Ketogenic diet for Drug-resistant Epilepsy

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Ketogenic diet for Drug-resistant Epilepsy

November 05, 2019

Ketogenic diet for Drug-resistant Epilepsy | healthbiztips

Keto diet, an Alternative Option for Drug-resistant Seizure

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health blog

Ketogenic diet has become an alternative treatment for epileptic people when conventional antiseizure medicine fail to prevent an episode, but how can such a dietary regimen alleviate a serious medical condition?

The utilization of ketogenic diet for drug-resistant epilepsy is predominantly utilized in children, although it is not recommended for adults.

The Epilepsy Foundation claimed that:

• Over half of children who go on the diet have at least a 50% reduction in the number of their seizures.
• Some children, usually 10-15%, even become seizure-free.

According to this agency, keto diet proves helpful in medical conditions such as:

• infantile spasms
• Rett syndrome
• tuberous sclerosis complex
• Dravet syndrome
• Doose syndrome
• GLUT-1 deficiency

Studies by Rogawski and colleagues sheds some light into this topic:

Although the exact mechanism of ketogenic diet's success in averting seizure episode is hard to point out, it is known that keto diet's fundamental principle of mimicking the state of starvation induced by fasting is a key factor. However, do note that this diet does not withhold food intake, Instead, it drastically cuts down the portion of carbohydrate a person eats and replaces this main energy source with fat.

Without enough glucose to break down from the scanty carbohydrate, the body switches to fat as it's fuel. Fat is broken down and the liver produces ketone to serve as energy source. At this state, the person is said to be under the state of ketosis in which these ketone bodies floods the bloodstream.

The presence of ketone bodies have several metabolic effects that greatly benefit epileptic people:

• increase in the production of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter
• decrease in the production of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter
• Increase production of adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter
• Increase in the mitochondrial biogenesis in the hippocampus
• Increase in reduced gutathione (GSH)

Since each patient has varying medical case and history, it is worth knowing that keto diet is not effective for all people so make it a point to consult your health care provider before starting it.


Resources:

Rogawski, M. A., Löscher, W., & Rho, J. M. (2016). Mechanisms of Action of Antiseizure Drugs and the Ketogenic Diet. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine, 6(5), a022780. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a022780

Epilepsy Foundation. Ketogenic Diet. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/dietary-therapies/ketogenic-diet

Why is carbohydrate cut off from a weight loss diet?

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Why is carbohydrate cut off from a weight loss diet?

May 29, 2019

Why is carbohydrate cut off from a weight loss diet? | Healthbiztips
photo credit: Eiliv-Sonas Aceron @eilivaceron @unsplash

Why is carbohydrate cut off from a weight loss diet? | Healthbiztips

So, you're questioning why we limit the very thing that made you chubby in the first place. That's a very good inquiry.

You probably want to shed off some extra weight. If so, you may be thinking of a balance between a proper diet and a regular exercise regimen. You're desire to get fit and fab is so strong but then, there's this 4 delicious donuts which you didn't bother to eliminate before starting your diet commitment. Now, you're probably telling yourself that something is wrong with the donuts because you find yourself eating them.

The power of cravings can ruin your diet
photo credit: Marc Schäfer @marcschaefer @unsplash

When the topic of dieting to loose weight is tackled, carbohydrate is usually evicted. You probably heard how some people severely cut or completely abstain from rice, pasta, bread, and other carbohydrate rich source during dieting. You're probably wondering what makes this essential macronutrient so bad?

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | Healthbiztips | Health blog

Carbohydrates are the top culprit of food cravings.

Sugar can be very addicting and rewarding to a person. In fact, studies reveal that sugar can be as addicting as illicit drugs and alcohol. Our brain responds to our intake of sugar by releasing dopamine, a hormone which makes us feel euphoric.

Sugar addiction is not simple matter. A research reveals that sugar can be more addictive than cocaine.

Let me tell you, if you're gonna set a goal to loose weight and have to battle cravings with discipline, then, might as well limit those things that can induce addiction in the first place.

Carbohydrate per gram, pumps your body with 4 calories. When your calorie consumption exceeds your calorie consumption, it can show up on your weight.

Cookies, pasta, cakes, pies, potatoes, soda, rice, baked goods, and candies are rich in carbohydrates.

Popular diet to loose weight limits carbohydrate intake

An very good example of a diet that has gained popularity as an effective way to loose weight by limiting carbohydrate and sugar in the diet is called ketogenic diet in which an individual consumes more protein and fats to enhance the body's ability to burn fat cells.

How High-protein diet Boosts Weight loss

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How High-protein diet Boosts Weight loss

April 18, 2019

How High-protein diet Boosts Weight loss - Healthbiztips

High-protein diet offers a lot of advantages to speed up weight loss. Switching to this type of diet curbs the appetite which prevents cravings. It also boosts the body's metabolism so more calories is burned.

How High-protein diet Boosts Weight loss - Healthbiztips
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@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

A protein-rich meal takes longer to be emptied by the stomach so you feel full at a longer time, which in turn, prevents you from overeating.

A high-protein diet lowers the hunger hormone "ghrelin" in the body which consequently decreases your appetite and cravings.

Protein is of the three macronutrients our body needs as a source of calories and energy. Unlike the other two macronutrients, carbohydrate and fats, your body burns more calories in order to digest protein.


What is a high-protein diet?

In a high-protein diet, you are getting over 15% of your body's total caloric need from protein.


Related blog posts:

10 High protein snacks - Healthbiztips

10 High protein snacks - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips diet health blog healthbiztips protein snack Weight Loss

10 High protein snacks - Healthbiztips

April 16, 2019

High protein snacks

Eating a high protein snack helps you loose weight by decreasing your appetite and craving. Protein snacks boosts your metabolism so you burn more calories throughout the day.

Since protein is the building of our muscles and organs, it actually aids in building muscle mass.

High protein snacks - Healthbiztips
photo credit: @olamishchenko OLA Mishchenko @unsplash

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

If you want to curb your cravings for sweets, why not try some of these healthy and nutritious high protein snacks.


1. Ezekiel Bread
1 slice of sprouted whole grain ezekiel bread gives you 4 g protein.

Ezekiel bread is high in protein and fiber but low in carbohydrates. This type of bread doesn't have added sugar.

It's a good choice of bread for people who don't want to gain weight. Aside from that, it actually has more nutrient content than your typical whole grain bread.

Top it up with tomato, cucumber, and herbs to make a nutrient-rich and appetizing snack.


2. Greek yogurt
100g of greek yogurt gives you 10g of protein

Greek yogurt is a healthy and nutritious high protein snack that has lower sugar content than your typical yogurt.

Greek yogurt contains good bacteria "probiotics" which is good for your digestive system.

You can top it up with your favorite fruit like banana, blueberry. and strawberry for a healthier enjoyable snack.


3. Pistachio
1/2 cup pistachio gives you 12.5g protein.

Pistachio is rich in protein, healthy fats, minerals, and antioxidants such as Vitamin E. It's a tree nut  that belongs to the cashew family.

Daily consumption of pistachio can lower bad cholester (LDH) and increase good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood, thus decreasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Pistachio is a superfood that's both tasty and healthy.


4. Almond
1'2 cup whole almond gives you 15g protein.

Rich in Vitamin E, magnesium, fiber, healthy fats, and protein, almond is a delicious snack that's a great alternative to junk foods.

Magnesium deficiency is strongly linked to high blood pressure. Diet is an important source of magnesium so make sure you choose healthy foods which provides you with your daily requirement for magnesium like almond.


5. Cashew
1 oz. cashew gives you 5g protein.

Cashew is a kidney-shaped nut that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae to which pistachio and mango belongs.

Studies reveal that cashew contains antioxidants which is beneficial among people inflicted with cancer.


6. Walnut
1/2 cup walnut gives you 7.5g protein.

Switching to a walnut snack delivers you Vitamin E, Omega-3, polyphenols which helps decrease inflammation in your body and reduces your risk of developing cancer.

Snacking on walnut decreases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease because it is high in polyphenol and polyunsaturated fat.


7. Peanut
1/2 cup peanut gives you 19 gram protein

Studies shows that peanut is a rich source of p-coumaric acid which reduces the risk of developing stomach cancer.

Furthermore, it's also contains high amount of  resveratrol which decreases the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Now, if you're gonna choose a snack, you're doing yourself a huge favor when you choose a superfood.

Not only does a high protein snack aids you in loosing extra pounds, you're also getting a lot of health benefits.


8. Quinoa
1 cup quinoa contains 8g protein.

Although quinoa is seen as a cereal, it is actually a seed. It's a gluten-free meal so individuals who have gluten intolerance can eat it.

Quinoa is one of few vegan foods that contains all 9 essential amino acid.  It is rich in fiber, magnesium, manganese, folate and phosphorus.


9. Oats
1 cup of cooked oatmeal gives you 6g protein

Oats is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It contains beta-glucan which helps lower bad cholesterol and prevents sudden spike in blood sugar level.

Aside from being a good source of dietary protein which decreases your appetite, oat's beta-glucan content also delays the emptying of your stomach which consequently makes you fee full.


10. Milk
1 cup milk contains 8g protein

Milk is a good substitute to soda and sugary drinks. It's high in protein, but low in added sugar.

Moreover, it is a rich source of calcium which makes strong bones and teeth.