Seizures can absolutely be controlled through diet -- in fact, the Ketogenic Diet for Seizures has a better success rate than any seizure drug currently on the market. And the side effects are far less than any seizure drug currently on the market. This is not to say that everyone will be completely seizure free with dietary changes, but then again, not everyone is completely seizure free even with multiple seizure meds. Not only does the Keto diet eliminate or significantly reduce seizures for thousands of people, it also is neuroprotective and possibly neuroregenerating -- good for brain cells.
Our son has been on the Ketogenic Diet for Seizures for several years, and has been seizure free for 2 1/2 years, after having between 3 to 15 tonic-clonic and tonic seizures a day. He is now almost med-free. This diet takes an enormous amount of commitment and planning and work, but it is worth it. For more information on the diet, go to Charlie Foundation
http://www.charliefoundation.org/ and/or Matthew's Friends
http://www.matthewsfriends.org/ This links will provide info on the efficacy of the diet, based on studies by Johns Hopkins, Mayo, etc, different types of the diet, and lots of helpful info like recipes, where to find neurologists who work with the diet, etc.
However, the strict Keto diet may not be for everyone. The dietitian at the Charlie Foundation said that many people have become seizure free simply by eliminating gluten (wheat, etc.) from their diet and sugar. Some people in this forum have found relief from low-glycemic diets.
Jay 1 mentioned coconut oil. This is commonly used in the Keto diet -- the medium-chain tryglicerides help with maintaining ketosis. We use MCT oil with every meal, which is a derivative of coconut oil. MCT oil is also beneficial for those with intestinal issues (common to those with epilepsy) as it is absorbed differently and more efficiently.
We also use tumeric (actually curry) as it also has healing properties for the gut. (strong correlation between gut issues and seizures for many)
Avocado is a perfect food for the Keto diet as it has a 4:1 ratio of fat to carbs. Unfortunately, Jon developed an allergy to avocado, so we aren't able to use it now.
Jon doesn't drink milk at all -- too high in sugar. He does consume cheese and gets a calcium supplement.
Jon gets a magnesium supplement. He was getting carnitene, but his levels have been good recently, so we only give if labs show a low level. He also gets a fish oil supplement which was very helpful with seizures and is also neuro-protective. He also takes Nutrivene supplement -- which has mega-vitamins and anti-oxidants, and also good stuff like selenium, etc.
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Also, it HAS been proven that diet can control seizures. I can provide dozens of links to studies by major hospitals. Big Pharma would rather you not know this -- after all, no one gets rich off of the Ketogenic diet as opposed to pills that represent huge profit to the drug industry.