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Hi Everyone,

My niece, Abby, has epilepsy. They started when she was about 4 and only after an ear infection. Since that time they seizures turned into uncontrolled grand mal with several per night and day. She is now 22 years old and has been effected mentally from the seizures. She was once a bright little girl in advanced classes. Now she is about 7 years old mentally. Her seizures changed to mostly during the night but still frequent.

She moved in with us about 6 weeks ago. We are vegan and almost no prepared foods. We use no soda pop or artificial sweeteners in our home. Her seizures have gone from nearly nightly grand mal's to every other night very short partial seizures. So we are realizing that her diet has a lot to do with her seizures. I started a journal several weeks ago trying to track what she is doing and eating and have been researching what I can on line. Even her father believes her cognitive level has gone up.

We are very excited for Abby's improvements. I'm hoping to learn more on your forum that may help. Anyone that has any suggestions please feel free to offer them up to us.

So far I have learned through trail and error that she can't have Aspartame, Caffeine (I think), and Soy products seem like they might be a trigger. From what I've read on this site I think I might try a low glycemic diet for her. She loves fruit but I'm not sure its good for her either. The poor thing gets no desserts or sweets anymore. She is so good about it all and tries to help in finding answers to her seizures.

Thank you for being here
Aunt Cathy
 
Wow Cathy, Abby is improving before your very eyes..WOW.

For sure you can learn from CWE wonderful members..

How about milk/dairy products? Getting enough Omega 3 and D?

More on Diet on CWE

http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f39/

A very warm welcome! We will be looking forward to your udpates....
 
Hi Cathy, welcome to CWE!

It's so great that you've already identified dietary triggers that play a role in your niece's seizures, and that the changes you've helped her make are having a real difference. Some dietary triggers seem to be in the category of irritants or stimulants, like Aspartame, MSG, and caffeine, and excessive sugar. Some appear to be allergies or sensitivities (like gluten or soy) that affect how well the stomach absorbs nutrients. At least for some diets, it can take a few months to see real changes, so you may need to be patient. I look forward to hearing the results! You might be interested in this thread: http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f32/neurofeedback-rebeccas-story-2733/ It details how neurofeedback and nutritional changes made a difference over time.

Best,
Nakamova
 
Hi Cathy!

That's great that she's seeing improvement. I went vegan *because* of my seizures and I improved leaps and bounds!! Have you taken her to a nutritionist? They can be very very helpful. There is a modified Atkins diet for seizures- I'd say take a look at that too for ideas if nothing else :)
 
Wow thanks for all the responses.
Chaz1 We are vegan so she doesn't get milk or dairy. I'm going to look up the Omega 3 and D. Thank you so much!

Nakamova Thanks for pointing out the irritants or stimulants category! That helps point me in the right direction. And I have learned some things from Rebecca's story!

Seizurrific What wonderful news that you have improved from becoming vegan! I haven't taken her to a nutritionist yet. Although I am applying to a school, Baumen College, to learn it myself. They don't follow the standard food pyramid. Its one that makes more sense to me. I'm curious about the modified Atkins diet?
 
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