A sudden seizure is the most clear and common sign of the brain disorder, epilepsy.
Epileptic seizures can be triggered by many additives that are in processed foods. Aspartame is known to induce seizures. Two main constituents of aspartame include phenylalanine and aspartic acid. Aspartic acid is an excitotoxin, which means that it over-excites nerves, causing them to literally burn-out and die. Phenylalanine is a known neurotoxin, so aspartame should be avoided by all individuals. Beware whenever you see "sugar-free" on a package.
Zinc deficiency has been shown to cause seizures. A study that was published in 1990, entitled, Effects of dietary zinc status on seizure susceptibility and hippocampal zinc content in the El (epilepsy) mouse, showed that zinc deficiency caused seizures, and this could be quickly corrected with adequate zinc supplementation. Many epilepsy sufferers have noted significant improvements in their condition with zinc intake.
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According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may also help you manage epileptic episodes:
- Get some extra E
Improve treatment results in children by supplementing with 400 IU of vitamin E a day - Check out Chinese herbal formulas
Try 2.5 grams a day of sho-saiko-to or saiko-keishi-to in tea or capsules - Consider a Ketogenic diet
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that in medicine is used primarily to treat difficult-to-control epilepsy in children. The diet forces the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates. Normally, the carbohydrates contained in food are converted into glucose, which is then transported around the body and is particularly important in fuelling brain-function. However, if there is very little carbohydrate in the diet, the liver converts fat into fatty acids and ketone bodies. The ketone bodies pass into the brain and replace glucose as an energy source. An elevated level of ketone bodies in the blood, a state known as ketosis, leads to a reduction in the frequency of epileptic seizures. - Uncover food sensitivities
Work with a knowledgeable professional to find out if eliminating certain foods reduces seizure frequency - Vitamin B-1 and Vitamin E have shown very positive results in helping people who are suffering with epilepsy. Epilepsy has been linked to a vitamin B-1 deficiency.
Based on the aforementioned approaches, it is obvious that a good diet is essential for overcoming epilepsy. As always, we recommend avoidance of all "white" products, including white sugar, white flour, table salt, and...
...white rice. It is especially important for an epileptic sufferer to avoid artificial sweeteners and additives. Drink spring water, and eat a balanced diet, which includes range-fed meats (preferably organic), whole grains, and organic fruits and vegetables. There are no healthy breads (not even whole wheat) in regular retailers anymore, so we recommend buying a bread maker.
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These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading the full epilepsy article for more in-depth, fully-referenced information on medicines, vitamins, herbs, and dietary and lifestyle changes that may be helpful.
