Can a ketogenic diet help my child's cerebral palsy?

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The Ketogenic Diet, Epilepsy, Seizures, and Cerebral Palsy

It is common for children with cerebral palsy to have seizure disorders or epilepsy. The ketogenic diet is a precisely prescribed diet that is used to help control seizures in children with intractable epilepsy. The diet is very high in fat and low in sugar and carbohydrates. Calories and fluid are strictly controlled and all food and fluids have to be precisely weighed and measured in order for the diet to work. As with any diet, parents should speak with their child’s doctor before starting the ketogenic diet. The diet must be strictly monitored and controlled and should only be undertaken under the careful supervision of a qualified professional.

More information on the Ketogenic Diet can be found on the Seattle Children’s Hospital Neurology Resources website under ‘Recommended Reading.’

What Foods are Used in the Ketogenic Diet Plan?

Listed below are some foods commonly used in the ketogenic diet.

Fat

  •     Coconut oil
  •     Tallow
  •     Duck fat
  •     Olive oil
  •     Butter
  •     Ghee
  •     Red Palm Oil
  •     Avocado Oil
  •     Macadamia Nut Oil
  •     MCT Oil

Meats / Proteins

  •     Bacon
  •     Steak
  •     Ground beef
  •     Eggs
  •     Ribs (Pork/Beef/Lamb)
  •     Roasts (Pork/Beef/Lamb)
  •     Pork Loin, Chops & Steaks
  •     Chicken (skin-on breasts, thighs, wings, drumsticks)
  •     Ham
  •     Sausages
  •     Deli meats (double check nutrition for certain brands that use carb fillers)
  •     Cured Meats (pepperoni, salami, prosciutto)

Seafood

  •     Shrimp
  •     Lobster
  •     Tilapia
  •     Cod
  •     Scallops
  •     Crab
  •     Tuna
  •     Albacore
  •     Salmon
  •     Sardines
  •     Oysters

Dairy

  •     Full-fat cheeses
  •     Heavy whipping cream
  •     Full-fat sour cream
  •     Butter (avoid margarines)
  •     Full-fat cream cheese

Vegetables

  •     Asparagus
  •     Squash (spaghetti, butternut, etc.)
  •     Peppers (jalapeno, bell, banana, etc.)
  •     Mushrooms
  •     Cucumbers
  •     Cabbage
  •     Brussel sprouts
  •     Cauliflower
  •     Various leafy greens (spinach, romaine, arugula, bib lettuce, etc.)
  •     Broccoli
  •     Artichoke hearts
  •     Garlic
  •     Onion

Fruits

  •     Avocado
  •     Blueberries
  •     Raspberries
  •     Blackberries
  •     Strawberries
  •     Cranberries

Nuts and Seeds

  •     Almonds
  •     Hazelnuts
  •     Macadamias
  •     Pistachios
  •     Walnuts
  •     Pecans
  •     Sesame seeds
  •     Sunflowers seeds
  •     Pumpkin seeds
  •     Flax seeds