Even though it’s quite common, epilepsy is not a disorder to take lightly. Still, due to advanced treatments and medical therapy, most people suffering from epilepsy can live quite a good life.
Also, even though there is no evidence to show a direct influence, a balanced diet is recommended. While it may not help tame the seizures, healthy food helps you stay more active and improve your sleep pattern, which is known to help reduce the occurrence of seizures.
Overall a balanced diet with the right amount of carbs, fats, protein, and vitamins is a good source for steady energy levels, which is a great way of living regardless of your health condition.
Therefore, today we’ll talk about what it means to eat healthy as an epileptic and which foods to avoid.
What is Epilepsy?
Seizures are probably the first thing that comes to mind when you hear of this disorder, but there’s much more in between them than people think. So, what is epilepsy, and what causes it?
In a nutshell, epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the electrical activity in the brain. This is what causes the seizures or fits that temporarily disable the normal function of the body. The seizures are often managed with specific medication that the patient usually has to take all life long.
Foods People Suffering from Epilepsy should Eat
Even though there isn’t a connection between specific foods and epilepsy, there are interactions between your regular meals and the medication. Still, a medical professional will recommend a balanced diet to load the brain with healthy and useful nutrients.
Also, a healthy diet can help reduce mental stress and promotes a more mindful way of thinking which is important when dealing with such a condition.
Here are some of the foods that should be a part of your diet:
- Unrefined carbs – carbs get a bad rep when it comes to losing weight, but in reality, you should stay away only from refined carbs (sugars, processed foods, and so on). Unrefined carbs are one of the main sources of energy for your body and come with lots of vitamins and minerals.
- Healthy protein – this is one of the macronutrients that help repair tissue and keep the immune system strong and active. However, according to Harvard Health Publishing, the source of protein is important for your overall health, so make sure you are eating high-quality foods.
- Fats are good – Fat is another macronutrient mistreated by the modern diet industry, but you shouldn’t remove it from your diet. Healthy fats, like the ones coming from nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, seafood, dairy, and more, are essential for a balanced diet.
Lastly, like with any well-balanced diet, you need to make sure you stay hydrated by drinking healthy fluids.
Epileptic: Foods to Avoid
While there are no foods that are known to trigger an epilepsy seizure, the foods you eat influence a series of factors, such as the blood sugar levels or the level of electrolytes in your system.
For instance, sugary foods and drinks are known to cause spikes in blood sugar levels, which can trigger seizures in some people. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should never eat a cookie or drink a glass of juice, but it is a good idea to find healthy alternatives to refined sugar.
A Healthy Diet
Overall, a healthy diet helps regulate your blood sugar and energy levels throughout the day. This is why medical and health professionals all over the world recommend it. Plus, the goal of epilepsy treatment is to eliminate or reduce seizure activity and improve the overall quality of life.
This goal can be achieved through a proper diet, regular physical activity, and taking the recommended medication.
