Ketogenic Diet

A medical diet primarily designed to treat epilepsy in young children, the ketogenic diet has been proven to help two out of three children who follow it. The ketogenic diet imitates some aspects of malnourishment by forcing the body to burn fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. It is a very high fat, low carb diet which requires the commitment and support of everybody in the family since it is strict and requires some lifestyle changes.
It was first introduced over 80 years ago, but fell out of favour due to the introduction and widespread use of anticonvulsants. A research study in 2008 showed that this diet has clear benefits when used with children whose epilepsy has not responded well to any types of anticonvulsant medications. Fasting has long been recommended and used as a remedy for epilepsy, with some ancient Greek tests suggesting it as a “cure”.
This diet is undertaken under the supervision of a physician or nutritionist, and an individualized plan is created for each child. Basic meals often consist of heavy whipping cream, some form of protein, low carbohydrate fruits or vegetables, and a bit of butter, mayonnaise, or oil. Children are required to eat their entire meal, and no extra foods or snacks are allowed. Since the diet is low in some vitamins and minerals, supplements are recommended. Parents are also encouraged to use a scale so that they can be exact in their serving size measurements.