Lifestyle Recommendations:
• Avoid steroids such as dehydroepiandrosterone.
• Check for hormonal imbalances; low progesterone can be trigger for seizures.
• Practice good sleep habits; get between 8-9 hours of sleep every night.
• Participate in a regular balanced exercise program that includes wearing a pedometer or FitBit tracker to encourage more movement and calculate steps taken, distance walked, and calories burned. High intensity short bursts (20-60 seconds) of activity during the day is recommended to enhance growth hormone release. Also engage in resistance training that works all major muscle groups (work each group at least 2 times a week).
• Work towards self-care; try therapeutic body-based methods such as chiropractic and massage; consider Epsom salt baths.
• Avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol and other potentially neurotoxic compounds like aspartame, nicotine and MSG.
• Avoid exposure to chemicals; use organic and natural personal health care products and household cleaning products.
• Consider testing for blood sugar levels, hormones, heavy metals, and toxins, nutrient levels, oxidative stress, and food sensitivities such as IgGs or ALCAT.
• The levels of certain anti-seizure medication can be altered by hormonal changes, as some medications and hormones both effect liver glucoronidation. Certain medications, such as phenobarbital, can contribute to specific nutrient deficiencies (folate, carnitine).
• Rule out any head trauma; consider neurofeedback.
Dietary Tips and Caveats:
• Consider a ketogenic diet; it has been shown to be successful in children with chronic seizures.
• Emphasize omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna) and omega-9 fats (olive oil, olives, almonds, hazelnuts, avocados, macadamia oil and coconut oil).
• Choose lean, clean, quality protein at each meal such as chicken breast, turkey breast, lean beef, fish (especially salmon and tuna), eggs and whey protein.
• Avoid genetically modified foods, food additives and colorings.
• Limit or avoid trans fatty acids (hydrogenated vegetable oil, margarine and shortening). Cook with olive oil at low heat or coconut or avocado oil if using high heat.
• Drink at least 64 ounces of filtered, bottled or non-chlorinated water every day.
• Avoid gluten and dairy if sensitivity exists, as these can modulate brain health if not effectively digested due to the casomorphins and gliadorphin.
• Strive to keep blood sugar optimal; snack on healthy fats such as coconut, nuts, seeds, avocados, and PaleoBars™ as needed to avoid hypoglycemia.
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Supplement Recommendations:
Taurine 1-4 capsules per day
CarniClear™ 1 tsp per day before breakfast
OmegAvail™ Ultra with Vitamin D3, K1 and K2 2 softgels per day
NeuroMag™ 3 capsules twice per day
MCT Colada™ 1-2 tsps per day
Optional: if brain trauma
S-Acetyl Glutathione Synergy 2 capsules per day
GPC Liquid 2 dropperfuls per day
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The above protocol is designed as a general approach for dealing with the most common issues involved in epilepsy. If you do not see results after several weeks you should contact us for a personal evaluation. The above recommended supplements can be acquired by clicking here.
