THE KETOGENIC DIET AND EPILEPSY The Ketogenic diet is a special method of treating epilepsy (seizure disorders). The Ketogenic diet was developed in the early twentieth century when few drug treatments for epilepsy were available; until recently, it had been used only when drug therapy was ineffective. The dietary approach was based on the observation that Ketosis (increased blood levels of chemicals called Ketones) is associated with reduction of seizures. Ketones are substances produced when the body breaks down fat for energy. A Ketone test detects Ketones in a blood or urine sample. Normally your body obtains the energy it needs from carbohydrates in your diet. However, if your diet does not include enough carbohydrates to supply the body with sugar (glucose) for energy, or if your body cannot use glucose properly, stored fat is broken down and Ketones are produced (Ketogenesis). People on a Ketogenic diet have to eat mostly fatty foods, such as butter, cream, and peanut butter. Foods such as bread, pasta, fruits, and vegetables have to be severely limited, and the person's total calorie and fluid intakes are also restricted. At every meal, the food has to be measured carefully so that the right amounts of each food are given; even a slight departure from the diet can ruin its effect. The Ketogenic diet may sometimes be used to treat children with severe seizures who have not responded to antiepileptic medications. It may be a good choice for a child when other treatments have failed to control seizures. No one knows why the Ketogenic diet prevents seizures in some children and not in others, or why it has been more successful with children than with adults. If you have a child with uncontrolled epilepsy, you may wish to discuss with your child's doctor whether a Ketogenic diet might be an option. Despite the success of the Ketogenic diet in some children, many doctors remain sceptical of its use. It may pose other health risks to your child, and it is extremely hard to follow. Until more is known about how the Ketogenic diet works and what its effects are, some doctors may not recommend using it. The drawbacks to this diet are that for the diet to prevent seizures, your child has to follow it exactly. The amounts and types of foods eaten have to be measured precisely, and preparing meals can take a lot of time. But the diet will not work for some children, no matter how closely they follow it, and the Ketogenic diet is not a healthy eating plan for children or adults. This type of diet seems to be effective for multiple types of seizures. However, it has been found it to be most effective for myoclonic seizures and "minor motor" seizures. The Ketogenic diet is used as a secondary method of treatment, when conventional anti-seizure medications do not seem to adequately control seizures. This diet also seems to be helpful for other types of seizures, such as tonic-clonic seizures and complex partial seizures. People on the Ketogenic diet may develop Vitamin and Mineral deficiencies unless they take Vitamin and Mineral supplements. The diet does not supply adequate amounts of the Vitamins and Minerals the body needs. You should always consult your physician or neurologist about the suitability and benefit of the Ketogenic diet for your child’s seizure disorder. You should also contact other keto providers and families who have been on the diet.   Click here to send us an email   Disclaimer: This article is not meant to replace consultation with trained health care professionals. The publisher and author are not responsible for any adverse consequences of effects resulting from the use of any of the information or suggestions contained in this article. All research has been done in good faith, using recognized sources.