Happy New Year to you all. This is the time when everybody takes up a new year resolution in a way or another. We all want to set intentions for the year and evaluate things in our lives that must change. Here we’ve created a plan of action in order to avoid seizures in your life.
What are seizure triggers?
According to the National Epilepsy Foundation, the top triggers of seizure for people in this country are, sleep deprivation, sickness involving change of routine or fever, flashing lights, stress, drug or alcohol use, menstrual cycle, unmaintained blood sugars, and certain foods. We have listed the most common and ways to tackle them.
Lack of Sleep
Sleep deprivation could be one of the most common trigger for those who have seizures. Make an intention this coming year to place your sleep as a priority in your life. If there are times during the week that you have not been able to get sufficiently sleep, try to block off a day (or evening) that week to allow yourself just to relax, watch television or have a hot bath.
Having a mental and physical peace, would give you a chance to reconnect with yourself.
Stress
For your seizure trigger of stress, begin the practice of yoga at least once per week. When you meditate, you are better able to manage the things that work and the things that are not working. Reason is it keeps you away (for an hour) from the hustle and bustle of life.
Yoga sessions are truly encouraging for all people with a form of epilepsy. Because many people with epilepsy tend to hold their breath which actually causes increased anxiety and Yoga forces you to breathe correctly.
Not Eating Healthy
Third trigger is unhealthy diet in your daily life. Unhealthy diet rich on caffeine and sugars can
produce disrupted sleep and may also increase anxiety. Healthy eating has a direct correlation with your energy levels, sleep cycle and basic mood. To avoid dietary deficiencies, ensure proper intake of nutrients through a diet containing adequate:
Folic Acid – found in slightly cooked fruits and vegetables
Calcium and Magnesium – found in dairy products
Vitamin B12 – found in dairy products
Vitamin K – found in leafy vegetables
Vitamin D – found in fish, fish oil
Is it important to eat regularly? Yes, some people are sensitive to missing meals. Seizure frequency may increase, if meals are missed or delayed. Have a regular schedule for each meal, balance meals and portions.
In a nutshell
Dealing with seizure precipitating factors is somewhat neglected and underestimated. Knowing the triggers facilitate the diagnosis of the type of epilepsy. We hope these tips help you to setup your yearly goals and resolutions.