Ketogenic Diet
A ketogenic diet is one which is very high in fats and low in carbohydrates. It was developed almost 80 years ago and it works by making the body burn fat for energy instead of the glucose allowed by carbohydrates. Used for children with epilepsy, the ketogenic diet has helped 1 in 3 children eliminate seizure activity. Though people should be forewarned, the ketogenic diet is not meant for those of weak constitution; it requires discipline and a full front from the whole family.
If you’ve made the decision to start a ketogenic diet, it begins in the hospital where the child is not fed for 24 hours and is scrutinized for how they handle this time. Once the state of ketosis begins (burning fat for energy) doctors begin introduction of food that are correct in amounts for the child’s needs.
Once the child has returned home, parents need to continue this distribution of food; weighing items for a balance between fat and other nutrients. A child’s progress on the ketogenic diet also needs to be followed for certain they are getting everything they need for growth and nutrients.
Kidney stones are a possible side effect which parents need to test for by testing urine weekly. They also need to use strips to be sure the child is reacting well to the diet.
Potential side effects of the ketogenic diet include dehydration, constipation, and other complications form kidney stones or gall stones.
Adult women on this diet may have problems with menstruation. It’s also wise to be wary of inflamed pancreas, reduced bone density, eye problems and other possible side effects of the ketogenic diet.
While the diet does meet certain ends it is severely lacking in vitamins. This problem can be remedied by introduction of supplements. One final thing to be wary of in children is an inborn defect in the ability to process fat; this can lead to big problems down the road so monitoring is an essential part of this program.
The ketogenic diet doesn’t have any easy recipes or foods that are able to be fudged. But if your child needs to be on this strict regimen, the ketogenic diet may save their life.