Food Allergies a Cause for Seizures?

[Bindi]

So...I'm lactose intolerant and mildly allergic to nuts and possibly gluten. That leaves pretty much nothing left to eat. op: All of those happen to also be my favorite food categories. :lol:

Anyways, my husband was thinking that my mild food allergies could be triggering tonic clonics. Anyone have any info or thoughts on this? I'm almost positive that my insomnia is a big trigger but food??

Could this be possible?

 

[KellyD]

Hi Bindi, allergies suck don't they? My 2 boys are allergic to milk and one may be to egg as well. The eldest with just the milk allergy is the one with epilepsy and for awhile I wondered the same thing but dr told me it wasn't. Not sure if that would be the same for you but they do say lack of sleep is a big trigger so I would agree with you there.

 

[Nakamova]

Hi Bindi --

Absolutely, food can be a trigger. Some CWE members have found that gluten can be problematic and that a gluten-free diet helps to control their seizures. Certain foods (like MSG) can be seizure triggers, and certain food sensitivities can affect how well nutrients that support the brain are absorbed. You can read more in these threads from the archives:

http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f32/gluten-free-diet-no-seizures-8299/
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f22/gluten-docs-seizures-good-news-5464/
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f20/interest-gluten-sensitivity-seizure-disorders-8235/
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f32/neurofeedback-rebeccas-story-2733/
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f22/gut-brain-connections-5352/

 

[FebBreeze]

Hi! I'm new to the forums. I've been searching for an answer to the connection of food allergies and seizures. Glad to have found this thread and will read further. One morning I found myself suddenly running to the restroom at 2 a.m. and was unable to stay out of there between then and 4:30. I'm not aware of having any allergies myself, but my daughters do. One's allergic to nuts and the other's dairy intolerant & has severe reactions to many other foods. When my problem occurred the other morning, it was to the point that I was blacking out, but didn't seize. I'm thinking soy may be the culprit. If anyone can shed light on this, please do. Thanks

 

[masterjen]

I was diagnosed with celiac disease in addition to frontal lobe seizures, however 4 years of a strict gluten free diet (including avoidance of gluten in toothpastes, lip balms, etc. etc.) has not changed the seizures. I'm also lactose free by my own decision since celiac and lactose intolerance often go together. So I have wondered that since I have a severe sensitivity to gluten, maybe there is something else out there I shouldn't be eating. I plan to take this up with my epileptologist at next visit. But: I have recently learned that a blood test that measures IgE levels looks for life threatening allergies (think someone who is allergic to peanuts or bee stings, that kind of thing). The antibody IgG is a measure of intolerance. My IgG level since being gluten free is now well within the normal range, so maybe my theory of being intolerant to something else is unfounded???

 

[Nakamova]

Hey febBreeze, do you also have catamenial seizures (ones related to spikes in estrogen)? If so, that might might be another reason why soy is problematic, since soy can contain phytoestrogens. Either way, it can help to keep a seizure diary to try and find any things in your environment, diet, or lifestyle that may be triggering. Keep in mind that with dietary adjustments it can sometimes take up to 6 months to see an improvement. (Of course if you notice a change right away, that's terrific!).

masterjen, I'm sorry that removing gluten from your diet hasn't reduced your seizures (but I hope it's made you healthier otherwise). Finding dietary triggers can be tricky, and not everyone has them. In some instances it can be less about absolute intolerances/allergies and more about maintaining a certain balance. For some folks, low carb/low glycemic index diets seem helpful, and ones that avoid MSG and aspartame or estrogenic foods can make a difference too. Let us know what your epileptologist says.

 

[masterjen]

Thanks, Nakamova. My appointment is in about 6 weeks. Will post here to let you know what the dr. said.