There’s new research showing that the keto diet may not only reduce the number of seizures for people with epilepsy but also stop them altogether for some. In addition, scientists found that the keto diet appears to be especially effective for children who have a type of epilepsy that doesn’t respond to medical treatment.
Drug-resistant epilepsy
A 2019 review of the effects of the keto diet on refractory (drug-resistant) epilepsy in children found that more than half the participants who followed a keto diet experiencing a significant reduction (at least 50%) in seizures. Better still, between 10 and 15% of these children stop having seizures at all.
The theory is that a keto diet—which puts the body in a state of ketosis to burn fat instead of carbs for energy—alters the body’s metabolism. These changes in the cerebrospinal fluid and brain seem to decrease the excitability of neurons. But it’s vital that epileptics follow the modified diet for at least 3 months after reaching ketosis and a doctor should monitor the person’s health throughout the treatment.
Epileptics of all ages may benefit from a keto diet, but researchers say it may be especially helpful to people with certain types of the disorder, including those with:
- Dravet, Rett and Doose syndrome
- GLUT-1 deficiency
- tuberous sclerosis complex
While the keto diet appears to be helpful for infantile spasms, a formula-only keto diet requires strict doctor supervision to ensure the baby’s health.
Risks of the keto diet
All major dietary changes can come with risk, and the keto diet is no exception. Some of the symptoms to watch for include:
- weight loss
- nausea and vomiting
- kidney stones
- constipation
- lethargy
- irritability
- increased cholesterol or triglyceride levels
- growth problems (in children)
Most dieticians will recommend a low-carb or carb-free multivitamin to help supplement required nutritional intake.
Some doctors may recommend that you come off the keto diet once your seizures are under control.
