Overview
Although medical advancements have improved treatment options for individuals with epilepsy, there are many patients who do not respond to medications or surgery. For these patients, alternative medicine becomes their final option. In some cases, a form of the Atkins diet has been found to be effective at reducing seizure activity.
History
In 1921, the ketogenic diet was created at the Mayo Clinic. This diet focused on consuming very high fat, low protein and very low carbohydrate foods. It proved effective at reducing seizures. Decades later, as medications were developed and approved to treat seizure disorders, the ketogenic diet lost popularity. In the early 1990s this high-fat diet regained the spotlight and more patients began exploring this option. In 2002, researchers at Johns Hopkins Hospital supported by the Atkins Foundation, conducted research using a modified version of the popular Atkins diet to determine its effectiveness at seizure control. Results were favorable and studies continued to work toward perfecting the diet.
Features
Although scientists from around the world have conducted extensive research on the use of high fat, very low carbohydrate diets and their effects on seizures, New York University experts admit it is not yet understood how or why it works. The Epilepsy Foundation indicates approximately 15 g of carbohydrates a day, roughly the amount contained in five to six saltine crackers, are allowed to patients on the modified Atkins diet. Calories are not restricted, protein provisions are somewhat higher than with ketogenic diet, and no fasting period is required. Currently the diet is most effective for children, as adults find it too restrictive.
Significance
The American Academy of Neurology acknowledges, when effective, the modified Atkins diet can lead to significant seizure improvement. The diet also offers another option to patients struggling to comply with the strict ketogenic diet. A study published in Epilepsia followed 20 children on the 10 g of carbohydrates diet for six months. Sixteen completed the study after six months, 65 percent had greater than 50 percent improvement, of whom seven had greater than a 90 percent improvement and four were seizure free.
Considerations
Generally, physicians recommend the modified Atkins diet for adolescents and younger children with difficulty staying on or starting the ketogenic diet. Families with limited time or those lacking financial resources and patients with limited RD support may also benefit. Further research is being conducted to improve the modified diet to determine how to make it more effective for adults.
The Facts
These diets are not without risks. Vitamin deficiencies are likely and participants must take a multivitamin each day. Patients may lose weight and young patients will need monitoring to ensure growth is not retarded. Also, ketosis, the use of fats by the body for energy, can leave patients feeling ill and not wanting to drink, according to Epilepsy.com. There is also a risk of kidney stones. This diet is not easy to maintain. It takes a firm commitment and steadfast self-control. For the diet to work the body must remain in the ketosis state and consuming more than is allowed on the diet will prevent this. Having a support network is essential.
About this Author
Based in Maryland, Angela Lang is a freelance writer who specializes in topics related to healthy eating to reduce obesity and cancer risk. She has been a registered dietitian for nearly 12 years and has been an avid nutrition educator in areas including diabetes, cancer and weight loss.
