Ketogenic diets

Video 18 of 26
1 min 20 sec
English
English
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A ketogenic diet is a way of controlling epilepsy without the use of anti-epileptic drugs, and it was first developed at the beginning of the 20th century, being used initially to reduce the number of seizures in children whose epilepsy was hard to treat. As more and more anti-epileptic drugs were developed, the diet became less popular and gradually fell out of favour, but this doesn't mean, however, that the diet cannot be used today, and studies show that when followed carefully, a ketogenic diet can almost, or even fully eliminate the risk of seizures in some cases, so it's an option that warrants investigation. It is seen to work in about a third of children with epilepsy who try it, and it's a diet that's very high in fat and low in carbohydrates.

This combination forces the body to burn fat instead of sugar, creating useful changes in the brain that often effectively reduces the risk of seizures. Ketogenic diets are also often promoted as alternative ways to lose weight, but in all cases where a substantial change in diet is planned, it's always advisable to consult a doctor before making any such significant lifestyle decisions.