The release of the movie ‘First do no harm’ starring Meryl Streep prompted resurgence in the Ketogenic diet. The film it’s self tells the story of Lori Reimuller and her son Robbie.
After his diagnosis she trusts conventional medicine to treat Robbie but the alarming rate at which his health is worsening prompts her to seek alternatives. This leads her to the ketogenic diet but Robbie’s doctor threatens to use the full weight of the law to prevent her removing him from the clutches of the hospital.
What is the ketogenic diet?
The diet it’s self was devised in the 1920’s but has fallen out of favour in recent years.How it helps reduce seizures is still under investigation but it focuses on a high fat, low carbohydrate diet, which must be strictly adhered to.
Obviously this means that whilst the majority of those who have tried the diet seem very much in favour of it, it is a major commitment. Similarly although it was devised for children who are what the medical term defines as ‘treatment resistant’ it is unclear whether it is of benefit to adults. In fact some studies are already showing promising results.
Studies of ten adults in Philadelphia showed at best a 90% drop in seizure rate and at worst a 50-89% drop. Only two participants had to drop out due to intolerance of the diet. Obviously this does not constitute at comprehensive scientific study but if those results could be replicated on a larger scale it would be astounding!
There is evidence that shows that children on the diet have an increase in levels of B- hydroxybutyrate. If this can be reproduced synthetically, it may mean that although the diet now is a worthwhile but difficult commitment, in the future it may be an easy and simple treatment.
Given the appalling side effects that some of the current medications this would be an amazing step foreward.
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