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Epilepsy and Food

Tue, 05/12/2009 - 17:00

Hi,

I am 26 years old and was diagnosed 4 months ago with generalized Epilepsy but have had grand mal seizures for 15 years of my life. Im on Keppra 2,000mg a day and doing great. Some side effects like headaches but no biggie. Anyways, I never went to a neurologist (until January this year) becuase I would link my seizures either to my period or food. I have noticed that my seizures get worse when I eat a lot or when I eat greasy food. Luckily I get deja vus, auras and I just feel I will get a seizure which mostly happen at night. My neurologist says that there are no food restrictions with epilepsy, but I just feel weird when I eat a lot or eat greasy meals. Has this happened to anyone? Please let me know.

BTW - I think this website is awesome. Having lived through many grand mals in my life and still be here telling my story has made me count my blessings. I always try to repeat to myself that my higher power does not give me something I cannot handle :)  Good luck to all!

Thanks,


Adrilu

Comments

Re: Epilepsy and Food

Submitted by phylisfjohnson on Tue, 2010-09-14 - 09:08

Here are some interesting factoids for sensible eating and supplementing your diet.  (Before you take supplements, ask your doc.)

NUTRITION

Obviously, you should get most of your vitamins from food by eating a balanced diet. If necessary, vitamin supplements such as folic acid can help deal with vitamin loss caused by medication. People with epilepsy taking seizure medications seem to have more of a need for calcium and vitamin D to help keep healthy bones.

However, the all-star vitamin seems to be Vitamin B-6.  This vitamin is involved in critical functions of the nervous system.  And it boosts the metabolism of various neurotransmitters which are needed for normal brain function.  The good news is that it’s easy to get it in all kinds of different foods…fresh juicy fruits like apples, oranges, grapefruits, grapes, (especially grape juice),  pineapples, peaches, pears and lemons…green leafy vegetables, carrots, peanuts, rice, milk, cereals, seeds, nuts and grain.

VITAMINS

Vitamin B3 (or Niacin) — Improves circulation and is helpful for many brain-related disorders. It enhances the treatment of epilepsy when used with anticonvulsants.  Some foods rich in niacin are fish, lean meats, nuts, and poultry.

Vitamin B6 — A necessary cofactor in the metabolism of a variety of neurotransmitters.  It’s needed for normal brain function.  Protein rich foods such as chicken, fish, beans, and nuts are good sources. Other foods rich in Vitamin B6 include brewer’s yeast, milk, rice, green leafy vegetables, peanuts, carrots and cereals.

Vitamin B12 — Needed for proper digestion, the formation of cells, and the production of myelin, the protective coating surrounding the nerves. Vitamin B12 helps prevent nerve damage and levels may be reduced by some anticonvulsant drugs.  Foods rich in Vitamin B12 include liver (best source), beef, chicken, pork/ham, fish, whole eggs, milk, cheese and yogurt.

Vitamin B5 (Panothenic acid) – Is the anti-stress vitamin.  Good sources of vitamin B5 include broccoli, turnip greens and sunflower seeds., crimini mushrooms, corn, winter squash and strawberries.

Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) – Is necessary for the health of the nervous system. Foods that contain a significant amount of folic acid include liver, lentils, rice germ, brewer’s yeast, soy flour, black-eyed peas, navy beans, kidney beans, peanuts, spinach, turnip greens, lima beans, whole wheat, and asparagus.   (NOTE: Folic acid may be depleted during seizures and in some people with seizures. However, taking extra folic acid can reduce the effectiveness of anticonvulsant drugs and lead to more seizures. Take folic acid only under your doctor’s supervision.)

Vitamin C — Vital to functioning of the adrenal glands, which are the anti-stress glands.  It’s more than just citrus fruits that provide Vitamin C.  You’ll also find it in broccoli, tomatoes, red, orange and yellow peppers (more than green), baked potatoes, papaya, mango and kiwi.

Vitamin D Low vitamin D levels are associated with depression as well as epilepsy.  However many doctors aren’t aware of this and don’t include it in blood tests.  It’s called the “sun vitamin” since the most effective way (other than supplements) to get vitamin D is from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Food sources of vitamin D unfortunately rely upon fortified foods like milk. However, even though milk is fortified with vitamin D, dairy products made from milk such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream are generally not. Only a few foods naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D, including fatty fish and fish oils.

Vitamin EThe Canadian Journal of Neurological Science published a study showing that vitamin E deficiency produces seizures. This powerful antioxidant protects the body from damage by free radicals and aids circulation.  Foods rich in vitamin E include — almonds, canola oil and broccoli, vegetable oils, cereals, meat, poultry, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and wheat germ oil.

MINERALS

Calcium – When balanced with magnesium, it helps prevents bone loss.  However, you should know that calcium can interfere with anticonvulsant drugs and should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision. Calcium rich foods include cheese, yogurt,  milk, sardines, dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, turnips, and collard greens, fortified cereals such as Total, Raisin Bran, Corn Flakes (they have a lot of calcium in one serving),  fortified orange juice and enriched breads, grains, and waffles.

Magnesium – (Needed to balance with calcium.) This mineral, when aligned correctly with calcium, achieves equilibrium for us all.  There are a variety of foods which are rich in magnesium such as nuts and seeds; including almonds, peanuts, cashews, and pumpkin seeds.  Leafy greens like spinach, kale and swiss chard, plus black beans, sea kelp, basil, bananas, and halibut.

Manganese — Plays a significant role in cerebral function. Manganese (5 mg per day) levels are often low in people with epilepsy. Whole grains, leafy greens and legumes are your best suppliers of manganese, along with nuts, and teas.

Selenium – Found to significantly reduce seizures.  Brazil nuts are the single most selenium rich food in the world. In selenium rich soil areas of the world, selenium is found in meat (kidney, liver, poultry meat especially), garlic, onions, broccoli, eggs, mushroom, walnuts, sunflower seeds and wheat. Selenium is also found in seafood like tuna, crab and especially lobster!

Zinc — Needed for bone growth and is often deficient in those with epilepsy.  Zinc is found in meat, eggs, seafood (especially oysters) and from non-animal sources like whole-grain cereals, wheat germ, nuts, and legumes.

FOOD NO-NOS

You’re probably well aware of these, but here’s a gentle reminder…

Alcohol – People who drink too much have three times the normal risk of developing epilepsy, a risk similar to that of people who’ve had head injuries or central nervous system infections.  When used frequently or in large amounts, alcohol may interfere with the anticonvulsant medication and may lower seizure threshold.

Caffeine — Observations suggest that caffeine (cocoa, coffee, tea, cola,) can exacerbate seizures in people with epilepsy, especially when combined.

Aspartame — We have known for many years that aspartame lowers the seizure threshold. To combine an anticonvulsive with aspartame makes seizures more likely.  Studies have confirmed that aspartame triggers both seizures and epilepsy.  The FDA list of reactions to aspartame included grand mal seizures, seizures and convulsions, petit mal seizures, now called absence seizures, simple partial seizures & complex partial seizures.

MSG -- has been found to cause serious damage to several areas of the brain…  Some foods advertise “No MSG”, or “No added MSG”, but actually, they contain large amounts of a hidden MSG derivative, called “free glutamate”. This includes: hydrolyzed vegetable protein, “Enriched”, fermented, protein fortified, ultra pasteurized, broth, bouillon, caramel flavoring, corn syrup, cornstarch, dry milk solids, natural flavoring, gelatin, gums, malt extract, milk powder, modified food starch, potassium glutamate, seasonings, soy protein, soy sauce or extract, stock, vitamin “enriched,” whey protein, yeast extract and yeast nutrients.   Phylis Feiner Johnson www.epilepsytalk.com

 

Here are some interesting factoids for sensible eating and supplementing your diet.  (Before you take supplements, ask your doc.)

NUTRITION

Obviously, you should get most of your vitamins from food by eating a balanced diet. If necessary, vitamin supplements such as folic acid can help deal with vitamin loss caused by medication. People with epilepsy taking seizure medications seem to have more of a need for calcium and vitamin D to help keep healthy bones.

However, the all-star vitamin seems to be Vitamin B-6.  This vitamin is involved in critical functions of the nervous system.  And it boosts the metabolism of various neurotransmitters which are needed for normal brain function.  The good news is that it’s easy to get it in all kinds of different foods…fresh juicy fruits like apples, oranges, grapefruits, grapes, (especially grape juice),  pineapples, peaches, pears and lemons…green leafy vegetables, carrots, peanuts, rice, milk, cereals, seeds, nuts and grain.

VITAMINS

Vitamin B3 (or Niacin) — Improves circulation and is helpful for many brain-related disorders. It enhances the treatment of epilepsy when used with anticonvulsants.  Some foods rich in niacin are fish, lean meats, nuts, and poultry.

Vitamin B6 — A necessary cofactor in the metabolism of a variety of neurotransmitters.  It’s needed for normal brain function.  Protein rich foods such as chicken, fish, beans, and nuts are good sources. Other foods rich in Vitamin B6 include brewer’s yeast, milk, rice, green leafy vegetables, peanuts, carrots and cereals.

Vitamin B12 — Needed for proper digestion, the formation of cells, and the production of myelin, the protective coating surrounding the nerves. Vitamin B12 helps prevent nerve damage and levels may be reduced by some anticonvulsant drugs.  Foods rich in Vitamin B12 include liver (best source), beef, chicken, pork/ham, fish, whole eggs, milk, cheese and yogurt.

Vitamin B5 (Panothenic acid) – Is the anti-stress vitamin.  Good sources of vitamin B5 include broccoli, turnip greens and sunflower seeds., crimini mushrooms, corn, winter squash and strawberries.

Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) – Is necessary for the health of the nervous system. Foods that contain a significant amount of folic acid include liver, lentils, rice germ, brewer’s yeast, soy flour, black-eyed peas, navy beans, kidney beans, peanuts, spinach, turnip greens, lima beans, whole wheat, and asparagus.   (NOTE: Folic acid may be depleted during seizures and in some people with seizures. However, taking extra folic acid can reduce the effectiveness of anticonvulsant drugs and lead to more seizures. Take folic acid only under your doctor’s supervision.)

Vitamin C — Vital to functioning of the adrenal glands, which are the anti-stress glands.  It’s more than just citrus fruits that provide Vitamin C.  You’ll also find it in broccoli, tomatoes, red, orange and yellow peppers (more than green), baked potatoes, papaya, mango and kiwi.

Vitamin D Low vitamin D levels are associated with depression as well as epilepsy.  However many doctors aren’t aware of this and don’t include it in blood tests.  It’s called the “sun vitamin” since the most effective way (other than supplements) to get vitamin D is from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Food sources of vitamin D unfortunately rely upon fortified foods like milk. However, even though milk is fortified with vitamin D, dairy products made from milk such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream are generally not. Only a few foods naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D, including fatty fish and fish oils.

Vitamin EThe Canadian Journal of Neurological Science published a study showing that vitamin E deficiency produces seizures. This powerful antioxidant protects the body from damage by free radicals and aids circulation.  Foods rich in vitamin E include — almonds, canola oil and broccoli, vegetable oils, cereals, meat, poultry, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and wheat germ oil.

MINERALS

Calcium – When balanced with magnesium, it helps prevents bone loss.  However, you should know that calcium can interfere with anticonvulsant drugs and should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision. Calcium rich foods include cheese, yogurt,  milk, sardines, dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, turnips, and collard greens, fortified cereals such as Total, Raisin Bran, Corn Flakes (they have a lot of calcium in one serving),  fortified orange juice and enriched breads, grains, and waffles.

Magnesium – (Needed to balance with calcium.) This mineral, when aligned correctly with calcium, achieves equilibrium for us all.  There are a variety of foods which are rich in magnesium such as nuts and seeds; including almonds, peanuts, cashews, and pumpkin seeds.  Leafy greens like spinach, kale and swiss chard, plus black beans, sea kelp, basil, bananas, and halibut.

Manganese — Plays a significant role in cerebral function. Manganese (5 mg per day) levels are often low in people with epilepsy. Whole grains, leafy greens and legumes are your best suppliers of manganese, along with nuts, and teas.

Selenium – Found to significantly reduce seizures.  Brazil nuts are the single most selenium rich food in the world. In selenium rich soil areas of the world, selenium is found in meat (kidney, liver, poultry meat especially), garlic, onions, broccoli, eggs, mushroom, walnuts, sunflower seeds and wheat. Selenium is also found in seafood like tuna, crab and especially lobster!

Zinc — Needed for bone growth and is often deficient in those with epilepsy.  Zinc is found in meat, eggs, seafood (especially oysters) and from non-animal sources like whole-grain cereals, wheat germ, nuts, and legumes.

FOOD NO-NOS

You’re probably well aware of these, but here’s a gentle reminder…

Alcohol – People who drink too much have three times the normal risk of developing epilepsy, a risk similar to that of people who’ve had head injuries or central nervous system infections.  When used frequently or in large amounts, alcohol may interfere with the anticonvulsant medication and may lower seizure threshold.

Caffeine — Observations suggest that caffeine (cocoa, coffee, tea, cola,) can exacerbate seizures in people with epilepsy, especially when combined.

Aspartame — We have known for many years that aspartame lowers the seizure threshold. To combine an anticonvulsive with aspartame makes seizures more likely.  Studies have confirmed that aspartame triggers both seizures and epilepsy.  The FDA list of reactions to aspartame included grand mal seizures, seizures and convulsions, petit mal seizures, now called absence seizures, simple partial seizures & complex partial seizures.

MSG -- has been found to cause serious damage to several areas of the brain…  Some foods advertise “No MSG”, or “No added MSG”, but actually, they contain large amounts of a hidden MSG derivative, called “free glutamate”. This includes: hydrolyzed vegetable protein, “Enriched”, fermented, protein fortified, ultra pasteurized, broth, bouillon, caramel flavoring, corn syrup, cornstarch, dry milk solids, natural flavoring, gelatin, gums, malt extract, milk powder, modified food starch, potassium glutamate, seasonings, soy protein, soy sauce or extract, stock, vitamin “enriched,” whey protein, yeast extract and yeast nutrients.   Phylis Feiner Johnson www.epilepsytalk.com

 

Re: Epilepsy and Food

Submitted by Addibaby on Tue, 2010-09-14 - 09:16
Thanks Phylis, I know that you will always have the techinical stuff. I really appriciate it.

Re: Epilepsy and Food

Submitted by pollyvt on Thu, 2011-10-13 - 22:13
Thanks Phylis. Just this week I realized studies show a connection between MSG and seizures. I cut out nearly all processed foods around six years ago because I get very sick from even small amounts of MSG(www.truthinlabeling.org is a very helpful site for those who want to cut out all MSG/free-glutamic acid). I'm hopeful that being MSG-free will also help control my seizures with a lower dose of med. In a year or two, I may try to go off meds again. I have a mild disorder (deja vu and rare nighttime partial complex seizures). This post is great. I hope people continue to add what they know!

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