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Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Keto diet and LGS does it work?

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Adjuntas, PR

My dad and aunt are both trying to get me to try keto diet to see if it helps more with my seizures . I already said I was going to but i’m trying to look for more information about it if it helps.

November 26, 2025
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MyEpilepsyTeam

Does the keto diet work for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)?

Yes, research shows the ketogenic diet can be helpful for LGS, especially when medications aren't working well enough. It's worth exploring with your doctor's guidance.

What the research shows:

In studies of children with LGS following the ketogenic diet
- Nearly half Show Full Answer

Does the keto diet work for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)?

Yes, research shows the ketogenic diet can be helpful for LGS, especially when medications aren't working well enough. It's worth exploring with your doctor's guidance.

What the research shows:

In studies of children with LGS following the ketogenic diet:
- Nearly half (47%) had seizures reduced by at least 50% after 3-36 months
- 16% became completely seizure-free
- The diet helped reduce tonic, atonic, and atypical absence seizures
- 45% were able to lower their seizure medication doses, reducing side effects

One surgical study found that for drug-resistant LGS, 50% of people were seizure-free after six years, showing that various treatment approaches can work.

Important considerations:

The ketogenic diet is very strict - up to 90% of calories come from fat, with only about 4% from carbs. It requires careful monitoring and should be done under medical supervision. Working with a dietitian who specializes in ketogenic diets is essential to create a realistic meal plan.

Less restrictive options:

If the classic keto diet feels too strict, the Low Glycemic Index Treatment (LGIT) is another option. It has less fat and allows certain carbohydrates. Most people on LGIT had fewer seizures, some had none at all, and others could reduce their medication.

Before starting, discuss with your doctor whether this approach is right for you, especially considering any other medical conditions you might have.

November 26, 2025
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Totally like Henri said! It takes a while to even get in ketosis and after that it’s very strict. One bite of bread, your body stops ketosis, and you have to start all over. A former neurologist explained it to me once that you have to go to the health center every week to do a ketosis check and they weigh you and your food - it’s not like back when people were using it for weight loss and barely abided. Make sure you know you can be committed but we all wish you luck!

November 27, 2025 (edited)
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Never tried it , but I have heard of the Keto Diet working for some people.

November 26, 2025
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

The problem is that keto takes time to get going. Once you go into "ketosis", you must be very strict. If you cheat in the smallest way, you have to start the process over which can be very non productive to your health and could possibly cause triggers. If you can stick to it VERY strict, it could be a winner.

November 26, 2025
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Thanks yeah I have an appointment the 2nd of december

November 26, 2025

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