Epilepsy a holistic approach
65 million people live with epilepsy around the globe. The word ‘epilepsy’ is derived from the Greek word meaning ‘to be seized, to be overwhelmed by surprise’. Epilepsy sufferers may experience recurring seizures. Anyone can have a seizure, if the brain is exposed to a strong enough stimulus.
It is not necessarily a life-long diagnosis. Medical Science may consider that you no longer have epilepsy if you go without seizures for a long enough time. There are many types of epilepsy. Some types start at very young age, and some later in life. Some people suffer from epilepsy for a short time and others may suffer from epilepsy their entire life.
Sometimes the reason epilepsy develops is clear. It could be because of brain damage caused by a difficult birth, a severe blow to the head, a stroke, or an infection of the brain such as meningitis. Occasionally the cause may be due to a brain tumour. It is estimated that about six out of ten people who suffer from epilepsy the causes are unknown. The stigma is that for many of these people, it is just part of how they are made, and that in itself makes them more prone to seizures.
Electrical activity occurs in our brain all the time. A seizure happens when there is a sudden burst of intense electrical activity in the brain, often referred to as epileptic activity. The epileptic activity causes a temporary disruption to the way the brain normally works, so the brain’s messages become mixed up.
The brain is responsible for all bodily functions. What happens to you during a seizure will depend on where in your brain the epileptic activity begins, and how widely and quickly it spreads. For this reason, there are many different types of seizure, and each person will experience epilepsy in a way that is unique to them.
What is a seizure?
Although seizures are often thought of as dramatic events, there are a number of different types of seizures, some of which are much more subtle and difficult for an outsider to notice. A generalized seizure (Also known as a grand mal seizure, fit or convulsion) generally causes an acute decrease in state of consciousness, repeated movements of the body, excessive salivation, vomiting and often a loss of bladder and bowel control. This event may last from 30 seconds to minutes.
The other main type of seizure is a focal motor seizure which is a much less dramatic occurrence. A focal motor seizure will cause just a repeated twitching movement in either the face or limbs and usually only lasts a few seconds. Absence seizures (which used to be called Petit Mal seizures) usually involve a short period of impaired consciousness, often accompanied by a staring expression and sometimes mild twitching of small muscle groups.
A seizure may be preceded by warning signs known as an aura- this may include unusual sensations, smells or tastes. After a seizure, the individual may have a headache, sore muscles, experience unusual sensations, feel confused and tired. These after-effects are called the postictal state.
What causes seizures and epilepsy? Seizures occur due to a change in the electrical activity of the brain. This can be caused by a variety of things including diseases of the nervous system and the brain itself. Seizures may also be the result of a head injury, chemicals, poisons and even nutrient deficiencies. Often the underlying cause of epilepsy in an individual is unknown.
The Epi Diagnostic Centre, offer guaranteed life changing results over a three to six month period. The treatment program includes energy based treatments (e.g. Bio-Resonance). The treatment of seizures are directed at the underlying cause or disease, in cases where confirmed via their scanning method.
Herbaleptum is used to prevent seizures which are severe or occur frequently. This remedy is known to decrease the incidence of seizures as well as the severity. This remedy is useful in the acute or emergency situation of a seizure and is used to control the seizures. This is a single, ideal anticonvulsant remedy that can completely prevent seizures in all people. In fact, many people with epilepsy have to use a combination of drugs in order to adequately control their condition in the long-term.
There are several types or “classes” of natural remedies grouped according to their mechanism of action. Herbaleptum may be effective in a number of different ways. Some work by “slowing down” activity in all parts of the brain. Others make it more difficult for nerve impulses to spread from one nerve to another or alter the levels of chemical messengers (called neurotransmitters) in the nervous system.
These mechanisms have varying success rates but can often especially when used in combination control epilepsy very effective. Unlike prescription medications, their Herbaleptum product range has no side effects unlike prescription drugs. The most commonly reported adverse effects for epilepsy drugs include problems with coordination like dizziness, clumsiness, trembling and stuttering, changes in behaviour, confusion and depression, appetite and weight changes, skin reactions, digestive discomfort and even hair loss. The major long-term danger of anticonvulsants is the risk of irreversible liver damage. Different classes of drugs cause different side-effects though there are a number of overlaps. This means that, while using a combination of drugs can improve effectiveness, it will also increase the chance of side-effects.
Opening this gateway to a healthier life will definitely include making lifestyle changes, especially where diet is concerned. Dietary therapies represent a potentially valuable adjunct to other epilepsy treatments, such as anticonvulsant medications, epilepsy surgery, and vagus nerve stimulation. The ketogenic diet (high fat, adequate protein, low carbohydrate) is the most well-established dietary therapy for epilepsy. Other dietary approaches include the Atkins diet (high fat, high protein, low carbohydrate), a diet enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids, or overall restriction of calorie intake.
It is important to note that polyunsaturated fatty acids play a critical role in nervous system development. The essential fatty acids, especially the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of the ω-3 class (as found in certain fish oils), are essential for the development of normal retinal and neuronal membranes, and for subsequent normal behaviour and cognition. Notably deficiencies of PUFAs lead to cognitive, behavioural, and structural brain abnormalities. By the same token there are no specific foods that trigger seizures, as epilepsy is very individual.
Scientific research studies have not confirmed that vitamins herbs or amino acids are helpful to treat seizures, and we should not be ignorant and ignore promising therapies. The only vitamin deficiency known to cause or worsen seizures is a deficiency of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). This deficiency occurs mainly in new-borns and infants and causes seizures that are hard to control. In some cases, the physician may give the baby the vitamin through an IV while recording the EEG. If the EEG improves dramatically, it shows a B6 deficiency.
Allergic foods may be the primary causes of seizures, or they may act as triggers only. Any food can be a culprit, although wheat, soy, sugar, and dairy are the most common ones. Food additives such as MSG or aspartame may contribute to seizures, in some cases. These are called excitotoxins because they irritate the nervous system. Eliminating food chemicals, sugar and wheat can definitely help some people who suffer from seizures.
A complete balanced dietary program is essential in maintaining optimum health. It also removes hundreds of toxic chemicals, which can also contribute to seizures. Regular sleep patterns are imperative as getting enough sleep may reduce the risk of seizures for some. A complete balanced diet also provides positivity and more focus to make decisions about managing your epilepsy.
The Epi Diagnostic Centre is located in Bardene, East Rand, Gauteng. They are eager to assist you in a natural manner; as they see epilepsy as a result of emotional, spiritual and environmental imbalances and have vast experience with correcting these imbalances with bio resonance therapies and natural remedies for treating epilepsy.
References:
Epi Diagnostic Centre – www.epiclinic.weebly.com
http://drlwilson.com/Articles/epilepsy.htm
http://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/diet-and-nutrition
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1176378/