Living with epilepsy can be challenging, but what if I told you there’s a natural way to manage seizures? I was born with epilepsy and always believed medication would be a lifelong necessity, something I had to accept as part of my daily routine. But then I found a simple, natural remedy that completely changed my life—and eliminated my epilepsy. In this blog, I’m excited to share my natural epilepsy treatment with you, hoping that my discovery can bring the same relief to you.
Understanding Epilepsy: What Causes Seizures?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that results from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This abnormal activity is regulated by neurotransmitters, which are chemicals responsible for transmitting signals between neurons. A proper balance of neurotransmitters is crucial in maintaining stable brain function. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to seizures.
Seizures can result in a wide variety of symptoms, including convulsions, confusion, loss of consciousness, or even temporary changes in behavior or sensory experiences.
Please note that the causes of epilepsy vary widely and I will not be discussing it in this blog. For example I will not be discussing brain injuries, developmental disorders and structural abnormalities can cause seizures.
How I Stopped Having Seizures
Growing up, I struggled with intense migraines. At first, I thought they were just period-related, something I’d have to deal with. But by high school, things got worse—I began losing my vision, and eventually, the migraines turned into full-blown seizures. They’d strike randomly, sometimes at night or even during class. Doctors put me on Lamictal, and while it stopped the seizures, the migraines persisted, and I started having awful stomach cramps.
Then, one day, I met a holistic practitioner who completely changed my perspective. He challenged me, saying, “I bet if you change your diet, you could stop taking the medicine.” Long story short, he was right. My diet was triggering my epilepsy. Once I made changes to what I was eating, the seizures stopped completely, and I’ve never had another episode since.
I also want to be clear that since following these guides, I have never had a seizure episode in 15 years but that does not mean it is completely eliminated. Rather, it is managed so well that it prevents the episodes.
10 Natural Epilepsy Treatments
1- Reasons to Avoid Aspartame
I used to chew gum constantly, unaware that many brands contained aspartame, an artificial sweetener that can have serious side effects.
Aspartame is known for being linked to neurological problems, including seizures. Studies have shown that it can act as a neurotoxin, potentially triggering seizures in people sensitive to it.
For individuals with epilepsy, like myself, consuming aspartame can worsen symptoms, as it disrupts neurotransmitter functions and alters brain activity, which may lead to seizure episodes. Once I eliminated aspartame from my diet—starting with my gum—I saw a drastic change: my seizures completely stopped. The artificial sweetener had been a hidden trigger, and removing it helped restore my brain’s balance.
2- Maintain Good Magnesium Levels
Magnesium deficiency has been linked to a higher risk of neurological problems, including seizures. This is because magnesium helps regulate electrical activity in the brain. Without enough magnesium, neurons can become overly excitable, leading to hyperactive brain signals that may trigger a seizure.
Taking magnesium supplements or increasing your intake through diet may help reduce seizure frequency. Natural magnesium sources include leafy greens, nuts, and seeds.
Daily Sources of Magnesium:
- Spinach
- Almonds
- Pumpkin seeds
3- Avoid MSG to Prevent Seizures
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer commonly found in processed foods, fast food, and even some restaurant meals. It wasn’t until I researched my diet more closely that I discovered MSG was a hidden trigger for my seizures. Like many people with epilepsy, I had been unaware that certain food additives could provoke neurological responses, leading to increased seizure activity.
MSG can affect the brain by overstimulating certain neurotransmitter receptors, specifically glutamate receptors, which are involved in neural communication.
This overstimulation can lead to a phenomenon called “excitotoxicity,” where excessive glutamate activity triggers harmful electrical discharges in the brain, potentially causing seizures in sensitive individuals.
Once I eliminated MSG from my diet, I noticed a dramatic reduction in the frequency and intensity of my seizure episodes. Avoiding foods like instant noodles, chips, and processed meats made a significant difference in my health, and since then, I’ve been able to manage my epilepsy more effectively.
Incorporating more whole foods and carefully checking ingredient labels became essential steps in my journey to avoid MSG and regain control over my seizures. For anyone with epilepsy, understanding how food additives like MSG may affect brain activity is crucial to managing symptoms.
4 – Avoid Direct Communication with Cell Phones to Prevent Migraines
Living with migraines has often made me hyper-aware of potential triggers, and one of the most surprising discoveries I made was related to my cell phone usage. I used to talk directly into my phone for long periods, often experiencing a sudden onset of migraines afterward. Research suggests that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by cell phones may contribute to headaches in susceptible individuals .
To reduce the frequency of my migraines, I adopted a few simple strategies to limit my exposure to these potential triggers. I began using speakerphone or earphones instead of holding the phone directly to my ear.
This change not only alleviated the strain on my neck and shoulders, which can exacerbate tension headaches, but it also minimized my exposure to EMFs while talking .
Additionally, I made it a point to take breaks from my phone and practice mindfulness techniques during those moments, which helped me manage stress levels—a known migraine trigger. By being mindful of how I interacted with my cell phone, I noticed a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of my migraines. For anyone who suffers from similar headaches, considering the impact of cell phone usage might be a worthwhile exploration.
Other Natural Epilepsy Treatment that have Proven to Stop Seizures
5 – Herbal Remedies for Epilepsy
Certain herbs for epilepsy are gaining attention for their calming effects on the nervous system. Herbs like valerian root, passionflower, and skullcap may reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, helping to prevent seizures in some people.
Top Herbs to Try:
- Valerian Root: Known for its ability to calm the nervous system.
- Passionflower: Promotes relaxation, reducing the frequency of seizures.
- Skullcap: Another herb with nerve-calming properties.
6 – Essential Oils for Epilepsy Relief
Certain essential oils may have calming effects on the nervous system. While they won’t replace medication, using oils like lavender and chamomile in a diffuser or as part of an aromatherapy routine can help promote relaxation and reduce seizure triggers like stress.
Best Essential Oils for Epilepsy:
- Lavender: Known for its calming and anti-stress properties.
- Chamomile: Helps soothe the nervous system.
7 – Biofeedback
Biofeedback uses sensors to monitor brainwave activity and train individuals to control brain functions that can lead to seizures. While still considered experimental, some people have reported a reduction in seizures after biofeedback therapy.
8 – Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a medical treatment involving electrical impulses sent to the brain via the vagus nerve. Although this method is typically not classified as a natural remedy, it is an alternative therapy that has shown success in reducing seizures for some people with epilepsy.
9 – Relaxation
Stress is a common trigger for seizures, and relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can be effective in managing stress levels. Regular practice of these mind-body techniques can reduce the frequency of seizures in some individuals.
10 – Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another alternative treatment believed to balance energy flow and improve brain function. Some individuals with epilepsy have reported fewer seizures after regular acupuncture sessions, though scientific evidence is still inconclusive.
The Takeaway
In today’s medical system, there is often a focus on treating symptoms rather than addressing underlying causes. When I relied solely on medication like Lamictal to manage my seizures, I found myself facing unwanted side effects and new symptoms without ever uncovering the root cause of my condition. However, by identifying and eliminating specific triggers in my lifestyle—such as MSG and direct cell phone communication—I discovered a more effective approach to managing my epilepsy without adverse side effects.
I urge you to seek out the causes of your health issues rather than just masking the symptoms. Understanding and addressing the root causes can lead to more sustainable and healthier outcomes in your journey toward wellness.
References
- Thijs RD, Surges R, O’Brien TJ, Sander JW. Epilepsy in adults. Lancet. 2019 Feb 16;393(10172):689-701. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)32596-0. Epub 2019 Jan 24. PMID: 30686584.
- Choudhary AK, Lee YY. Neurophysiological symptoms and aspartame: What is the connection? Nutr Neurosci. 2018 Jun;21(5):306-316. doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2017.1288340. Epub 2017 Feb 15. PMID: 28198207.
- Capilupi MJ, Kerath SM, Becker LB. Vagus Nerve Stimulation and the Cardiovascular System. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2020 Feb 3;10(2):a034173. doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a034173. PMID: 31109966; PMCID: PMC6996447.
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