Epilepsy is a neurological brain disorder that affects the nerve cells and their activity in the brain. The nerve cells in the brain are disrupted by abnormal electrical activities, causing seizures and other unusual behavior. Seizures can be generalized (affecting all areas of the brain) and they can also be partial or focal (affecting a certain part of the brain’s activity).
Some seizures are less intense and people experience a brief moment of unawareness, being conscious yet puzzled at the same time. Seizures play a major role in the condition of epilepsy, but they are two different things. Some people can experience seizures once, while others experience them repeatedly.
What Causes Epilepsy?
There’s no real detectible cause for epilepsy, but the condition has been linked to several factors. Epilepsy is often confused with being an autoimmune disorder, however, it is not considered to be one. In some cases autoimmune disorders can contribute to epileptic conditions. Most of the causes of epilepsy have been linked to certain physical activities, genetics, or developmental issues.
Epilepsy Awareness Day, also known as Purple Day, intends to raise awareness about this condition, which affects roughly 50 million people around the world. Last year, people wore purple in various countries on all of the continents, even Antarctica. In honor of this day, here are some natural remedies that may help those with epilepsy.
Natural Remedies
Get Your Vitamins
Certain vitamins have been proven to help decrease the amount of seizures people with epilepsy experience. Consuming foods that are high in folate, vitamin B6, vitamin D, and vitamin E may help control the seizures.
Eat Your Zinc
Zinc deficiencies have also been linked to epilepsy. The deficiency hasn’t had much support behind it, but incorporating more zinc may help, depending on the person. Natural sources of zinc include pumpkin seeds, cashews, spinach, sunflower seeds, shiitake mushrooms, Napa cabbage, and dried apricots.
Don’t Forget Magnesium
Magnesium deficiencies have also been linked to being a probable cause of epilepsy, but more research needs to be conducted to support this. Increasing the amount of magnesium can help with the recovery process. You can increase magnesium levels by consuming dark leafy greens like kale, spinach and Swiss chard, sesame seeds, Brazil nuts, avocado, bananas, cashews, almonds, and more.
Eliminate Processed Foods
Processed foods, sugar, and caffeine can contribute to seizures. It’s best to eliminate foods that aren’t natural and add to the cause. Keeping a diet that provides your body with the essential nutrients is best. Raw food or vegan-based diets are best.
Try Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been linked to helping those who have epilepsy. It can help change the brain’s activities, ultimately helping to reduce the amount of seizures one experiences.
Put Yourself In Control
Most people can detect symptoms that are associated with them having a seizure personally. Mentally taking control can help lessen how severe seizures are or calm the body into preventing them from occurring. Things like meditation, relaxation time, walking, breathing methods, smelling a strong odor, or even just telling your body “no” can help. This natural remedy is also known as Biofeedback.
