Keto snacks and seizures: What to know

Epilepsy causes recurrent and unprovoked seizures, and it has no cure.

The keto diet, which means consuming 90% of your calories from fats and less than 10% from carbohydrates, may help reduce and even prevent the number of seizures in people with epilepsy. 

Keto diet for epilepsy and seizures

In the United States, nearly 3.5 million people have epilepsy, and 470,000 are children and adolescents. Typically, you may receive an epilepsy diagnosis if you have more than two seizures with no known cause. 

The keto diet, sometimes alongside medication, has been used since the 1920s for the treatment of epilepsy.  In fact, 2019 research suggests that the keto diet is a good alternative to medication and surgery for epilepsy treatment. 

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, about half of the children who go on a prescribed keto diet experience a 50% decrease in seizures, and about 10–15% become seizure-free.

Epilepsy is a metabolic condition. The high-in-fat and low-in-carbohydrate keto diet shows it can reduce and prevent the number of seizures in people with epilepsy by affecting the neurons, also known as hyperexcitable nerve cells within the brain.

These cells may contribute to seizure onset, and because the keto diet leads to metabolic changes in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, it may decrease neuron excitability. This, along with other factors, could stabilize seizures.

According to a 2020 study, around 60% of adults following a keto diet saw an improvement in seizure frequency, and 13% experienced a period without seizures.

Your keto menu must be specifically designed by your healthcare team to suit your epilepsy type and unique needs. 

Keto diets are sometimes difficult to maintain for periods longer than 12 months, so having some snack ideas may help to maintain the diet for longer.

What ingredients will keto snacks generally contain?

The keto diet is high in fats and proteins, and low in carbohydrates. Ingredients from some of the best and most common keto snacks may include:

• avocado
• almonds
• berries
• broccoli
• butter
• cheese 
• unsweetened dark chocolate
• eggs
• kale
• olive oil
• radishes
• spinach
• walnuts
• unsweetened yogurt

What are some easy keto snacks? 

Simple snacks can help both children and adults follow a keto diet long term. Here are some simple keto snacks that can help you stick to a diet that’s beneficial for seizures and epilepsy.

Guacamole and bell pepper sticks

Besides heart-healthy fats, avocados are rich in vitamins, fiber, and minerals. An older 2006 study in mice suggests that avocados and their leaf extract have an anticonvulsant effect. 

To make simple guacamole, you can mash an avocado with a touch of lemon or lime juice, some salt and pepper to taste, and optional olive oil.

Then, you can julienne a bell pepper and dip the sticks in the guacamole. You can also dip radish coins or celery sticks.

Berry smoothie

Berries like strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries, are low in carbs and keto-friendly. 

These berries are also high in antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant properties. 

To make a simple berry smoothie, you can add one type of berry or a mix (fresh or frozen) into a blender. Add some ice, water, unsweetened yogurt, or unsweetened almond milk, to produce a creamy texture. If you’d like to add some more flavor, you can opt for a touch of cinnamon, cacao powder, or nut butter.

Mixed nuts

Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans contain protein, fiber, and good fats. A 2021 study in mice suggests that walnuts have anticonvulsant properties and reduce the frequency of seizures.

You can buy packaged mixed nuts, but make sure to read the ingredients list for salt content and if there are any foods added that fall outside of the keto diet. You should avoid common mixes that include raisins, granola, or crackers.

You can also prepare your own mixed nuts by dry toasting or dry heating the nuts in a pan or an oven until their aromas bloom. You can add a touch of salt if you prefer a savory option. Or you can toss in a pinch of cinnamon and cacao powder to give it a more dessert-like taste.

Hard-boiled eggs

This is probably the easiest keto-friendly snack you can make. Eggs contain a lot of protein, vitamins A, B, D, and minerals. Eggs also contain choline, a key nutrient that supports brain processes.

You can eat hard-boiled eggs just by themselves, or add a touch of salt, pepper, and olive oil — and even unsweetened mayonnaise. 

Yogurt

Yogurt is rich in probiotics that help your gut microbiota remain balanced. This is important, not only for your digestive system but also for your central nervous system. 

You can opt for unsweetened and full-fat Greek yogurt. To spruce it up, you can add keto-friendly fruits, such as berries, cantaloupe, and kiwi. 

Veggie sticks with nut butter

Often a common childhood snack, here you’re combining vegetables and nuts. To make this snack, you can dip celery, bell pepper, or cucumber sticks in your choice of unsweetened nut butter, such as peanut, almond, or cashew. 

Olives

Olives are rich in fiber, vitamins, and monounsaturated fats, which have anti-inflammatory properties. 

You can enjoy these easy snacks by themselves, or with cheese, vegetable sticks, and nuts.

Find more options and recipes for keto snacks.

Epilepsy medications

The majority of people with epilepsy treat their condition with medications, along with lifestyle strategies and diet. 

The most common epilepsy and seizure treatments are antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). They can help prevent and manage seizures in 7 out of 10 people with epilepsy. 

The most common AEDs include:

• valproic acid (Depakene)
• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol)
• lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• levetiracetam (Keppra)
• topiramate (Topamax)
• acetazolamide (Diamox)
• ethosuximide (Zarontin)
• oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
• zonisamide (Zonegran)
• felbamate (Felbatol) 
• tiagabine (Gabitril)

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

Seeking medical help for seizures and epilepsy

People with epilepsy should visit a doctor or healthcare professional at least once each year to check whether the prescribed medication is working or if there are any side effects, and discuss any new symptoms. 

Some side effects of antiepileptic drugs are:

• drowsiness
• headaches
• hair loss
• shaking and tremors
• lack of energy
• rashes

Summary

The keto diet can help reduce seizures in people with epilepsy. It is high in fat and protein and low in carbs.

Healthy snacks are an important part of a balanced keto diet, and you can prepare some easy snacks at home, such as berry smoothies, vegetables with nut butter, and hard-boiled eggs.

Talk with your healthcare professional about a keto diet that can help with epilepsy symptoms. If you experience new symptoms or they become worse, consider contacting a doctor as soon as possible.

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