[Recommended] Treating Epilepsy Naturally

[RobinN]

I have been reading a book titled Treating Epilepsy Naturally by Patricia A. Murphy. There is a foreword by Russell L. Blaylock, M.D. I respect him a great deal, so I decided to check out this book.

It is a guide to alternative and adjunct therapies.
It includes information on:
~Nutrition, food allergies, and the ketogenic diet
~Age, gender, and epilepsy
~Workplace and environmental issues
~Herbal remedies and other natural treatments
~Toxins and their role in seizure disorders
~How to choose and work with a health-care practitioner

I found neurofeedback mentioned but not to the degree that I would have like to have seen it.

I do recommend the book, mostly for its detailed information on Nutrition. In fact there are 5 chapters on the subject.

What is telling is the chapter on Food Allergies.
pg. 73
"There has been little research into the correlation between food allergy and epilepsy; what information exists is mostly anecdotal case studies. Researchers speculate that some epileptic patients may have allergic reactions in the brain that are similar to the swelling, anoxia, and inflammatory chemical reactions seen at other sites of local allergic reactions. The body becomes much more sensitive to abuses, to the point that just the smell of an allergen can bring on an absence seizure. Researchers who have studied seizures and allergies have stated that when no other cause for seizures can be found, the possibility of food allergy should be explored, especially in children."
pg. 79
William Pilpott, M.D., former director of the Institute of Bio-Ecologic Medicine in Oklahoma City, has estimated that about 50% of seizures may be related to maladaptive reactions to foods, chemicals, or inhalants.

Testing for Food Allergies
Allergy tests are controversial. Not all are accurate. Sometimes the test result in false positives (they tell you you're allergic to a particular food, but when you eat it, you have no reaction). In addition, while some allergy symptoms occur within a few hours of exposure to an allergen, others can occur up to 72 hrs afterward; testing is different for delayed versus immediate reactions. It is best to seek the advice of a health professional who understands the importance of nutrition; beware of anyone promising a quick "cure".

pg. 83
Food Sensitivities
More and more evidence shows that food sensitivities occur when the digestive system does not function properly. Most people are unaware of the association of foods with reactions because of the delayed symptoms, which may not appear for several hours or several days. Common symptoms include chronic fatigue, arthritis, hives, migraine headaches, asthma, stomach pain, sinus congestion, irritability, hyperactivity, and cerebral allergies. Adverse responses to foods can deeply disturb various delicate biochemical balances in the body.

While more physicians have now linked food allergies to seizures, Chris M. Reading, M.D., has gone a step further. He has suggested that some of the same hereditary food allergies that cause illness in one member of the family may cause other illnesses in other family members. He proposes that in families with allergy-linked conditions, including epilepsy and alcoholism, it may be more practical to test and treat the entire family.

Treating Epilepsy Naturally

I highly recommend this book as it is an easy read, and would be a starting point to discuss these therapies with your doctors.

[seizures4ever]

Thanks Robin! I will check this out!

Many good thoughts for you and Rebecca.

-Julie (trying to untangle myself from this medication web that I've got stuck in...before the meds. or the doctors "finish me off")

[Bernard]

Thanks Robin.

[LivingFruity]

This book is on my wishlist. I was going to order it, but my birthday is coming up in a couple of days. I thought that I should wait and make sure no one else bought it for me first. I definitely need to read this!!!

[stilldancing_98]

Yep, I am going to get it. The bookstore is one of my favorite places to hang out.Teresa

[Andrew]

I hope this is the book you are refering to Robin (see link below):

Page 112:

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

"...,there are two Known types of vitamin B6-related seizures in new born and infants under eighteen months of age: B6-deficient and B6-dependent."

And: page 113.

"the chance to Identify a pyridoxine-responsive seizure is lost if Pyridoxine is given with, or after, most Anticonculsant Drugs."

I hope this link works.

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=l...ally#PPA113,M1

Regards

Andrew

[hawke86]

I wish that I could treat it naturally.

[mitsybitsy]

Thanks so much I am so glad I read this, This is exactly what I was looking for I will be sure to get this book.