Tag: Dietary therapy

In 1921, Dr. Russell Wilder of the Mayo Clinic first coined the term “ketogenic diet” for a nutritional therapy designed to treat epilepsy. Far from its modern popularity as a weight-loss trend, what was the keto diet originally used for was mimicking the metabolic state of fasting to control seizures in patients, particularly children, who didn't respond to medication.

For patients with intractable epilepsy, the Modified Atkins Diet has shown similar effectiveness to the classic ketogenic diet, with 40% experiencing a 50% or more reduction in seizures. The core of its therapeutic effect lies in a precise restriction of carbohydrates, which differs significantly from a traditional weight-loss Atkins plan.

Developed nearly a century ago to mimic the anti-seizure effects of fasting, the ketogenic diet is the most well-known answer to what diet is used for epilepsy. This approach, along with less restrictive variations like the modified Atkins diet, has become an important therapy for many individuals, especially those with drug-resistant seizures.

The history of dietetics stretches back to ancient Greece, with figures like Hippocrates advocating for food as medicine. What began as philosophical observations and remedies has transformed into a rigorous, evidence-based science that continues to evolve today.

Originally developed in the 1970s for managing drug-resistant epilepsy, the medium chain triglyceride (MCT) diet is a specialized dietary plan that utilizes MCTs, a unique type of fat, to induce and maintain a state of ketosis more efficiently than traditional ketogenic diets. This dietary approach manipulates the body's primary fuel source, shifting it from carbohydrates to fat.

The six-food elimination diet (SFED) shows over 70% success in improving or eliminating symptoms of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), a type of food allergy. It is essential to understand what is the six food elimination diet reintroduction, a systematic process to pinpoint the specific culprits behind inflammation and symptoms.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Spleen is a central organ for digestion and fluid metabolism. When its function is compromised, often from poor diet or lifestyle, it can lead to an accumulation of 'dampness,' causing fatigue, bloating, and poor digestion. Understanding what foods should you avoid for a damp Spleen is crucial for restoring the body's natural balance.

Up to 70% of adults and children with epilepsy can be successfully treated with antiepileptic drugs, yet a significant portion remains with uncontrolled seizures. For these individuals, the ketogenic diet, which utilizes a specific keto ratio, becomes a vital alternative treatment to induce a metabolic state of ketosis and reduce seizure frequency.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 3 million American adults live with epilepsy. While many treatments are available, research shows that a specific type of diet is good for epilepsy, particularly for individuals whose seizures are not well-controlled by medication.

Disease-related malnutrition is a prevalent issue among hospitalized chronic patients, affecting over 80% in some studies. This statistic powerfully illustrates how does pathophysiology relate to nutrition, showing that illness profoundly alters the body's nutritional landscape and requirements.