About Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet, which is very high in fats and low in carbohydrates, was first developed almost 80 years ago. It makes the body burn fat for energy instead of glucose. When carefully monitored by a medical team familiar with its use, the diet helps two out of three children who are tried on it and may prevent seizures completely in one out of three. It is a strict diet, and takes a strong commitment from the whole family. The ketogenic diet is not a do-it-yourself diet. It is a serious form of treatment that, like other therapies for epilepsy, has some side effects that have to be watched for. More research is being done to learn about the underlying reasons for the diet's positive effect.

To find out more about the Ketogenic diet visit : http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/Medical/treatment/diet/

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High-fat diet cuts seizures for children with epilepsy
Source: The Times
Date: 10 March 2003
Oliver Wright reports that children suffering from severe epilepsy could drastically reduce their seizures by following a strict high-fat diet, according to research. When children follow a ketogenic diet, high in fat and low in carbohydrate, it mimics the effects of starvation by using fat rather than carbohydrates as the body's main source of energy. When fat breaks down, it produces ketone bodies, which have been found to help alleviate seizures in some people. Great Ormond Street Hospital is currently testing two ketogenic diets together for the first time, the Classical and the Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT).

Hearty breakfasts keep epilepsy at bay
Source: Daily Telegraph
Date: 26/08/2003
Feature: A look at a new high-fat diet - the ketogenic diet - designed to help children with severe, drug-resistant epilepsy, such as the subject matter of this feature, 7-year old Adam Aubad. Children with condition must eat meals with high butter and cream content, and it "mimics" starvation which then controls fits and seizures whilst reducing the need for drugs.