Over the last decade or so, the keto diet has gained much popularity among celebrities and social media influencers. Nearly everyone is or has been on the keto diet. Primarily followed to induce/support weight loss, the keto or ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan. By drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat, the body shifts its primary fuel source from glucose to ketones. It is believed to offer various health benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity, and potential therapeutic effects in conditions like epilepsy and metabolic disorders.
Let’s take a closer look at the relationship between the ketogenic diet and epilepsy.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition marked by unpredictable seizures due to abnormal brain activity. These seizures can vary from brief lapses of attention to severe convulsions affecting the whole body. Management typically involves antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), but some patients experience inadequate seizure control or intolerable side effects with medications alone.
Read more about epilepsy here.
Role of Diet in Epilepsy Management
Diet plays a significant role in managing epileptic seizures, especially in cases where conventional treatments such as medication may be insufficient or associated with intolerable side effects. Dietary therapies, such as the ketogenic diet, have gained attention for their potential to reduce seizure frequency and severity. Let’s understand more about this diet.
What is a Ketogenic Diet? Why Do Doctors Recommend This Diet for People With Epilepsy?
The ketogenic diet was originally developed in the 1920s as a therapeutic approach for epilepsy, particularly in children. It aims to mimic the fasting state, which was known to reduce seizure activity. Over time, variations of the ketogenic diet have been developed to suit different patient needs and preferences. These include the modified Atkins diet, and low glycemic index treatment.
How Does the Ketogenic Diet Reduce Seizures?
The diet typically includes moderate protein intake to support muscle maintenance and other bodily functions. Adherence to strict macronutrient ratios (usually around 70% fat, 20% protein, and 10% carbohydrates) is crucial to maintain ketosis (a metabolic state where the body primarily burns fats for energy instead of carbohydrates) and reap the diet’s potential benefits.
Ketosis is believed to alter brain metabolism, stabilising neuronal activity and reducing the likelihood of seizures.
In countries like India, where dietary patterns vary, adapting the ketogenic diet to local cuisines and preferences is essential for compliance and efficacy. Incorporating traditional foods rich in healthy fats and low in carbohydrates can make the diet more accessible and sustainable for Indian patients with epilepsy.
Types of Ketogenic Diets
There are several variations of the ketogenic diet tailored to individual needs and preferences:
Classical Ketogenic Diet
This diet typically has a fat to combined protein and carbohydrate ratio of 4:1 or 3:1.
Modified Atkins Diet (MAD)
MAD accommodates more protein and carbohydrates, making it less restrictive than the classical ketogenic diet while still promoting ketosis.
Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Ketogenic Diet
MCTs are fats that are more easily converted into ketones, allowing for a higher intake of carbohydrates and proteins.
Challenges of the Ketogenic Diet
Below are some of the most common challenges associated with the ketogenic diet:
- Restrictive Nature: Requires precise balance of high fats, low carbs, and adequate protein
- Complex Meal Planning: Involves meticulous food measurement and constant macronutrient monitoring
- Potential Side Effects: Common issues include constipation, kidney stones, lipid abnormalities, and initial symptoms like fatigue and dizziness
- Social and Cultural Impact: Can be socially isolating and challenging in culturally diverse populations with different dietary norms
- Medical Supervision Required: Crucial for optimising effectiveness, and managing side effects
The ketogenic diet represents a valuable therapeutic option for managing epilepsy, particularly in patients who are resistant to conventional treatment or experience intolerable side effects.
A multidisciplinary approach that addresses both medical and psychosocial aspects of care, can greatly help achieve better seizure control.
Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and ongoing management are critical for optimizing outcomes and improving quality of life for individuals living with epilepsy.
Read more about treating epilepsy at Plexus here.
To make an appointment at our Epilepsy Clinic –
WhatsApp +91 89048 42087
Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)
FAQs
How long does it take for keto to stop seizures?
It varies widely. Some patients may see improvements within weeks. However, significant seizure reduction typically takes several months on the ketogenic diet.
Which diet is most effective in epilepsy?
The ketogenic diet, particularly the classical version with a high fat to protein and carbohydrate ratio, is among the most effective dietary therapies for epilepsy.
Can fasting help epilepsy?
Yes, fasting can mimic the effects of the ketogenic diet by inducing ketosis. However, fasting for epilepsy should only be undertaken under medical supervision after understanding all the associated risks.
What foods make epilepsy worse?
Foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates have been known to exacerbate epilepsy by causing rapid blood sugar spikes and increasing neuronal excitability. Alcohol and certain food additives may also trigger seizures in some individuals.
What is the neuro ketogenic diet?
The neuro ketogenic diet is a specialised form of the ketogenic diet tailored to optimise brain health. It emphasizes specific nutrient ratios and types of fats to support neurological function and potentially enhance the diet’s therapeutic effects in conditions like epilepsy.
