Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (202 page)

Raw, unsalted nuts and seeds. These are a great source of vitamin E that has been found to reduce the incidence and severity of epileptic fits.

Olive oil and cold-pressed seed oils in salad dressings are a good way of increasing vitamin E levels.

AVOID

Alcohol, caffeine, sugar, refined and fried foods, artificial sweeteners,
pesticides, cigarettes, and anything to which you may be intolerant. These can all interfere with body chemistry in a negative way and create stress for the central nervous system.

Salt. Sodium and potassium play a big role in electrical impulses in the central nervous system. Often there is an excess of sodium relative to potassium.

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Herbal teas such as passionflower, skullcap, hops, lobelia, and chamomile can relax the central nervous system.

Take vitamin B complex. The B vitamins are vital for normal brain and central nervous system function.

Magnesium calms the muscles and nerves.

Coenzyme Q10 improves oxygen flow to the brain.

Vitamin E can reduce the severity and incidence of seizures.

Chromium keeps blood- and brain-glucose levels stable.

EXTRA TIPS

Use stainless-steel, glass, or ceramic cookware. Avoid aluminum, as it can leach into food and affect brain function.

Have Epsom salts baths three times a week. Epsom salts are basically magnesium sulphate and are a great way of increasing magnesium levels in the body.