Dyt. from Memorial Kayseri Hospital Nutrition and Diet Department. Betül Merd gave information about the nutrition of epilepsy patients.
Epilepsy, popularly known as epilepsy, is generally known as a lifelong health problem. When the seizures caused by the disease are under control, many people with epilepsy can continue their lives normally. A balanced and regular nutrition plan to be applied in epilepsy patients contributes significantly to the process of reducing the number of seizures and the harmful effects of the disease. Dyt. from Memorial Kayseri Hospital Nutrition and Diet Department. Betül Merd gave information about the nutrition of epilepsy patients.
Epilepsy is an important health problem
Epilepsy is an important health problem that affects the nervous system and temporarily disrupts the functioning of the brain and occurs in the form of seizures. This problem, which can be seen in people of all ages for a long time, brings with it many symptoms. Seizures affect people in different ways depending on which part of the brain is affected.
5 important symptoms of epilepsy
Possible symptoms of epilepsy are as follows;
“Collapse as a result of dizziness. Uncontrollable shaking and swaying sensation, as well as a blank stare. Tingling sensation in the arms and legs. Involuntary contractions in the arms and legs, inability to control the hands, screaming. Foam coming from the mouth, involuntary urinary incontinence.”
Is there a treatment for epilepsy?
The use of medications called anti-epileptic drugs is the main treatment. Surgical intervention, positioning a device in the body that can help control seizures, a special diet, the ketogenic diet, that can help control seizures.
Balanced and healthy nutrition is important
A balanced and healthy diet is an important and indispensable rule for all people. Although this rule comes to mind especially when it comes to disease, people who apply this rule in every period of life are healthier. Today, as a result of scientific research, it has been determined that balanced and regular nutrition, which has been proven to have an effect on general health status, has a positive effect on combating many diseases.
The basic nutritional recommendations that are effective in combating epilepsy are as follows;
“A balanced blood sugar level in the body is important at the end of epilepsy as in every disease. For this reason, sudden increases in blood sugar can trigger epilepsy seizures. Sugary foods that will increase the sugar level should be avoided and grain foods with low sugar content should be consumed. Foods prepared with healthy fats should be included in the daily nutrition program. Especially healthy olive oil should be used and food sources such as Omega 3 and Omega 9 should be preferred. Alcoholic beverages that can trigger epileptic seizures should be avoided. Coffee, tea and cocoa containing caffeine should be limited. Foods that are likely to interact with drugs used in epilepsy treatment should be consumed under the control of specialist physicians. Legumes, whole grain products and green leafy vegetables rich in calcium, magnesium and sodium should be consumed. Ensure that the body gets enough vitamins and minerals through food.
Blood sugar should be balanced
One of the most important issues to be considered in the nutrition of epilepsy patients is to maintain a balanced blood sugar level. For this reason, it is very important for people with this disease to avoid foods containing sugar and to consume whole grain products instead of flour. Patients should not skip meals, because prolonged fasting causes excessive low blood sugar levels. Fish consumption is very important for such patients. Healthy fats such as Omega 3 and Omega 9 in fish are very useful healthy fats for epilepsy patients. For this reason, epilepsy patients should take care to consume fish. Patients with epilepsy should not consume alcohol, tea too often, and limit the consumption of caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee and cola. These drinks have the ability to trigger epilepsy seizures. Some drugs used for epilepsy can interact with fruits such as pomegranate and grapefruit, which can reduce the effects of the drug. Therefore, the consumption of fruits such as grapefruit and pomegranate should be cautious and a specialist should be consulted.
İHA Haber Kodu: 20240821AW271612