(Amanda MacMillan/ Health) — The ketogenic diet—also known as the “keto diet” or just “keto”—is a big thing in weight-loss plans, touted by celebs like Halle Berry, Kourtney Kardashian, and Jenna Jameson. The diet involves cutting way back on carbohydrates, to 50 grams a day or less, to help the body achieve a state of ketosis, in which it has to burn fat (rather than sugar) for energy.
Doctors say that the keto diet can be helpful in treating epilepsy; it’s unclear exactly why, but something about a ketogenic state seems to reduce the frequency of seizures.
A July 2021 review published in Frontiers in Nutrition confirmed the benefits ketogenic diets can have in reducing seizure frequency in individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy, in addition to reducing weight. However, the review also notes that without more data on long-term safety, it appears that the risks associated with this diet may outweigh the benefits. (…)