Epilepsy - Ketogenic Diet. Must read health care post

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Hi there!

Peruse information on the ketogenic diet below to your heart's content. Warning: It's not for everyone, and can have severe side effects. The diet is very hard to follow. You also need health staff to monitor it closely. Feel free to learn more here: http://www.epilepsy.org.au/treatment_ketogenic.asp

The ketogenic diet, is a specific diet, very high in fats and low in carbohydrates. It makes the body burn fat for energy instead of glucose.

It is a very strict diet, and needs to be closely monitored by a dietician. It takes a strong commitment from the whole family. It is a serious form of treatment that, like other therapies for epilepsy, has side effects that have to be watched for.

 

The diet provides most (80 percent) of its energy from fat. The rest comes from carbohydrates and protein. Each meal has about four times as much fat as protein or carbohydrate

The food and liquid at each meal have to be carefully calculated and weighed for each person. It is a very precise method.

Target group: The ketogenic diet is predominantly used in children with poorly controlled seizures. There is no way to predict whether it will be successful or not.

Starting the diet: The diet is started under close medical supervision in the hospital. It is started gradually and increased to the full amount over a 3 to 4 day period. During this time blood sugar and ketone levels are monitored. A fasting period is not necessary to start the diet although it is used at some hospitals. More specific information can be found at the Children's Epilepsy Programme

It is difficult to predict. The diet may become effective immediately or can take several months. Each child is unique and has different seizure patterns and frequency. However, there is usually some improvement within the first few weeks on the ketogenic diet. Improvement in behaviour will be also seen in some children. 

Medications regime: Medications will continue as normal unless changed by the neurologist. There may be a review of the medications if the diet is successful in controlling the seizures.

Side effects: Any beliefs that the diet is “holistic” or “all-natural” are incorrect. The diet is not without side effects. Gastrointestinal complaints are most common and include constipation and worsening of reflux, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Weight loss or gain may also occur. Speak to the doctor about various side effects of this diet.

Limitations of this diet: The diet alone is inadequate in many vitamins and minerals. Supplements will be prescribed for your child while on the ketogenic diet.

When to stop using this diet: If the diet has led to seizure freedom for 2 years, side effects are intolerable, or the family does not feel that the diet is worth the effort, it may be recommended discontinuing the
diet. Like discontinuing medications, the diet must be gradually weaned with the supervision of your doctor and dietician..