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Mar 29

Ketogenic diet: An alternative to epilepsy medication – WZZM

Diet Comments Off on Ketogenic diet: An alternative to epilepsy medication – WZZM

Denise Pritchard, WZZM 2:17 PM. EDT March 29, 2017

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GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. - Millions of Americans live with a diagnosis of epilepsy, which means daily medications to help control seizure activity. But, there are other alternatives to medications.

One of these alternatives is a change in diet.

The ketogenic diet has been in practice since the 1920s in young children. Now, adolescents and adults are seeing the benefit from this diet as well.

Jennifer Fillenworth, registered dietitian at Mercy Health, counsels patients on the Modified Atkins Diet through the Mercy Health Hauenstein Epilepsy Program, the only certified-adult ketogenic program in West Michigan.

What is the ketogenic diet?

The ketogenic diet is a special high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that is used to control seizures in some people with epilepsy. It became popular as a therapy for epilepsy in the 1920s and 30s. The diet focuses on high-fat items such as butter, vegetable oils and heavy cream. The diet eliminates carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread, potatoes, rice, pasta and cereals. This diet is closely monitored by a team composed of a physician and dietitian.

Who does this diet help?

This diet has been shown to help those with epilepsy. Most commonly children are treated with this diet from a young age. There is growing evidence to support that the ketogenic diet is also helpful in adults. Mercy Health is currently offering a Modified Atkins Diet to adults with epilepsy.

What is the Modified Atkins Diet?

The modified Atkins diet is a less restrictive version of the ketogenic diet. The classic ketogenic diet has a calorie restriction, fluid restriction, protein restriction, and requires weighing and measuring foods. The modified Atkins diet is consumed more freely. Patients are just required to stay between a 10-30 gram carbohydrate restriction per day. Many patients on the modified Atkins diet even go out to eat at restaurants.

Does it work?

In studies so far, yes. About half had a 50% reduction in seizures after 6 months. Many were able to reduce medications. Patients undergoing the Modified Atkins Diet at Mercy Health have seen improvement in their seizure activity, they have more energy during the day, and they have seen the benefits of weight loss.

Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences is hosting its first ketogenic diet therapies conference on Friday, April 14, at the Prince Conference Center, open to the public.

This course will deliver a practical review of the ketogenic diet, its use for epilepsy and its different applications for other neurologic conditions. The open house will offer the opportunity for patients and families to learn more about the diet and its variations, sample keto foods and attend cooking demonstrations. To register for this conference, please visit MercyHealthNeuro.com/ketogr.

Breakfast: Egg and bacon cups with arugula salad

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Lunch: Loaded chicken salad

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Dinner: Ketogenictacos

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Dessert: Ketochocolate mousse

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Ketogenic diet: An alternative to epilepsy medication - WZZM

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