The ketogenic diet (KD) consists of a regimen low in carbohydrates (rice, pasta, bread, vegetables, fruits and legumes), high in fats (cream, butter, milk, oil, etc.) and variable in protein, depending on the patient’s weight.
Are there different types of ketogenic diet?
There are two types of ketogenic diet:
- CD for epileptic children: fats are the main caloric intake.
- CD for weight loss: the main energy source is fats and proteins (without being a high protein diet).
In this article we will focus on the first subtype, as it is the less known of the two.
Who is this diet for?
The ketogenic diet is a treatment used in children with epilepsy whose seizures have not been controlled with drugs. Therefore, in no case will this pathology be treated with a CD from the beginning. The neurologist, together with the parents, will be in charge of deciding whether to start this diet.
Finally, although the ketogenic diet is not exclusively for children, it has been shown that children respond better than adults with epilepsy.
How does this diet affect the brain?
Although there are several theories on this subject, the majority belief is that through the KD, glucose decreases in the blood, so that the brain no longer uses it as a motor. The ketone bodies produced by fat oxidation become the fuel, i.e. the energy used by the brain.
Is it possible to eradicate the crises?
First of all, we must bear in mind that the objective is not to eliminate the seizures alone. The most important thing is really to reduce the pharmacological treatment, as well as to make the child more integrated in the environment and to contribute to his learning.
On the other hand, the ketogenic diet manages to eliminate epilepsy completely by 10-15% and to reduce the seizures suffered by children by 50%. Therefore, although it is not completely effective, it has a high degree of effectiveness.
Who should design the diet?
The CD, like any other diet, should be designed by a specialist in Nutrition and Dietetics, working together with a professional from the Epilepsy Unit.
Firstly, the calorie intake will be variable for each child according to weight and age. Secondly, the calculation of protein will depend solely on weight.
Finally, based on these two indicators, fat and carbohydrate intake will be calculated.
Is it necessary to give any nutritional supplement?
Yes, since the reduction of vegetables and fruit in the diet of children creates a lack of vitamins and minerals that must be supplemented for the child’s well-being.
Are there any side effects?
Although it is not frequent if the advice of medical specialists is followed, in some cases it can lead to high cholesterol, weight gain, kidney stones, growth retardation or constipation. However, if the diet is properly calculated and the controls are followed, these side effects are exceptional.
In case of any of these alterations, the diet should be reviewed and recalculated to ensure that it is being followed correctly.