Diet and Unsuitable Foods for Epilepsy
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders – in the Czech Republic alone, over 80,000 people are treated for it. Although the main role in its management is played by properly set medication and possibly other professional procedures, more attention is being paid to lifestyle, especially diet. It may sound surprising, but some foods can influence the frequency of seizures, worsen the sensitivity of the nervous system, or disrupt the effectiveness of medications. Conscious food selection should therefore be part of the care for an epileptic's health – just like calmness, sufficient sleep, and a regular daily routine.
How can diet affect the course of epilepsy?
While epilepsy can be hereditary for some people, it manifests in others only in adulthood – the reasons can vary, from injuries and brain inflammations to metabolic disorders. The disease manifests with recurring seizures that occur due to temporary disruption of the brain's electrical activity. Doctors increasingly agree that, alongside medications, a suitably adjusted diet can contribute to the overall stabilization of health.
While some types of diets, such as ketogenic or low-glycemic, are used as supportive treatments especially in children, regular epilepsy patients can benefit from the simple effort to avoid certain unsuitable foods. These are mainly those that can increase nervous system stress, blood sugar fluctuations, or contain substances with potential negative effects on the brain.
One epileptic patient, Mrs. Jana, describes: "When I started paying attention to what I eat, I found that after sweet breakfasts I was tired and irritable, and sometimes my fingers even tingled slightly – which was a harbinger of a seizure for me. Gradually, I reduced sugar and started eating more proteins and vegetables. I now have seizures less often."
Which foods are not recommended for epilepsy?
It is important to realize that there is no universal list of "prohibited" foods – every body reacts differently. Nevertheless, experts and patients agree on several groups of foods that appear significantly more often as risky.
1. Foods with high simple sugar content
Sugar is a quick source of energy for the body, but sharp fluctuations in blood glucose levels can provoke brain irritation in some epileptics. This is especially true for refined white sugar and foods that contain it in large amounts – such as sweets, sweetened drinks, sweet pastries, cereals, or flavored yogurts.
Simple sugars are often accompanied by a high glycemic index – the ability to quickly raise blood sugar levels. After a sudden increase, however, comes a sharp decrease, which can lead to a stress response in the body and, in sensitive individuals, to neurological symptoms.
2. Highly processed foods
Ready meals, instant soups, deli meats, chips, salty snacks, or frozen dishes often contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), preservatives, or stabilizers, which can act as so-called excitotoxins – substances that increase the excitability of nerve cells. Especially in children and adolescents with epilepsy, the brain may be more sensitive to such stimuli during the developmental period.
Moreover, the high salt and saturated fat content in these foods contributes to the overall burden on the body, which can indirectly reflect on mood swings, hormonal balance, or sleep quality – all factors that can influence seizures.
3. Foods containing caffeine
Coffee, energy drinks, strong black tea, or chocolate contain caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system. In healthy people, it can bring alertness, but in epileptics, it can increase the risk of seizures – especially with higher doses or in combination with a lack of sleep.
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Some studies (e.g., published in the journal Epilepsy & Behavior) point out that caffeine can disrupt the metabolism of antiepileptic drugs or reduce their effectiveness. This is why doctors often recommend limiting caffeine or completely eliminating it from the diet.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most common seizure triggers – not only due to its direct impact on the brain but also because it disrupts sleep, affects medication absorption, and can lead to dehydration. Particularly dangerous is binge drinking, which can trigger a seizure even in people who otherwise have their epilepsy relatively under control.
"One glass might not be a problem, but in more sensitive patients, even a small amount of alcohol can increase the risk of a seizure," warns neurologist MUDr. Tomáš Benda.
5. Foods with higher tyramine or phenylethylamine content
Tyramine and phenylethylamine are substances naturally found in some foods, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, red wine, or fermented products like kimchi or pickles. In some types of epilepsy, these substances can have a similar effect to stimulants – thus increasing the risk of neurological excitation.
Practically, this means that, for example, a combination of blue cheese and a glass of red wine can be risky for some patients, even if the individual components consumed separately may not have any effect.
How to eat more safely with epilepsy?
Despite the risks mentioned above, it's not about creating a strict "prohibited list" but rather adopting an empathetic and mindful approach to everyday choices. Keeping a food diary and noting what was eaten before a seizure can be helpful in observing individual triggers.
For most patients, a varied, balanced diet based on fresh ingredients, sufficient fiber, healthy fats, and proteins proves to be the safest. Conversely, it's advisable to avoid food extremes – overly sweet, fatty, salty, or artificially flavored foods.
In this context, meal timing and hydration also play an important role. Long fasting or overeating can disrupt the body's balance, just as dehydration can during hot days.
Practical tips that can help
Start the day with something more nutritious than sweet breakfasts – perhaps eggs, nuts, or whole-grain bread with vegetables. Save coffee for the morning and try to limit it in the afternoon, as well as industrially processed foods, which are generally worth avoiding. Instead, opt for fresh foods and remember to drink plain water regularly throughout the day.
In some cases, a ketogenic diet can help people with epilepsy – but be cautious, it is not for everyone, and it should definitely be discussed with a doctor. If seizures occur repeatedly, it might help to keep a diary of what preceded them – food, stress, movement, or perhaps fatigue.
Ultimately, the goal is for the epileptic not to feel limited by their diagnosis but instead gain greater control over their health. Diet alone won't cure the disease, but it can play a significant role in how often and with what intensity seizures occur.
As neurologist and nutrition consultant MUDr. Jan Hrdlička says: "In diseases where the brain plays a role, we should not underestimate what we put into the body. Every food is information – and it can be either supportive or disruptive."
Eating consciously and tastily is easier today than ever before, thanks to the growing range of quality and natural foods – and it can be one of the simplest and most natural steps to improving the quality of life with epilepsy.
