Seizures vary for every person, sometimes it shows up as “cyclic vomiting” and sometimes grand mal, or something in between. There are many types of seizures, some of which cause memory loss. I want to try to help some of you today.
I know I can’t help everyone reading this but, even if my article helps just one person I will be happier when I go to bed tonight and say a prayer for all of you tonight.
There is hardly anything that is available to cure true seizure disorders so even a little information that points a flashlight in a dark space could help. Epilepsy is a terribly frustrating and heart-wrenching problem to watch as a parent or a clinician. Drugs like phenytoin, valproate, TOPIRAMATE, carbamazepine, and others may help for a while.
Despite the wonders and glory of mainstream medicine, many of you have (or will one day) become drug-resistant. Knowing what raises or lowers your threshold becomes imperative. For example, becoming dehydrated or taking a hot shower can trigger a seizure.
Sleep deprivation, a stressful interaction or caffeine can all reduce your seizure threshold and trigger a seizure. As a pharmacist, I can now tell you about the common medications that REDUCE THRESHOLD, and possibly increase seizure frequency:
Common Medications That Increase Seizure Frequency
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- Antihistamines
- Insulin and diabetes medications
- Oxytocin
- Maprotiline
- Clomipramine
- Clozapine
- Lithium
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
- Methylphenidate
- Metronidazole
- Tinidazole
It’s not just medications.
Animal research suggests that impaired methylation (reduced folate) can damage the hippocampus and result in post-seizure memory loss. Reduced folate transport to the brain led to seizures, cognitive impairment, immune suppression, and anemia in a 7-year girl. When the child was given methylfolate (not folic acid), her condition substantially improved.
Protect Your Brain From Seizures Naturally
You can protect your brain from seizures naturally. Consider compounds known to RAISE THRESHOLD, which possibly reduces seizure incidents:
1. Magnesium
Magnesium is a crucial mineral in the human body, playing a key role in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including those important for proper neurological function. For individuals with seizure disorders, magnesium can be particularly beneficial. It helps stabilize the electrical activity in neurons by regulating neurotransmitter binding. This action can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.*
Magnesium acts as a natural calcium channel blocker, which helps to control the excitation of nerve cells in the brain, preventing excessive firing that can lead to seizures. Certain forms of this nutrient are higher quality than others – be choosey. Please look at my VITAMIN SHOP which has gentle-on-the-stomach forms that are chelated, and also some with L-threonate…this form is especially beneficial as it offers superior absorption and bioavailability, making it more effective in delivering the magnesium needed to help manage these neurological disturbances.
2. Omega-3 Fish Oils
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA found in fish oils, are vital for brain health and function. These fatty acids are integral components of cell membranes and are essential for the proper functioning of neurons. In the context of seizure disorders, omega-3 fish oils can offer several benefits.
They possess anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce neuronal inflammation, a contributing factor in the development and severity of seizures. Moreover, omega-3s enhance brain cell flexibility, which improves the communication between neurons. This improved neural connectivity can potentially reduce the occurrence of seizures. Regular intake of omega-3 fish oils, by supporting overall brain health and reducing inflammation, may provide a protective effect against the onset of seizures and their recurrence.
3. Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant that plays a significant role in protecting the body against oxidative stress, a factor that can contribute to the neuronal damage observed in seizure disorders. The high content of polyphenols, such as proanthocyanidins, in grape seed extract helps to combat oxidative stress in the brain, which is crucial in managing conditions like epilepsy.
These antioxidants support the health of brain cells and improve blood flow to the brain, ensuring that neurons receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly. This can help to stabilize the electrical activity in the brain and reduce the likelihood of seizure occurrences. Moreover, grape seed extract has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of other treatments in managing chronic diseases, providing a complementary approach to traditional seizure medications.
Conclusion
You can read more about grapes in my other article, How Grape Juice Helps Shortness Of Breath And Heart Disease.
Details, details!
Since I’ve written about magnesium many times in prior articles (Your Brain Loves Magnesium L-Threonate), I’ll focus today on the other two. First up, fish oils. These are essential for cell membrane stability in trillions of cells. Omega 3s are critical for neurological function and brain health and they can reduce nerve irritation or excitability. This means that your nerves aren’t so easily over stimulated and therefore, handle stress without flying off the handle.
Last July (2015) a case-controlled study involving 70 children was published in the New American Journal of Medical Science. The kids all had uncontrolled, chronic seizures. Thirty-five of the children were given omega-3 fish oil (containing EPA and DHA), while everyone else received a placebo. After three months, the number of children without seizure activity went from no one to 57%. No improvements happened in the placebo group.
Another study confirmed omega 3’s benefits for epilepsy in adults. In this study, participants with drug-resistant seizures took about 1,000 mg omega-3 FISH OIL supplements every day. This went on for three different ten-week treatment periods. There was an incredible 34% reduction in seizure frequency compared to the placebo group.
Fish oil isn’t the only “brain food” for epilepsy.
Grape seed extract is another protective compound. It has OPCs, short for oligomeric proanthocyanidins, which are highly protective compounds, especially to your hippocampus.
The hippocampus is involved in memory and it also houses one of your seizure ‘switches.’ Memory problems are frequent concerns with people who have seizure disorders due to the high levels of oxidative stress that attack the nerves and delicate mitochondria. Grape seed extract is capable of dramatically reducing the oxidative stress and preserving mitochondrial function. All in all, it has a stunning effect on the hippocampus and may serve to turn off that touchy ‘seizure switch’ in there.
Suzy Cohen, has been a licensed pharmacist for over 30 years and believes the best approach to chronic illness is a combination of natural medicine and conventional. She founded her own dietary supplement company specializing in custom-formulas, some of which have patents. With a special focus on functional medicine, thyroid health and drug nutrient depletion, Suzy is the author of several related books including Thyroid Healthy, Drug Muggers, Diabetes Without Drugs, and a nationally syndicated column.
