:yes2: I have not really posted very much here but I love this forum. I have been on Atkins for 5 1/2 years. The best part of it is what I have learned about reducing our intake in carbs. Every year since beginning this in 2003, I have learned more and more. The most important part is what it can do to treat many illnesses. This leaves me to conclude that it can also prevent these illnesses, but how. Most illnesse that have affected my family, freinds and many acquaintences are probably treatable with something as simple as bacon and eggs :Great!: I want to learn more and be an active member to this similar communities. I goota go and do some music arranging but I shall return.

Mary :hbeat:

It's my baby!

I LOVE this board and all the people here too. In all honesty I feel as much at home here on this board as I do in my own house. I have many friends that I can't remember not knowing as I grew up with them but as much as I've tried to talk to them about some of the things our family has experienced they still "just don't get it". They can't understand because they've never experienced it themselves. When I need to talk or vent I can come here and know there are many, many people here who understand perfectly what we've gone through. You guys know more about me and my family than most of my family (brother, sister, cousins, close friends, etc) and friends do. I've learned that even though they ask how we are they really don't know what to say when i tell the truth. There's nothing worse than the very people you've known all your life and love with all your heart shunning you for fear of not knowing what to say or do to help when all you need is someone to listen and understand. I have that here with my very special VNS family on this board. There isn't a day that don't go by that I don't thank God for Donna, this message board and the people here.

Aw Fay! :wub: :hbeat:


Black, Have you visited ?

It's jam-packed!


{cue Mr. B!}

Hi Mary,

It wasn't clear from your post if you are following the basic Atkins diet, or the modified Atkins diet for epilepsy. Either way, since you have been on it for 5.5 years, if you would like spread the word about it (whichever version you are following), please feel free to share your experience with it here (read the sticky thread for guidelines).

I have been doing Atkins initially to lose weight. As time and my research progressed, I came to respect the diet even more. I am a big fan of Drs. Michael and Mary Eades ( Protein Power ), Dr. Larry McCleary ( Brain Trust Program ) and Jimmy Moore ( Livin' La Vida Low Carb ). Diabetes runs in my family which is why I am resolved to doing low carb for life. My dad died at the age of 61 following a series of strokes and seizures. My research revealed that he could have been helped with this diet. I have other family members that can be aided with low carb or even more stricter ketogenic diets. I wanted everyone to know that I have been on Atkins for 5.5 years so that they realize that not only is it safe, it is healthy and fun. I enjoy the food on this diet. My blood lipids and glucose are well within healthy ranges.

But, what actually brought me here was a friend of mine who has developed the neuro muscular malady called focal dystonia. I strongly suspect that it can be helped with a ketogenic diet. I wanted to discuss experiences that real people have had with this diet, so I came here. I want to learn and possibly be of assistance in my own community. That is why I am here :Thanx:

If the concern is about diabetes, you might look into a low glycemic diet. There is a variation of it that was studied for seizure control too: LGIT - Low Glycemic Index Treatment

Actually my concern is with neurological disorders that have been treated with ketogenic diets. I bug out when I hear someone remark at how unhealthy and impractical the diet is, when actually the opposite is true. I believe that it is the healthiest and most significant diet when it comes to healing or helping to heal the body namely, the brain. Parkinsons,alzheimers,migraines, ALS, strokes and epilepsy can be treated with this diet. Other maladies that are not considered neurological like cataracts, osteoarthritis, pancreatic and prostate cancers also benefit from ketogenic diets. It also seems like all of these maladies have a common link...glucose. What more can this diet do? I want to find this diet's full potential. I am fine with my diet. I have no desire to change it. I want to help others who are considering this to not be afraid.

I went to the coping with epilepsy board. I guess I will have to register for another forum :yes2: :dribble2:

:wavetowel2: : cow :

I've noticed that the 3 diets proven in studies to offer seizure control all effectively eliminate processed/milled grains (white flours) from the diet. Some speculation: Is the ratio of dietary magnesium to glutimate the underlying reason they work?

FYI, in the conculsions of the paper for the study of the modified Atkins diet for seizures, it states:

I am not surprised that there are various degrees or versions of this diet, low carb/ketogenic, that produce good results as treatments. I am just happy that these forms of the diet are in the center of the treatment in regards to diet. I feel that my personal version of this diet is more towards ketogenic than just low carb. And, I think that what I have acheived by cutting my carbs so low makes it easier for my body to handle a few extra carbs when I visit friends who serve foods higher in carbs. My whole family have benefitted from reducing their carb intake although they are not nearly as strict as I am.

Once a victim of migraines, I have been migraine free for 5 1/2 years. Dr. Larry McCleary, neurosurgeon and the authur of the Brain Trust Program, shows the connection between migraines, epilepsy and believe it or not symptoms of perimenopause. So you see, I consider this an accidental cure to all that ails me. :im_033:

Oh and another thing...I love all your little smillies. :punk:

Well, I am just visiting briefly today. I am working on some music arranging since I am on Spring Break :note: . I get all my equipment ( keyboard, pencils, pencil sharpener, manuscript paper) I begin writing for a bit then realize I need to clean the house. I mopped the kitchen floor ( didn't I just mop it ? ). Did laundry and made my bed. Well, anyway...hello everyone. Hopefully, I will get some writing done.

:angel:

Hey if you run out of cleaning to do, come on over to my house, I'll put ya to work!

The problem isn't the need of work. The problem is I had planned on writing some music today while the house is quiet and empty. Once I sit down and try doing the things that I have been putting off, like composing and practicing my instrument, I look around and my house needs attention. :doh: So sorry, I can only clean one house at a time :D .And that ain't very good. As long as I mop the floors, vacuum the livingroom,make the bed, put away the laundry and the dishes, Everyone will think the house is clean :winkiss:

:lips: Hi everyone. It doesn't seem like this board is very busy anymore. Just want you all to know that I do visit here from time to time in hopes of seeing activity. As you know I have no family members affected with epilepsy but I am interested in low carb/ketogenic diets as treatments to neurological disorders, namely, movement disorders. So if anyone has an update or anything please let me know. Hope to talk to y'all soon.

Mary

It depends on when you visit. Sometimes it is very busy. Try checking out different treads.

:D HI Black57!

Nice to hear from you!

Sometimes this board is hoppin' and sometimes it is quiet.

It is pretty quiet with stuff regarding diets because most people are looking for info on VNS. We love hearing from you, so please post if you get any new info so we can refer new Members to other treatment options to talk over with their doctors.

Also check out the Coping with Epilepsy Board if you haven't already done so, and other Epilepsy forums on diet info.

Take good care!
B)