When the system metabolizes the fat, it generates a substance known as ketones. Primarily, ketogenic diet promotes by converting the fat into energy instead of glucose or sugar by restricting carbohydrates and increasing fat. Even though there is not clear answer that this type of epilepsy diet reduces seizure but it most cases it show to be successful in decreasing seizures for some children with epilepsy.

Ketogenic diet characterize by consuming four grams of fat for every one gram of protein as well as carbohydrate altogether. An individual under this diet may need to consume more on fatty foods like peanut butter, cream and butter. Foods like vegetables, fruits, pasta and bread should be entirely restricted. Total fluids and calories should also be under control. In fact, the food for each meal must be carefully measured cautiously. The failure to follow this diet can revoke its effectively.

What To Expect After Treatment

It is very important to remember that when you going to start this diet for epilepsy, you need to fast the day before you begin. The diet must be steadily introduced to the body, so that the system can allow the dramatic change. Normally, the person may feel lack of energy and tired during the first few days of the diet.

In case of children, they are normally admitted to hospital or a certain epilepsy center when they are starting epilepsy diet, so that they can be closely monitored. This type of diet must be given or try under the supervision of a physician and dietitian.
Why It Is Done

Moreover, this diet for epilepsy can be sometimes used for children with rigorous seizures and cannot respond to antiepileptic drugs successfully. This has worked mostly for treating seizuresassociated to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. This is ideal for children wherein certain treatments are not successful.

Risks of Ketogenic Diet
This diet usually causes side effects for people and these are not typically serious:
Slow development of children
Behavior changes
Kidney stones
High cholesterol level
Vomiting
Constipation
Dehydration
People under this diet may also develop vitamin as well as mineral deficiencies unless they try to use supplements that can able to complete these shortage. This is because ketogenic cannot supply sufficient amount of nutrients that the body needed. That is why, it is very important to consult a physician that can help you with this diet.

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Filed under: Epilepsy Treatment

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