SPRING & SUMMER BERRIES

Berries are low in carbs. Noah is on a 4:1 protein/fat:carb ratio. So, it's not always easy to find foods that he can eat that will look large in quantity. Berries are yummy and at 1.9 grams of carbs - he gets "a lot" (relative to Keto meals). His favorite meal incorporating berries is:


42 grams Heavy Whipping Cream (w/Bickford's Chocolate Flavoring)
9 grams Pepperoni
11 grams Strawberries
5 grams String Cheese

We planted a ton of strawberry plants last year. Noah loves to go into the backyard, pick a few berries and bring them in to help make his meal. I love the bright colors added to his plate. Berries bring smiles at my house! Try putting berries into your Keto Kids Diet. They go a long way!

I love my Keto Kid!

Tough Decisions

For a long time, I've wanted tot put into writing what it is like to give a child anti-epileptic drugs. For us, we felt that we had no choice but to try the available drugs. The seizures were long and getting longer, didn't always stop on their own and Noah was suffocating during every seizure. I had to carry a bulb syringe in my purse to suck out the saliva that would cause his asphyxiation. It seemed to us that he would die if we didn't pursue the drug option. At the same time, each drug had dangerous side affects. We didn't know the long term ramifications of these drugs. It's the most sickening and helpless feeling. We prayed for God to help us through our decisions. We knew that He could make the best of the worst situation.

Another aspect of placing a child on anti-epileptic drugs is the feeling that your child is one big experiment. Every drug works differently on every child. Side affects seen in one child are not always apparent for another child. In order to find out the level at which the drug works for each child the following protocol is used: begin on a low dose, break through seizures, re-evaluate and increase med. This pattern continues until the child shows unacceptable side affects. It is incredibly discouraging.

My son is still taking Topomax in addition to the Ketogenic Diet. We don't know if the success that he is experiencing is caused by a synergistic interaction between the med and the diet or if it's the diet alone. But, at this point, we won't muddy the waters by trying to figure it out.

My prayer is that you feel support from others during the heart breaking experience of choosing meds. God is there to provide comfort. He works through family, friends and yep - medical experts to help you and your child. Consider the options, research everything, pray and listen.

Lab Work

One of the joys of an epileptic keto kid is the constant lab work. At least once a quarter Noah has blood drawn. I remember the small infant wail when he was a baby. Needle stick-wail-whimper-nursing to sleep. Age 1 1/2-3 yrs was crying, screeming and pulling his arm away. Do you blame him. But for the last two years it's become no big deal. He is a little sad about it but only says "ouch" and wants a sticker. Noah is a great sport.

The real reason I wanted to blog about Lab Work is to make you aware that you can ask for a copy of all of your child's Lab Work. I started doing this a year ago. I've learned so much about the different levels that are being monitored. It's helped me with Keto questions and understanding the workings of the body (electrolytes, minerals, vitamins, acidosis,etc.)

I am his constant advocate. I am the parent that has been in the hospital 24/7 with him (my husband stays home with our other children). I go to all Pediatric, Neurologic, Dietary, Dental and school appointments. I need all of the information and the knowledge necessary to help my child through this monster of a challenge called "epilepsy". Ask for the info - insist on it! It can only help!

Noodles on Keto? Yep!!

This has been our newest discovery for Noah's Ketogenic Diet. Tofu noodles. These can be purchased on line at www.wildwoodfoods.com OR at Whole Foods. 4 grams Carbohydrates - BUT WAIT - here is the best part - 3 grams of those carbs are from Fiber!! 4 grams Carb take out the 3 grams Fiber = 1 gram Carbs per 100 grams noodles. Noah is on the 4:1 ratio. On Friday, I fixed noodles (59 grams), butter, coconut oil, beef bullion powder and some heavy cream on the side to drink. He loved it!! He actually said - "I can't eat all of the noodles... I'M FULL." What?? A keto kid feeling full? We all got a good laugh!! Hope your keto kid likes them too!:)

Lotions/Toothpaste/Sunscreen

These are things you don't really think about until you have a Keto Kid. How many carbs in these everyday items? Well, better safe than sorry with the diet. Stick to the list on The Charlie Foundations website. It will help you rule out another possible reason for seizures.

Here are a few:

Lotions:

Cocoa butter - (cocoa butter should be the only ingredient)
Coconut Oil
Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Original Moisturizing Cream – made by Eucerin
JOHNSON'S® SOOTHING NATURALS™ Soothe & Protect Balm

Toothpastes:

Country Gent Tooth Powder with Flouride
ECO-DENT Daily Care Tooth Powder
Arm & Hammer Advance White Toothpaste with Baking Soda & Peroxide
Arm & Hammer Peroxi Care Tartar Control Toothpaste Baking Soda & Peroxide

Sunscreens:

Banana Boat Kids SPF 30
Banana Boat Kids Sunblock Stick SPF 30
Banana Boat Sport Sunblock Lotion SPF 30
AVON SUN Kids Disappearing Color Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40
Coppertone Waterbabies Spectra 3 Lotion SPF 50

Back in The Saddle

Well, we're finally back in the saddle again. After regrouping and counting our blessings, I'm ready to get back to writing about Ketogenics. One seizure in 44 weeks has been great. But the one seizure sucked and it knocked us for a loop. Apparently for us, a few things might have contributed to Noah's breakthrough siezure....illness with fever, new type of butter(maybe), too much Crystal Light intake (calories). Anyway, who really knows? But these have been my focus. Go back to the butter that worked & never be tooo exhausted to go a little further to that one store that carries the butter you've always used. Don't switch anything if it is working. Don't let your keto kid suck down crazy amounts of sugar-free drinks because it still has calories and/or they won't remain "slightly dehydrated."

Ways to deal with the emotional crappiness of breakthrough seizures..... hot baths, crying, praying, counting your blessings, hugs from your hubby/kids and a cute 5 yr. old that looks at you while he is just waking up from his seizures to ask you "Why are you crying Mommy?"

Back In The Saddle!