I’ve done a deep dive into older studies that are showing that although many doctors may report that food allergies or sensitivities or intolerance causing seizures are rare, the evidence may show quite on the contrary.
This particular journal titled “Epilepsy Precipitated by Food Sensitivity: Report of a Case with Double-Blind Placebo- Controlled Assessment” reveals the power of food allergies/sensitivities and or intolerances, tested with one woman age 19 years of age. Onset of seizure activity began a 17 years of age. Prior to the intervention this woman had 31 seizures despite being treated with 3 anti epileptic medications. Post the trial and error with foods, the woman experienced 1 seizure in 6 months without medication.
Here are the highlights:
- Woman had a prior history of allergies to dust pollen and mold
- Family history of allergies
- Eosophile was mildly elevated
- EEG showed short bursts of 5 per second slow wave activity
- Positive skin tests (IgE) to several foods and airborne allergies
- Endured a 4 day elimination diet
- Showed strong reactions to beef or substances derived from beef: tachycardia, cutaneous hyperthermia and seizures
- Her reactions included increased in heart rate from 70 to 85 and then 120-124
- Skin temperature dropped
- Researchers tested her alternatively with chicken capsules and beef capsules to discover through double blind that chicken did not cause symptoms but all beef or beef-derived did.
A few comments about this study:
- This was conducted in 1952. The researcher recommended to explore all individuals with seizures as a suspician of allergy using four criteria:
- Personal history of allergy
- family history of allergy
- eosinophilia
- positive skin tests for specific food allergens (IgE)
- In my field we are discovering that food sensitivities (IgG) and intolerances (such as salicylate) can also cause seizures and abnormal EEG’s.
Family history is critical to explore and I would recommend that all clients that report any allergies and experience seizures be tested for allergies, sensitivities and/or intolerances. You’ll also find other blogs about foods and seizures here:
- STUDY: dietary intervention stops seizures in some children
- Diet that helps that digestive system can stop seizures
- Does you or your loved one show these symptoms?
Bringing much light,
Lynn
