Epilepsy

rlsmith@grovenet.net 

Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by recurring seizures which are caused by electrical disturbances in the nerve cells in section of the brain. In 75% of cases, the seizures begin in childhood and are characterized by staring spells and a few seconds of mental absence. In the remaining 25% of cases, seizures start later in life. The cause or causes of most cases of epilepsy are unknown. The condition is thought to be hereditary; however, a genetic predisposition alone probably does not cause most cases of the disorder. Other factors, such as oxygen deprivation at birth or later head injury, are probably also present in most cases.

With epilepsy, seizure may occur for no apparent reason, or may be triggered by wide range of things, including exposure to an allergen; drug or alcohol withdrawal; fever, flashing lights; hunger; hypoglycemia; infection; lack of sleep; metabolic or nutritional imbalances; or trauma, especially head injury. Epilepsy is the most common cause of seizure; it strikes 1 out of every 100 people in the US

Nutritional supplementation is important for people with epilepsy. Unless otherwise specified, the dosages recommended here are for adults. For a child between twelve and seventeen, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended amount. For a child between 6 and 12 use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under the age of 6 use 1/4 the recommended amount.

Vitamin Therapy:
Vit b-complex 100 mg 3 times daily - extremely important in the functioning of the central nervous system

+ extra vit B-3 50 mg daily - improves circulation is helpful for many brain-related disorders.

and vit B-6 (pyridoxine) 100-600 mg 3 times daily, under the supervision of a health care professional. Needed for normal brain function.

and vit B-12 200 mg twice daily on an empty stomach. Involved in maintenance of the myelin sheaths that cover and protect nerve endings.

and folic acid 400 mcg daily and

pantothenic acid 500 mg daily A brain food vital for the health of the nervous system and an anti stress vitamin.

magnesium 700 mg daily in divided doses. Take between meals on an empty stomach, with apple cider vinegar or betaine HCI. Needed to calm the nervous system and muscle spasms. Use magnesium chloride form.

L-Tyrosine and taurine 500 mg each 3 times daily, on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg vit B-6 and 100 mg vit C for better absorption. Important for proper brain function.

CAUTION: Do not take tyrosine if you are taking an MAO inhibitor drug.

Herbs:

Alfalfa is a good source of needed minerals. Take 2,000 milligrams daily in capsule or extract form.

Black cohosh, hyssop, and lobelia are beneficial for people with epilepsy because they aid in controlling the central nervous system and have a calming effect. For best results, they should be used on an alternating basis. CAUTION; DO NOT USE BLACK COHOSH DURING PREGNANCY.

Avoid the herb sage. This herb should not be used by anyone with a seizure disorder.

Recommended;

Eat soured milk products like yogurt and kefir.

Include beet greens, chard, eggs, green leafy vegetables, raw cheese, raw milk, raw nuts, seeds, and soybeans in the diet.

Drink fresh "live" juices made from beets, carrots, green beans, green leafy veggies, peas, red grapes and seaweed for concentrated nutrients.

Eat small meals, do not drink large quantities of liquids at once and take 2 tbsps. of olive oil daily.

Avoid alcoholic beverages, animal protein, fried foods, artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, caffeine and nicotine. Avoid refined foods and sugar.

If the bowels do not move each day, before going to bed, take a lemon enema using the juice of two lemons and 2 quarts of water.

Take an Epsom salts bath twice a week.

Work toward self-care. Keep drug dosages as low as possible, and work toward becoming as free from drugs and seizures as possible. The correct diet and nutritional supplements are very important to the control of epilepsy.

Get regular moderate exercise to improve circulation to the brain.

As much as possible, avoid stress and tension. Learn stress management techniques.

Stay away from pesticides.

Avoid using aluminum cookware. Use glass or stainless steel instead. Aluminum can leach into the food during cooking and may contribute to seizures.

For a diet that has gained Worldwide renown check with Johns Hopkins Hospital. It concerns using a high fat diet.... but must be followed to the letter.