National Epilepsy Day: Dietary Changes Can Help Reduce Epileptic Seizures, Know What To Eat And Avoid

Certain diets can improve seizure control while some foods can worsen epileptic seizures. On National Epilepsy Day, an expert sheds light on dietary changes recommended for epilepsy control.

Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. According to World Health Organization (WHO), epilepsy is a common neurological disease, with around 50 million people living with the condition worldwide. Most of these epilepsies (80 per cent) are from developing countries. It is estimated that about 10 million people in India suffer from epileptic seizures. Every year, November 17 is observed as National Epilepsy Day in India to create awareness about this chronic disease.

Does diet effect epilepsy? This is one of the frequently asked questions related to epilepsy.

Dr Vinny Sood, Senior Consultant-Neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Gurugram, says “Dietary changes represent a potentially valuable adjuvant to other epilepsy treatment such as anticonvulsant medications and epilepsy surgery. Certain diets can improve seizure control.”

Diet for epilepsy patients

According to Dr Sood, two types of diet are recommended for people diagnosed with epilepsy. Modified Atkins Diet (high fat, high protein, low carbohydrate) and Ketogenic Diet (high fat, adequate protein and low carbohydrates).

She explains, “Common feature of these diets is that they eliminate sugar and all…