How Diet Can Control Childhood Seizures

The ketogenic (seizure control) diet is used for children and young people although it can be used for babies that are only months old.

Four fifths of the diet by weight is made up of fat and this also contibutes 90% of the calories. A typical child's breakfast could be an omelette made with mushrooms and bacon. A hot chocolate drink made from 36% cream. Luncheon may include stalks of celery with cream cheese or peanut butter, lettuce and mayonnaise and a tomato slice. Drink might be a diet soda that's caffeine free. Evening meal could be a hot dog with ketchup or with mustard, lettuce and mayonnaise, a sundae of whipped cream and a strawberry, and a diet soda.

This diet is not complete from a nutritional standpoint and the child will have to take multivitamins and minerals and calcium. The diet has to be very strictly adhered to otherwise it won't control seizures.

Beginning The Diet

It is necessary to spend four days in hospital while the child is fasted and the new meals are gradually introduced.

During the time spent in the hospital the dietician will teach the family all about the diet and provide meal plans for their child.

The Diet Is A Challenge

Most children will find that their favourite foods are not to be eaten on this diet. There is no fries, pastas, pizzas, cakes, biscuits, sweets and ice cream. This will make them 'different' from their family and friends.

Every last vestige of food and drink must be eaten because the diet is mathematically calculated. Foods must be weighed and drinks measured out. Eating out must be carefully planned.

Is This Diet Dangerous?

A diet which is so high in fat may not seem very healthy, but look again and the foods that are left out of the diet. Children do grow normally and weight remains stable. Nutritional supplements are provided to meet shortfalls.

The Diet Can Be A Cure

The ketogenic diet works for the majority who try it. Seizures are reduced a great deal or are eliminated completely. They are able to reduce their medications and in some cases can go without medication. After a few years on the diet, they can be weaned off it and return to normal eating. For those who are seizure and medication free, it means they are to all intents and purposes, cured.

Article Source: http://www.hostcontent.net

The author runs a website on alternative medicine which includes more expanded nutrition information on the seizure control diet. He lives in London, England and his website includes much information on nutrition and alternative medicine.

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