How could diet affect epilepsy?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    After noticing that people with epilepsy tend to have fewer seizures while fasting, there was an interest in trying ketosis-inducing diets to control seizures. Limited research suggests that a ketogenic diet, a medium-chain triglyceride diet, a modified Atkins diet, or a low-glycemic-index diet may be helpful for reducing seizures in some people with epilepsy. However, a strict ketogenic diet can be challenging to adhere to long-term and can increase the risk for adverse health effects such as nutritional deficiencies, growth impairment in children, and digestive problems.[1][2]

    References

    1. ^Devinsky O, Vezzani A, O'Brien TJ, Jette N, Scheffer IE, de Curtis M, Perucca PEpilepsy.Nat Rev Dis Primers.(2018-May-03)
    2. ^Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on the Public Health Dimensions of the EpilepsiesrEpilepsy Across the Spectrum: Promoting Health and Understanding