Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a term used to cover various types of seizure disorders, which are believed to be caused by abnormal electrical signals in the brain. Seizures (also referred to as convulsions or fits) are the biggest symptom of epilepsy, but they are not the same thing as epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which the mind is predisposed to unexpected changes in electrical activity, which can cause a seizure. However, seizures can and do happen to people that are not epileptic.

A seizure is a single occurrence, whereas epilepsy is a neurological condition characterised by two or more unprovoked seizures. Preventing seizures by adjusting the diet can be the best solution for some people as, very often, nutritional deficiencies can be the root cause of seizures or can help to increase the occurrence and severity of seizures with another cause.

Possible seizure triggers

• Alcohol excess which can lead to dehydration and nutrient deficiency
• Artificial sweetener aspartame
• Cadmium toxicity
• Calcium deficiency
• Candles, burning of wax and paraffin and scented candles
• Cannabis
• Chocolate (dark)
• Coffee
• Comfrey (herb)
• Exhaustion
• Flashing bright lights and colours
• Hot showers or baths
• Kava kava (herb)
• Loud or repetitive noises
• Medications and recreational drugs.
• Schizandra (herb)
• Stressful situations
• Tiredness
• Tobacco and cannabis smoking which can lead to nutrient deficiency, reduced capillary blood flow and cadmium toxicity.
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency
• Magnesium deficiency
• Manganese deficiency
• Sodium deficiency
• Zinc deficiency

Radiation from sources such as the new generation of high-frequency televisions, energy efficient lights, microwaves, video game systems, radio towers and cellular towers may trigger severe seizures in susceptible individuals.

Seizures can be triggered by hot water (such as in a bath), or by having hot water quickly thrown the your head or body.

Reducing alcohol intake and stopping the smoking of tobacco and cannabis plus consuming zinc-rich foods (see Zinc section below) and non-refined foods can help reduce cadmium toxicity as well as vitamin D and calcium deficiency. A higher intake of zinc, calcium and selenium will protect against further cadmium absorption and adequate body levels of zinc may displace some tissue cadmium.

Cadmium also affects the bones because copper, together with zinc improves the absorption of vitamin D, the vitamin which aids in the absorption of calcium and cadmium’s displacement of zinc has been known to cause bone and joint aches and pains as was shown in a Japanese study carried out because of cadmium toxicity caused by air-pollution.

Although cannabis has been reported as being able to reduce seizures in some individuals, in others the powerful chemicals in cannabis, especially the stronger bred plants of today, can actually cause seizures or make seizures worse.

Excessive alcohol intake of more than a three or four drinks per week, can lead to the excretion of certain nutrients from the body which can then lead to seizures in some people. It is a good idea to get a blood test to check for the following nutrients if you drink more than you should.

• All the water-soluble vitamins which include all of the B complex and vitamin C.
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Zinc

There have been studies in the USA where carpet and floor fitters have been suffering from ongoing serious health issues which include neurological conditions and nerve damage due to the cumulative effects of a multitude of toxic chemicals used in adhesives and carpet and floor manufacturing.

Natural remedies for seizures

Staying well-hydrated with water is crucial as dehydration can be a seizure trigger. Additionally, limiting or avoiding certain drinks like those with excessive caffeine or alcohol, and some fruit juices (like grapefruit and pomegranate) may be advisable, as they can potentially interact with medications or trigger seizures in some individuals.

The following foods are rich in many of the essential nutrients required to prevent seizures and should be added to the diet as often as possible. A small amount of each daily would be very beneficial especially if alcohol is consumed or tobacco or cannabis is smoked.

• Algae (such as chlorella and spirulina) and seaweed (one teaspoon dried)
• Almonds (small handful)
• Apricots (two x dried)
• Avocado (one)
• Brazil nuts (two)
• Chia seeds (one teaspoon)
• Coriander helps to remove heavy metals rom the body and brain. (teaspoon a day or add to meals)
• Coconut oil (use for cooking)
• Egg yolks (four per week)
• Figs (two dried)
• Ginger (teaspoon grated or one high strength tablet or capsule)
• Hemp seeds (one dessert spoon. Must be the whole seeds and can be ground)
• Lemon juice (one per day including the zest of half the lemon)
• Oily fish such as herring, kipper, mackerel, pilchard, salmon, sardines, sprats, trout and tuna. (three to four servings per week)
• Pumpkin seeds (small handful)
• Sunflower seeds (small handful)
• Walnuts (five walnut halves)

Drinking a small glass of water before going to bed, especially after drinking alcohol which causes dehydration, can help to prevent seizures.

Bo tree figs and epilepsy

The bo tree is a large fig tree that grows in the southern parts of Asia. The tree is holy to Buddhists and is used ritually and medicinally. The bo tree’s figs contain the greatest amount of serotonin when compared to all other figs and is able to significantly inhibit epileptic seizures by increasing the amount of serotonin that nerve cells transmit.

Herbs to make teas with to reduce seizures

• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
• False pepper (Schinus molle)
• Indian tobacco (Lobelia inflata)
• Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
• Skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata)

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): This is a very popular anti-spasmodic medication in Russia and Germany. It is known for its sedative effect, but it also has an anti-convulsion action that is beneficial to epileptic people. In addition, it has been shown to aid concentration. Low doses are recommended to avoid its sedative effect.

Violet tree roots: This small tree with fragrant purple flowers is indigenous to the tropical parts of Africa. The roots can treat a variety of physical and psychological problems such as discomfort, irritation, nervousness, headache and epilepsy. It has been scientifically proven that the root extract is as powerful and effective as the pharmaceutical drug ‘phenobarbitone’ often used for epilepsy but without the damaging side effects.

Aromatherapy oils to reduce seizures

A massage using an essential oil can be used to allow individuals to associate the smell of an oil with a state of relaxation. Then, when the person is stressed or felt a seizure was about to start, they should smell the essential oil. This will remind their brain of the relaxing feelings which may to help stop their seizure from happening.

With practice, a person may be able to relax by simply smelling the particular oil which could then lead to fewer seizures. Jasmine oil seems to be the most effective, although this may not be the case for everyone with epilepsy.

The following essential oils, in a burner, bath or as a massage can help relaxation which can prevent seizures.

• Bergamot
• Chamomile
• Jasmine
• Lavender but not spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) which is not recommended.
• Ylang ylang

Essential oils to avoid that may trigger a seizure

• Evening primrose oil
• Fennel
• Eucalyptus
• Hyssop
• Rosemary

Nutrients that can help to prevent seizures

Seizures can be induced, and the severity worsened, by a deficiency of many nutrients especially the B complex of vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, manganese, vitamin E and zinc. Many of these nutrients can be expelled due to alcohol excess and stress. The following will explain how to increase these nutrients in the diet.

Aspartate and epilepsy

Aspartate is an amino acid said to increase energy, fat loss, libido, metabolism, muscle growth and strength and testosterone levels and reduce fatigue and depression. It is also thought to enhance sleep quality and mood. It is often combined with various minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and zinc as it can help to increase absorption of these minerals,

 As a supplement it is often used to enhance athletic performance. Some forms are used to reduce brain damage caused by cirrhosis of the liver (hepatic encephalopathy) and given intravenously by a healthcare professional. However it can cause some serious side effects in some individuals.

Aspartic acid from aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many ‘sugar-free’ products, has the same detrimental effects on the body as glutamic acid, when it is isolated from its naturally protein-bound state, causing it to become a neurotoxin instead of a non-essential amino acid. Aspartame is a dipeptide sweetener composed of aspartic acid (which breaks down into aspartate) and phenylalanine.

There are over 92 side effects associated with aspartame consumption because it can dissolve into solution, travel throughout the body and deposit in any tissue. Aspartame brings on clinical diabetes and can cause convulsions. Aspartame makes the consumer gain weight because it causes powerful sugar cravings which is ironic when it is consumed by people wishing to avoid sugar.

Possible side effects of Aspartate supplements

• Acne
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Diarrhoea
• Epilepsy
• Headaches
• Memory loss
• Mood swings

Found in its highest quantities in the brain, aspartic acid increases neurological activity. It is found in higher amounts in people with epilepsy and in lower amounts in those suffering from depression. Therefore people with epilepsy should reduce intake of the following foods and people with depression should increase their intake of these foods.

Highest sources of aspartate in alphabetical order

• Apples
• Apricots
• Bamboo shoots
• Beef
• Buckwheat
• Egg white
• Lamb
• Nuts
• Oily fish
• Pine nuts
• Seaweed
• Sesame seeds
• Shellfish
• Soya beans
• Sunflower seeds
• Parsley
• Peanuts
• Rabbit
• Spirulina
• Tofu
• Venison

Omega-3 fatty acids and epilepsy

Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and essential for brain health. The western diet is to high in omega-6 fatty acids which are inflammatory. The correct ratio should be maximum Omega-6 of 4 to 1 omega-3 but it is more often around 6 : 1. To correct this foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids must be consumed. A red krill oil capsule per day would, not only correct this, but also provide vitamin D and astaxanthin which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the brain. To see the highest natural food sources see: Fatty acids

Magnesium and epilepsy

Magnesium is a macro element (mineral) known as the anti-stress mineral. It is an important nutrient for the brain as it raises the resistance against stress, depression, tensions and helps against mental tiredness. It also strengthens the memory and concentration. Clinical and experimental investigations have shown that magnesium depletion causes a marked irritability of the nervous system, eventually resulting in epileptic seizures. Today’s foods are grown in magnesium deficient soils as the level of this important mineral has been depleted over the years by industrial farming techniques and not replaced. Therefore, it will lead to a deficiency in the human and farm animals diets. Heavy drinkers often show a low plasma magnesium concentration and a high urinary output.

Magnesium is essential in the metabolism of vitamin D and taking large doses of vitamin D can induce severe depletion of magnesium therefore magnesium rich foods should be consumed when taking vitamin D supplementation. Magnesium plays an important role in regulating the body’s response to stress. Chronic physical or mental stress depletes the body of magnesium, and low magnesium levels intensify stress thus creating a vicious cycle.

WARNING: Supplements should be avoided especially if taking diabetic or anti-seizure drugs as it will reduce their effectiveness. Consume the foods highest in magnesium instead.

Highest sources of magnesium in milligrams per 100 grams

NOTE: A single egg yolk contains 212mg, of magnesium which is over half of the recommended daily intake of 300 mg.

People wanting to increase their magnesium levels by improving absorption could try:

• Reducing or avoiding calcium-rich foods two hours before or after eating magnesium-rich foods.
• Avoiding zinc supplements.
• Eating raw vegetables instead of cooking them (except tomatoes).
• Stop smoking tobacco.

Manganese and epilepsy

The human body contains 30 to 35mg. of manganese, widely distributed throughout the tissues. It is found in the liver, pancreas, kidney and pituitary glands. This mineral helps nourish the nerves and brain and aids in the coordination of nerve impulses and muscular actions. It helps eliminate fatigue and reduces nervous irritability.

A deficiency in this mineral may cause bone disorders, diabetes, dizziness, confused thinking and poor memory, heart conditions, mental and physical tiredness, nausea or vomiting, nervous excitability, poor elasticity in the muscles, poor hair and nail condition and skin rashes. Prolonged deficiency can result in anaemia, convulsions and seizures, hearing loss, infertility, rheumatic arthritis, and bone deformities.

Highest sources of manganese in milligrams per 100 grams

• Cloves 60.1 mg
• Rice bran 14.2 mg
• Pine nuts 8.8 mg
• Mussels 6.8 mg
• Hazelnuts 5.6 mg
• Pumpkin seeds 4.5 mg
• Whole wheat 2.1 mg
• Soya beans 2.2 mg
• Sunflower seeds 1.9 mg
• Cashew nuts and garlic 1.7 mg
• Brewer’s yeast 0.08 mg (depending upon source)
• Egg yolks 1.1 mg
• Black beans 1.1 mg
• Dried peas 0.39 mg
• Kidney beans 0.2 mg

NOTE: Manganese is concentrated in the outer covering of nuts, in the green leaves of edible plants and green vegetables such as peas and runner beans.

Vitamin B1 and epilepsy

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is used by the brain and may help with depression and assist with memory and learning and is known as the “anti-stress” vitamin. It helps to improve the body’s ability to withstand stressful conditions and this may be helpful for reducing seizures. Coffee has a mild diuretic effect, which increases urination and water-soluble vitamins, such as the B vitamins, can be depleted as a result of this fluid loss. In addition, it also interferes with the metabolism of some B vitamins, such as vitamin B1. Prolonged diarrhoea, drinking excessive alcohol and liver disease impairs the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B1. Deficiency leads to the condition called Beri beri.

Highest sources of vitamin B1 in milligrams per 100 grams

Vitamin B6 and epilepsy

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is closely associated with functions of the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. Its deficiency may result in neurological disorders including convulsions and epileptic encephalopathy. As with vitamin B1, deficiency is common due to many factors.

Highest sources of vitamin B6 in milligrams per 100 grams

Vitamin B12 and epilepsy

vitamin B12 deficiency may result in a wide range of neurological and psychiatric consequences, including epileptic seizures. This vitamin reduces oxidative damage and neuroinflammation which prevents epileptic seizures.

Highest sources of vitamin B12 in micrograms per 100 grams

• Clams 98.9 μg
• Liver 83.1 μg
• Barley grass juice 80 μg
• Chlorella algae 70 ug
• Nori seaweed 63.6 μg
• Octopus 36 μg
• Caviar/fish eggs 20.0 μg
• Ashitaba (dried powder) 17.0 μg
• Herring 13.7 μg
• Tuna fish 10.9 μg
• Crab 10.4 μg
• Mackerel 8.7 μg
• Lean grassfed beef 8.2 μg
• Duck eggs, goose eggs, rabbit 6 μg
• Crayfish, pork heart, rainbow trout 5 μg
• Shiitake mushroom 4.8 μg
• Lobster 4 μg
• Lamb, venison 3.7 μg
• Swiss Cheese 3.3 μg
• Salmon 3.2 μg
• Whey powder 2.37 μg
• Golden chanterelle mushrooms 2 μg
• Tuna 1.9 μg
• Halibut 1.2 μg
• Chicken egg 1.1 μg
• Chicken, turkey 1.0 μg
• Anchovies 0.9 μg
• Ashitaba leaves 0.4 μg

Vitamin E and epilepsy

In scientific studies, it was found that vitamin E helped to increase the antioxidant capacity, catalase, and glutathione significantly in epileptic patients plus the frequency of seizures was significantly decreased.

Highest sources of vitamin E in milligrams per 100 grams

• Wheat germ 149.4 mg
• Hemp seeds 55 mg
• Hazelnut oil 47 mg
• Almond oil 39 mg
• Sunflower seeds 38.3 mg
• Chilli powder 38.1 mg
• Paprika 38 mg
• Rice bran oil 32 mg
• Grape seed oil 29 mg
• Almonds 26.2 mg
• Oregano 18.3 mg
• Hazelnuts 17 mg
• Flaxseed oil 17 mg
• Peanut oil 16 mg
• Hazelnuts 15.3 mg
• Corn oil 15 mg
• Olive oil 14 mg
• Soya bean oil 12 mg
• Pine nuts 9.3 mg
• Cloves (ground) 9 mg
• Peanuts 8 mg
• Celery flakes (dried) 6 mg
• Spirulina 5 mg
• Dried apricots 4.3 mg
• Bell peppers (red), eel, olives and salmon 4 mg
• Jalapeno peppers 3.6 mg
• Anchovies 3.3 mg
• Broccoli, chicken, chilli peppers (sun-dried), cod, crayfish, dandelion greens, egg yolk, duck, goose, pecan nuts, spinach, tomatoes (tinned or pureed) turkey and turnip greens 3 mg
• Avocado, beef, bilberries, blue berries, butter, chicory greens, cinnamon (ground), crab, halibut, herring (pickled), mackerel, marjoram, mustard greens, pistachio nuts, poppy seeds, sardines, sesame seeds, Swiss chard, trout, tuna, turnips and walnuts 2 mg
• Fish roe 1.9 mg
• Asparagus, kiwi fruit and parsnips 1.5 mg
• Black berries 1.2 mg
• Chlorella 1.1 mg

Zinc and epilepsy

Zinc plays a vital role in brain health as a cofactor in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Low zinc levels are linked to heightened anxiety and stress-related symptoms, as the body’s ability to manage stress becomes compromised. Zinc also supports the balance of gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter that slows down nerve activity, reduces anxiety and helps to calm the mind.

Cadmium found in some foods such as coffee, refined flour, rice, sugar, root vegetables, shellfish, sumac and tea can lead to a deficiency of zinc which in turn can lead to seizures in some people Cadmium ingested through smoking tobacco and cannabis, displaces zinc in the body and can lead to deficiency.

Cadmium toxicity and storage are greatly increased with zinc deficiency which is a common condition for alcohol drinkers as alcohol expels zinc in the urine. Good levels of zinc protect against tissue damage by cadmium. The refinement of grains reduces the zinc-cadmium ratio, so zinc deficiency and cadmium toxicity are more likely when the diet is high in refined grains and flours.

Highest sources of zinc in milligrams per 100 grams

• Oysters 78.6 mg
• Chlorella 71 mg
• Sunflower seeds 50 mg
• Wheat germ 16.7 mg
• Beef 12.3 mg
• Calf’s liver 11.9 mg
• Hemp seeds 11.5 mg
• Pumpkin and squash seeds 10.3 mg
• Sesame and watermelon seeds 10.2 mg
• Bamboo shoots, endives and gourds 9 mg
• Chervil (herb) 8.8 mg
• Lamb 8.7 mg
• Venison 8.6 mg
• Alfalfa (sprouted), amaranth leaves, Crimini mushrooms, Irish moss and tea 8 mg
• Crab 7.6 mg
• Lobster 7.3 mg
• Agave, basil, broccoli, buffalo, elk, emu, oats, ostrich, spinach and turkey 7 mg
• Cocoa powder 6.8 mg
• Cashew nuts 5.8 mg
• Asparagus, chicken livers, laver seaweed, mushrooms, parsley and rice bran 5.7 mg
• Cashew nuts 5.6 mg
• Pork 5.1 mg
• Jute (herb), lemon grass, mung beans, Portobello mushrooms, radishes and shiitake mushrooms 5 mg
• Agar seaweed, butterbur, cauliflower, chicory, Chinese cabbage, chives, coriander, green beans, lentils, lettuce, okra, rocket, spring onions, summer squash, Swiss chard, tomatoes and wasabi (yellow) 3.4 mg
• Peanuts 3.3 mg
• Cheddar cheese 3.1 mg
• Mozzarella cheese 2.9 mg
• Anchovies and rabbit 2.4 mg
• Cabbage, cucumber, jalapeno peppers, , kidney beans, navy beans, spirulina and turnip greens 2 mg
• Mussels 1.6 mg
• Arrowroot, artichokes (globe), beetroot, bell peppers, black eyed peas, borage, broad beans, Brussel sprouts, butter beans, cabbage, carrots, celery, chilli peppers, courgettes, dandelion greens, garlic, horseradish, kale, kelp, mustard greens, peas, pinto beans, potatoes, pumpkin, turnips, Swede, sweet potato, tomatoes (red), wakame (seaweed), watercress and winged beans 1.2 mg

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