How to Alleviate Epilepsy Symptoms: Are Natural Remedies Effective?

Epilepsy encompasses a range of neurological disorders that can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, life-threatening. In all forms of epilepsy, neurons in the brain experience sudden and abnormal electrical discharges, which lead to sensory disturbances (sight, touch, hearing, smell), emotional changes, muscle contractions, and loss of consciousness. Any factor that alters the electrical firing pattern of neurons can trigger seizures and convulsions. There are various therapeutic approaches to help reduce the symptoms of epilepsy, including adjustments to diet and lifestyle. However, the first course of action should always involve consulting with a physician and considering anti-epileptic medications.

Identify triggers. Seizures can be triggered by missed medication, sleep deprivation, flashing lights, high fever, hormonal changes, stress, alcohol and drug abuse, low blood sugar, caffeine, and certain medications.

• Additionally, hormone levels can fluctuate due to the effects of some anti-epileptic drugs. If seizures are triggered by the menstrual cycle, you may have a form of epilepsy called catamenial epilepsy, which can make it difficult to conceive during that month. Consult with a neurologist for advice on the best treatment for this type of epilepsy.
• Triggers can be very specific and individual for some people. It’s helpful to keep a seizure diary to track what may be dangerous triggers for you. Record every seizure, the time of day, and the surrounding circumstances when the seizure occurred. Note any sensations you experienced during the seizure (smells, tastes, sights, pain, pressure). These notes can help you and your doctor narrow down potential triggers.

Ensure Adequate Sleep Every Night. Sleep deprivation or interrupted sleep can increase the frequency of seizures, with adolescents being particularly at risk. Practice 'sleep hygiene' by following these tips from the National Sleep Foundation (NSF):

• Avoid short naps, as they can disrupt your normal sleep pattern.
• Steer clear of stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol close to bedtime.
• Engage in regular physical activity.
• Avoid large meals near bedtime, and aim to finish dinner at least two hours before sleeping.
• Spend time outdoors to expose yourself to sunlight, which helps regulate the melatonin cycle, a hormone that promotes sleep.
• Establish a consistent bedtime routine. Preparing for sleep, such as getting into pajamas, taking a bath, reading (not in bed), meditating, or praying, can signal to your body that it's time to wind down.
• Leave your worries outside the bedroom door.
• Associate your bed with sleep—avoid watching TV, listening to the radio, using a laptop, or reading in bed.

Drink More Water to Stay Hydrated. Aim to drink at least eight cups of water daily. Electrolytes like sodium and potassium help transmit electrical signals to cells. An electrolyte imbalance can trigger seizures, so it’s important to stay hydrated.

Reduce Stress. Stress not only disrupts sleep but can also increase the frequency of seizures. The American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Heart Association (AHA) suggest the following steps to reduce stress:

• Take breaks to escape stressors – just 20 minutes of rest can offer unexpected relief.
• Exercise. Use that 20-minute break to take a walk or jog, and the stress-relief effects can last for hours.
• Seek social support. Call, text, or email friends. Taking a few minutes to relax and have fun can help.
• Practice meditation. Studies have shown that meditation, yoga, and prayer are equally effective as exercise in reducing stress, with lasting effects that may last for hours after.

Exercise Regularly. Activities such as walking, swimming, running, and cycling have been proven to reduce the frequency of seizures. Simply increasing your physical activity can help reduce seizure occurrence.

• Simple changes like parking further away or walking your dog two or three times a day can make a difference.
• You can also try yoga, tai chi, or follow workout videos that match your pace and schedule. Any increase in physical activity is beneficial—more movement is better.
• Studies have also shown that exercise can help improve mood for people with epilepsy.
• While certain sports may be discouraged for people with epilepsy, always consult with your doctor to determine what types of physical activities are safe for you to engage in.

Use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Techniques. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an increasingly recognized treatment for epilepsy. Some CBT methods include:

• Conditioning: A process where specific behaviors are reinforced through positive or negative reinforcement.
• Aura interruption: This method can help reduce the frequency of seizures caused by visual, auditory, or olfactory triggers.
• EEG Biofeedback: A training method where patients monitor and respond to their brain's electrical activity in real-time.
• Systematic desensitization: This approach involves gradual exposure to triggers while learning relaxation techniques throughout the process.

Utilize Mind-Body Therapies. Mind-body therapy is often used in combination with cognitive-behavioral methods to enhance mood and well-being.

• Yoga, deep breathing exercises, and meditation are considered effective mind-body therapies for managing epilepsy.

Consult a Nutritionist. Certain specialized diets can help manage seizures, but these should only be followed under the guidance of a nutrition expert. Speak with both a neurologist and a nutritionist, especially if you're on anti-epileptic drugs that may deplete essential nutrients, particularly those necessary for bone and cardiovascular health.

Discuss the Ketogenic Diet with a Nutritionist. The ketogenic diet is high in fat and extremely low in carbohydrates. This restrictive diet requires careful planning and monitoring, and may even require fasting and hospitalization initially. It is commonly used to treat epilepsy in children. The number of calories, fluids, and proteins allowed will be calculated based on the patient's current weight, and the diet is tailored to the type of epilepsy and the child's age.

• This diet forces the body to use fat as the primary energy source instead of carbohydrates.
• Side effects may include kidney stones, increased cholesterol, slow growth, and weight gain, so discussing this diet thoroughly with your doctor and nutritionist is essential.

Consult a Nutritionist About the Modified Atkins Diet. Recent studies show that the modified Atkins diet can reduce the frequency of seizures by nearly half in many adults who participate in trials. This low-carb, high-fat diet is adapted for adults and does not require fasting, calorie-counting, or hospitalization like the ketogenic diet. However, it should still be based on your weight and other factors, so professional guidance is needed.

• This diet was developed by Johns Hopkins in 2002 specifically to aid in the treatment of epilepsy.
• Patients transitioning to this diet typically see results within a few months.
• Recommended fats include bacon, eggs, mayonnaise, butter, hamburger patties, heavy cream, and vegetable oils such as canola and olive oil. Carbohydrates are restricted to 10-20g per day, but it is not as strict as the ketogenic diet.

Increase Your Daily Zinc Intake. People with epilepsy often experience zinc deficiency. To help with this, incorporating zinc-rich foods such as legumes, nuts, and seafood into your diet can be beneficial.

Consult a Doctor Before Trying Any Herbal Treatment. Whether it’s tea or supplements, it’s important to consult with your doctor before introducing any herbs into your treatment plan. Your doctor can check if the herb might interact with your current medications and inform you of any potential side effects.

Try Bacopa. This herb has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. Some studies have shown that bacopa can reduce the frequency of seizures. Use caution if you have a history of lung, kidney, or bladder conditions.

Use Chamomile Flowers. Chamomile can be used as a calming agent to reduce stress-related seizures. Be sure to consult your doctor for the correct dosage, as chamomile can enhance the effects of other sedative medications and interact with certain drugs.

Consult Your Doctor About Kava. This herb is commonly used as a sedative to help reduce seizures. However, Kava can interact with many other medications and may cause liver damage, so it should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor who can regularly monitor liver function.

• Do not use kava if you have Parkinson's disease.

Try Valerian Root. This herb contains two components that work as an anticonvulsant and a calming agent. Like many other herbs, valerian root can interact with other medications (and alcohol), so it is important to consult your doctor before using it.

• Valerian root can be combined with lemon balm, another herb known for its calming effects.

Use Passionflower. Passionflower has a mild sedative effect and early research shows promising results, although it has mostly been tested on mice. Passionflower can interact with sedative medications and increase drowsiness.

Avoid Herbs That Can Increase Seizures or Interfere with Epilepsy Medications. While some herbs may help alleviate seizure symptoms, many others have been shown to increase the frequency of seizures or interact with anti-seizure medications. These herbs include:

• Ginkgo
• Ginseng
• Gamma-linolenic acid (found in evening primrose oil and borage oil)
• St. John's Wort
• White Willow
• Ephedra
• Mate
• Guarana
• Cocoa
• Caffeine

Avoid Essential Oils That May Exacerbate Seizure Symptoms. In addition to herbs, some essential oils may increase seizure symptoms or interact with anti-epileptic medications. Avoid the following essential oils:

• Eucalyptus
• Fennel
• Hyssop
• Pennyroyal
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Tansy
• Thuja
• Wormwood

• This article provides medical information related to epilepsy; however, it should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a doctor to receive treatment tailored to your specific condition.
• If someone is experiencing a seizure, immediately call emergency services (in Vietnam, the emergency number is 115) and follow the steps outlined by Mayo Clinic.
• There are various treatment options, including medications and surgeries, depending on the type of epilepsy. It is important to consult with your doctor regarding appropriate treatment plans while using complementary natural therapies under medical supervision.