Can the Keto Diet Treat Epilepsy?

The keto diet has gained prominence with best-selling books and social media, but the science is still evolving. Researchers are studying its impact on brain, heart, and metabolic health, including the possibility of using it to treat a variety of conditions, from depression to epilepsy.

The Keto Diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan that limits carbohydrates. It has been shown to reduce hunger and cravings, improve glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes, increase brain activity in areas linked to reward and motivation, and suppress appetite and food intake [52].

A ketogenic diet also appears to cause positive changes in the gut microbiome. A study by Basciani et al. [53] compared isocaloric ketogenic diets with different fat to protein ratios—a 4:1 ratio, a 1.7:1 ratio with increased protein, and a balanced nutrition drink that had similar carbohydrate levels to recommended dietary advice. While all groups lost body weight and body fat mass, only the 1.7:1 KD group maintained their protein mass and improved their blood lipid levels with appetite suppression.

Although the diet is safe for most, there are some potential side effects to consider, including nutrient deficiency, fluid retention, and constipation. It is important to eat a wide variety of foods and replace the nutrients that may be depleted. Also, it is important to monitor ketone levels in urine or blood to determine whether you are maintaining a state of nutritional ketosis. A level of 0.5 to 1.0 mmol/l indicates nutritional ketosis.