Though most people think of diets as a means to control weight, what we eat also plays a major role in how our bodies function. The ketogenic diet was actually created to help those suffering from seizures and epilepsy control their condition. But what is keto—and how can it help reduce the instances of seizures?
What is keto and how does it affect the way the body functions?
The ketogenic diet is one that places a heavy focus on consuming fewer carbs, substituting “good fats” and lean protein in for empty carbohydrates. Many doctors recommend the ketogenic diet to patients who need to lose a significant amount of weight in a short period of time thanks to the consistent results the diet shows when it comes to shedding the pounds. The ketogenic diet forces the metabolism to switch from glucose (fuel from sugar, or carbs) to ketones (fuel from fat) as a primary energy source—leading overweight patients to see oftentimes drastic results.
How does keto affect the brain?
A seizure is the result of an error in neurotransmitter functioning. Sometimes, a neurotransmitter may become “too excitable” and fire during an improper time, releasing a flood of glutamate that isn’t needed. Other times, the brain cells are resistant to inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA that stop the firing.
The ketogenic diet can help reduce the number and severity of seizures by limiting the production of glutamate and increasing the amount of GABA synthesized. These two factors working in tandem makes it significantly less likely for a seizure to occur. The ketogenic diet can also reduce inflammation in the brain and reduce the likelihood of contracting illnesses that result from inflammation like meningitis and encephalitis—both of which can lead to the onset of a seizure in someone living with epilepsy.1
Why are lifestyle modifications necessary for those living with epilepsy?
Because most drug-based epilepsy treatments use the same few mechanisms, resistance to two or more medications can be extremely detrimental to recovery—after this point, more medications have just a 10% chance of succeeding. In addition to drug resistance, medications used to treat epilepsy can often come with a number of life-altering side effects. For example, though sedative-based treatments may be effective in controlling the number and severity of seizures, they can also leave the patient in a perpetual state of grogginess.
Using dietary controls to regulate epilepsy places control back into the hands of the patient. Patients who understand the science behind the ketogenic diet and how it affects their brain chemistry can feel a greater sense of control over their condition, leading to a reduction in the symptoms of depression and anxiety that often come along with the diagnosis.
If you are suffering from seizures, consult with your doctor before beginning a low-carb diet—together, you can find the treatment that’s right for you.
NUTRITIONAL DISCLAIMER
The content on this website should not be taken as medical advice and you should ALWAYS consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. We provide nutritional data for our recipes as a courtesy to our readers. We use Total Keto Diet app software to calculate the nutrition and we remove fiber and sugar alcohols, like erythritol, from the total carbohydrate count to get to the net carb count, as they do not affect your blood glucose levels. You should independently calculate nutritional information on your own and not rely on our data. The website or content herein is not intended to cure, prevent, diagnose or treat any disease. This website shall not be liable for adverse reactions or any other outcome resulting from the use of recipes or recommendations on the Website or actions you take as a result. Any action you take is strictly at your own risk.
Dr. Rosmy Barrios, MD is an aesthetic medicine specialist whose work focuses on patients who are treated for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other weight-related issues through nutritional analysis, keto diet programs, and supporting medications.
- Keto Drives Increased Calorie Burn - July 11, 2019
- New High-Protein, Low-Sugar Greek Yogurt Hits Market - April 1, 2019
- Can Going Low-Carb Fight Back Fat? - December 4, 2018
