The Ketogenic Diet is basically a high fat diet which has had some success in recent years in controlling seizures in children who had not responded to drug therapy. To know more about the diet we suggest you get hold of a copy of the film 'First Do No Harm' with Meryl Streep (1997). This film is an excellent introduction to the Ketogenic Diet.
For more details regarding the film you should visit the International Movie Database at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118526/
Alternatively you can read John Freeman's book: The Epilepsy Diet Treatment published by Dermos Vermande.
For further medical advice concerning the ketogenic diet in the UK you can ask your doctor to contact the Epilepsy Unit at the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH
Web: Great Ormond Street Hospital
Articles and books about the Ketogenic Diet you can order from your local library
1. THE EPILEPSY DIET TREATMENT - J.M Freeman et al., Demos Vermande 1996 (A book devoted entirely to the Ketogenic Diet)
2. KETOGENIC DIET FOR THE TREATMENT OF REFRACTORY EPILEPSY IN CHILDREN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF EFFICACY - Frank Lefevre et al., Pediatrics 2000 105: e46
3. EXPERIENCE WITH THE KETOGENIC DIET IN INFANTS - Douglas R. Nordli Jr et al., Pediatrics 2001 108: 129-133
4. THE EFFICACY OF THE KETOGENIC DIET 1998: A PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF INTERVENTION IN 150 CHILDREN - John M. Freeman et al., Pediatrics 1998 102: 1358-1363
5. MEDIUM-CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES IN A KETOGENIC DIET - N. Gordon, Dev. Med. Child Neurol.., 19:535-538 1977
6. KETONEMIA AND SEIZURES: METABOLIC AND ANTICONVULSANT EFFECTS OF TWO KETOGENIC DIETS IN CHILDHOOD EPILEPSY - P.R Huttenlocher., Pediatr. Res., 10:536 1976
7. THE KETOGENIC DIET: FA(C)T OR FICTION - J. Wheless., J. Child Neurol., 10:419-423 1995
8. SEIZURES DECREASE RAPIDLY AFTER FASTING: PRELIMINARY STUDIES OF THE KETOGENIC DIET - J.M Freeman et al., Pediatr. Adolesc. Med., 153:946-949 1999
9. FASTING AS A METHOD FOR TREATING EPILEPSY - H.R. Geyelin., Medical Record., 99:1037-1039 1921
10. THE KETOGENIC DIET REVISTED: BACK TO THE FUTURE - D.R Nordli et al., Epilepsia., 38:743-749 1997
11. THE KETOGENIC DIET: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR CAREGIVERS - J. Carroll et al., J Am Diet Assoc., 98:316-321 1998
12. KETOGENIC DIET IN THE TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD EPILEPSY - S. Livingston et al., Dev Med Child Neurol., 19:833-834 1977
13. KETOGENIC DIETS IN THE TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY: SHORT TERM CLINICAL EFFECTS - R.H Schwartz et al.,Dev Med Child Neurol., 31(2):145-151 1989
AMINO ACIDS
Amino acids play an important part in growth, muscle development and a healthy immune system. Amino acids are classified as essential and non essential but they are all important and necessary for good health.
Essential Amino Acids
Branched chain, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine
The branched chain amino acids are Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine. All three of these are essential for the maintenance of muscle tissue.
Lysine is an essential amino acid needed for growth and to help maintain nitrogen balance in the body. Lysine also appears to help the body absorb and conserve calcium. Lysine is not suitable for young children.
Methionine supplies sulfur and other compounds required by the body for normal metabolism and growth.
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that is required for the proper function of the biochemical processes that take place in the body.
Non essential Amino Acids
Arginine, Cysteine, Glutamine, Glycine, Tyrosine, Carnitine
Arginine is said to stimulate the immune system, helps to build muscle and burn fat.
Cysteine is one of the few amino acids that contains sulfur, which allows cysteine to bond in a special way and maintain the structure of proteins in the body. Cysteine is said to work as an antioxidant and protects the body against free radicals.
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and plays a vital part in the immune system.
Glycine enhances the activity of the chemical messengers in the brain known as neurotransmitters.
Tyrosine is said to energize and help with the chemical processes in the brain.
Carnitine is needed to release energy from fat.
Dietary sources of all of the above include: Meat, Fish, Eggs and Diary Products .
BIOFLAVINOIDS
BioflavInoids reduce bruising, act as an anti-inflammatory and may help prevent colds. They are also said to protect capillaries and act as an antioxidant.
Dietary sources include: Citrus Fruit, Broccoli, Green Peppers and Apricots.
COENZYME Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals. Coenzyme Q10 boosts energy, enhances the immune system, and acts as an antioxidant. It is also said to improve the heart muscle metabolism.
Dietary sources include: Oily Fish, Meat and Wholegrains.
FIBRE
Dietary fibre is the indigestible part of fruits and vegetables. Fibre is not an energy source but aids digestion.
Dietary fibre reduces the production of cholesterol in the body, helps control weight and diabetes.
Dietary sources include: Fruit and Vegetables, Wholemeal Bread and Cereals.
OMEGA 3 & 6
Omega-3 fatty acids are a special class of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The principle forms of Omega 3s that the body needs are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaneoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentoic acid (EPA). Omega 3 is helpful for maintaining cardiovascular and immune / nervous system health.
ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) is the parent molecule of the Omega 3 family, and is found in only in a few foods derived from plants, such as Perilla oil, tofu, soybean, canola oil, and nuts. Dietary sources of DHA and EPA are to be found in fatty fish, which have the advantage that they do not rely on natural conversion in the body from ALA.
Experts recommend we eat 2-3 servings of fatty fish per week, which corresponds to 1,250 mg EPA and DHA per day.
Omega 6 fatty acids are found in polyunsaturated vegetable oils, corn oil, soybean, sunflower, Perilla. There are several forms of Omega 6 fatty acids, of which Linoleic Acid (LA) and Gammalinoleic Acid (GLA) are the most important.
Linoleic Acid is the parent molecule of the Omega 6 family of EFAs. A principle source in the diet of Omega 6 comes from consumption of vegetable oil based margarine, salad dressings and mayonnaise.
Omega 6 is needed in the production of eicosanoids, which help to regulate blood clotting, blood pressure, heart rate and immune response.
PERILLA OIL
Botanical name: Perilla, Zi Su
The Zi Su or Perilla plant has been grown in Asia and North America for centuries. It is a small plant with purple leaves that grows to about three or four inches in height, and is similar in appearance to basil.
Most of our knowledge of perilla Oil comes from China where it has been demonstrated that it can lower cholesterol and lead to healthy blood. Perilla Oil is a source of both Omega 3 and Omega 6 and is ideal for vegetarians looking for an alternative source of essential fatty acids.
On average, every 1000mg of perilla oil contains roughly 540mg of Omega 3 in the form of ALAs (54%) and 140mg of Omega 6 in the form of Linoleic Acid (14%).
ALOE VERA
The aloe plant originated in Africa. The leaves are long, green, fleshy, and have spikes along the edges, The gel and latex which can be got by opening the leaves has been used medicinally for centuries. It is frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Aloe Vera can be used to treat a whole range of ailments. It is particularly good for bruises, burns and rashes.
Orally it can be used as a laxative, but as such should only be used in small doses to avoid diarrhea. Not recommended for young children.
Animal research seems to indicate that aloe vera may interact with corticosteroids and enhance their hormonal effects. Hence there is a possibility of a supportive interaction with the drug glyburide.
The Aloe plant can be grown easily at home.
FENUGREEK
Botanical name: Trigonella foenum-graecum
The Fenugreek plant originated from South Eastern Europe and Western Asia, but can now be found in most places. Although the Fenugreek plant and seed are commonly used cooking. Fenugreek has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.
Fenugreek can be used as an antiseptic and as an anti-inflammatory. It is also said to have soothing qualities.
GARLIC
Botanical name: Allium sativum
Garlic is a member of the onion family and has been used in folk remedies for centuries.
Garlic has numerous properties. It is an antibiotic, an antiseptic, antifungal and an antioxidant.
Garlic is also said to tone the heart and circulatory system, cleanse the blood, help bring down fevers and boost the immune system.
Some people go as far as saying that garlic could be the wonder drug of the future.
GREEN TEA
Botanical name: Camellia sinensis
Green and black tea are derived from the same plant. The differences black tea has been allowed to oxidise by fermenting, whereas green tea is produced by lightly steaming, then drying the fresh-cut leaf. This process keeps the polyphenols (a group of active compounds) intact.
Green tea contains volatile oils, vitamins, minerals, and caffeine.
Green tea is a powerful anti-oxidant as well as being a stimulant, with diuretic and antitoxic properties.
Green tea is not recommended for young children.
BORON
E.U RDA none
Boron is a trace mineral that plays a role in helping calcium absorption.
It is also said that boron is helpful in building up muscles.
Dietary sources include: Root Vegetables (parsnips, potatoes, etc.,) grown in Boron rich soil.
CALCIUM
E.U RDA 800mg
Calcium is an important mineral and essential for healthy bones.
The amount of Calcium needed in children's diets varies according to their age. According to The National Osteoporosis Society, children between 7 and 12 should be on 800mg daily and teenagers on a little more at 1000mg daily.
An adequate intake of calcium everyday is vital for a child's growth.
Dietary sources include: Dairy Products, Fish, Green Leafy Vegetables, Tinned Fish and Eggs.
CHROMIUM
E.U RDA N/A
Chromium aids in the control of insulin, the hormone that controls glucose levels in the blood.
Chromium deficiency has been associated with blood sugar and cholesterol abnormalities.
Chromium is said to increase overall resitance to infection.
Dietary sources include: Wholegrain Cereals, Meat, Cheese and Egg Yolk.
COPPER
E.U RDA 1.2 mg
Copper is important for the production of collagen and is also necessary for healthy blood cells. Copper is also said to be an effective antioxidant.
Dietary sources include: Leafy Green Vegetables, Fish, Nuts and Shellfish.
IODINE
E.U RDA 150 mcg
Iodine is used to make thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones control many metabolic activities and if there is insufficient iodine in someones diet, this might result in lethargy and swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck to form a goitre.
The introduction of iodised salt and the presence of added iodine in many foods means that generally, deficiency in the western diet is rare. Most people have adequate iodine intake unless they avoid iodised salt, seafood and sea vegetables. People with thyroid diseases should check with their doctor before using iodine supplements.
Iodine is a natural antiseptic.
High doses of iodine should be avoided since they can lead to toxicity.
Dietary sources include: Table Salt, Seafood and Seaweed.
IRON
E.U RDA 14 mg
Iron from animal sources is better absorbed than iron from plant sources. Absorption of plant iron is affected by various factors in food, including tea and coffee, fibre, and calcium which can reduce absorption, although the presence of Vitamin C will aid absorption.
Iron is required for the formation of haemoglobin in red blood cells which transport oxygen around the body. A lack of iron leads to low iron stores in the body and eventually to iron deficiency and anaemia. Teenage girls in particular, need to ensure their diet supplies enough iron.
Iron is an anti-carciogenic. It helps with children with learning difficulties. Improves immunity and boosts energy levels.
Dietary sources include: Shellfish, Dried Fruit, Cocoa and Cereals.
MAGNESIUM
E.U RDA 300 mg
Magnesium is an important co-factor for several enzymes in the body that are involved in maintenance of normal nerve and muscle function and the formation of bones. It is also said that it is essential for the transmission of nerve impulses.
About 60% of the magnesium in our body can be found in our bones.
It is reported that magnesium can help increase calcium absorption and help maintain bone density.
Magnesium is toxic for children suffering from renal impairment.
Dietary sources include: Brown Rice, Nuts, Whole Wheat Flour and Yeast.
MANGANESE
E.U RDA none Manganese deficiency is rare, although it has been known in people whose diet consists primarily of processed foods which may have low manganese content.
Manganese is said to help maintain a healthy nervous system and is a necessary mineral for proper brain function.
Manganese is also an important co-factor in the process of building cartilage.
Iron supplementation can reduce manganese absorption and cause lower body levels of manganese.
Dietary sources include: Cereals, tea, Pulses, Nuts and Green Leafy Vegetables.
MOLYBDENUM
E.U RDA none
Molybdenum is an essential trace element. It is said to play a vital part in our bodies utilization of iron.
Dietary sources include: Wheat, Canned Beans, Pulses and Eggs.
PHOSPHORUS
E.U RDA 800 mg
Phosphorus is a necessary nutrient, and is an essential component of all cells.
Phosphorus is said to increase energy levels and help combat fatigue.
Dietary sources include: Yeast, Diary Products, Nuts, Eggs and Tinned Fish.
POTASSIUM
E.U RDA 3500 mg
Potassium is one of the most important minerals in our bodies and is essential for the proper functioning of cells and nerve conduction.
Potassium helps maintain water balance in our cells and the sythesis of nucleic acids and proteins.
Dietary sources include: Fresh Fruit and Vegetables.
SELENIUM
E.U RDA 10-75 mcg
Selenium is a component of some of the enzymes which protect the body against damage due to oxidation but at very high levels can be toxic. Selenium is a building block of one of the body's key antioxidant enzymes, Glutathione peroxidase and is thought to play a role in helping immune system cells protect us from invading viruses and bacteria.
Selenium is said to stimulate the immune system and improve liver function
Dietary sources include: Wheat Germ, Bran, Tuna, Brocolli, Tomatoes and Whole Wheat Bread.
SILICON
E.U RDA none
Silicon is said to help strengthen connective tissues and cartilage by supporting the structural proteins that make up these tissues.
Silicon is also said to help maintain healthy bones.
Dietary sources include: Whole Grains, Vegetables and Seafood.
ZINC
E.U RDA 15 mg
Zinc is present in many enzymes and is required for growth, tissue repair and the proper function of the immune system.
Zinc also acts as an antioxidant, boosts the immune system and helps prevents colds.
Dietary sources include: Meat, Mushrooms, Eggs, Shellfish and Wholegrain Products.
VITAMIN A
E.U RDA 800mcg
Dietary deficiency of vitamin A is uncommon in children. Vitamin A is important for the immune system, and is essential for normal growth and development. Deficiency leads to poor vision in dim light and eventually to blindness.
Dietary sources include: Cod liver, Liver, Eggs, and Diary products.
Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A. Controlled research has shown that beta-carotene supplements can increase the numbers of some white blood cells and enhance the immune system.
Dietary sources include: Carrots, Tomatoes, Watercress, Broccoli, Spinach and Apricots.
VITAMIN B1 (Thiamin)
E.U RDA 1.4mg
Thiamin may be helpful in treating neurological disorders. It is said to improve mental awareness and can aid in the treatment of infections.
Dietary sources include: Whole grains, Nuts and Meat (especially pork), white and brown flour and many breakfast cereals like Cornflakes.
VITAMIN B2 (Riboflavin)
E.U RDA 1.6mg
Vitamin B2 helps release the energy from proteins, carbohydrates and fat. There is no specific deficiency diseases but a low intake of vitamin B2 can lead to dryness and cracking of the skin around the mouth and nose.
Dietary sources include: Milk, Eggs, Cheese, Green vegetables and Fish.
VITAMIN B3 (Niacin)
E.U RDA 15-18mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) is found in most foods and can also be made by the body from an amino acid called tryptophan. Vitamin B3 helps cell respiration, reduces blood pressure and is beleived to be an antioxidant.
Dietary sources include: Meat, Fish, Cereals, Milk and Cheese.
VITAMIN B5 (Panthothenic Acid)
E.U RDA 6mg
Vitamin B5 (panthothenic acid) helps maintain growth and has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. It is also said to prevent fatigue and reduce stress levels.
Dietary sources include: Yeast, Eggs, Brown Rice, Wholegrain Cereals.
VITAMIN B6 (Pyridoxine)
E.U RDA 1.6-2mg
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is probably the most important of the B class of vitamins. It helps the nervous system and with particular reference to epilepsy can help reduce muscle cramp and spasms. High doses of Vitamin B6 can be harmful (i.e in doses above 100mg daily).
Dietary sources include: Meat, Fish, Eggs, Milk and Wholegrain cereals.
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
E.U RDA 200-300 mcg
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) helps in the formation of red blood cells. It is a natural anagesic and can help build up babies' resistance to infection. low levels of Vitamin B9 can lead to anemia.
Dietary sources include: Green Leafy Vegetables, Wheat Germ, Nuts, Eggs, Bananas.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
E.U RDA 2mcg
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is essential for the formation of blood cells and nerve sheaths. Vitamin B12 is said to help improve memory and concentration. It can increase energy levels and is essential for healthy growth in children
Some drugs can cause Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Dietary sources include: Beef, Pork, Eggs, Cheese, Milk and Fish.
Vitamin C
E.U RDA 60 mg
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is a water soluble vitamin which is not stored in the body. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and can speed up the healing process. Vitamin C is said to boost the immune system and help prevent infection.
Dietary sources include: Blackcurrants, Citrus Fruit, Broccoli, Kiwi fruit and Vegetables.
Vitamin D
E.U RDA 5 mcg
Vitamin D is needed to maintain blood levels of calcium, it does this by increasing calcium absorption from food, as well as controlling how much calcium we lose in our urine. When more calcium is needed than is available to us in our diet, Vitamin D transfers calcium from our bones to our bloodstream. Vitamin D is also essential for proper bone mineralisation.
Vitamin D can be obtained either from the diet or from sunlight exposure.
Deficiency of vitamin D leads to skeletal deformity in children (rickets).
Vitamin D also helps boost the immune system.
Dietary sources include: Milk, Eggs, Oily Fish, Butter, Cheese and Cod Liver Oil.
Vitamin E
E.U RDA 10 mg
Vitamin E is one of the key antioxidant vitamins in so far that it is known to Protect cell membranes from damage caused by oxidation. Vitamin E helps boost the immune system and can protect against some neurological disorders.
Vitamin E deficiency can occur in premature infants.
Dietary sources include: Fresh Wheatgerm, Broccoli, Whole Grains, Peanuts, Eggs and Leafy Green Vegetables.
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