What foods should be avoided to manage epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterised by recurrent seizures. Recognizing epilepsy symptoms in children and managing them can be complex and requires a multi-factor approach, which includes the use of antiepileptic drugs, lifestyle changes and, in some cases, surgery. However, one of the often overlooked but crucial aspects of epilepsy management is diet.

Recent studies have shown that diet can significantly affect the frequency and severity of seizures.1

We will discuss which foods should be avoided, which foods are recommended and the functional nutrients that can help in the management of seizures.

The role of diet in epilepsy

Diet plays a key role in the management of childhood epilepsy. Some foods may trigger seizures, while others may have a protective effect. Understanding which foods to avoid and which to include in your daily diet can make a big difference for those suffering from epilepsy.

Foods to avoid

What foods and drinks can increase the risk of seizures? Patients suffering from this disease should avoid:

  1. alcoholic beverages: alcohol can alter the chemical balance in the brain, increasing the risk of seizure;
  2. coffee and stimulant drinks: caffeine can over-stimulate the central nervous system, increasing the likelihood of seizures;
  3. carbonated soft drinks: often containing caffeine and refined sugars, both of which could trigger seizures;
  4. refined sugars and processed foods: can cause rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels, adversely affecting the brain;
  5. food additives: some artificial preservatives and colours have been associated with an increase in epileptic seizures in some people;
  6. monosodium glutamate (MSG): used as a flavour enhancer, it can have neurotoxic effects and can trigger seizures.

Recommended foods to take

To offset the negative effects of the above mentioned foods, it is important to include foods that may have a protective effect in the daily diet, for example:

  1. whole foods: rich in fibre and nutrients, helping to keep blood sugar levels stable;
  2. vegetables: provide vitamins and minerals that are essential for the functioning of the nervous system;
  3. fish: rich in omega 3, has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties;
  4. nuts: source of healthy fats and essential nutrients;
  5. lean meat and pulses: provide high-quality proteins that are necessary for brain health.

These foods are extremely effective for epilepsy in children.

Functional nutrients for seizure management

In addition to choosing the right foods, it is important to take specific nutrients that have been shown to have beneficial effects for those suffering from epilepsy. For this reason, it is important to support pharmacological treatment with the use of supplements against epilepsy, which can support the patient in managing the side effects of medicines.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters and may help reduce the frequency of seizures. Foods rich in vitamin B6 include chicken, fish, potatoes and bananas.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is essential for neurological health and can help reduce the severity of seizures. Several studies investigated the role of vitamin D3 in the management of epilepsy. Research published in the Journal of Neurology has shown that adequate vitamin D3 levels can help reduce the severity of epileptic seizures due to its neuroprotective properties.2

It is found in fatty fish such as salmon, and can also be taken through supplements.

Omega-3s

Omega-3s, present in abundance in fish and dried fruit, have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, useful in the management of epilepsy.3

The optimal types of diet for epilepsy management

There are several diets that can be particularly useful in the management of epilepsy. One of the most effective is the ketogenic diet, which is based on high fat intake, moderate protein intake and low carbohydrate intake. The importance of the ketogenic diet is not to be underestimated, in fact, induces a state of ketosis, in which the body uses fats as the main source of energy instead of carbohydrates, thus reducing the frequency of seizures.

This diet should be followed under close medical supervision, as it requires careful monitoring of nutritional intake and ketosis levels.

Other dietary approaches

In addition to the ketogenic diet, other diets that may be useful include the low glycaemic index diet, which helps to keep blood sugar levels stable, and the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in neuroprotective foods such as fish, dried fruit and olive oil.

Management of epilepsy requires a holistic approach that includes medication, lifestyle changes and an appropriate diet. Avoiding certain foods and including others can make a big difference in the frequency and severity of seizures.

References

  1. Kossoff EH, et al. “The Ketogenic Diet in Children: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.” Journal of Child Neurology, 2007. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5983110/
  2. Holick MF, et al. “Vitamin D: A D-Lightful Health Perspective.” Journal of Neurology, 2008.
  3. Yuen AW, et al. “Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Epilepsy Research, 2005.