4 FOODS THAT CAN CAUSE SEIZURES

If you are an individual struggling with epilepsy, it can be frustrating trying to figure out what triggers a seizure. Some factors, such as stress or dehydration, can trigger a one-time seizure in a person without preexisting epilepsy as well, which occurs when brain cells get “short-circuited” or overloaded.

Are there foods that cause seizures? Some people with epilepsy will avoid certain foods over time if they bear witness to eating specific food items before experiencing a seizure multiple times over. Of course, everyone’s epilepsy is different. There is not ample evidence that any one type of food causes seizures, but being in control of what you eat can certainly help prevent them. Here are some common foods that are potentially risky for those who experience seizures.

GLUTEN

Gluten intolerance may seem like a product of our time, but the fact remains that it is very real for some people. The proteins found in several grains have an inflammatory nature that can trigger a seizure. Do a little experiment for a few months by cutting out gluten; if your seizures persist as usual, it’s likely not the culprit.

SOY PRODUCTS

Found in many baby foods, soy is now commonly known to trigger allergic reactions and seizures in children. It’s a tricky one to avoid, as it sometimes isn’t even labeled. Make yourself aware of which foods commonly contain soy products and consider removing these from your child’s diet.

REFINED SUGAR

Processed sugar is a general no-no—no matter what nutritionist you’re speaking with. Many processed foods advertised as “low fat” present themselves as healthy options, when they’re often actually filled with processed sugar that is way worse for you than anything full-fat would be. Glucose is necessary for normal brain function, but excess sugar has often been linked to poor brain activity and triggering seizures. This does not mean cutting back on natural sugars like those found in fresh fruit, but rather those that have been heavily processed.

DAIRY PRODUCTS

Another common food allergen, many children have reactions to dairy products that started coming about only in recent decades. Though listed as an integral part of our food pyramid, dairy is frankly not as beneficial to us with modern farming practices than it was a century or two ago. Cutting back on dairy for you or your child may severely decrease the number of seizures you experience. If you’re too attached to dairy to completely cut it out, consider eating goat milk products instead of cow milk—they’re not as high in lactose but can be equally as tasty!

GET IN CONTROL OF YOUR DIET PLAN

The first step towards controlling your seizures is getting in control of what you eat. Though there are no guarantees that there are foods that cause seizures for everyone—again, everyone’s epilepsy is different—eating a balanced diet can put you in control of your health so that other issues that arise are more manageable. Get in touch with us today to start your customized eating plan.