How Diet Can Control Childhood Seizures

The seizure control - ketogenic - diet can be used for babies only months old, although it is usually reserved for children over one and adolescents.

Four fifths of the diet by weight is made up of fat and this also contibutes 90% of the calories. A typical child’s breakfast could be an omelette made with mushrooms and bacon. A hot chocolate drink made from 36% cream. Luncheon may include stalks of celery with cream cheese or peanut butter, lettuce and mayonnaise and a tomato slice. Drink might be a diet soda that’s caffeine free. Evening meal could be a hot dog with ketchup or with mustard, lettuce and mayonnaise, a sundae of whipped cream and a strawberry, and a diet soda.

The ketogenic diet is not nutritionally complete. A multivitamin and mineral supplement and a calcium supplement is required daily. The diet is mathematically calculated and must be strictly adhered to. Even small variations can reduce ketosis and bring on seizures.

Starting The Diet

Four days of hospitalisation is required. The child is fasted for a few days then high fat meals are gradually introduced.

During the time spent in the hospital the dietician will teach the family all about the diet and provide meal plans for their child.

The Diet Is Challenging

Pastas, pizzas, chips, sweets, biscuits, cakes and ice cream are out. Most children will not only be deprived of their favourite foods, but will be ‘different’ from the rest of their family and friends.

Every scrap of food has to be eaten, every last drop drunk, otherwise the precise calculations of the diet will be invalid. Every food item must be carefully weighed. Eating away from home, at school and on trips must be planned with vigilance.

Isn’t The Diet Dangerous?

A typical meal of chicken, carrots, double cream and butter might not seem healthy, but look again at what children are not allowed to eat. Children grow normally. Weight remains stable so long as calories are controlled. Supplements provide for nutritional shortfalls.

The Diet Can Be A Cure

The ketogenic diet works for the majority who try it. Seizures are reduced a great deal or are eliminated completely. They are able to reduce their medications and in some cases can go without medication. After a few years on the diet, they can be weaned off it and return to normal eating. For those who are seizure and medication free, it means they are to all intents and purposes, cured.