Epilepsy can be a very distressing condition and the medication from the doctor is not always as effective as we would like. However, the correct diet can help the condition. First of all it is necessary to follow the guidelines recommended for general health such as plenty of water, plenty of fruit and vegetables and not too much salt and sugar. A good quality multinutrient is also important to ensure that we have adequate vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other nutrients. Seizures may be caused by various nutritional problems, including low blood sugar levels, nutritional imbalances and excess alcohol.Many nutrients can help epilepsy, one of the more common ones is a vitamin B complex. More B vitamins are required when you are under stress, and seizures can cause and lead to stress. Because B vitamins are water based, it is difficult to have to much of them, because any excess will be washed out the body.

Vitamin E has been indicated in research to reduce the quantity of seizures. The contraceptive pill can lead to a deficiency in vitamin E.

Chromium can help blood sugar levels, which can be an important factor in epilepsy. In those women where seizures occur premenstrually, it is particularly likely that there is a blood sugar issue.

A deficiency in magnesium is known to be a factor in seizure frequency, and if a supplement is taken, this should also include calcium as it helps the absorption of magnesium. Calcium has a sedative effect and a deficiency can lead to depression and allergies.

The quantity of zinc in the body can be reduced by taking anticonvulsants or the contraceptive pill. Zinc is very important in the correct functioning of the nervous system and is used to treat mild mental conditions and schizophrenia.

Dimethyl-Glycine (DMG) is an amino acid that has been used to treat epilepsy. It helps the oxygen flow to the brain. Another useful amino acid is taurine, an increase in which can lead to improved brain function.

Essential Fatty Acids are also very important with any neurological condition.

Things to be avoided are MSG (monosodium glutamate, E621) which is a flavor enhancer and used in many foods particularly crisps and Chinese takeout. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener which has been linked to seizures. Alcohol and coffee can have a negative effect. St John?s Wort and Evening Primrose Oil may also lead to an increase in seizures.

Further information

Epilepsy and Nutrition

Low Blood Sugar – Hypoglycemia

Epilepsy and Hormones

This information is not meant to constitute medical advice, please speak to your doctor before changing your diet.

There has long been some debate about whether vegetables are better for you raw or cooked. Recent research by the University of Parma printed in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry has shown that the level of antioxidants (the nutrients in fruit and vegetables that are good for our immune system and overall health) varies depending on how the vegetables are cooked. Broccoli, for instance, has more antioxidants when steamed than it did when raw, but in other cases the cooked vegetables had less antioxidants than the raw versions. It seems that there is no pattern that is best for all vegetables, some are best boiled, some steamed and some raw.

This research only covers the levels of antioxidants, other vitamins, minerals and enzymes still need to be researched. Another area that needs to be studied is whether cooking enables the nutrients to better absorbed.

Further Information

Cooking Veggies May Not Cut Nutrients

Living and Raw Foods