Epilepsy Talk

Dip into to this delicious chocolate fondue…and other MAD delights | December 3, 2024

Chocolate Fondue Recipe. https://www.atkins.com/recipes/chocolate-fondue/1534

And there are loads of other mouth-watering dishes awaiting you.

I’ll just give you a quick taste:

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle https://www.atkins.com/recipes/strawberry-shortcake-trifle/1579

Mini Mexican Pizza Squares https://www.atkins.com/recipes/mini-mexican-pizza-squares/1093

Buffalo Wings  https://www.atkins.com/recipes/keto-buffalo-chicken-wings/1195

Chili-Beef Kebabs https://www.atkins.com/recipes/chili-beef-kebabs/1007

Turkey Tacos https://www.atkins.com/recipes/turkey-tacos/103

Chicken Eggplant Casserole https://www.atkins.com/recipes/maehings-chicken-eggplant-casserole/10

So, you see, you don’t have to sacrifice to eat yummy desserts, dinner and everything in between.

Why the M.A.D. Diet?

Although it’s referred to as “MAD”, the Modified Atkins Diet is really the best of all possible worlds.

This modified version of the popular high-protein, low-carbohydrate Atkins Diet can significantly cut the number of seizures in adults and children too.

Offering a new lifeline for patients when drugs and other treatments fail or cause complications.

It’s a less restrictive, higher in protein and carbohydrates, a dietary therapy for epilepsy for those who would otherwise use the Ketogenic Diet.

So far, it’s been used and researched for the past five years with outcomes similar to the Ketogenic Diet.

Recent data has also suggested this valuable new therapy leads to a rapid seizure improvement when effective.

It’s not exactly know, how ketones reduce and eliminate seizures, or why the diet works for some and not others.

Researchers are especially interested in why some remain seizure-free after discontinuing the diet.

Further research is needed, since the Modified Atkins Diet has only been used since 2004.

But it’s promising to note that clinical research did show that about half the patients experienced a 50 percent reduction in the frequency of their seizures by the first clinic visit.

About a third of the patients halved the frequency of seizures by three months.

Side effects linked with the diet, such as a rise in cholesterol or triglycerides, were mild.

In general, the Modified Atkins Diet is recommended for: adolescents, adults, and younger children with difficulty staying on or starting the Ketogenic Diet…families with limited time…those lacking financial resources to cover the costs involved with the Ketogenic Diet…and patients at centers with limited dietitian support.

As you can see, The Modified Atkins Diet doesn’t deprive you of rich foods like butter, peanut butter, mayonnaise, oils, cheese, bacon, eggs, hamburger, and whipped cream.

The diet doesn’t cause people to become overweight, and overweight people often lose weight.

But daily supplements are necessary to replace vitamins that are missing in the diet. 

Suggested vitamins include: Vitamin B-1…Vitamin B-2…Vitamin B-3…Vitamin C…Folate…Vitamins D…and Vitamin E.

Check your multi-vitamin to see if ALL of these are included..

Although there are considerably fewer side effects than with drugs, the Modified Atkins Diet for seizures can cause dehydration, constipation and, occasionally, kidney and gall stone complications.

Side effects can also develop in those who are unable to digest large amounts of fat.

As with all treatments, initial evaluation and careful monitoring by a neurologist, and a nutritionist are all mandatory.

We do know that the Modified Atkins Diet for seizures is as effective, less restrictive, and far easier than the Ketogenic Diet.

It’s an inexpensive alternative treatment option with few side effects that often works when all else has failed. 

And that is good news for all of us who have tried previous diets and given up hope or even the strict discipline.

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Resources:

https://epilepsy.smhs.gwu.edu/modified-atkins-diet-adults-ep

https://epilepsydisease.com/modified-atkins-diet

https://www.epilepsy.com/treatment/dietary-therapies/modified-atkins-diet

https://bialepilepsy.com/care/diet/modified-atkins-diet/

Recipes: https://www.atkins.com/recipes

Snack Ideas: https://www.atkins.com/recipes/snacks

Side Dishes: https://www.atkins.com/recipes/sides

Entrees: https://www.atkins.com/recipes/entree

Dessert Recipes: https://www.atkins.com/recipes/desserts

Breakfasts: https://www.atkins.com/recipes/breakfast

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