There is limited evidence that diet directly affects seizure frequency or severity, but maintaining a balanced diet can help sustain energy, provide essential nutrients, improve quality of life, support daily activities, and promote regular sleep.
What is a balanced diet?
A balanced diet typically includes appropriate amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fruits and vegetables, fats, and plenty of fluids. Tips:
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Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
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Base meals on healthy carbohydrates such as potatoes, bread, rice, or pasta.
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Include protein sources like beans, legumes, fish (at least once a week), eggs, and moderate amounts of red meat.
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Add dairy or alternatives (e.g., soy milk, yogurt).
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Use unsaturated oils and spreads in moderation.
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Reduce high-fat, high-salt, and high-sugar foods.
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Drink plenty of fluids—about 6–8 glasses of water per day.
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Cook with fresh ingredients whenever possible.
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Prepare meals yourself when you can, to better control ingredients.
Vitamin and mineral supplements
The body needs vitamins and minerals for proper function and health; unnecessary supplements may be harmful.
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Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones, teeth, muscles, and immunity. Sunlight is the main source; dietary sources include egg yolks, red meat, liver, seafood, and fortified foods (e.g., breakfast cereals). Some anti-seizure medications may lower bone density and increase fracture risk; physicians may recommend vitamin D and calcium in such cases.
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Folic acid is essential for women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy. A daily dose of 1–5 mg is commonly recommended. People with epilepsy planning pregnancy should, under medical supervision, often take ≥5 mg starting at conception attempts until at least 12 weeks of gestation (sometimes throughout pregnancy).
Can any food trigger seizures?
No robust studies show that specific foods generally trigger seizures, except in rare reflex epilepsies where certain foods can provoke events.
Some individuals feel artificial colors/preservatives or sweeteners may trigger seizures, but strong scientific evidence is lacking.
Grapefruit and pomegranate juice do not cause seizures, but they can increase side effects or reduce effectiveness of some anti-seizure drugs—always read your medication leaflet.
Caffeine (tea, coffee, cola, energy drinks) can stimulate the central nervous system and may raise seizure risk in some people and potentially affect anti-seizure drug performance. Discuss concerns with your doctor.
Special diets
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Ketogenic diet: A therapeutic option for some with drug-resistant seizures. It requires supervision by a dietitian and neurologist. High fat, low carbohydrate, and moderate protein ratios can alter brain metabolism and reduce seizures, with possible benefits like less sleepiness and lower medication needs.
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Fasting: May be suitable for some, but consult a neurologist first. Evidence for safety/effectiveness in epilepsy is limited. Potential issues include fatigue, sleep disruption, dehydration, and interference with regular medication timing.
References
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UpToDate 2025 / Epilepsia
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Adams and Victor’s Principles of Neurology, 12th ed., Ch. 15
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Aminoff’s Neurology and General Medicine, Seizures and General Medical Disorders