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submitted: Aug 19th 2008 | by: MichaelSellar | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 381 | |

The seizure control diet can be used for babies that are only months old but it is mainly used for children and teenagers.

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.

The ketogenic diet is not nutritionally complete. A multivitamin and mineral supplement and a calcium supplement is required daily. The diet is mathematically calculated and must be strictly adhered to. Even small variations can reduce ketosis and bring on seizures.

Starting The Diet

Four days of hospitalisation is required. The child is fasted for a few days then high fat meals are gradually introduced.

In the days spent in the hospital the family learns about the diet and meal plans are provided by the dietician.

The Diet Is A Challenge

Pizzas, pasta, fries, biscuits, cakes, sweets and ice cream are all forbidden. Most children will find they cannot eat their favourite foods. This will make them 'different' from their family and friends.

Foods must be weighed and drinks measured. Nothing must be left on the plate or in the glass, otherwise the careful calculations that have been made will be thrown into disarray. Eating away from home must be very carefully planned.

Is The Diet Safe?

A diet which is so high in fat may not seem very healthy, but look again and the foods that are left out of the diet. Children do grow normally and weight remains stable. Nutritional supplements are provided to meet shortfalls.

The Diet Can Be A Cure

The diet will help most of the children who are put on it. For them, seizures are greatly reduced or eliminated completely. They can reduce or may be able to discard their medication. After several years children can be gradually weaned off the ketogenic diet and return to eating a normal diet. For those children who become free of seizures and are no longer on medication, it means they are essentially cured.

About the Author

The author manages a website on alternative medicine which includes more detailed nutrition information on the ketogenic diet. He resides in London, England and his website includes much information on nutrition and alternative medicine.

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