Ketogenic Diet Chart For Epilepsy

Ketogenic diet for epilepsy is a special low carbohydrate, high fat and ‘moderate’ protein diet for people with epilepsy. It helps to control seizures. It is prescribed by a physician to children who have not responded to 2 or 3 medications. The ketogenic diet was discovered in 1920. Studies show that ketogenic diet reduces seizures in over half of the children who follow the diet by at least 50%. Also, 10-15% of children become free after following the diet for some period of time. It is a very strict diet that involves carefully measured calories, fluids, and proteins. In this diet, the calories for energy production come from fats, not carbohydrates. In a healthy diet for kids, 25 to 40% of calories come from fats. In a ketogenic diet for epilepsy, about 80 to 90% calories comes from fats. A ketogenic ratio is the ratio of fats to carbohydrates and proteins combined in the diet. It ranges from 2:1 to 4:1. Most of the foods with high carbohydrate contain like rice and breads are avoided. Seizure medicines may be reduced during the diet.

Cereals, bread, bakery foods and sweets high in carbs, roots, free calorie drinks such as carboanted beverages, candies, ice creams, jams and jellies has to be avoided as they are a great source of carbohydrates and the amount has to be restricted for 20-50 gm per day.

Do's:

1. Choose grass-fed meats, skin-on poultry and fattier fish.
2. Drizzle on coconut, olive and flaxseed oils.
3. Do mix up the fats you’re using.

Don'ts:

1. Eat carb-rich foods like bread or pasta.
2. Go for starchy veggies like potatoes or turnips.

1. Fats & Oils. Try to get your fat from natural sources like meat and nuts. Supplement with saturated and monounsaturated fats like coconut oil, butter, and olive oil.
2. Protein. Try to stick with organic, pasture-raised and grass-fed meat where possible. Most meats don’t have added sugar in them, so they can be consumed in moderate quantity. Remember that too much protein on a ketogenic diet is not a good thing.
3. Vegetables. Fresh or frozen doesn’t matter. Stick with above ground vegetables, leaning toward leafy/green items.
4. Dairy. Most dairy is fine, but make sure to buy full-fat dairy items. Harder cheeses typically have fewer carbs.
5. Nuts and Seeds. In moderation, nuts and seeds can be used to create some fantastic textures. Try to use fattier nuts like macadamias and almonds.
6. Beverages. Stay simple and stick to mostly water. You can flavor it if needed with stevia-based flavorings or lemon/lime juice.