Salt and epilepsy

[salright2baredneck]

Can salt cause a seizure? I've found that the majority of my seizures come right after or during a meal, so I decided to keep a food journal for a month. The only thing that I found that was present each and every time was salt, and after I stopped salting my food the seizures lessened.

[epileric]

Smart to keep a food journal. If you can't find any specific food, spice or drink that triggers seizures I would wonder if it has more to do with metabolizing the food.

It is recommended that people with epilepsy have 6 small meals a day rather than 3 large ones. I do know that after I have a large meal the likelihood of having a seizure increases a bit, especially if it's on an empty stomach.

[salright2baredneck]

I never thought to keep track of portions, just what foods I ate .I have to say though, the tonic clonic that I had in '08 happened when I was craving salt and dumping it on my food, each bite.

[Nakamova]

Consuming too much salt often goes hand-in-hand with dehydration and electrolyte imbalances -- known seizure triggers. So along with watching salt intake, drink plenty of water, and make sure you're getting enough calcium and potassium in your diet, especially if you have any kidney problems.

[RobinN]

It is considered that Rebecca's seizures are due to what is known as Reactive Hypoglycemia.

Reactive Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar that occurs after a meal — usually one to three hours after eating. Often, the cause of reactive hypoglycemia isn't clear.

Some researchers suspect that certain people are overly sensitive to the normal release of the hormone epinephrine, which causes many of the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Others believe that a deficiency of glucagon — a hormone that normally offers protection from low blood sugar — may cause reactive hypoglycemia.

In a few cases, reactive hypoglycemia may result from excessive production of insulin by the pancreas (hyperinsulinemia). Reactive hypoglycemia may also occur after stomach surgery or due to certain enzyme deficiencies, which may interfere with the balance between nutrient absorption and insulin secretion.

Signs and symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia may include:

* Shakiness
* Clumsiness
* Dizziness
* Weakness
* Sweating
* Hunger
* Anxiety
* Pounding heartbeat
* Confusion

Reactive hypoglycemia is often difficult to diagnose, since it's possible to have symptoms that are similar to reactive hypoglycemia without actually having the condition. Generally, a medical evaluation is done to determine whether symptoms are caused by low blood sugar — and whether symptoms resolve once blood sugar returns to normal. Further evaluation of reactive hypoglycemia depends on the severity of signs and symptoms.

Reactive hypoglycemia usually doesn't require treatment. If needed, it may help to:

* Eat several small meals and snacks throughout the day, no more than three hours apart
* Eat high-fiber foods
* Avoid or limit sugary foods, especially on an empty stomach
* Include physical activity in your daily routine

[skillefer]

You might want to check the sugar levels of the foods you're eating...I've found that the foods I eat are either high in salt or high in sugar. As a hypoglycemic, I try to avoid stuff that is sweet like cakes and cookies..Also check to see how often you are eating. I try to eat a little meal 6 times a day. It helps keep my blood sugar level. If I put off eating, my blood sugar drops, and that can trigger a seizure.

[matchu]

what does one do when you have no appettite? I have to force or be forced to eat three times a day, much less 6 times.