The Ketogenic diet is a high fat, low carbohydrate diet that has proven successful for many children in helping prevent seizures. The success rates vary by clinic, but it is believed that approximately 33% of children who try the diet become seizure free, while another 33% have a significant decrease in seizures. For the other 34% there seems to be no change. If the diet is working for a child, results are typically seen beginning around the 10th week. If the diet begins to work, a child will generally stay on the diet for anywhere from 2-3 years.
The Ketogenic diet is monitored by a registered dietician who helps determine the proper amounts of each type of food. It is important that the child on the diet eat all of their food at mealtimes to make sure that their body is getting the proper amount of fats, protein, and carbohydrates. Sugar is not allowed on the diet, nor are high carbohydrate or starchy foods such as potatoes, breads, rice, or pasta. It is important that the family be vigilant in making sure that the child does not eat any unauthorized foods, as it could be detrimental to the diet and cause seizures to begin again. It is important to inform any other adults who take care of or are around the child to understand this as well.
How Does the Ketogenic Diet Work?
For a person on a typical diet, their body works by getting energy from glucose in their food. The body isn’t adept at storing this glucose, and at any time only has about a day’s supply. When a child is put on the Ketogenic diet, about 80% of their calories come from fat in things such as heavy cream, butter, and vegetable oils. The remaining calories are from carbohydrates and protein. The child’s body produces ketones after the fat has broken down, and this is the new fuel that the body operates on.
While doctors and researches know how the diet works, they still do not understand why it works. Some believe that there is a metabolic change that affects the brain, but just how so is unknown. While on the diet, it is important for the child to take a supplement to help get the vitamins and minerals they may be missing out on. Oftentimes on the diet a child can become constipated. This can be alleviated by making sure the child is drinking enough water and eating vegetables on the diet that are high in fiber. Some children have an increase in their cholesterol levels but this can be alleviated by adjusting the diet to their specific needs.
Print 
PDF 
