MANAGING EPILEPSY

Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by recurring seizures. While most of those who suffer from epilepsy use various medications to attempt to control their seizures, many have found relief in a natural diet and other natural treatments.

First of all, let me say that I am not a fan of the ketogenic diet approach to epilepsy, such as an Atkins diet or modified diet, except as a last resort. Despite reports of success and a long history of use, there are also reports of problems and several of its features run counter to what others recommend for a diet that helps with epilepsy - most important of which is the avoidance of animal protein. Beyond that, it is my opinion (shared by a great many others) that Atkins was a true pioneer who got a great deal right but his diet was ultimately fatally flawed when the marketing became centered around the simple and unhealthy formula of basically eliminating carbs and eating just about anything else you wanted including junk food and excessive unhealthy fats. Some carbohydrates are essential for good health and strict adherence to the Atkins diet will indeed result in weight loss, but if used for any great length of time it may come with the cost of developing chronic problems that can eventually be life shortening if not life threatening.

Dietary Recommendations

* Eat sour milk products like organic yogurt and kefir.

* Include beet greens, chard, eggs, green leafy vegetables, raw cheese, raw milk, raw nuts, seeds and fermented soy products such as miso, tempeh and natto.

* Drink fresh "live" juices made from beets, carrots, green beans, green leafy vegetables, peas, red grapes, and seaweed for concentrated nutrients.

* Eat small meals, do not drink large quantities of liquids at once, and take 2 tablespoons of olive oil daily.

* Avoid alcoholic beverages, animal protein, fried foods, artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame, caffeine, and nicotine. Avoid refined foods and sugar.

Some of the most important vitamins and minerals for epilepsy:

* DMG

* L-Carnitine

* L-tyrosine

* Magnesium

* Oxygen enhancing products (Such as OxyGen)

* Selenium

* Taurine

* Vitamin B Complex

* Extra Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

* Folic Acid

* Pantothenic Acid

* Calcium

* Zinc

Important herbs for epilepsy include:

* Alfalfa

* Black cohosh, hyssop and lobelia (for best results use on a rotating basis)

Caution: Do not use the black cohosh during pregnancy. Avoid the herb sage - this herb should not be taken by anyone with a serious disorder.

Other recommendations

* If the bowels do not move each day, before going to bed, take a lemon enema using the juice of two lemons and 2 quarts of distilled water.

* Take an Epsom salts bath twice a week

* Work towards self care. Keep drug dosages as low as possible, and work towards becoming as free from drugs and seizures as possible. The correct diet and nutritional supplements are very important in the control of epilepsy.

* Get regular moderate exercise to improve circulation to the brain.

* As much as possible, avoid stress.

If you are present when someone is having a seizure:

* Do not restrain the person.

* Do not try to put anything in the person's mouth. A person having a seizure may bite his or her tongue, but this is not life threatening.

* Try to restrain a fall so that the person does not hit something as he or she collapses. Often, the person knows he or she is about to have a seizure and you can ask him or her to sit on the floor, or help him or her sit down.

* Leave the person lying flat on a safe surface. Do not put anything under the person's head. If possible, turn the person onto his or her side, propping him or her in that position with cushions at the back during the seizure. This way, any saliva or blood from a bitten tongue will be able to flow out of the mouth.

* In case of the loss of bladder or bowel control, if possible, loosely cover the person with a blanket to protect his or her privacy.

* Do not panic. Loosen any tight clothing to make the person more comfortable. Stay with the person until the seizure has stopped. He or she may be confused and tired immediately after the seizure.

* If the person has repeated seizures, one after another, seek medical assistance. With a baby or young child, medical help should be sought immediately.

Considerations:

Most people who have epilepsy are aware of their condition and take medication to control the seizures. Possible side effects of antiseizure medications include blood disorders, fatigue, liver problems, and mental fatigue or fogginess.

Other types of drugs can interact with antiseizure medications, lessening or intensifying the effects of one drug or another. Alcohol, birth control pills, the antibiotic erythromycin, and some types of asthma, ulcer and heart medications are known to interact with certain epilepsy drugs.