EPILEPSYCmpiled and written by Slawomir Gromadzki: gromaki@btinternet.com

The condition called epilepsy is a result of an excessive increase in the electrical activity of the human nervous system and the brain. The transmission of electrical and nerve impulses in the cells of the human brain are usually well regulated and controlled. But in epileptics, this orderly transmission of nerve impulses can sometimes go haywire, leading to many nerve cells firing or transmitting information simultaneously. This is where the typical symptoms of the epileptic becomes evident in convulsions that are uncontrollable, in epileptic seizures and in behavior on the part of the epileptic which can range from a blank stare to a loss of consciousness. It has been shown that recurrence of any form of seizures in many people is rare and that only about 27% of people who have experienced a seizure, actually experience it again in about three years time, therefore the seizures themselves are quite rare events.

There are two main types of epilepsy known as petit mal and grand mal. Each follows its own specific pattern.

In petit mal, which is a less serious form of epilepsy, an attack comes and goes within a few seconds. The patient has a momentary loss of consciousness, with no convulsions except sometimes a slight rifidity, or there may be slight attack of convulsions such as a jerk, or movement of the eyes, head trunk or extremities, with no perceptible loss of consciousness. The patient may not fall. He may suddenly stop what he is doing and then resume it when the attack is over, without even being aware of what has happened. Petit mal attacks may occur at any time in life but are most frequent in children.

The attack in case of grand mal (tonic-clonic seizures) comes with a dramatic effect. There are violent contractions of the arms, legs and body, accompanied by a sudden loss of consciousness. Before the onset of an attack, some patients have a warning or aura in the form of strange sensations such as a current of air or a stream of water flowing over a body, noises, odours and flashes of light. In a typical attack, the patient cries out, falls to the ground loses consciousness and develops convulsions. With the convulsions may come foaming at the

mouth, twitching of the muscles, biting of the tongue, distorted fixation of limbs, rotation of the head and deviation of the eyes.The patient may lose control of his urine and faeces. The attack may last several minutes and is usually followed by a deep sleep. On waking up, he may remember nothing of what happened to him.People who suffer from epilepsy are not abnormal in any other way. They usually know that fits can be triggered off by particular stimuli. Between epileptic attacks, their brain functions normally.

Seizures are extremely common among elderly people. An estimated 61,000 new cases of epilepsy occur every year in Americans over 65. The primary method of treating seizures in older patients is with seizure medicines, also known as antiepileptic drugs or AEDs. Unlike children with epilepsy, almost all adult patients start treatment with medication after only one seizure. Elderly epilepsy patients differ from the young in many other ways as well. Older patients often have other diseases and disorders at the same time, take a number of other medications, are more sensitive to the side effects of medication, and differ in the way they absorb and excrete the medications they take. Physicians must consider all these factors.

One of the main problems that a person with epilepsy has to face is continual uncertainty about whether or not he or she will have an attack on any particular occasion. Patients may find themselves increasingly inhibited from engaging in social events because of the understandable fear that they might embarrass themselves by having another attack. Such people also encounter difficulties in employments and other relationships.

The causes of an epileptic disorder are not known in roughly more than half of true epileptics. A link can often be found in the remaining percentage of epileptics to some form of trauma or injury to the head, a previous incidence of a stroke, the presence of a brain tumor, or a brain infection in some cases.

Moreover, it has been shown that even in people who are otherwise not epileptics, that drinking too much alcohol, a lack of sleep and adequate rest and stress, or an illness may trigger a seizure quite unexpectedly.

Epilepsy is defined as an episodic disturbance of consciousness, during which generalized convulsions may occur. There are recurring seizures, generally one of seven patterns. This is caused by electrical disturbances, in the nerve cells, in a portion of the brain. Electroencephalographic studies reveal a direct relationship between changes in electrical brain potentials and the occurrence of seizures.

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 attendant 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.

Causes include allergies to foods including sugar, gluten, casein (milk products), MSG (Mono sodium Glutamate) and aspartame.

The latter two are called excitotoxins – and for good reason. They overexcite the central nervous system.

Others causes are an excessively fast oxidation rate, copper toxicity and other toxic metals. Occasionally, infection, pressure from a tumor or irritation from scar tissue from a trauma or illness are triggering causes. Epilepsy can be caused by damage to an area of the brain from lack of oxygen at birth and certain illnesses such as Parkinson's disease.

Often overlooked are biochemical causes not detectable with blood tests, x-rays or other high-tech scans, for the most part. These are discussed below.

An important concept is that epileptic seizures are often triggered by an underlying biochemical imbalance, including those due to food sensitivities, or perhaps eating habits such as overeating or not drinking enough water. This, for example, can shift the pH of the blood just enough to upset the electrical system of the brain.

Any Stress is a trigger. In fact, any stressful event can trigger a seizure. It can be hunger, thirst, fatigue, too much exercise or sun exposure, or any number of other stressors to the body.

IMMEDIATE TREATMENTDuring the attack, arrange the head to facilitate breathing.

Prevent the tongue from being bitten or from obstructing the windpipe. Place a pad between the teeth during the attack.

Afterward allow him to sleep.

HYPOGLYCEMIA

According to some researchers, hypoglycemia – lower than normal level of glucose (sugar) in the blood - is also involved in most cases of epilepsy. Serum glucose levels fall just before a seizure.

Are you highly irritable for no good reason? Are you constantly hungry or tired? Do you often feel depressed even though you have no obvious reason to feel down? Do you suffer from insomnia, where you often lay awake night after night unable to get your racing mind to calm down? Perhaps you feel like a slave to the constant cravings you have for potato chips, soda and candy? If any of these symptoms sound familiar to you it is possible that you are one of many millions of sufferers of the debilitating condition known as Hypoglycemia.

Low blood sugar level is caused, paradoxically, by eating too much sugar. When the sugar reaches the blood, which happens within seconds after you eat it, the body produces insulin to normalize the blood-sugar level. In a person suffering from hypoglycemia, the body produces too much insulin. The blood-sugar level is decreased so rapidly and thoroughly that the person suffers distressing symptoms including headaches, fatigue, depression, anxiety, dizziness, lack of mental alertness, and rapid mood swings.

When you eat too much sugar the level of glucose in your blood rise to abnormal heights. In an effort to return things to normal, your pancreas produces insulin, the hormone that regulates sugar levels. If you don't have hypoglycemia - or if you don't regularly eat too much sugar - your pancreas can easily handle

isolated overdoses of sugar. But if you are a virtual sugar addict, your pancreas goes into overdrive at every rise in blood-sugar levels: It overreacts, flooding your body with insulin. In response, the adrenal glands release anti-stress hormones that in turn release the sugar stored in the liver for emergencies. The result? Everything gets worn out - the pancreas, the adrenal glands, and the liver. And your symptoms are nervousness, palpitations, anxiety, headaches, butterflies in the stomach, and so on.

The brain requires a constant adequate level of blood sugar to function properly. It is more dependent on blood sugar, or glucose, than any other organ. Low glucose levels resulting from the severe dip after a high sugar intake tax the brain and cause the headaches and other symptoms that plague sugar addicts.

Many people in Europe and USA consume more than eighty pounds of sugar per person a year or about thirty teaspoons a day. In addition, they eat large quantities of refined carbohydrates--white flour, for example, which is turned into glucose in the body. Even if you don't own a sugar bowl, half of your sugar intake is probably hidden in the foods you buy. Cookies and ice cream are obvious sources of sugar, but most people are unaware that catsup (ketchup), prepared frozen meals, and salad dressings also contain sugar.

To fight hypoglycemia you must of course cut out the obvious: sugar, honey, cakes, candies, cookies, ice cream, sodas, sweetened cereal, canned fruit, frozen desserts, and other sweetened foods.

You must also learn to read labels carefully.

Here are the most common sugar additives you'll find listed on a food label: corn syrup, glucose, molasses, sucrose, lactose, maple syrup, fructose, maltose, sorghum.

Ingredients on a label are listed in descending order of amounts used; a product that counts sugar as its second ingredient probably has an enormous amount of sugar in it. Just as bad are products where two or three types of sugar are listed. Though they may be near the bottom of the list, leading you to think that there isn't a great deal of sugar in the product, if you could add up all the different types of sugar as a percentage of total ingredients you may find that sugar is in fact the main ingredient! Look carefully and you'll find that many brands of soup, spaghetti sauce, catsup, mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, and peanut butter contain sugar. You can find comparable products that don't contain sugar, but you may have to search for them.

Avoid simple carbohydrates and refined and processed foods such as instant rice and potatoes, white flour, soft drinks, and alcohol. Instead stick to a diet high in complex carbohydrates and fiber, both of which help to stabilize blood sugar. Whole grain products should be a large part of your diet. Stick to the most natural, unprocessed form of a food: An apple is better than apple juice.

Eat regular meals at regular times. Don't skip breakfast. Don't have a late lunch dinner. Try to eat your meals at nearly the same time each day if at all possible.

It's important for people with blood-sugar problems to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. All of these cause precipitous changes in bloodsugar levels. Remember to watch out for caffeine in soft drinks.

In case of hypoglycemia and epilepsy artificial sweeteners should be avoided as well.

Chromium, a trace mineral, is essential to the proper functioning of insulin, so it is very useful for hypoglycemic patients and it has proven to be excellent in controlling blood sugar and reducing sweet cravings.

Chromium (picolinate): 100 mcg three times a day before meals.

SUPPLEMENTS

These supplements that are suggested below are not intended to be substitutes or replacements for prescription medications given to epileptics for the alleviation of some of the symptoms of the disorder. They are only intended to function in a supporting role, and may help rectify some of the nutritional deficiencies that could possibly add to the likelihood of seizures. Another potential positive role these supplements can play is that they may eventually allow a physician to reduce the dosage levels of the drugs administered to the patient; this is a positive aspect because some of the medications used to treat epileptic conditions have very unpleasant side effects.

Lecithin (1200 mg) – 1 capsule 2 times a day with meals.Lecithin (phosphatidyl choline) is a phospholipid found mostly in high-fat foods. It is said to have the ability to improve memory and brain processes. Lecithin is necessary for normal brain development. Some people with epilepsy have also reported reducing their number and severity of seizures from taking lecithin alone.Lecithin contains a substance called phosphatidylcholine (PC) that is presumed to be responsible for its medicinal effects. Phosphatidylcholine is a major part of the membranes surrounding our cells. However, when phosphatidylcholine is consumed it is broken down into choline rather than being carried directly to cell membranes. Choline acts like folic acid, TMG (trimethylglycine), and SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) to promote methylation. It is also used to make acetylcholine, a nerve chemical essential for proper brain function. Choline and phosphatidylcholine are effective for treating human neurological disorders with presumed choline deficiencies. The ketogenic diet (high fat and low carbohydrate diet) although is unhealthy, it increases the amount of lecithin in the body, which may be one of the reasons for its success in some cases of hard-to-treat epilepsy. However, because the ketogenic diet is very unhealthy, it is much better to increase the amount of lecithin by taking its supplementation instead of using the dangerous high fat diet.For use as a supplement or a food additive, lecithin is often manufactured from soy.

Borage Oil (Borago officinalis) – 1 capsule (500 mg) 1 times a day with meals or 1 capsule (250 mg) 2 times a day with meals.Borage oil is also known as borage seed oil or starflower oil. It is extracted from seeds and is high in gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and the essential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6 fats), which must be supplied by the diet because human body cannot manufacture it. In the organism the gamma linolenic acid is converted to a substance that resembles hormones and is known as prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). This element is used as an antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory by the body, since it has blood thinning properties and dilates the vessels. Borage oil is the richest naturally occurring GLA source and contains almost 20-26 % of this fatty acid.This oil may be taken internally for epilepsy, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, PMS, cardiovascular disorders, benign breast disease, rheumatoid arthritis, acute respiratory syndrome, hypertension, eczema and hyperactivity. Externally, it is excellent for hair, skin, and nails. It helps reduce the

inflammation and itching of skin and doesn’t have side effects, unlike many medicines.

Melatonin – 1 to 2 caps. (3 mg) 30 – 60 min. before sleeping. Melatonin should be taken only at night (30- 60 min. before sleeping)! At a single evening dose of 5-10 mg, melatonin (MLT), the pineal gland hormone, can exert a positive effect on the frequency of epileptic attacks in people with sleep disturbances. It was shown that the sleep behavior can be normalized and an existing epilepsy can be favorably influenced. Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced by the body. It is released each evening from the pineal gland in the brain. It has a large impact on sleep promotion. Melatonin has been used in many neurological conditions including Rett’s syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis, and autism. In previous studies, it has been shown that not only is melatonin helpful in regulating sleep, but also has anti-seizure properties. Seizures are though to be the result of an imbalance of neurochemicals and the seizures themselves lead to the production of substances called free radicals which can be damaging to brain cells. Melatonin appears to enhance the major neurochemical GABA, whose function is to stop or inhibit seizures. In addition, melatonin blocks the neurochemical glutamate which promotes seizures. Apart from this, Melatonin is considered to be the strongest anti-oxidant which means that it blocks the bad effects of free radicals such as brain damage. There have been numerous studies in animals which show melatonin’s effect in blocking seizures and protecting the brain from damage caused by seizures. In one study, the use of melatonin improved the effect of some anti-seizure medications. There have been a few studies in small numbers of humans which show a significant improvement in seizure control when melatonin is used in conjunction with anti-seizure medications. None of the patients in those studies reported any side effects from melatonin. The rationale of the use of melatonin in epilepsy patients is two-fold. First, it is well known that sleep deprivation can trigger as well as worsen seizures. Therefore, if a patient’s sleep cycle can regulated then perhaps seizures would be better controlled. Secondly, it is also known that seizures (whether they occur during the day or night) interfere with sleep. Melatonin is given between 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime. The dose is 3 to 10 mg. Melatonin appears to be safe and well tolerated in patients.

Taurine - 500 mg of L -taurine three times a day on empty stomach.

Taurine is one of the most abundant amino acids in the mammalian brain. Several studies show the positive affects and the anti-convulsive activity of taurine. It is proved that epileptics have shown significantly lower levels of taurine in their blood platelets than control patients.In one study a daily oral dose of 750 mg demonstrated significant efficacy in cases of intractable epilepsy, decreasing seizures by more than 30% in 11 of 34 patients. This can be considered highly significant since these patients were unresponsive to any other anticonvulsants. A correlation of effectiveness was seen with the patients achieving the highest taurine concentrations also showing the best response of decreased seizures. Also, patients with partial epilepsy demonstrated the best results.

Magnesium (should be taken together with vit. B6.) – 350 mg of magnesium two times a day or 250 mg three times a day just before meals. Daily intake should be 700 – 800 mg (not less than 500 mg).Many researchers reported that in a state of epilepsy there is a deficiency of magnesium in the blood. Among the dangerous results of magnesium deficiencies listed in medical literature are heart damage, osteoporosis, periodontal disease, epilepsy and hyperirritability. In certain experiment a group of 50 patients with epilepsy were given food rich with magnesium and wit. B6. As a result only 10 patients out of 50 still had to take drugs. However, when their diet was changed and contained low amounts of magnesium and vitamin B6 all the symptoms of epilepsy came back. Wayne was only four years old, but he had been suffering epileptic seizures for 3 years. Anticonvulsant drugs were used, but none was successful. At that time Dr. Lewis B. Barnett, head of the Hereford Clinic and Deaf Smith Research Foundation in Hereford, Texas, began a series of experiments. The boy became a subject. He was given, in addition to a normal diet, 450 mg. of magnesium gluconate (and a thyroid extract). Within two weeks all signs of epilepsy vanished, and within the past three years there have been no signs of the illness.In 28 more cases, the same story has been repeated. Children of all ages, stricken with epilepsy failed to respond or responded only slightly to modern drugs and therapy. Placed on high oral doses of magnesium, they experienced stunning improvement.In his experiments, Barnett used magnesium gluconate, a form of magnesium which is easily absorbed by the system. “Taken orally in this form, magnesium is harmless in almost any quantity,” he reports. "The worst that can occur is that some individuals will become drowsy."The reason for the high magnesium content in the spinal fluid is that the mineral is necessary for balancing the stimulant effect of body hormones. The purpose

of thyroid, gonadal, adrenal and other hormones is to charge up or excite the body. Magnesium and some other substances tend to slow down and relax the system, thus regulating the hormones and achieving a happy medium.A magnesium deficiency, according to Barnett, is a prime cause of the three million clinical and 10 to 15 million subclinical epilepsy cases now in USA. Deficiency may occur not from a lack of magnesium in the diet but because of malfunctioning of the pituitary gland. As far back as 1952, researchers observed that people suffering a magnesium deficiency had reactions similar to those in people who had had the Pituitary gland removed. The reason for this is not hard to understand. The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, is believed, to regulate the functions of all the other glands of the body. It is the gland through which magnesium works as a prime component of pituitary secretions to regulate the functioning of the other glands. If magnesium is not available or the pituitary is not functioning properly, the body will suffer symptoms of a magnesium deficiency or a pituitary malfunction, depending on how you look at it. It must also be pointed out that fluoride bonds with magnesium in the blood, into the insoluble magnesium fluoride. This means that the magnesium cannot be assimilated by the pituitary, with the consequent failure of the pituitary to function properly that leads to the symptoms of magnesium deficiency.The first step in treating the symptoms of magnesium depletion, especially among children, is to eliminate milk from the diet, according to Dr. Barnett. He reports that nine out of ten childhood epileptics drink milk. Calciferol (synthetic vitamin D), like fluorine, tends to bind the magnesium, he says. Milk is loaded with this substance and therefore enhances the problem. The synthetic form of the vitamin D is 10 times more active than the natural form--which means it is 10 times more potent in binding magnesium. For this reason the natural vitamin, as found in other foods, will not cause magnesium depletion, but milk can and does.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) - 100 mg 2 times a day with meals (together with magnesium).Vitamin B6 helps to make and take apart many amino acids and is also needed to make the hormones, serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine. Vitamin B6 aids in the formation of several neurotransmitters and is therefore an essential nutrient in the regulation of mental processes and possibly mood.In combination with folic acid and vitamin B12, vitamin B6 lowers homocysteine levels—an amino acid linked to heart disease and stroke, and possibly other diseases as well, such as osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.A rare, but severe, form of childhood epilepsy results from an inborn error in the metabolism of vitamin B6.

Potatoes, bananas, raisin bran cereal, lentils are all good sources of vitamin B6.People with kidney failure have an increased risk of vitamin B6 deficiency. The most common supplemental intake is 10–25 mg per day. However, high amounts (100–200 mg per day or even more) may be recommended for certain conditions. Vitamin B6 is usually safe, at intakes up to 200 mg per day in adults. However, neurological side effects can sometimes occur at that level. Levels higher than 200 mg are more likely to cause such problems. Since vitamin B6 increases the bioavailability of magnesium, these nutrients are sometimes taken together.“My son had epileptic seizures. The medications were not working. Then the neurologist suggested we try to give Daniel Vitamin B6. Needless to say, I was a bit peeved, how dare he suggest I give my seizing baby a vitamin?!?! Well, I did it. Within 3 days, Daniel was seizure free. We upped the dose about a week later. He weighed about 5 pounds at the time and was taking 100 mg of Vitamin B6 a day, with NO MORE SEIZURES!!! He would continue to have occasional seizures, sometimes severe tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures until he was about 2. Daniel is now 6 years old and is developing pretty much typically. His EEG in December of 2005 was NORMAL!!! He has had several seizures during times he's had fevers, but typically, he has no problems.

Vitamin E - 400 to 1200 IU a day.Vitamin E supplementation alone has been quoted as reducing seizure rates by as much as 50%. Selenium supplementation may also be of benefit.In a recent clinical trial, the addition of vitamin E to standard drag therapy in patients with intractable epilepsy reduced the frequency of seizures and led to significant improvement in background electroencephalogram (EEG) readings. Improvement was seen even in children with complex partial epilepsy, a form of epilepsy that is particularly difficult to treat. A double-blind placebo-controlled study of 24 epileptic children not responding to anti-epileptic drugs found that supplementing with 400 IU/day of vitamin E provided a significant reduction of seizures in 10 out of 12 children. The two unresponsive children were non-compliant (they did not comply with the vitamin E program). The 12 children on vitamin E therapy had no negative side-effect. All 24 children in the study continued their normal dosages of anti-epileptic drugs. The 12 children that were given a placebo (NOT REAL vitamin E), showed no improvement in epileptic activity. (A. O. Ogunmekan. Vitamin E deficiency and seizures in animals and man. Canadian Journal of Neurological Science, 1979; vol. 6. Pg. 43-45.)Vitamin E may decrease seizure activity by inhibiting this peroxidation.It is interesting to note that anti-epileptic drugs have been shown to decrease vitamin E levels.

Manganese - 20 mg daily with meals. A link between epilepsy and manganese was first presented in 1963 when Hurley and his research team observed that manganese-deficient rats were more susceptible to seizures that animals with high levels of manganese. Also the EEG in these deficient animals was epileptic-like. Several subsequent research studies show that blood and hair manganese levels are low in epileptics, with the correlation that those typically having the highest seizure rates show the lowest levels of manganese.

Folic acid – not more than 400 mcg a day (doses of folic acid, in excess of 400 mcg per day, may trigger seizures.)The vitamin folic acid (folate) is important in the production of blood cells and may be important for some nerves. Folic acid is found in leafy dark green vegetables, citrus fruits and juices, lentils etc.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) - 500 mg two times daily. Because low levels of GABA which is a brain chemical in the body appears to be linked to the cases of epileptic seizures, the use of this substance as an additional supplement can also be tried. GABA is often combined with inositol and has tranquilizing effect.

Zinc – 15 mg (not more) of zinc gluconate or picolinate 1 to 2 times a day with meals.It has been found that zinc may act as an inhibitory neurotransmitter decreasing the likelihood of a seizure. There seems to be a connection between zinc and seizures, but there are too many contradictions to clarify the nature of the relationship. Common nutritional deficiencies quoted with epilepsy are manganese, zinc, and magnesium, so that nutritional analysis and supplementation where necessary is vital to successful management.

Biotin - 400 mcg daily.

B-complex - 100 mg three times a day with meals.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) - 50 mg daily.

Vitamin B12 – 50 mcg 2 times a day with meals.

Pantothenic acid - 500 mcg daily.

Chromium picolinate - 200 mcg daily.

Good place to order mentioned above supplements:www.swansonvitamins.com

GLYCONUTRIENTS

Glyconutrients (Swanson Ultra Full-Spectrum Essential Sugars Complex) – 1 to 3 capsules 2 times a day with meals. Additionally, take D-Mannose (most important of all glyconutrients) - 1 teaspoon 3 times a day with water before meals.(Both can be ordered from: www.swansonvitamins.com)

In 1997, a group of scientists looked at a total of 135 people with epilepsy. More than 80 percent of these people had one or more abnormalities in their cellular immune defences. Because of this people with epilepsy may benefit enormously from glyconutrient supplementation. Complete glyconutrition provides immune balance, fortification, and maintenance. For all people, not just those with epilepsy, glyconutrients support the body to heal, repair, regenerate, regulate and protect itself.

The Greek word "glyco" means "sweet" so Glyconutrients means "sweet nutrients", or a dietary nutrient composed of special sugars (not to be confused with sugar as we know it). These are special sugars found in certain plants.

They are not digested or turned into glucose, but instead go directly to the cell surfaces to form a type of cellular communication system. As cells touch each other, they communicate directly through this "sugar code".

There are eight essential saccharides our bodies need in order for this cellular communication to properly take place. It has been shown that we get only 2 of these 8 saccharides in our diet. These nutrients combine with proteins and fats to create Glycoforms that coat the surface of virtually every cell in our body. Glycoforms function as cellular recognition molecules that communicate the messages a body needs to function in health. From the very beginning of life, cells communicate with each other using these sugars on the surface of the cell, which holds the complex system of the human body together - and keeps out what doesn't belong. Improper cellular communication can result in a variety of illnesses, such as auto-immune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, epilepsy, tumors and even cancer.

Why are our diets deficient in the 8 essential sugars? The so-called fresh fruits and vegetables we buy today have few glyconutrients because they are often grown in nutrient-deficient soil, picked before they ripen naturally, gassed, irradiated, artificially ripened, stored, cooked, frozen, canned, processed, refined, pasteurised, genetically engineered, etc. Cooking and processing deplete glyconutrients further.

And the evidence is also clear that the eight necessary glyconutrients are essential to maintaining a healthy body in optimal wellness. If we were getting the essential glyconutrients in our diet in sufficient quantities, we would not need supplementation, but unfortunately current agricultural practices, leave our foods with few of the eight essentials.

No matter what our age, the addition of glyconutrients into our health regime will support our body's incredible ability to heal, repair, regenerate, regulate and protect itself.

Dr. Benjamin Solomon Carson, the world famous (Seventh Day Adventist) director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore has risen to the very top of his medical profession. The Time Magazine and CNN named him one of the top twenty doctors in America. In 1987 he was the lead surgeon in the twenty-two hour operation that separated the heads of the Binder Siamese twins from Germany. In the summer of 2002 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and despite three decades of saving lives, he was faced with the staggering possibility of his own death. "It was a shock," said Dr. Carson. "I had been living a healthy lifestyle and getting regular checkups. But I had high grade cancer in a very aggressive form. One of Dr. Carson's patients told him about Glyconutrients. Dr. Carson contacted Dr. Reg McDaniel, an authority on Glyconutrients and medical director of Manna Relief Inc. "The science made sense to me," Dr. Carson said.

"God gave us (in plants) what we need to remain healthy," he said. "In today's world our food chain is depleted of nutrients and our environment has helped destroy what God gave us." Through dietary supplementation, one of the most significant doctors in the history of medicine decided to support his immune system with Glyconutrients. And almost immediately he saw an abatement in his condition. "I had been experiencing some urinary tract problems. The problems went away within four weeks after I started taking the Glyconutrients," he said.

According to scientific literature cited by Mr. Hudson, glyconutrients could actually generate photons of light, and within the body this transmission of light might allow for greater health to be created in every cell and the body as a whole. Communication between cells occurs on more than just a chemical level according to Hudson, with the photon level important for activating immune system cells to function correctly.

“Within twenty minutes of my first dose I felt a profound and incredible change. I felt a wave of ease and vitality flow through my entire body. I could feel this sensation flow down my arms and legs and into my thymus gland and heart area. I could actually feel the health changes in my cells taking place, which was surprising to say the least! Within three days of taking the supplement, I was feeling so much better that I was actually able to go swimming in a river and hike a few miles with my wife. For five months I took a high dose of one teaspoon a day, and then I dropped to a maintenance dose of a quarter teaspoon daily. I regained my health!”

Mannose and galactose are the most important of all the different Glyconutrients. In fact, these two Glyconutrients act as the commander in chief for all immune system and cell to communication processes. Based on real scientific evidence, there is absolutely no validity whatsoever when it comes to the so called eight essential sugar theory that many companies tout in selling their Glyconutrient products. The bottom line is that the more you increase the level of other plant sugars in a Glyconutrient product other than Aloe Vera galactomannans, the more real health properties are diminished.

The Eight Essential Sugars are: mannose, glucose, galactose, xylose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose (not to be confused with fructose), and N-acetylneuraminic acid.

The primary sources of the 8 simple sugars are mushrooms, gums, and seeds, while the secondary sources are grains, fruit and vegetables.

1. Glucose is the basic unit of sugar, and is the result of the breakdown of just about every food we eat.

2. Galactose is present in the fenugreek of the powder and also in a lot of foods that we normally eat. Galactose is one of the two components of lactose (milk sugar). Lactose is actually a combination of galactose and glucose that our body breaks down into its component parts. If you're lactose (milk) intolerant, galactose is also found in cranberries, blackberries, grapes, apples, figs, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant and asparagus.

Our body is capable of creating the rest of remaining 6 sugars by using the above two, but because the process is quite complex, it is much easier to feed our body with those sugars in their native forms.

3. Fucose according to some studies helps with brain functioning and it's mostly found in reishi mushrooms, kelp and yeast. Another good source of Glyconutrients (including fucose) is Spirulina (the most nutritionally complete food on earth and unique vegetarian source of Vitamin B12, and the entire complex of B vitamins). Spirulina is an excellent source of glyconutrients (16-20%) including the eight essential monosacccharides, glycoproteins, glycolipids, etc.

4. Mannose may be the single most important of the eight sugars for us to get plenty of. One of the main sources is aloe vera, which contains acemannan. Acemannan is a mannose polysaccharide (i.e. a chain of mannose molecules). Most commercial supplements of aloe only have very small amounts of acemannan in them so the best way is to grow the aloe vera oneself. It is a very handy herb to have in the garden or green house and it is easy to cultivate and it needs a sunny spot that’s not too moist. We can also use the glyconutrient powder which does have mannose. This is from the kelp, the shiitake and the ground fenugreek. Fenugreek contains plenty of galactomamman, a polysaccharide of mannose and galactose (other sources of galactomamman are carob gum and guar gum). Ground fenugreek should be readily available from a good health food store or supermarket. Other possible dietary sources of mannose: blackcurrants, red currants, gooseberries, soybeans, beans, capsicum, cabbage, eggplant, tomatoes, turnip, celery, cucumbers and radishes.

5. N-acetyl-galactosamine is contained in dextran sulphate, which is present in a red algae called Dumontiaceae. Bovine cartilage and shark cartilage both have an abundance of these two essential sugars. I am not especially concerned

about prions from a bovine source because cartilage is not one of the tissues especially at risk for prion contamination. I am more concerned about the possibility of heavy metal contamination in shark cartilage, though I have not read any major problems regarding this.

6. N-acetyl-glucosamine is found naturally in bovine shark cartilage and shiitake mushrooms, which have been used by the Chinese as a health food for thousands of years.

7. N-Acetyl-Neuraminic (sialic acid) especially helps the brain in its early stages of development and is found in shiitake mushrooms.

8. Xylose is already being used as a sugar (sucrose) substitute in many products. Xylose is a natural sugar that is found in kelp, strawberries, plums, pears, blackberries, raspberries, broccoli, spinach, eggplant and even birch trees. Ground psyllium seeds are high in a xylose polysaccharide. You don't even have to eat a lot of xylose - xylose is an end product created by the body during natural metabolism.

The recipe for the glyconutrient powder which give large amounts of the key monosaccharide mannose.

- 1 part ground fenugreek: mannose, galactose- 1 part shiitake mushroom powder: N-acetylglucosamine, mannose.- 1 part kelp or spirulina powder: fucose, xylose, mannose, galactose, and glucose.- 1/2 part of ground psyllium to boost the xylose content as there is not that much xylose in kelp.- 1 part of lecithin granules (There are information suggesting that this dramatically increases the absorption of glyconutrients).

Take 1 heaped tsp twice a day 15 minutes before meals. Sick person should increase the amount to 2 tsp three times a day. You can mix the powder with an equal amount of honey or a juice (apple, grape, etc.) just before taking.Have this with a chondroitin sulphate capsule and you've got all 8 sugars!

To get even more glyconutrients you may (if possible) also take about 5 cm of an average aloe vera leaf from the garden and using a knife chop it. Aloe contains a laxative which may lead to diarrhea (from the yellow aloin just under the skin), so because of that try scraping out and eating just the gel. The aloe

vera needs consuming soon after picking and chopping as mannose is quickly damaged or degraded after a leaf is picked.

Good place to order mentioned above supplements:www.swansonvitamins.com

HERBSRecommended herbs: valerian, hops, burdock root, lemon balm or sweet balm (Melissa Officinalis).

Anticonvulsant medication for epileptic patients may result in the accumulation of different toxins in the liver; the herb milk thistle in liver detoxification is effective against the side effects due to these drugs.

Evidence indicates that St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) may be as effective as the well-known medications Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) in treating mild to moderate depression. It has not been successful against major depression, however.

Avoid drinking salvia (sage) tea. This herb should not be used by anyone with a tendency to seizures.

One report in a medical journal told of two adults and a child who experienced tonic-clonic seizures for the first time after using some of these oils. The authors of this report (Burkhard et al.) listed 11 herbal essential oils that may cause seizures:

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium or Hedeoma pulegioides) Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Sage (Salvia officinalis) Savin (Juniperus sabina) Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) Thuja (Thuya occidentalis)

Turpentine (Pinus species) Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Anyone who has epilepsy should avoid the essential oils on this list. Caution with others is also a good idea, not only if you have epilepsy but also if you have other medical disorders or are pregnant. Follow safety instructions about their use, and let your doctor know if you're planning to use any herbal essential oils.

DIET

For many seizures nutritional treatment have shown amazingly effective results.

The high animal protein diet causes lack of calcium, which plays important role in sending nerve impulses. Because of that the best solution in case of epilepsy is the low protein vegan diet.

Food reactions can trigger epileptic seizures.

The main culprits are the following foods that are rich in glutamate and aspartate, (two very excitatory amino acids):

- Dairy Products: All cow milk products are high in glutamine. Cow-based cheese that is worst. Casein is very concentrated in cheese and is 20% glutamic acid by composition.

- Prepared Foods Such As Soups: 70% of prepared foods and many soups have MSG. AVOID ALL FOOD PREPARED WITH MSG. This may also be labeled as hydrolyzed vegetable protein, soy protein extract, textured vegetable protein – or not labeled at all, sadly.

- Meats: All meats are naturally rich in glutamate and aspartate. Rabbit and turkey are the highest.

- Diet Drinks And Diet or Non-sugared Foods of All Kinds: these are the primary source of aspartate as they are often sweetened with Nutrasweet, also called Equal or aspartame. AVOID ALL PRODUCTS CONTAINING THIS INGREDIENT.With the large and growing number of seizures caused by aspartame, it is sad to see that the Epilepsy Foundation is promoting the "safety" of aspartame. Both the Air Force's magazine, Flying Safety, and the Navy's magazine, Navy Physiology, published articles warning about the many dangers of aspartame including the cumulative delirious effects of methanol and the greater likelihood of birth defects. The articles note that the ingestion of aspartame can make pilots more susceptible to seizures and vertigo. Over 600 pilots have reported symptoms including some who have reported suffering grand mal seizures in the cockpit due to aspartame.In 1984, there were 3 reports about large amounts of Aspartame increasing seizure activity. More recently, Aspartame has been found to be unsuitable for some children with generalized absence Epilepsy. A Queen's University study looked at the brain-wave patterns in 10 children and the effects of the artificial sweetener "Nutrasweet". A 40% increase in abnormal brain-wave activity associated with absence seizures was found in this study.

The list of products that have to be totally excluded from the diet:

All animal products (everything which contains milk, eggs, cheese or meat), fried foods (if you have to fry use grape seed oil or olive oil), sugar, chocolate, white refined flower products, cakes, chips, carbonated beverages, hot and spicy food, pizza, vinegar, pickles, all refined foods, monosodium glutamate.

Avoid all stimulants (alcohol, tea, coffee, cocoa, cola drinks, chocolate, etc.)Caffeine is so widely consumed around the world in coffee, tea, soft drinks, and other beverages and foods that you may not think of it as a medicine. But it does act as a stimulant and a few people report having seizures after they consume it. It has even been used to prolong purposely induced seizures in psychiatric patients being treated for depression with electroconvulsive therapy ("shock treatments"). Besides coffee, tea, cocoa, and cola, you can also find caffeine in less well-known substances like guarana (Paullinia cupana) and maté (Ilex paraguariensis). It also appears in combinations of medications and supplements, so if you don't read the label carefully you may take it unintentionally. The risks may be greater if it's combined with other stimulants like ephedra.

Check your diet with pulse and other tests, to know if you are allergic to some foods (gluten etc).

Do not overeat!

The Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is a special high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet (similar to Atkins diet) that is used to control seizures in some people with epilepsy. The diet works by mimicking some of the effects of fasting on the body. Usually the body uses carbohydrates (such as sugar, bread, pasta) for its fuel, but because the ketogenic diet is very low in carbohydrates, fats become the primary fuel instead. When you fast, the body first burns its stored supplies of glucose (which we get from the carbohydrates we eat) for the energy it needs to maintain normal body functions. When these energy stores become depleted, the body begins to break down stored body fat for energy. This process produces ketones, substances derived from fat that can be used for energy by many of our vital organs. Along with providing energy to our muscles and brain, for reasons not yet entirely understood, ketones help alleviate seizures in certain children.The diet should be thought of as a form of medical treatment, and therefore adhered to as closely as possible. Some people consider it difficult because it requires strict adherence to an unusual and limited range of foods. Therefore, the diet must be instituted under the careful guidance of your child’s doctor and, usually, an experienced dietician. Two unusual complications are retarded growth due to nutritional deficiency and a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to kidney stones. Rarely the diet can be associated with inflammation of the pancreas—a complication that may be very serious, or even fatal. While these complications are rare, they highlight the importance of administering this diet under the close supervision of child’s doctor.The biggest unresolved concern related to treatment with the ketogenic diet is its harmful effect on blood fats (cholesterol, triglycerides, and other lipoproteins). Studies show that following the diet leads to kidney and gall bladder stones formation and to significant elevations of fatty substances in the blood, changes which could lead to increased risk of heart disease in adult life.

ADDITIONAL RULES

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.

Drink plenty of the best types of water (soft is better that hard water). When beginning a nutritional balancing program, distilled water is excellent to help remove loosely bound toxic metals and toxic chemicals, which may also contribute indirectly to seizure activity by irritating the nervous system or by other means.

Toxic metals (lead, copper, mercury, and aluminum) are known to cause seizure.

Avoid aluminum cookware High levels of aluminum have been found in the brains of those with epilepsy. Aluminum is a conductor of electricity, and trace amounts in the brain may trigger seizures. Do not use aluminum and plastic bags for storing food in the kitchen. Aluminum can react with food and accumulate in the brain leading to seizures.

Avoid viral infections because it can mobilise the release of dieldrin and lindane (pesticides) that may be stored in the body's (fat) lipid reserves. This then increases the probability of convulsions in susceptible individuals during the period of infection.

Seizures in animals are often worse in winter. This may have to do with lower serotonin levels.

Reduce stress through prayer and adequate exercise.

Improving brain oxygenation by improving fitness and lung function.

Avoid constipations because it may increase the probability of seizures. Pressure from a clogged colon can press against the ileocecal valve and release toxins which are absorbed by the bloodstream and affect the delicate nervous system and brain.

Eating bread, especially soft white bread, is known to lead to seizures.

In order to avoid constipations you have to drink at least 2 glasses of water 3 times daily, go for a brisk walk or exercise every day for at least one hour and

eat a lot of fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread, oat bran, oatmeal, dried fruits etc.).

Keep the colon clean. Take enemas or colonics weekly if necessary.

If the bowels do not move each day, take a lemon enema (juice of 2 lemons in 2 quarts water) before going to bed that night.

J.H. Kellogg, M.D., Formulas

BASIC FACTORS

Vigorous regimen is necessary; a simple abstemious dietary, abundance of outdoor exercise; the daily employment of the Prolonged Neutral Bath, followed by short, moderate cold applications; copious water drinking; regulation of all the vital functions, avoiding all sources of nervous irritation and exhaustion.

Abstemious, dry, aseptic dietary, chiefly fruits and grains.

Prolonged Neutral Bath daily; sweating process 2-3 times a week; graduated cold procedures (Tonic Frictions), avoiding prolonged and intense applications.

Avoid constipation in the transverse colon: this is a key factor in avoiding attacks.

Avoid doughy foods that tend to constipation.

WHEN ATTACK IS THREATENEDColonic twice daily; copious water drinking; Neutral Pack; ice to head; rest in bed. Seizure may sometimes be averted by placing the part in cold water.

AFTER ATTACKRest; cold to head.

Cmpiled and written by Slawomir Gromadzki: gromaki@btinternet.com