What do we want?

[DeusXM]

No-one knows for definite why a ketogenic diet seems to help some people with epilepsy - it's just that anecdotally, it seems to work.

Possibly it's because a ketogenic diet alters the fuel on which your brain runs - instead of glucose, a ketogenic diet causes your brain to run on ketone bodies (β-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate and acetone, according to Wikipedia). The method by which these reduce seizures isn't known, but it seems to work, apparently.

You'll also note that this completely disproves the constantly reiterated assertion that your brain needs glucose. It doesn't. It can run on ketone bodies without any problems at least as well as it can on glucose. Therefore there is no need for someone to actually ever eat carbohydrates for the most part, although personally I wouldn't advocate that. And if you are eating 170g carbs and enjoying good cardiovascular health and glucose control, I see no reason to 'fix' what clearly isn't broken!

 

[Bloden]

Thanks again. I'll let my friend know.🙂

 

[DeusXM]

Be sure to let them know they should discuss any dietary approach to epilepsy with the doc, dietician etc. first - it's quite easy to do a ketogenic diet "wrong" (everyone always seems to think it's just fried breakfasts all the time) and for children it's very important they get enough fat, protein and veg to support their growth..

 

[Bloden]

To be honest, I don't think they'll go for it, but I just thought they should know about it. 🙄

 

[PattiEvans]

Maryanne

My DSN says I need more to 'provide fuel for the brain'. The dietitian's view is that low carbs are better. I know it's not an exact science but who is approx right?

the brain needs either glucose or ketones to run efficiently, not carbpohydrates. Having said that, carbs convert to glucose most readily, but in their absence the body is adept at converting protein and fat into brain food! So actually your dietitian is probably a bit more on the correct side.