Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

preservatives in meats

Mon, 10/15/2007 - 15:59
Has any one heard of the preseratives in meats being a trigger for seziures? Cold cuts are really loaded with the stuff. We had gone to see a Doc. in Hoeophic med and he told us that it takes a day or so for the stuff to get to your brain but when it does the stuff can cause shorts avoid the stuff and all pork products along with any thing that says prosessed on the lable. Dairy products are also a carrier.

Comments

Yes, cold cut, hot dogs,

Submitted by Mystery Guest on Wed, 2018-05-23 - 21:40
Yes, cold cut, hot dogs, sausage and sugar drinks have some component in them that cause back to back seizures in my son.  Even eating at certain fast food chicken places have caused problems.  Food can be a contributing factor.  Listen to those of us that are having seizures. 

Re: preservatives in meats

Submitted by sabbath on Mon, 2009-04-06 - 13:42
what about preservatives causing absent seizures? I had 2 grand mal seizures,(that came out of no where) and they have since been controlled. Now I get these absent ones and I cant shake them,even with medication. and by the way, this all started at a later stage of my life,(i was 31 yrs old) not at a younger age when it generally begins. any info would be AWESOME. anything.

Re: preservatives in meats

Submitted by pgd on Mon, 2007-10-15 - 22:00
There is a big difference in terms of nutritional quality between fresh, whole, additive-free foods and foods full of chemicals, fillers, additives, and so on. Fresh, whole, additive-free foods (good fuel for the body) vs Canned, overly processed, low nutrient content, refined foods packed with many chemicals/additives (mediocre fuel for the body). http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Tartrazine_and_ADHD/ What is Neurotoxicity? Neurotoxicity occurs when the exposure to natural or manmade toxic substances (neurotoxicants) alters the normal activity of the nervous system. This can eventually disrupt or even kill neurons, key cells that transmit and process signals in the brain and other parts of the nervous system. Neurotoxicity can result from exposure to substances used in chemotherapy, radiation treatment, drug therapies, and organ transplants, as well as exposure to heavy metals such as lead and mercury, certain foods and food additives, pesticides, industrial and/or cleaning solvents, cosmetics, and some naturally occurring substances. Symptoms may appear immediately after exposure or be delayed. They may include limb weakness or numbness; loss of memory, vision, and/or intellect; headache; cognitive and behavioral problems; and sexual dysfunction. Individuals with certain disorders may be especially vulnerable to neurotoxicants. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/neurotoxicity/neurotoxicity.htm The major cause of seizures/epilepsy is not preservatives. Are a few persons extremely chemically sensitive to a small number of food additives? Yes. Can they feel a little better by eating fresh, whole foods which do not contain those chemicals? Yes. Is extreme chemical sensitivity to a few additives seen as being rare vs common? Yes. Again, is the major cause of seizures/epilepsy preservatives, etc.? No. Can a few food additives be a factor for a few persons? Yes. Examples of a few food additives which a few persons can detect include: MSG (monosodium glutamate), aspartame (artificial sweetener), FD&C Yellow Food Color No. 5 (tartrazine), sodium saccharin (artificial sweetener), sodium benzoate (preservative), FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Red No. 3, (etc.). Some of those food additives (often misdescribed as inert ingredients) tend to act like powerful drugs in a few persons (not everyone) and can linger in their system for several days or so. For a few persons, it can be a big factor. For most persons apparently, it is not much of a factor at all one way or the other. That's my understanding. Good luck.

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.