The Benefits of the Keto Diet for Epilepsy in Adults

A ketogenic diet can be an effective treatment for epilepsy in adults when the patient can’t control their seizures with medications alone. It has also been found to reduce seizures in some children and teenagers with epilepsy who are unresponsive to medications, but these results aren’t consistent across all studies. 

This guide will explore the efficacy of the keto diet and how it may benefit patients with epilepsy, with tips on how you can start your own keto diet if you decide it might be right for you or a loved one.

What is the keto diet?

A ketogenic diet is a very high-fat, low-carb diet that has been used to treat epilepsy since the 1920s.

How does it help people with epilepsy?

A ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that forces your body to burn fats instead of glucose. Studies have shown that this can reduce seizure frequency by more than 50%. 

This may be especially beneficial for people with epilepsy who are resistant to medications or those who have been unable to find an effective medication. 

Many times, people with epilepsy can control their seizures without the need for any medications by following a ketogenic diet.

How should you start a keto diet?

Keto diets are often more restrictive than other diets, but the benefits of ketogenic diet epilepsy and epilepsy in adults can outweigh the difficulties. 

Before you start a keto diet, consult your healthcare provider to discuss any medical conditions or issues you may have that could be impacted by a keto diet. If they give you clearance to start, then it's time to get started!

What foods should you eat on a keto diet?

In order to enter into ketosis and reap all its benefits, you need to eat a high-fat, low-carb diet. Ketogenic diets are typically at least 75% fat with 20% protein and 5% carbs. It is important that this ratio be adhered to as strictly as possible. 

Some foods you can enjoy on a keto diet include: coconut oil, butter or ghee, eggs, bacon or ham, fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, leafy greens such as spinach or lettuce (choose organic when possible), avocados, olives and walnuts. 

Do you know, what keto diet mistakes people make? Read our blog to find out the 7 MOST COMMON mistakes. 

Drink plenty of water throughout the day while following this diet plan. Eating out? Choose items such as eggs benedict with an English muffin instead of an English muffin bun; grilled chicken salad without croutons; steak without fried potatoes; meatballs instead of pasta.