Most Americans know John Travolta and his wife Kelly Preston—both famous actors. So we can all join in our thoughts and prayers for his family at this time. Son Jett, 16, died suddenly Friday while the family was on vacation.

Authorities believe he had a seizure, then fell and hit his head on the bathtub. He was in the family’s vacation home in the Bahamas. Jett, who has a history of seizures, was found unconscious by a maid. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. An autopsy is still pending, but Obie Wilchcombe, a member of Bahamas’ parliament notes that the country’s health ministry is “very, very quick to resolve things.”

Wilchcombe also said that his parents, “spent a tremendous amount of time with Jett…There was a close affectionate relationship and lots of love.” This relationship was seconded by Travolta’s attorney who said “There was unspoken communication between the two… It’s just so hard.” Travolta and Preston also have an 8-year-old daughter, Ella Bleu.

When Jett was just 2, he had a close brush with death, as well. Suffering from Kawasaki disease, his parents led him through a detoxification program they believe saved his life. After that, his parents became, “obsessive about his space being cleaned. We constantly had the carpets cleaned,” Travolta said in 2001. Their practices stemmed from their faith in Scientology, which both Travolta and Preston practice.

Those of us who have never lost a child can only sympathize. Those who have shared this unspeakable pain can empathize and do their best to support the family with respectful prayers and thoughts. Our hearts go out to you.

The worst possible thing that could happen to a parent has happened to actor John Travolta. His son, Jett, age 16, lost his life after having a seizure and falling and hitting his head late Friday morning.

Travolta, his wife Kelly Preston, son Jett and eight year old daughter had been vacationing at their Bahamas home since Tuesday.

Jett’s body was discovered by a caretaker and soon after was taken to Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport, where he was pronounced dead. He had a history of seizures.

I find it hard to comprehend how a person is able to go on after the untimely loss of a child. There will be huge spaces in the hearts of Travolta, Preston and their daughter, as well as in those of other family members and friends. I’m sure that my heart is one of many that go out to them in this incredibly difficult time.

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.