Burn Fat, Seize Less

    A diet of 90% fat can reduce seizures in epileptic children by up to 90%. Certain studies have resulted in efficacy rates as high as those seen in all available AEDs (anti-epileptic drugs). This has proven miraculous for many families who suffer through severe drug-resistant childhood epilepsy.

    Dr. Elizabeth Thiele, head of pediatric epilepsy department at a children's hospital associated with Harvard Medical School, placed the author's son on such a diet almost two years prior to the publication of this article, to astounding result.

    Ketogenic (fat-based) diet often works when traditional course of AEDs fail, and the drugs prove impotent against seizures in roughly a third of American epileptics. Vogelstein links to a video (called "Charlie's Speech") from a young man who's life was forever changed by this diet.

   The author, father of an epileptic son, suggests an expansion of the diet's application to other pathologies. He offers the example of solid cancer, because tumors feed on glucose for growth. However, a number of studies have shown that animal protein (casein, to be specific) exacerbates tumor growth to unnerving proportions. When Vogelstein iterates the typical contents of his son's diet, it is rife with animal-derived products. That issue could prove to be a concern.

    It should be noted that this diet isn't intended to last forever. With no intervention, nearly two thirds of children with epilepsy "grow out" of their seizures. For children who don't respond to AEDs, the ketogenic diet could save them from a lifetime of suffering from brain damage incurred in their youth.
   
    Vogelstein includes a beautiful description of the brain in seizure. This piece makes wonderful thought-food for the budding physiologist. His narrative expresses both the desperation of parenthood and the earnestness of a scientific mind. This is a terrific and surprising piece.

    Now, that link down there can transport your screen to this exquisite investigation of the DIY anti-epileptic diet (DIY with an intensely active medical team and technological aids). Read it. Read it now.

    Epilepsy's Big Fat Miracle