Ketogenic Diet Therapies for Epilepsy and Other Conditions

by Eric H. Kossoff, Zahava Turner, MacKenzie C. Cervenka

Sometimes called the "miracle diet," the ketogenic diet has helped doctors treat difficult-to-control epileptic seizures in thousands of children. Coauthored by four respected Johns Hopkins clinicians, Ketogenic Diets continues to be the definitive guide for parents, physicians, and dieticians wanting to implement this strict diet. This fifth edition has been extensively updated to reflect current advances in understanding how the diet works and how it should be used. Six new chapters address how to integrate the diet into all cultures, religions, and taste preferences, modified and less restrictive versions of the diet, and new information showing the benefits of the diet. This bestseller also includes sample meal plans, a food database, and much more.

309 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

My wife and I are now medical parents. We have an infant son who suffers from epilepsy, and reading this is prerequisite (required) for parents who are thinking about their child on the Ketogenic Diet. I skimmed through this book because my son will be receiving KetoCal formula.

My son has epilepsy due to a genetic disorder that occurred at conception. It is a rare and random mutation that occurs. When you are dealing with a child who has epilepsy, you have to make visits with the neurology, dietitians, and pediatrics.

The ketogenic diet is not a cure for epilepsy (seizures), but it's a solution. My son is currently on four anti-convulsion medicines to help control the seizure activity, but that doesn't necessarily prevent a breakthrough seizure from occurring.

This book is informational, and some of the topics are often repeated, such as the benefits and side effects of the diet, but having repetition for a serious matter is rather important, in my opinion.

[Kevin Maness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly important book for anyone with epilepsy or anyone caring for someone with epilepsy.

The advent of pharmaceuticals to control (or try to control) seizures shifted treatment emphasis away from ketogenic diet therapies to meds. Because that's what we do. Pills are easy, non-pharma therapies typically require more effort.

As soon as possible, I want to get my brother (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome) started on the Modified Atkins Diet (MAD). There's good info in this book, but perhaps the most emphatically repeated thing is how important it is to start and maintain these ketogenic diets under the supervision of a trained neurologist, dietician, or (preferably) both. So, I'm pursuing that, but I'm chomping at the bit to start the diet on my own, especially since there are ZERO treatment centers in my area, and Greg & I would probably have to drive to John's Hopkins to get started on this stuff. I'll do it, but I wish there were more accessible options.

[Malissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seemingly a rarity on keto for epilepsy. Recipes and recommendations that are not whole foods, but good information and help for parents who may be out of options to help epileptic children, or adults with epilepsy.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

very informative, well written.

[Beth Oehler]

I understand this is the real Bible on this topic. Very glad to have the opportunity to read and learn from the experience of these authors.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a page turner. But very helpful content.

[Jason Palmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though the book is horribly written, the diet may be the key to making my daughters childhood just a little bit better, or maybe even a lot better. Since this is the only real official book about this diet, it is an important read for anyone thinking about starting it. Unfortunately it is shockingly condescending at times; almost unbearably cheesy as if it were written by a Care Bear at others, mind numbingly repetitive throughout, and it even contradicts itself on numerous occasions. You'd think these Johns Hopkins guys would know how to write. I guess these shortcomings, and the fact that it is the authoritative book on the subject, make it comparable to the Bible.

[Cori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent introduction to the ketogenic diet. I feel it gave me all the data I need to make an informed decision. Extremely detailed, helpful statistics, and while it is generally pro-diet, it's also realistic in the point that it isn't for everyone. Very worthwhile, I would even venture to say an essential read for someone considering the diet for themselves or a loved one. It made me feel like I have a realistic view of the challenges and possibilities and think it will surely be a reference in the future. Loved the fact that they included a section with recipes, too.

[Janal · Rating 4 out of 5]

People are considering a ketogenic diet for many reasons today. Mine is the control of epilepsy with as few pharmaceutical drugs as possible. For my purpose, I appreciated the analysis of different variations of ketogenic diets. Very helpful.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have anybody in your life that suffers from seizures or other brain disorders, this is definitely a book to review. I will be using another form of the keto diet for myself for weight loss purposes, but it was intriguing to read what this diet does to help our brains.

[Katie Merrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic reference for those who either are on the diet or are trying to make an informed decision about going on the diet. Not intended as a casual read.

[Bren]

Probably good information, but is information for those with Epilepsy. It also has a modified Atkins Diet.

[Risya]

One of my guide how to treat epilepsy of my daughter

[Katrece · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read and I wish I read it when I first went to Johns Hopkins and did the Modified Atkins Diet. This will be an invaluable aid as I do the diet this time.