Many things can cause seizures: brain injuries, neurological problems you're born with, or possibly even certain foods, drugs, and hormones and emotions. Often, foods and other lifestyle choices can aggravate an existing neurological problem and even if not, staying informed and taking care of what you eat is an important part of any medical management plan. The information here is intended to give you a starting point if you suspect that your diet or lifestyle may be affecting your health.


Steps

1. Find a good neurologist. Many of them just keep dosing you with anticonvulsants, like Dilantin, and don't get at the root problem. They may pay little attention to the root of the problem, as seizures are not always understood or curable. Maintenance care is often a primary focus, and in maintenance care the participation of the patient is always important.
2. Consider the following chemicals and possible lifestyle triggers for seizures. There is no way to know other than trying them, or discontinuing their use and looking for a change in your health pattern. You can also ask a traditional or homeopathic doctor.
   • Monosodium glutamate (also known as MSG, Gelatin, Calcium Caseinate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Textured Protein, Monopotassium glutamate, Hydrolyzed Plant Protein, Yeast Extract, Glutamate, Autolyzed Plant Protein Yeast, Glutamic Acid, Sodium Caseinate, Autolyzed Yeast) is a commonly-used flavor-enhancer found in packaged foods and in some restaurants. Check the labeling or ask at the restaurant.
   • Caffeine. Caffeine can be in coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, most soft drinks, aspirin, etc. Check the labelling. Labels that read "decaffeinated" are not totally free of caffeine. To be sure, the label should read "No caffeine," "Caffeine Free," or indicate that the substance never contained caffeine at all.
   • Theobromine is very similar to caffeine, and is often a metabolite of caffeine. It is prevalent in tea and chocolate.
   • Theophylline is an asthma drug that is very similar to theobromine.
   • Estrogen is a hormone produced in abundance by women but less so in men. Estrogen can be in meats, dairy products, and other foods. It is always in birth control pills. For women: If you have more seizures around your period, this is a indication that your hormones are out of balance. Talk about this with your epilepsy specialist. Some extra progrestorone might help.
   • Soy can cause problems very much like estrogen due to the phytoestrogens it holds. It is prevalent in tofu, soy sauce, soy beans, edamame, miso, natto, shoyu, tamari, tempeh, texturized vegetable protein, TVP, soy milk, soy nuts, soy grits, soy protein, soy protein isolate, soybean paste / curd, sobee, kyodofu, soy sprouts, soy flour.
   • Aspartame, also known as Nutrasweet, Equal, Spoonful, Benevia, Natrataste, etc.
   • Cured meats. Nitroso compounds in hot dogs, sausages, cured hams, etc. can cause many neurological problems, including seizures.
   • Seizures are also triggered by emotions. The cause of this "disorder" is always there, so why do you get seizures? Why does your brain do this? Often emotional stress is at the root. Get very sensitive to your seizures. Try and find out what you did that triggered it. Keep a log. Be also very sensitive to other warning signs that you can detect as well (diet, external triggers). And start addressing each and one of them, find your own way to take control over these triggers. This might take a while, but it can make all the difference! Getting help from a therapist might work or read some books. You know what it is you need help with in your life.
   • Read books on the subject. And do online research. There are very good books out there about alternative ways to treat epilepsy or to reduce seizure activity. Try: "Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy" and "Epilepsy, a new approach".
   • See an epilepsy specialist. They know much more about the subject then most neurologists. Find the best one, you deserve it! It can make all the difference.
   • It takes a while to find the right AED for you once diagnosed. Usually after 3 weeks or so on a AED you will know if it works for you or not. Many of these have terrible side effects. Keep working with your specialist until you find the right one which does not make you too tired, dizzy, sick or paranoid or unable to function in any way. Sometimes a bit of valium might do the trick and avoid seizures when you feel them coming.
   • Lead a healthy life style, avoid stress in any little way you can. Yoga or relax audio tapes might help. Confess your feelings, eat very well. Diet is key. Avoid stimulants.
   • Do not presume that Epilepsy has to take over your life. There are many of us who learned to live with it very well. And you can too!

Tips

• Do not rely on any one source. Search the Internet or ask professionals for more information on all of the foods and chemicals listed here until you are satisfied with your knowledge.

Warnings

• Never, ever, abruptly discontinue an anti-epileptic medication (or any medication) without seeking medical advice. To do so can precipitate withdrawal seizures that can be very dangerous.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Avoid stress.