Foods that are recommended for people with epilepsy and their abstinence

Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system in which electrical activity in the brain becomes abnormal, causing seizures and other symptoms. In addition to undergoing the treatment recommended by the doctor, patients must also take care, namely paying attention to their food choices. So, what foods are recommended for people with epilepsy and their abstinence? Curious? Come on, find out the answer below.

How can food affect epilepsy?

Epilepsy cannot be cured. That means, at any time the symptoms can recur. In order to prevent recurrence, patients need to undergo epilepsy medication. In addition, it also needs to be perfected by implementing a healthy lifestyle, especially in choosing a food menu.

Some theories suggest that applying a ketogenic diet can reduce seizure symptoms in people with epilepsy. In this diet, the recommended food for people with epilepsy is to eat low carbohydrates and high fat. Experts believe that the ketosis that the body experiences when on a ketogenic diet plays a role in reducing epilepsy symptoms.

Ketone compounds produced during ketosis can be a more efficient source of energy for the brain and can protect brain cells from damage. However, it should be emphasized that following this diet must be under the supervision of a doctor.

Foods that are recommended for people with epilepsy

So that epilepsy patients can maintain their overall health, the following are recommended food choices:

Source of carbohydrates

Even though epilepsy patients use fat as the main fuel to produce energy, this does not mean that they should not eat foods that contain carbohydrates. The reason is because the body also needs these nutrients as a source of energy. thus helping patients to stay enthusiastic in carrying out activities.

Epilepsy patients can get these nutrients from healthy foods such as potatoes, bread, pasta, or rice. You can combine the choice of carbohydrate sources, so you don't get bored easily.

Source of fat

Fat is needed by the body as a source of reserve energy. In epileptic patients who are on a keto diet, the main energy source is obtained not from carbohydrates, but from fat. Therefore, people with epilepsy are required to enrich the food choices recommended in this keto diet.

Patients can get these nutrients from fish, nuts, and seeds. It can also be obtained from oils, such as olive oil, corn oil, or avocado oil. Apart from being useful as a source of energy, fat also helps the body absorb nutrients and vitamins, keeps body cells healthy, and keeps the body warm.

Source of protein

Protein functions as a building and supporting substance and muscles, hormones, enzymes, red blood cells, and the immune system. Enriching the consumption of protein foods can certainly help epilepsy patients avoid several diseases.

Well, these nutrients can be obtained by patients from dairy foods such as milk and cheese, meat, fish, tofu, tempeh, nuts, and eggs.

Fruits and vegetables

As a complement, vegetables and fruits are also included in the list of foods that are recommended for people with epilepsy. The reason is, these foods contain vitamins that act as antioxidants in the body, minerals and fiber. These nutrients can protect the body from infection, cell damage, and problems with the digestive system.

Various types of vegetables and fruit can be enjoyed by patients with epilepsy. However, choice and fruit must be considered again with other health problems that you have. For example, epilepsy patients who also have ulcer problems, should not eat sour fruits and vegetables that contain lots of gas.

Fish oil supplements (if needed) and foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids

Symptoms of epilepsy can be reduced by taking medications, such as sodium valproate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, or topiramate. However, in some patients the drug is not effective enough to suppress the symptoms of epilepsy.

Well, in this case the patient is usually required to undergo surgery as a treatment for epilepsy. In addition, studies have found that taking 3 capsules of fish oil — about 1080 mg — can reduce seizure symptoms. But before using fish oil supplements, you need to consult with your doctor first.

You need to know if fish oil supplements or what is known as fish oil contain omega 3 fatty acids as the main component. Well, it turns out that these fatty acids are also in food. Some foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids that are recommended for people with epilepsy include salmon, milkfish, tuna, walnuts, flaxseeds and their oil.

Foods that are not recommended for people with epilepsy

Indeed, at this time there is no research evidence that states that certain types of food can trigger the recurrence of epilepsy symptoms. However, some foods can exacerbate existing conditions.

For example, one of the causes of increasing the risk of epilepsy is stroke or heart disease. Both of these diseases are closely related to epilepsy because they disrupt the flow of oxygen-rich blood in the brain which is feared to trigger epilepsy.

Therefore, it would be better if you limit or avoid the following foods that are not recommended for people with epilepsy:

1. Foods high in fat and cholesterol

Fast food, such as french fries, fried chicken, hamburgers or other fried foods, spoil the tongue because of its delicious taste. However, this type of food must be limited because it can cause high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels which in turn increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

For those of you who have epilepsy and have previously had a stroke, you should avoid these foods. Likewise in patients who do have heart disease, hypertension, and high cholesterol levels.

2. Foods that are suspected of triggering symptoms

In some people, foods that contain preservatives, are given additional coloring, added artificial sweeteners, or contain MSG monosodium glutamate can trigger symptoms.

If you feel symptoms appear after eating these foods, it is better if you avoid them.

3. Foods that can cause side effects of epilepsy drugs

Although most of the fruit is safe for consumption, people with epilepsy who take the drugs carbamazepine, diazepam and midazolam are not recommended to consume these foods.

Why? The reason is that the content of these two fruits can cause the risk of drug side effects to be more likely.

4. Caffeinated drinks in large quantities

Apart from food, it turns out that there is also a list of drinks that are not recommended for people with epilepsy, for example drinks that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea, colas, and energy drinks. This line of drinks actually has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system that may trigger epilepsy symptoms.

In fact, you are not completely prohibited from consuming this drink. It's just that the amount of intake must be considered. So if you occasionally drink a normal amount of tea or coffee, it shouldn't be a problem. However, it would be better if you increase your intake of water which is much healthier for the body.

Implementing the keto diet and determining food choices for people with epilepsy is not easy. One wrong step, the keto diet that is carried out can cause the body to lack certain nutrients, especially in children in their infancy. Therefore, consult this matter first with your doctor to make it safer.