EPILEPSY: PREVENTING ATTACK TRIGGERS. AND MANAGEMENT

What is Epilepsy?
 Most people do not understand this disease and like to stay blissfully ignorant of its causes and lifelong effects. Many myths surround epileptic people, the foremost being that they are mentally retarded or mentally challenged. This is entirely untrue! People with epilepsy or seizures suffer from a medical condition in which the neurons of the brain sometimes behave erratically, sending out incorrect signals at higher than normal speed, resulting in sudden jerking movements we normally call a seizure. This person has an otherwise normally functioning brain.

Causes

Epilepsy denotes electrical malfunctioning within the brain due to damage of brain cells or some inherited abnormality. There are many causes of epilepsy. Digestive disturbances, intestinal toxaemia and a strained nervous condition are very often the main cause of petit mal. Grand mal usually results from hereditary influences, serious shock or injury to the brain or nervous system. Meningitis, typhoid, and other diseases ttendant with prolonged high temperature can also lead to grand mal. Epilepsy may be caused by several other factors. It may result from allergic reactions to certain food substances, especially some particular form of protein which is the main constituent of meat. Circulatory disorders such as hardening of arteries leading to the brain may also cause epileptic seizures. This type is rare and occurs only in very aged people. Chronic lcoholism,

lead poisoning, cocaine and other such habits can also lead to this disease. Other causes of epileptic seizure include mental conflict, deficient mineral assimilation, particularly of magnesium and calcium and wrong vitamin metabolism. According to some researchers, hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar is also involved in most cases of epilepsy.

Natural Treatments

In the natural form of treatment, the sufferer from epilepsy has to follow a rigorous regimen consisting of a strict dietary, complete relaxation and optimum exercise in the open air. He must adhere to a simple and correct natural life. He must assume a cheerful, optimistic attitude; refrain from mental and physical overwork and worry. The diet should eliminate completely all animal proteins, except milk, as they not only lack in magnesium, but also rob the body of its own magnesium storage as well as of vitamin B6. Both these substances are needed in large amounts by epileptics. The best food sources of magnesium are raw nuts, seeds, soya beans, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, beet-tops etc. The patient should avoid all refined foods, fried and greasy food, sugar and products made with it, strong tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, condiments and pickles. The patient should avoid over eating and take frequent small meals rather than a few large ones. He should not eat large meals before going to bed.

Though epilepsy is a medical condition and requires careful monitoring and medication under a doctor, there are some things that you can do at home to help yourself or someone dear to you who is suffering from epilepsy. These epilepsy home remedies are NOT substitutes to proper medication, but are like a supplementary support. Most of them work by preventing a seizure and other symptoms of epilepsy.

1. Magnesium Rich Foods:

Research has revealed that a deficiency of magnesium in the body can trigger seizures in an epileptic person. Therefore, ensuring a diet rich in magnesium keeps you a step ahead of your next seizure. Foods rich in magnesium include cashew nuts, almonds and spinach. Make sure you make all or most of these magnesium rich foods a regular part of your diet. Chances are that your doctor, too, will have prescribed a magnesium supplement in your medication.

2. Garlic:

Most easily found in every home, garlic is full of medicinal benefits. To use it as a home remedy for epilepsy, take equal quantities of water and milk. To this, add 3-4 crushed cloves of garlic. Boil the mixture well and drink a glass of this mixture every day. The water and milk keep your body hydrated and replenished with minerals, while the garlic has many properties for improving neurological health.

3. Coconut Water:

Ever experienced that totally refreshed and cool feeling after drinking coconut water on a sweltering day? That’s because coconut water is a magic potion loaded with vital minerals, electrolytes, and water. These three things promote better neuron health and keeps the neurological system cranked up, ensuring proper functioning of the brain.

4. Milk:

Never thought you’d read the word ‘milk’ here, did you? We all know that calcium found in milk is good for our bones. But did you know that calcium is also a vital mineral for good brain health? A daily intake of milk ensures that the brain receives this mineral regularly. The water content in milk also keeps the body hydrated. So you really have nothing to lose by adding 1-2 glasses of milk to your daily diet. One of the best home remedies for epilepsy seizures!

5.  Epsom-salt bath

Magnesium sulphate, as it is also known as, has a wonderful effect on nerve health. This is a naturally found salt that is rich in magnesium and sulphur, which are both responsible for better absorption of calcium by the body. The magnesium also helps epileptics by maintaining proper nerve functioning, reducing stress, and eliminating toxins.

6. Chamomile Tea:

Known for its antioxidant and cleansing properties, chamomile tea can also abate the symptoms of epilepsy. It is a natural soothing agent and works by calming the nerves. If you feel you have a seizure coming (many people say their seizures are preceded by headaches and anxiety), you should definitely try this remedy for epilepsy. Sipping a strong chamomile tea can be of great help. Boil some water and add a teabag of chamomile tea. Allow it to steep for at least 15 minutes, making sure that the tea is very strong. Sipping it will immediately soothe your on-edge nerves.

7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

These are a group of essential acids that promote overall good health. These fatty acids reduce cholesterol and artery blockages, which in turn reduces the effects of ageing and improve nerve and brain health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are fish and nuts. Make sure you include these in your diet on a regular basis to prevent seizures. These foods are also rich in vital minerals and nutrients that are important for healthy nerves and brain functioning.

8. PRACTICE DETOXIFICATION:

The benefits of detoxification of the body extend to epilepsy as well. Many times, epilepsy and its symptoms are caused by neurotoxins that build up in the body due to an unhealthy diet and poor lifestyle. Therefore, detoxifying helps the body in releasing the harmful build-ups and freeing the body of all possible toxins. Many epileptics have made it a regular practice to Detox at regular intervals.

9. Essential Oils:

Essential oils are natural soothing and calming agents. Oils of lavender, ylang ylang, and chamomile can be used daily to keep up nerve health and to reduce anxiety and stress related to epilepsy.

10. Onion:

For curing epilepsy, extract the juice of 2-3 onions and mix it well in water. Drink a glass of this mixture daily for at least 2 months and you will find great relief from your symptoms

An epileptic person is not a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. They need a lot of attentive care, but can take care of themselves during non-attack periods. The onus of the patient and the helper is mainly to make sure the triggers of epilepsy are kept at bay. This can be a difficult task as different people can have different triggers that can set off an epileptic attack. It can be sudden stress for one; and exposure to loud music for another; heat and humidity for one and dehydration for another. By observation, try to identify what triggers affect your epilepsy the most and do your best to eliminate them from your life.

Epilepsy is a serious medical condition, but it is very much possible to control it and it’s after effects with just a little attentive care. Follow your doctor’s advice closely and inform him/her about the home remedies you are thinking of trying. Try not to miss any dose of the medication and keep your body and surroundings free of all epileptic attack triggers.

An epileptic should strictly observe all the natural laws of good health and build and maintain the highest level of general health. He should remain active mentally but avoid all severe mental and physical stress. And above all, he should avoid excitements of all kinds.

Epilepsy no longer needs to be a hush-hush ailment with little or no treatment available. It can be brought under control to ensure that the afflicted person leads a normal, healthy life. Share these home remedies for epilepsy with anyone who has this condition, for these can help them alleviate the pain and discomfort that a patient suffers from.
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References: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/home-remedies-for-epilepsy/
                       http://www.epilepsy.com/learn/epilepsy-101/what-causes-epilepsy-and-seizures
                        ‘A Complete Hand-book of Nature Cure.’ By  Shri H.K. Bakhru