G.A.R.D. - The Epilepsy Diet Made Simple.....

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Bucking the System

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The Epilepsy Diet Made Simple by John B. Symes, D.V.M.
©2005 DogtorJ.com

1) There are 4 known “foods” that can induce villous atrophy of the small intestine*: gluten, casein, soy, and corn. The gluten comes from the gluten grains- wheat, barley, and rye. Casein comes from cow’s milk products and is mostly absent in goat’s milk, which contains a different form of casein. The relative absence of casein in goat’s milk is what makes it the “universal foster milk”. (*particularly the duodenum and jejunum- the first segments of small intestine after the stomach. The villi are the tiny, finger-like projections that absorb nutrients. Atrophy is the wasting away/destruction of these villi.)

2) Adhesives are made from these four foods. Powerful, industrial-strength glues are made from soy, casein, and gluten. Corn is also used to make adhesives but those made from this food are considerably weaker, being used for paper/cardboard products.

3) Simple-stomached animals (non-ruminants) are incapable of completely breaking down these “glues”. Celiacs are the proof. These troublesome glycoproteins do adhere to the intestinal villi after passing from the stomach, surviving the action of the acids designed to break down most foods. This is the known pathophysiology of celiac disease as this adherence of gluten to the intestinal lining and the ensuing immune responses cause serious damage to the duodenal and jejunal villi.

4) The duodenum and jejunum, where most of the damage is done by the “big 4″, are responsible for the absorption of calcium, iron, iodine, B complex, vitamin C, and most trace elements (zinc, boron, manganese, lithium, magnesium, and more). In fact, 95% of the intestine’s vitamin D activity (involved in calcium absorption) takes place in the proximal (first) one third of the duodenum. Similarly, the majority of iron is absorbed in the duodenum. (Here’s the rub: I have yet to meet a doctor-veterinary or human- that knows or remembers being taught this simple truth concerning the absorption of nutrients, such as calcium and iron, taking place in the duodenum. In fact, I have had a number of doctors look me in the eye and tell me that the duodenum absorbs “nothing”. This is unfathomable to me, although I did not know this either, until I began my research. Therefore, I am not throwing stones here. But I am very disappointed in the educational process that we as health care providers go through if basic truths like these are lost.)

5) The official number now being published by the medical profession (Johns Hopkins University and Mayo Clinic) is 1:120 Americans have celiac disease (gluten intolerance). This is a staggering number and a vast increase from the “rare disorder affecting less than 1:5,000 people” that was being purported at the time of my diagnosis in the year 2000. But remember: Wheat is just one of the four gut-damaging foods and is only the number two human, dog and cat allergen. Cow milk is the number one food allergen in people. I have little doubt that researchers will find casein intolerance to be much more of a problem than once thought.

6) The allergies to these four foods (gluten grains, cow’s milk, soy, and corn) are formed at the time the damage to the intestinal lining is taking place. These four foods are the top human, dog, and cat allergens for very good reason. They are the primary food allergens- those that do harm to the intestinal villi and elicit an immune response in the process. All other foods allergens are secondary to this damage, drawing an immune response as they pass through the damaged gut. This is part of the “leaky gut syndrome” created by the release of zonulin, a hormone that is produced by the intestine once the villous atrophy has become severe and prolonged (the intestinal tract’s “plan B”). This is the accepted pathophysiology of adulthood food allergens in celiac disease, not a theory. Secondary food allergies to eggs, peanuts, shellfish, tree nuts, tropical fruits, etc. result from damage done to the natural barriers of the intestine caused by the primary food allergens (the “big 4”).

7) There are antibody-sized glycoproteins that we derive from foods that are now termed “lectins“. It is crucial that we understand these dietary proteins and the potential harm they can do as they attach to internal tissues once they have entered the bloodstream. There are good and bad lectins in our food components, with the most damaging being from the same four foods listed above.

8) Glutamic acid (glutamate) and aspartic acid (aspartate) are two non-essential amino acids- our bodies manufacture all of the required amounts of these two amino acids from other proteins. Glutamate is one of the principle neurotransmitters in our brain. The amount of glutamate at the synapse is regulated by the adjacent glial cell (astrocyte), which removes excess glutamate from the synapse to prevent over-excitation of the impulse-receiving neuron. Glutamate is not only neurostimulating, it is potentially neuro-lethal. For example, excessive glutamate at the synapse is the described pathomechanism in Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS), with that excess leading to the death of that neuron. Similarly, the “glutamate cascade” is the known cause of brain death regardless of the cause of our bodily death. Therefore, it is clearly very important for the synapse to have the proper level of glutamic acid present at any given moment. Excessive glutamate can lead to over-stimulation of neurons (e.g. seizures, reduced pain threshold, sleep disorders, and emotional disturbances) or neuronal death (e.g. ALS).

9) Glutamic acid is the parent protein in MSG (mono sodium glutamate). MSG is used as a neurostimulator, acting to sensitize the open-ended nerves in our taste buds so that food will taste better. MSG is a known trigger of seizures, as is its sister amino acid, aspartic acid, the parent protein in the artificial sweetener aspartame (NutraSweet). Both amino acids are neurostimulators and “excitotoxins” (as Dr. Russell Blaylock terms them) and the very proof lies in the purpose for their use in the food industry.

10) It has been commonly held that blood sources of these two neurostimulating amino acids do not cross the “normal” blood brain barrier, that layer of cells that protect the brain by limiting the passage of certain blood components into the brain. This contention is only partly true, as there are areas of the brain that are not protected by the normal blood brain barrier. Also, the key word in the above contention is “normal”.

11) Wheat gluten is 25% glutamic acid by weight. Casein from cow’s milk is 20% glutamic acid by composition. Soy protein has much more glutamate than either of these two. Corn contains the least amount of these two non-essential amino acids but it can do harm to the intestinal villi in susceptible individuals, leading to malaborption of essential nutrients and worsening food allergies. This has become even more of a problem as we have genetically modified corn.

12) 70% plus of the calories of the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) come from dairy and wheat alone, the number one and number two food allergens in humans, dogs, and cats. Remember: The damage they do to the intestinal villi is the root cause of these allergies. Plus, these foods are loaded with glutamate. Allergic reactions also alter the permeability of the blood brain barrier. Plus, the products made from these foods are often very high in refined sugar and hydrogenated oils. All of these factors contribute to the neurological effects of the “big 4” and the products manufactured from them.

13) Cow milk products, wheat, and soy are also the leading sources of dietary estrogens. Dairy products have been related to breast cancer, prostate cancer, endometriosis, and polycystic ovaries. Dairy and soy have been both incriminated in altering the onset of first menses in our children, with dairy products bringing that age down from 15 to 12.5 years and soy bringing it further down to 8 years of age in a reported 16.7% of our little girls. Estrogens are both inflammatory and immune suppressive. Their role in breast cancer is well documented, setting the stage for the viruses that cause breast cancer. (Put “virus, breast cancer in your search engine.) Estrogens also play a role in catamenial seizures, PMS, and in the immune suppression that helps unleash the opportunistic viruses that we have acquired over our lifetime, including Epstein Barr and others that occupy our brain. Put “virus, seizure” or “virus, epilepsy” in your search engine and read about the viral agents known to be involved in seizures. There are over 25 viruses known to cause seizures in man.

14) The damage done to the intestinal villi by the “big 4” results in a chronic, progressive malabsorption of the nutrients it normally absorbs. Again, those nutrients include calcium, iron, iodine, B complex, and vitamin C along with numerous trace minerals (zinc, boron, magnesium, lithium, and more). Evidence of this malabsorption is everywhere you look in this country- osteoporosis, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid diseases, folate deficiencies, skeletal abnormalities, and immune incompetence. Celiacs represent the worst of the worst, acting as a “who’s who” of what goes wrong with humans, dogs, and cats. Growth abnormalities, juvenile bone diseases, dental issues (cavities) , and iron deficiencies are obvious evidence of the malfunction taking place in the duodenum and jejunum.

15) What we haven’t readily seen is how the normal enzyme systems (e.g. those in the liver, kidney and brain), which control blood and neuronal glutamate levels, suffer from the deficiency in those vitamins critical to the function of that enzyme. What we do see is the overt consequences- the effects of the excess glutamate in the brain in the form of seizures, pain syndromes, insomnia, and neurodegenerative diseases. These are often quickly reversed by the removal of the foods containing the “excitotoxins”- glutamic and aspartic acid. Others require replacement vitamins and minerals in order to “reboot” the normal enzyme systems.

16) Another element that is difficult to accurately measure is the competence of the immune system. But you do not have to be a doctor to know that an individual who is not getting adequate levels of vitamins and minerals would have a less than perfect immune system. Celiacs stand out here once again like a sore thumb, leading the pack in immune incompetence (e.g. fighting mononucleosis, shingles, and herpes), immune-mediated diseases (lupus, rheumatoid disease, etc), and cancer (e.g. a 50 fold increase in colon cancer). Put “cancer, virus” in your search engine.

17) The G.A.R.D. is primarily an elimination diet. It is “simple” but not necessarily easy. It is certainly much more easily accomplished in our pets than in our own lives. In the dog and cat, it can be as simple as changing from pet food “A” to pet food “B” after checking the ingredients. However, eliminating snacks and treats seems to be just as hard for some pet owners to do as it is for them to do in their own lives. What to eliminate becomes quite obvious, dictated by the condition being treated and degree of affliction. The “worst of the worst” require the strictest elimination, often showing marginal recovery without doing so but demonstrating significant improvements when enough is done right.

18) The first foods to eliminate are the “big 4″ (or the four horsemen of the apocalypse, as I like to refer to them)- gluten (wheat, barley, rye), casein, soy, and corn. This shuts off the damage being done to the intestinal villi, a step of paramount importance in the full recovery from every single condition imaginable. Logic should dictate this to be true- and it is. This also eliminates the top four primary food allergens and main sources of glutamate, estrogens, and lectins. Could this step be any more important???

19) The next step is to eliminate the “crack cocaine” versions of these non-essential amino acids- MSG and aspartame. This can be difficult in the human diet and often requires intense research into the hidden sources of MSG. There are now MSG and migraine support Websites that deal specifically with this issue. Diet drinks must be eliminated immediately. Put “aspartame syndrome” in your search engine and believe the testimonials that you read.

20) Eliminate the other sources (listed in the following article) of glutamate. Peanuts, for example, are very rich in this non-essential amino acid as they are soy’s closest cousin. All legumes are rich in glutamate as are the bean family (excluding green beans), which include garbanzo, lima, black, kidney, and navy. Lentils are also rich in glutamate. Certainly, these foods are nutritious in other regards, but for those battling excitotoxin-related disorders, they should be limited until full recovery is attained. Then, perhaps as the body functions (enzyme systems, blood brain barrier, neuronal sensitivity, and tissue health) return to normal, these can be eaten again. This is true in most but not in others, especially those living in highly polluted environments.

21) RUN from hydrogenated oils. You will see how these trans fats- one of man’s worst creations- play a vital role in atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and in neurodegenerative and immune-mediated conditions. Learn how they contribute to the death of an American every 3.5 seconds. In the context of our discussion, they damage the blood brain barrier, disrupting enzyme systems, and allowing excess glutamate levels to build in the brain by preventing their exclusion.

In summary: The G.A.R.D. allows the intestinal villi to heal, thereby reversing the malabsorption of nutrients that are vital to the health of all tissues and enzyme systems, including those of the brain and immune system. It is also naturally hypoallergenic, which relieves symptoms and improves the function of the blood brain barrier. It is low in dietary estrogens, which in turn reduces inflammation and improves immune function. And mainly, the G.A.R.D. is low in the non-essential amino acids glutamate and aspartate, which clearly ARE crossing into the brain in the same fashion as their concentrated forms (MSG and aspartame), causing over-excitation of neurons.

The elimination of the offending foods has resulted in phenomenal improvements in seizures, pain syndromes, insomnia, ADHD, autism, bipolar disease, and even MS and ALS. Because these foods are the primary food allergens, their restriction also relieves numerous symptoms such as nasal congestion, asthma, heartburn, IBS, skin allergies, ear problems, and more.

Dogtor J.
 
Addendum

Now, for the GOOD news:

On these dietary restrictions, I just want to make one thing very clear. We are restricting the level of glutamate and aspartate in the diet because the neurons of the brain (and their associated supportive cells called glial cells, or astrocytes) are diseased and cannot handle the high levels of this non-essential, neurostimulating amino acid in our typical diet. By eating what has become the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.), we are absolutely bombarding our brain with these “excitotoxins” in the form of grains, dairy, soy, and the rest.

But, it is the fact that the brain is unhealthy that explains why we are seeing the syndromes such as epilepsy, ADHD, insomnia, fibromyalgia, and various neurodegenerative diseases. I need to reemphasize this point for a number of reasons but mainly to establish why a person would develop one of these conditions and another not while eating the same foods. There must be something that distinguishes that person from the other…and there is…there always is. These things are covered elsewhere on the Website, but this might be a good time to check out my newest section, Viruses-Friend or Foe?

Here’s the point: When we are in the throws of one of the excitotoxin-related disorders, we need to reduce our consumption of the foods rich in these amino acids as much as possible. Doing so places a big Band-Aid on the situation and yields notable and often remarkable results in a short period of time. Dogs have stopped seizing in 24 hours. I felt noticeably better in four days. My fibromyalgia was improved in less than a week and gone in a month.

The phenomenal thing is that the long-term recovery also comes from the same diet. The principle reason this disease-producing cycle was set into motion to begin with was the damage effects of the “big 4” (gluten, casein, soy, and corn) on the intestinal villi and their ability to absorb vital nutrients. This combined with the showering of the body with exctotoxins, allergens, lectins, estrogens, and other substances from these same foods sets us up for the disease states that follow. Once the immune system starts to suffer from the same process, we are pretty much done.

The good news (yes, there is some good news) is that once we are off the “big 4” long enough, the process does reverse. Imagine the benefits of your body properly absorbing the calcium, iron, iodine, B complex, vitamin C, and trace minerals it so desperately needs. Imagine a brain, liver, and entire body that is getting what it needs to repair and thrive and in an environment free of the top four human, dog, and cat food allergens (cow milk, wheat, soy, and corn), which are also providing major quantities of allergens, damaging lectins, estrogens, depressants (casomorphins/gliadomorphins), and excitotoxins. Do you think you might just start feeling better??? (Smile)
But there’s more good news (and this is the main reason for placing this information here on this page). Once you have recovered…your brain, liver, and immune system are back to normal or close to it…then you can go back to eating some of those sources of glutamate and aspartate that are not one of the “big 4”. Again, the reason for the more severe restriction of these other foods was to place a Band-Aid on the situation- to provide relief for your ailing brain and liver (which regulates the glutamate in the bloodstream) by reducing the load of these potentially harmful neuroactive amino acids on these unhealthy organs. Once the nervous system and liver have recovered, most of us can go back to eating the nuts, seeds, beans, and meats that we were limiting in the beginning.

Just remember- “Everything in moderation”. Some individuals will recover to such a degree that they could go back to eating all of the peanuts, lima beans, and steak they want without experiencing a seizure, pain episode, or bad night’s sleep. BUT, most will fall into a category somewhere in between this level of recovery and where they were to start with, depending on several secondary factors, such how much we cheat with the “big 4″, our age, local pollution, and more. And after all, loading up on peanuts is not good for anyone. (All you need is about 6 peanuts or almonds to get all that you need from them for the day. BUT, who does that???) Similarly, we do not need the cowboy-sized serving of steak they throw at us at your favorite restaurant. (I have to keep telling myself that.)

So, please do not think that I am saying you cannot eat any of the foods on the glutamate-rich list ever again. The formal name of the diet is the glutamate-aspartate restricted diet. That is a relative term, with some individuals requiring a more severe restriction than others. But when it comes to the “big 4″, I use the term elimination. If you are gluten, casein, soy, and/or corn intolerant, elimination is the key to your optimal recovery. These are the guys that set us up for all of this mess. That is why I now “lovingly” call them the four horsemen of the apocalypse. The effects they can have on man and animals is potentially catastrophic and hopefully the reader now has a much better idea of why I have dedicated my life to this mission.

I hope this helps.

Dogtor J.
 
I"ve said this before & I"ll say it again. There's something about using a veterinarians advice that doesn't make sense when dealing with human neurology.

Why not go to a podiatrist? at least they deal with humans.
 
So? Do we line up for our pill or do we take charge and try something else? Which line are you in? I choose to be "different"......
 
Here's the thing that keeps getting to me, and I've looked into this kind of thing as well. The source, "Dogtor J" cites that he's helped canines. Canines are carnivores, it makes logical sense that they would react badly to Gluten products, Soy products, and such simply because never in their entire evolutionary history has a canine of any type ever consumed those products out in the wild for nutritional purposes. Canines and cats will occasionally eat grass and weeds to add fiber to their system so that their digestive system flows more smoothly, but that's not for a nutritional value and not on a regular basis either. They are not biologically designed to consume those products, and it has been that way for millions of years.

Humans, however, are omnivores. We consume both meat and plant sources for nutritional purposes. If his studies were done on monkeys, or other omnivores, it would be a little more convincing. However, his research, though extensive, only proves one thing... it proves that carnivores don't function well, if at all, on an omnivorous or herbivorious diet. That should be common sense. Does anyone fill up their dogs food bowl with grass? No. So why would dog food that has similar substances in it be good for them? Turns out... it's not good for them. And for canines this diet works quite well.

I've been reading around the website of Dogtor J. (Apparently, he was previously called Zorro because he made all of these claims anonymously...)

Thus far (And correct me if I'm wrong or have over-looked it somehow) he makes this claim constantly:

"The results of my GARD (diet) were astounding to say the least."

However, so far, I've failed to come across the actual results. Nowhere on his site has he posted, that I can find, the exact results, along with the listed variables and factors... No numbers... Nothing... Please link me to it if I'm wrong, but I can't find his results anywhere. All I can find is him claiming how astounding and stunning they are, without ever sharing them. That's a rather bold claim for him not to provide proof for.

Now I will say this: Removing these things from a patients diet will help them, if they are shown to be allergic to the substances. That's a critical part. Also, a study done by CNN challenged the claims directly, as the claim was that this would help Autism patients as well. The study found that the diet *only* helped those patients who were allergic to the foods that were removed. In patients who were not allergic, there were no changes at all. That to me is common sense as well, if someone is allergic, they should avoid what they are allergic to....

Dogtor J also states that:
"I felt noticeably better in four days."
He also states:
"It all began with my personal diagnosis of celiac disease (gluten intolerance) and the miraculous recovery that followed the elimination of gluten (wheat, barley, and rye) from my diet."

He eliminated something he's allergic/intolerant to from his diet, and he felt better... I don't want to sound like a jerk, but how is that in any way shocking? To me, it's not. His body couldn't digest what he was eating, and he reacted badly because of it. Again, this is common sense that works for his body. I, personally, am lactose intolerant. I don't consume dairy products because when I do, I have a bad reaction. When I don't, I feel fine. Is removing dairy a miracle cure? No. Does it work for myself and my body type? Yes. Does it work for everyone? No. Should I claim it will work for everyone... No... No I don't think I will. Not only is what I would be saying incorrect, it might inspire people to do things that won't work for their body types. That's an even worse scenario in the long run.

Essentially, he is lobbying for everyone to change to a Paleolithic Diet. The reason being, it makes people feel better. This is true. However it's not a miracle, it's basic evolutionary biology.

People feel better and are healthier on a Paleolithic Diet because agriculture is, in the terms of genetics and evolution, a very new way of existing. Our bodies are still adapted to the hunter/gatherer diet, ~7000 years of civilization is not nearly enough time for our physical bodies to adapt to the lifestyle and diets we've created. Biologically, we're still hunter/gatherers, and when we eat like we've eaten like one, we feel much better.

His other claims, like this diet being a long term solution/cure for conditions like Huntington's, are insane.

All in all... this needs a lot more research. The research also needs to seperate people who are intolerant to the foods, and people who are tolerant to them, into seperate groups, so that their results can be compared. If it helps only one group, then it would not count as a cure, or a cause, of Epilepsy. As I see it, at best, this would isolate that in people who are intolerant to those substances, those substances are triggers. Useful information, yes... but a miracle... doubtful.

Though to be honest... I'd be thrilled if this was a miracle cure and the underlying cause of Epilepsy. However there is not nearly enough research done to make that claim. And I'm sorry for the long post, I have a tendency to ramble.
 
Bucking the System: I think you should be really careful on what you are recommending on CWE. Many on this site are young and under the care of their parents. Not all changes as you are recommending work for everyone.

There are some things that I agree with you such as no MSG and no aspartane which most of us with epilepsy/migraine avoid.

So? Do we line up for our pill or do we take charge and try something else? Which line are you in? I choose to be "different"..
Excuse me, but this is very unkind of you to say. So, you feel that those of us who use drugs are not taking charge? WRONG. Also, 'trying something else' could have disastrous results.
 
Sorry but no apologies for who I am. I operate under the theory that we have a mind and should use it. As for the younger ones here? I would hope that they have adult supervision to monitor their individual actions. I think that the standard practice of taking pills as a "norm" is not acceptable. It should be last resort once all else is exhausted not the first. Not question seizures are scary - I can relate. Been there and done it like many, many others here. My hope would be for all to take charge and become seizure free without the use of drugs. A natural path is through proper diet and supplements as well as lifestyle that provides rest and relaxation.
 
So? Do we line up for our pill or do we take charge and try something else? Which line are you in? I choose to be "different"......

I didn't choose to be "different". It just happened........ E, that is. I'm in the line to take charge of E by taking pills, brain surgery and VNS, all to no avail, plus I have Type 1 diabetes and have to have insulin shots 5 times a day and check my glucose numerous times a day. So excuse me, how different is that?! And I do use my mind. I use my common sense, also. As Eric stated, something about a veterinarian treating humans for neurological disorders doesn't make sense to me. And I do carefully watch my diet and glucose intake due to the diabetes, plus exercise regularly. None of that helped control MY seizures. As Silat insinuated, what works for one, doesn't necessarily work for everyone.
 
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I would think with the myriad of issues you have that diet and lifestyle would be at the top of the list and not drugs? Have you really ever truly balanced your minerals based on reliable testing? What diet do you eat and are you dedicated to it? How much sleep and exercise do you get? As for veterinarian treating humans? Why not? Have you ever looked at seizures in animals and what the cures were? Pretty simple. I wish you the best and hope you expand your horizons in thinking......
 
I discussed dietary options with my neuro and he said "in most cases dietary changes do not help and the.diets are do restrictive the people they do help rarely stick with them."
Personally, I have tried the GF/CF diet and the candida diet and have looked in to the modified Atkins diet, which my neuro said would be too unhealthy for me.
The GF/CF diet did nothing for me our my autistic son. All it did was frustrate him and put a huge strain on my finances. The candida diet is all but impossible to stick to and I was so put off by how few food choices I had I ended up eating once a day and got so skinny my husband insisted I go back to eating normally.
Do I swallow my meds everyday like a good girl? Of course I do. I suffer chronic depression and no one can stand me when I'm off my anti depressants. I exercise as muchas I can, I eat well,I think positive, I'm regularly in counselling. Doesn't mean I don't need extra help managing my moods.

I think you would have gotten more positive responses if you didn't imply that anyone medicated is a sheep unwilling to help themselves.
 
Thank you for your posting. In the past I have been a bit dubious about restrictive diets, but reading this gives me pause. This is my first post as just joined the website. As I read this, I am thinking that for me, it is worth a try.
just read a few posts in response to your article. I still am in "the observer" mode and can see how things can trigger lots of emotion for people.
It is a provocative subject..personally I am fairly genetically loaded neurologically.
Mother, GF, and Aunt died of Huntingtons. Dad of Parkinsons. Sister brain damaged from an aneursym in the occipital area. And there is me...GM seizures....
I have no idea who or if any one will read this posting...if it is buried in many postings and sent up to cyber world.
I guess I am very grateful for any tips that may prove useful.
 
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Hi Lisa K --

As with all the treatments out there, your mileage may vary. Making dietary changes does seem to help reduce or control seizures for some folks. I'm more likely to try neurofeedback if I get the chance.
 
Hi, for anyone who stumbles across this post, I just wanted to let you know about a Group on FB called "Diets for Epilepsy". There are currently 18 diets mentioned, and stories from people who have tried them and had successes and others no so much luck. I agree with those who commented about evidence being key to dietary approaches...perhaps groups like this one will help people to report their experiences.
:)
 
I"ve said this before & I"ll say it again. There's something about using a veterinarians advice that doesn't make sense when dealing with human neurology.

Why not go to a podiatrist? at least they deal with humans.
That is funny,

Every time I take my dog to the vet I tell him that I wished he could be my doctor as well!
 
This diet thing being simple yet not easy is a brilliant comment....
It is kind of like BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR in reverse! After trying so many new drugs and or different treatment modalities over the years only to be the person who gets the rash, has a seizure on a first date and on and on.
Now, that I do see a difference after eliminating all those suspect foods, why would I want to start playing. It is easy to stay off gluten, soy and dairy.
I would NEVER attempt to start playing around with my meds, nor am I suggesting that anyone else!
HAPPY NEW YEAR to everybody!!!
 
Thank you for your article. I think many humans should see vets. You have to diagnose the illness and treat it with out any verbal bla bal humans emit. There fore you must look at all the symptoms and not jump to a conclusion due to what a patient has to say. I developed epilopsy at age 60 due to a (first) seizure from extreme stress and harrasement at work. (thanks post office) . I am trying to find as may things now, as I can to be seizure free and keep the meds. to a minimum. I thought I have been eating "healthy" but now I may need to take another look at that. Thanks for giving me a lot of other things to consider.
 
I am still wagging my tail and have not had a seizure!
Yet
I know this is not the end but, so far so good
 
Been on Depakote 1000mg for about 7 years. I am now alternating 750mg and 625mg every other night for 2 months to see how it goes. This diet seems promising.

If anything I'm going to start slow and eliminate wheat and casein for a while before diving gung ho into it. Other than that, I'm sticking with my Indica :rock:
 
Friends, I was diagnosed the first week of December 2012 with left temporal lobe epilepsy (waves, spikes, slowing in the temporal lobe, etc), after 2 years of dramatic symptoms--night-time aura and seizures that I thought at first was simply fainting out. They have ALWAYS occurred with GI symptoms, especially uncontrollable diarrhea and vomiting, but the neuro dismissed the possibility that the GI was related, or even a trigger. Coincidentally, I was on antibiotics for a sinus infection, and after 6 days of careful eating to try to control the diarrhea, which I was having because of the meds, despite its usually being controlled with Cholestyramine, I decided to finish the full 2 week regimen of gluten-free eating which my PCP had suggested to me in September. Incredible results! First, the GI problems ended. Secondly, any aches and pains in the joints that I had ascribed only to getting older, are gone. Thirdly, I had more energy. And weirdly, no seizures--just aura once when I accidentally ingested some gluten. Coincidentally, I discovered online (and only AFTER starting this, so it isn't a matter of looking for it) that there is a proven relationship between celiac and gluten. Now, I am negative for celiac. But the dramatic results I have had are another anecdote of someone who is gluten sensitive and whose seizures have stopped upon sticking with this diet. I now have had NO auras since December, and no seizures since November, and on top of this, I have been able to go off the Cholestyramine entirely, so long as I have rice and a banana every day, and avoid too much dairy. This means no headaches or light-headedness, and no bad night's sleeps any more, which I had been ascribing to the epilepsy, but which may in fact be due to the Cholestyramine! I am SO grateful. In my case, I have not had to eliminate casein, but reducing dairy helps a lot--too bad, as I love cheese! Yogurt does not seem to have any bad effect on me. Any way, I go to see a new neurologist the first week of march, and I wonder what she will say. I have not yet been put on meds, since my first neuro (the one who dismissed the GI-seizure connection) wanted my husband to observe me during an episode and report before he prescribed--but there have been no episodes!!!!!! I am SO grateful for my health.
I will report back in a few months and let you know my success!
 
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