Ketogenic Diet

About this topic

Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that is most often treated with drugs. Some people still have seizures even when they take their drugs as ordered. Your doctor may want you to try a special diet to help limit your childs seizures. It is most often used for infants and children who have seizures that are hard to control. The diet has shown success with some adults who have seizures as well. � �
A ketogenic diet is high in fats, low in carbohydrates (carbs) and normal proteins. Be sure to talk with your child's doctor first to see if a ketogenic diet would help your child. � �
Your child's body and brain needs nutrients to work well. Your child's body gets these nutrients from food. These nutrients include carbs, proteins, and fats. � �

Carbs are the main source of fuel for most people. Sugars like syrups, fruits, and honey are carbs. Starches like pasta, bread, and potatoes are also carbs.
Proteins help your child's body grow. They also help to heal tissue and muscles. Beef, pork, fish, eggs, oatmeal, and soybeans give us protein.
Fat is also a part of your child's diet. Most people are told to eat more good fats like olive oil, canola oil, or liquid margarine. These are the unsaturated fats. Most often people are told to eat less of the bad or saturated fats. These include butter fat in milk, fat from red meat, and coconut oil.

When your child follows a ketogenic diet, you change the main kind of energy or fuel available to your child's body and brain. Instead of using carbs for energy, your child's body uses fats. About 80% of this diet's calories come from fat. We do not know the reason why, but burning fat for energy instead of sugar is what keeps seizures from happening. This state of energy use is called "ketosis. " � � �

General

Most often, your child will be in the hospital to start the ketogenic diet. Your child will be watched closely by doctors and nurses at the start of this diet. A dietitian will help you learn what foods to give your child to eat and what foods to avoid on this diet. � �
Your child will likely not be able to eat for the first 1 to 2 days on the ketogenic diet. This way, all of your childs stored sugar is burned up. Once your child's body has no more sugar, it starts to break down fats. They are broken down into ketones that give energy to the brain, muscles, and other organs in the body. � �
The dietitian will help you work out meal plans for your child. These will have the right amount of calories for proper growth and development. The meals will also have the needed fats to help with ketosis. Your child will not be able to have sugar with this diet. Your child will follow this diet closely at home. Babies and people who are fed with a tube can take this diet as a liquid formula. � �
When your child is on this diet, your child may need to do a few more things. � �

Take carb-free supplements for vitamins and minerals
Take drugs to lower the chances of kidney stones
Check urine for ketones. This will help tell how well the diet is working.
Learn if any of your child's other drugs have carbs in them. These can affect the diet.

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What will the results be?

This diet may help treat your childs seizures. It must be strictly followed to avoid serious problems. It may take a few weeks or months to see the results. � �
Your child may have to keep taking drugs to avoid seizures while on this diet. If the diet is helping, your child may be able to be on a lower dose of a drug or even weaned off. � �
Your child may be on this diet for a few years if it is helping to limit seizures. Talk to your child's doctor about how long they will be on this diet. Ask about what happens if they start to eat regular foods again. � �

What lifestyle changes are needed?

This diet takes a lot of work. You will need to work closely with your childs doctors and the dietitian. It is very important that you take your child to all of the doctor visits. Talk to the doctors about how well the diet is working for your child. Tell them if your child is having any side effects. Your child will be watched carefully to make sure they are growing well.
You may need to keep a diary of your child's seizures. It will also be important to write down your child's daily actions, mood, and how your child feels.
People who cannot have dairy products may still be able to use this diet, but it may be harder. Your doctor or dietitian will help you find the foods best suited for your child.

Who should use this diet?

Children who have seizures that are not controlled after taking two or more seizure-preventing drugs
Children who have serious problems from the seizure-preventing drugs they are taking

What foods are good to eat?

The foods your child eats will depend on the type of diet your childs doctor suggests. Meals on the original ketogenic diet include mainly foods high in fat. It may also include smaller amounts of protein, fruits, and vegetables. Your child will probably not be able to have any sugar. � �
There are other versions of the ketogenic diet. They are the medium-chain triglyceride diet, the modified Atkins diet, or the low glycemic index diet. They use certain types of high-fat foods that allow your child to eat more protein- and carb-rich foods. Based on your child's needs, your doctor or a dietitian will be able to give you a diet plan that is right for your child. � �

Will there be any other care needed?

You will need to take your child to the doctor and the dietitian to check their progress. Your child will also have lab tests done to look for other health problems. Do not miss your childs doctor visits. � �

What problems could happen?

Most side effects of the diet are known and can be treated. � �

Upset stomach, reflux, or throwing up
Low blood sugar
Loose or hard stools
Lower height and weight gain
High acid levels in the blood
High cholesterol levels

Rare but serious problems include: � �

Weakened bones
Kidney stones

When do I need to call the doctor?

Signs of fluid loss. These include soft spot on a babys head looks sunken, few or no tears when crying, dark-colored urine or only a small amount of urine for more than 6 to 8 hours, dry mouth, cracked lips, dry skin, sunken eyes, lack of energy, feeling very sleepy.
Stomach pain that keeps you from eating or sleeping
Lots of hard stools
Very weak or tired
Not gaining the right amount of weight for age

Helpful tips

Tips for Parents � �
Mealtime is challenging for small children. Talk with other parents who have used this diet with their child. You may want to: � �

Have your child eat smaller meals more often during the day. This will help to avoid hunger pains.
Let your child be part of meal plans and measuring foods.
Keep homemade desserts on hand as a special treat for your child. Make sure they follow the rules of the diet.
Make and freeze some meals. They are easy to use when you have a babysitter or only have a little time.
Steam vegetables instead of boiling them. This will keep the most nutrients in the vegetables.
Praise your child often for sticking with the diet.
Talk with your doctor about how to keep your child hydrated on hot days.
Plan ahead for birthday parties, holidays, and school events. Eating foods that are not on the diet could cause your child to have a seizure.

Where can I learn more?

Epilepsy Foundation � �
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/aboutepilepsy/treatment/ketogenicdiet/index.cfm � �

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �

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