The first course of treatment for epilepsy is an antiepileptic drug. For many patients these drugs are fairly effective at controlling the number of seizures they will experience. For some, however, these drugs are ineffective and the seizures continue. A diet exists that may help when the drugs do not---it is the ketogenic diet. It is similar to the Atkins diet, and though it is used primarily for children, it may help adults who suffer from epilepsy as well.
How It Works
Though the ketogenic diet has been successful at helping children gain full or partial control over the seizures they suffer from, the exact reason for this success is not yet known. The diet itself is designed to produce large amounts of ketones, compounds present when the body burns fat for energy. Some researchers believe that beta-hydroxybutyrate, a byproduct of ketosis, is responsible for inhibiting seizures. This theory is currently being tested.
The Basics of the Diet
There are several ways the diet can be used, but the basic philosophy is the same.
It is begun in a hospital, where the patient undergoes a 24- to 48-hour fasting period under the close supervision of her doctor. Following her fast, she is started on her new meal plan, which is extremely strict. Fat is her main source of energy, which promotes ketosis. For every six calories she ingests, four are derived from fats, while the remaining two are from proteins and carbohydrates.
Acceptable Foods
The ketogenic diet has three main categories, or food groups from which the patient can choose: Unrestricted, restricted, and fatty. Typically the patient will be allowed to eat a maximum of 15 grams of carbohydrates a day, as much protein and fat as he would like, and any beverage as long as it does not contain carbohydrates.
Most of his calories will be derived from fats such as hot dogs, bacon, eggs, mayonnaise, and butter. Potato chips are also allowed.
Vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, spinach, and lettuce fall into the unrestricted category, while foods with a high sugar content, such as candy and bread, are not allowed. Snacking between meals is strictly prohibited as well.
It is recommended that one take a multivitamin while on this diet to ensure that one's nutritional needs are met.
Dietary Alternative
The Atkins diet may be an effective alternative for children who have a difficult time complying with the ketogenic diet. The basics of the Atkins diet are similar in that it forces the body to produce ketones; however, the diet itself is a bit more lenient, making it easier for children to adhere to it. It allows for larger amounts of both protein and calories, and has been shown to be just as effective. (See References 2)
The Atkins diet may be an option for adults with epilepsy whose medications have not worked for them. Many adults cannot comply with the ketogenic diet, and therefore the Atkins diet may be a good alternative for them as well. (See References 1)
Possible Risks
If you choose to place your child on a ketogenic diet, or to go on it yourself, take into consideration the possible risks.
First, it is not uncommon for children on the diet to experience growth delays. If she is able to be tapered off the diet, a growth spurt will typically take place.
Kidney stones may develop from the uric acid that builds up in the blood from the ketones. In addition, nausea and vomiting can occur during fasts.
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar