considered the best diet option for the treatment of epilepsy. This diet minimizes the number and severity of fits. Epilepsy is a nervous disorder, and people of all age groups can develop it. The anti-epileptic drugs control seizure attacks in most cases; however, the keto diet helps people with persistent symptoms. In this article, you will learn why the keto diet is the best for epilepsy.
What is the Keto Diet?
The Keto Diet is a high fat, low carb, and fixed protein diet. In this diet, you take almost 70 to 80% fat, 10 to 20% protein, and only 5 to 10% carbs. You may be surprised to know that a diet loaded with cream, cheese, nuts, butter, and meat can help you with epilepsy. However, you must know that this diet cannot be considered “healthy” in normal cases and is not for everyone. Many people think that this diet was introduced in recent years, this is not true. The Keto diet has been used to treat epilepsy since 1920.
How does it work?
Usually, your body's sugars or carbs are a source of energy, but things become different when you start the keto diet. The keto diet activates the ketosis process in your body. What is it? You may ask. It is a process in which your body uses fat as a source of energy. When the ketosis process starts, your body produces ketones (as the name suggests) which are used by the brain for energy.
How does Keto treat Epilepsy?
The Keto diet is an effective way to treat seizures and epilepsy. When ketosis starts, the production of GABA (a neurotransmitter) is improved, which has a relaxing effect on your mind. The anti-oxidative effects induced by this diet are also advantageous for your brain. This diet enhances the production of anti-epileptic acids and overall has a good impact on the brain's working.
What kind of food can you eat on this diet?
Following food groups are used during a keto diet.
1.Seafood
Seafood like fish and crabs are great sources of omega fatty acids and are keto-friendly. Seafood is excellent for your brain health.
2.Poultry
Meat and poultry are great sources of protein. This may include beef, chicken, and pork.
3.Dairy
Dairy products, cheese, butter, Greek yogurt, and cream are high in fat and protein and can be included in your keto diet routine.
4.Fruits
Most of the fruits are loaded with carbs, but avocado and berries are not. These fruits are keto-friendly.
5.Eggs
Eggs are one of the cheapest options for the keto diet.
6.Oils
Olive oil, coconut oil, mayo, and dressings contain triglycerides and are appropriate for the keto diet.
7.Nuts
Nuts are high fat and low carb foods and serve as a healthy snack.
8.Veggies
Lastly, some low-carb veggies like asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, eggplant, and tomatoes can also be used.
Bottom Line
To conclude, the keto diet has proven to treat epilepsy in kids and adults. The key idea of this diet is less consumption of carbs. This diet is trusted for many years to treat seizures.
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