The seizure control - ketogenic - diet can be used for babies only months old, although it is usually reserved for children over one and adolescents.
Ninety percent of the calorie intake on this diet comes from fat. For breakfast the child might eat a mushroom and bacon omelette with a hot chocolate rich in cream. The afternoon meal could be something like celery stalks with a peanut butter or cream cheese filling, plus lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise and a drink consisting of a diet soda that’s free from caffeine. Evening meal might be a hot dog with mustard or ketchup. Dessert of whipped cream sundae with a piece of fruit.
This diet is not complete from a nutritional standpoint and the child will have to take multivitamins and minerals and calcium. The diet has to be very strictly adhered to otherwise it won’t control seizures.
Beginning The Diet
The child must spend 4 days in hospital and be fasted for a few days before the meals are gradually introducted.
During this period the dietician teaches the diet to the family and provides them with a number of meal plans specifically calculated for the child.
The Diet Is A Challenge
Pastas, pizzas, chips, sweets, biscuits, cakes and ice cream are out. Most children will not only be deprived of their favourite foods, but will be ‘different’ from the rest of their family and friends.
Every last vestige of food and drink must be eaten because the diet is mathematically calculated. Foods must be weighed and drinks measured out. Eating out must be carefully planned.
Is The Diet Safe?
A typical meal of chicken, carrots, double cream and butter might not seem healthy, but look again at what children are not allowed to eat. Children grow normally. Weight remains stable so long as calories are controlled. Supplements provide for nutritional shortfalls.
This Diet Can Be A Cure
The ketogenic diet works for the majority who try it. Seizures are reduced a great deal or are eliminated completely. They are able to reduce their medications and in some cases can go without medication. After a few years on the diet, they can be weaned off it and return to normal eating. For those who are seizure and medication free, it means they are to all intents and purposes, cured.
