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Epilepsy Insight #11: Three Tips for Epileptics

 

What if? Apart, these two words are harmless but put ‘em together and you may just find yourself confronted with a dangerous task…self-reflection.

Looking back on the past is often avoided by people (myself included) because it can be painful, both emotionally and psychologically. We are reminded of our mistakes and even more so of the fact that we can’t change any of it.

So often, I look back over my journey with epilepsy and I wonder, “Where would I be today if I had only done “this” differently or avoided “that” completely instead of diving in so willingly like I had in the past?” I get completely caught up in the “what if’s?” of life and do you know what this does for me??  Absolutely nothing. I do not benefit from focusing on what I should have done in the past nor what I need to be doing in the future. Here’s the thing about the past, what’s done is done. I cannot change past events, but I can reflect upon my mistakes and hopefully apply all that I have learned to the person I am right here, right now.

I read once that we as humans shouldn’t try to complete our knowledge about life, but instead, we should be lifetime learners so that every moment of life is an opportunity for growth.

In order to fully embrace those opportunities today, we must take our focus off of what we wish we had done but didn’t as well as what we wish we could be doing if only “this, that, and the other thing” would work out in our favor. Instead, we need to shift our focus to today. What is it that you should be doing right now?

We yearn to be successful in all that we do, yet too often we simultaneously get ahead of ourselves AND hold ourselves back because our focus is misplaced. At the end of the day, God already has a perfect plan for your life so there really isn’t a need to obsess about planning the perfect future. By letting go of you and embracing Him you can begin to shift your focus on how you can fulfill His will. Bend your plans to match His by looking for His guidance each day and following His direction as you receive it one step at a time. More importantly, one day at a time. Trust me when I say that it is impossible to try and bend God’s will to fit your plans. Obsessing over the past and the future only distract you from God’s guidance, making it difficult to know exactly which step is the right one.

The truth is, I find myself in the boat of distraction more often than I’d care to admit, but that’s the point! We all mess up, but God always takes us back. It is easy to lose focus on the present. Living with epilepsy has prompted me to wonder how different my life would be if only I had been able to change certain decisions in my past. I know from personal experience that the choice to wander through the maze of past mistakes only leads me further away from Him. Luckily, God always rescues me by providing me with His map of guidance. He has taught me a lot about how to live with epilepsy. The temptation to ponder the notion of “what if?” will always be there, but thanks to God I feel better equipped to handle such a question…

The reality is, I am exactly where I am supposed to be according to God’s will so there is no need to wonder about the past. Okay, confession time…My greatest wish in my past is that there was more information on the subject of Catamenial Epilepsy when I desperately needed to know how to live with such a condition when I was first diagnosed.

Epilepsy Insight #11 is inspired by this wish. I may not be able to change my past, but I’m hoping I can change someone else’s present (and eventually future) by sharing 3 simple tips I have learned while living with Catamenial Epilepsy for the past 11 years. Watch the video below to learn more!

If you have any questions or comments regarding the information I shared, please feel free to contact me via email (katie@seizethedayblog.com) or Instagram (@seizethedayblog). Thank you!

 

 

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

 

Epilepsy Insight #10: Make Your Own Lotion

 

It’s lotion, you NEED this product! Dry skin is not exactly a good look for anyone nor is it preferred! Especially if you’re like me and you live in the desert region of Southern California! Seriously though, processed lotion is one of those products where I am always disappointed whether it’s organic or non-organic.

The ingredient labels for both types of lotion are atrocious! If you choose non-organic, you’re getting tons of chemicals and other synthetic ingredients, but if you try organic you’ll get soy-based tocopherols in your lotion. Trust me when I say that most organic lotion products contain either “Tocopherols” or “Vitamin E” which are commonly derived from soy in organic products. It is incredibly difficult to find a lotion product that consists of clean ingredients only in today’s market. I have searched high, low, and everywhere in between trying to find one! Unless I want to make it myself…

If I’m being completely honest, the idea of making my own lotion was super intimidating at first! I automatically assumed it would be an impossible task to do all by myself. I mean, massive companies are usually the masters of producing these types of products! However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it is perhaps one of the easiest recipes I have ever encountered! And I LOVE the way this lotion smells!!! It only consists of almond oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and vanilla essential oil. Yep, that’s it! You can make it at home without the need for any special tools or equipment. Say goodbye to the days of being disappointed with your processed lotion product and take matters into your own hands! You do not have to expose your body to the toxins in many lotions and if you’re epileptic, like me, you can also reduce your exposure to seizure triggers. Watch Epilepsy Insight #10 below to hear my thoughts on this subject and to receive a few tips for cleaning up your daily regimen.

The lotion recipe I discuss in my video below is adapted from Wellness Mama’s Luxurious Lotion Recipe.

Click here to read my full article on this lotion recipe.

 

Sources:

https://wellnessmama.com/3765/homemade-lotion-recipe/

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

 

 

Homemade Lotion Recipe

When it comes to ingredient labels you want to know as much as possible about each and every ingredient listed in “said” product label so that you can fully comprehend what it is you’re about to eat or slather onto your body. You know what they say about not judging a book by its cover?? Forget it all! 

When it comes to products in the cosmetic arena, the ingredient label is the symbolic cover of your book. Reading the label is going to give you insight, but researching ingredients individually will expose the truth about the quality of any product. This list of ingredients will determine whether or not you want anything to do with a certain product. It could be a food, cosmetic, toiletry, the list goes on and on…and so should your knowledge about the quality of any product you’re about to put in or on your body if you truly want to maintain your good health. 

Personally, I found a very unfortunate pattern begin to develop every time I read a processed product’s label…it was the pattern of disappointment. 

Without fail, I would be extremely disappointed with the poor quality of whichever product was in my hands at the moment. Lotion still remains the one product I was absolutely unsuccessful at finding. I did the “organic products only” for a while, hoping that this would be the solution I was seeking, but I’m sorry to say that things got even worse for me and my seizures. 

I was faced with a huge increase in seizure activity and it is because of the ingredients used in a large majority of the organic lotion products available on today’s market. It turns out that organic companies often use soy as the vegetable source for the Vitamin E or Tocopherol ingredients listed in their product. Soy isn’t used every single time, but your odds of soy being a derivative for an ingredient grow substantially when it comes to organic companies.

First, let’s clarify something about soy…it is NOT healthy for the human body. Contrary to popular belief, soy and soy-related ingredients such as soy lecithin will actually wreak havoc on the human body, especially where hormones are concerned. 

Second, soy is a common seizure trigger for most epileptics, myself included. So when I began using a lotion product that said it only contained Vitamin E or Tocopherol, I was too naive at the time to realize that you have to further research certain ingredients in a label to know for certain that it is actually safe for someone with seizures. In this case, I needed to contact the company to double-check exactly what their source was for the “Tocopherol” listed on their product’s ingredient label. 

While I originally assumed I would have fewer seizures once I began using the organic products, I was sorely disappointed with my actual result of increased seizure activity. I now avoid organic lotion products like the plague because their ingredients just cannot be trusted. I returned to using a generic lotion brand who’s ingredient label was absolutely atrocious, but shockingly did not trigger any extra seizures. I had to pick and choose my battles at this point…do I use an organic product that, on paper, should be healthier for me, but causing my seizure activity to increase or do I use a generic product that contains very poor quality ingredients, but does not cause an increase in my seizures after application?

It is quite a dilemma, but ultimately it is always going to be a Catch 22 type of situation no matter which product I choose. I may win when I do not have any seizures triggered by a product, but I’m losing in the long run when I expose my body to toxic ingredients.

I live in a desert region of Southern California so lotion is definitely a necessity around my house. The thing is, I just couldn’t justify applying carcinogenic ingredients onto the surface of my skin on a daily basis. Nor could I find a product with a clean ingredient label…

So what’s a girl to do??? How do I make this situation a win-win scenario?

I tried doing alternative moisturizers such as coconut oil, but it was just way too greasy for me. I like the healthier aspect, but the coconut oil was inconvenient in the mornings when I would apply it, then basically have to towel most of it off my skin because I wouldn’t be able to get dressed without getting grease all over my clothes. 

Finally, I found a lotion recipe from Wellness Mama and it is fabulous!

The recipe below is completely adapted from her recipe, I simply doubled the ingredients and added vanilla essential oil for the scent. Feel free to adjust the recipe to fit your preferences, swap out the vanilla essence with any other flavor(s). 

Here’s the thing about this lotion: it is nourishing, it absorbs quickly, and it smells great!  

Unlike the straight coconut oil, my skin actually absorbs this lotion and it leaves a sweet smell that lasts all day long. Instead of a greasy texture that only makes me long for a dry washcloth to wipe away the excess coconut oil, I am left with smooth skin. If you’re like me and you prefer soft, nourished skin you might want to give this recipe a try.

The lotion can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 months. I prefer to store mine in a mason jar. Avoid a pump whenever possible, this lotion is best when scooped out of the jar with a spoon due to its thickness. 

This recipe usually lasts me about 2 months. A little goes a long way! It is very nourishing (I know I keep saying that, but it is!) so you only need a tiny bit to satisfy your dry skin! As was mentioned on Wellness Mama, “This lotion works great for diaper rash on a baby, eczema, and for preventing stretch marks.” 

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It is a must-have in my house AND it’s healthy! I can also confirm that it has never caused any increased seizure activity. I always count this as a huge win!

 

 

Sources:

Wellness Mama: https://wellnessmama.com/3765/homemade-lotion-recipe/

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

Perfect Springtime Fruit Salad

There is something about the combination of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries that makes me long for Summertime! Don’t get me wrong, I’m very much enjoying Spring in California, but there’s always a part of me that longs for the June, July, and August months!

A refreshing fruit salad is a perfect way to celebrate the amazing fruit and veggie season we’re already having thanks to all of those rainy days that took place at the beginning of 2020.

My fruit salad isn’t complicated, on the contrary, it is incredibly simple, but it will make your entire household happy. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are the only ingredients you need. Dice them to fit your preference and mix all three fruits together in a bowl.

Finally, enjoy your beautiful creation!

 

 

Also, check out Seize the Day Blog on Instagram for more blog-related content:

 

 

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

Epilepsy Insight #8: Blood Brain Barrier

 

What is the Blood Brain Barrier? More importantly, how does this “barrier” relate to directly to your seizure activity?

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Why is it that some people have seizures, but others do not?? ✨✨✨ Why are some people allergic to certain foods, but others can eat those same foods without experiencing a reaction? ✨✨✨ I have three words for you: Blood Brain Barrier… ✨✨✨ In this week’s Epilepsy Insight video I am going to discuss this semi-permeable layer found in the human brain and the consequences that follow suit if it becomes easily permeated. ✨✨✨ Watch Epilepsy Insight #9 this Thursday to learn more about the Blood Brain Barrier and to hear my answers to the questions above. ✨✨✨ #seizethedayblog #epilesyinsights #9 #bloodbrainbarrier #seizures #epilepsy #catamenialepilepsy #brain

A post shared by Katie | Seize The Day Blog (@seizethedayblog) on

For starters, the Blood Brain Barrier is a tight-knit wall of Endtholelial Cells separating your brain from your bloodstream. The purpose of this separation is to prevent unwanted molecules floating in your bloodstream from crossing over into your brain.

If unwanted molecules or toxins are able to cross this barrier, it could mean damage to your brain as well as increased seizure activity.

Our greatest concern is the fact that the Blood Brain Barrier can become weakened, this is also called Blood Brain Barrier Degradation or Leaky Blood Brain Barrier. When your barrier becomes weakened, it is unable to prevent all unwanted molecules from reaching your brain. The result of which is an increase in bodily sensitivity. You will find that you are much more sensitive to foods, products, etc. because your brain is no longer protected from the unwanted molecules found in these locations and many more. In addition, your brain will only become more sensitive when it is continually exposed to these toxins on a daily basis.

The good news is there are holistic methods to build your Blood Brain Barrier back up to its original strength. The holisitic path involves vitamins and minerals, Vitamin D and Vitamin B are each incredibly important for a strong Blood Brain Barrier. However, you must do your part in changing your routine to help protect your brain from toxin exposure. Reduce your intake of processed foods filled with chemical ingredients, go organic so that you can eliminate your exposure to pesticides, and pay more attention to the ingredient list on each of your cosmetic and toiletry products. This simply step will make a huge difference because you will be eliminating a primary source for unwanted molecules/toxins.

In Epilepsy Insight #9, I discuss how the Blood Brain Barrier has affected my own seizure activity and I explain in greater detail the influence this barrier has on long-term brain health.

Epilepsy Insight #8: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) & Soy

Monosodium Glutamate, known better by its notorious acronym, “MSG,” and Soy are two of my primary seizure triggers. Each is found in a large variety of products including food, cosmetics, toiletries, etc. The list truly does goes on and on…each ingredient is cheap to use and companies love the fact that it increases their bottom line.

Recently, people have become more aware of exactly how bad MSG and Soy are for the human body so many companies have tried to side-step the issue of decreased sales due to their inclusion of poor quality ingredients by using code-names instead. So, these companies are still using the same poor quality ingredients, they’ve simply become adept at disguising “said” ingredients with hard to pronounce and unrecognizable ingredients names.

Entire lists of codenames exist for MSG and Soy. By using codenames, companies can continue to use these ingredients without the general public realizing it. Some codenames for MSG include Maltodextrin, Natural Flavor, Carrageenan, Dextrose, and Malted Barley.

To read the full list of codenames for MSG visit:

Over 34 Hidden Names for MSG

Codenames for Soy include Tocopherol or Vitamin E, Soy Lecithin, Soy Protein, Soybean Oil, and Mono or Diglycerides.

To read the full list of codenames for Soy visit:

Click to access Soy-Allergy-Avoidance-List-Hidden-Names.pdf

It is actually quite sneaky because who would have guessed that Vitamin E can be sourced from soy? It’s crazy! In Epilepsy Insight #8, I go into greater detail about MSG and Soy as seizure triggers. I also share a few tips on how to avoid these ingredients in your everyday life.

***Side Note: It is also important to pay special attention to a brand’s wording in relation to whether or not they include either of these ingredients in their food. Take the very popular chain restaurant Panda Express, for example. On the glass display where you choose your dishes you will see a notice informing the customer that there is “No MSG Added.” At first glance, one might think Panda Express’ food does not contain any MSG. Reading the ingredient labels for each individual dish offered by Panda Express will quickly inform the consumer that MSG does indeed exist in their food, however, once it’s put behind the pretty glass case no more MSG is added. So, be careful to investigate every ingredient label whether it is involving something edible or not because you will uncover the true nature of the product regardless of what is advertised.

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

 

Epilepsy Insight #7: My Story

 

On March 25, 2009, I had my very first grand mal or tonic-clonic seizure around 8:00 PM at a friend’s house of all places. At 15 years old, the diagnosis of a serious disease like epilepsy completely flipped my world upside down. My family and I began by seeking a solution through modern medicine. When multiple attempts ended in failure we decided to give the holistic route a try instead.

Although I am still living with grand mal/tonic-clonic and partial seizures, I have made progress down the path toward healing thanks to holistic medicine. My story isn’t super exciting, but a life with epilepsy has taught me a variety of lessons. Lessons that I share for the sole purpose of helping others struggling with similar issues.

This blog, the linked Instagram account, and the Epilepsy Insight videos have allowed me to share with the world some tips and tricks I have learned through a trial and error process. I figured, 11 years of making mistakes and then learning how to correct those same mistakes should be helpful for at least one other epileptic. At the very least, I hoped the information shared here on the blog and in the Epilepsy Insight videos would be able to prevent other epileptics from making the same mistakes I made in the past.

Here I am now at 26 years old (almost 27, but shhh…don’t let that get out ;-)) and I only wish to help others struggling even if it is only providing support for others during their own challenging circumstances. The most important lesson I have learned after 11 years with epilepsy is this:

Yes, you will face challenges, but what may seem like a burden is actually a blessing because every success and failure you experience is actually molding and shaping you into exactly who you are meant to be. Embrace the struggle because a wise boy named Christopher Robin once said, “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

So, to hear more about my story watch Epilepsy Insight #7 (video below) and read my “About” section here on Seize the Day Blog.

 

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

Epilepsy Insight #6: Water

 

The subject of water…at first glance, it seems like the most simple subject ever. However, if you delve a little deeper you will actually find a subject that has a lot of relevance in seizure prevention.

For starters, water is an excellent tool for gentle detoxification of your entire body. Unfortunately, our bodies come into contact with a variety of toxins on a daily basis. Whether it’s from food, environment, or cosmetics (just to name a few), we bombard our bodies with toxins that have the potential to do long-term damage. Personally, I have tried a few different tactics to rid my body of toxins, however, every attempt always ends in more seizures. Toxins can trigger seizures upon their entry and their exit if the detox method is removing too many toxins too quickly. When using green juices, fruit-infused water, or supplements for detoxification purposes, this can happen.

Don’t get me wrong, we want to remove these toxins, but achieving this feat would be best without increased seizure activity. Honestly, who wants more seizures??? Not this girl! Which is why water is my go-to tactic for this particular style of detoxification. Yes, it is going to take longer to rid large amounts of toxins from your system, but it will happen. Gentle detoxification is ideal when your body is already sustaining traumatic repercussions from each of your seizures.

In addition, replenishing your body with an increased intake of water for detoxification purposes also prevents dehydration.

Under extreme circumstances, dehydration alone is enough to cause the human body to have a seizure. Your brain needs A LOT of water every day in order to function properly. This is especially important for athletes and people who are often physically active whether this activity takes place indoors or outdoors.

Another helpful water tip people may not be aware of is the fact that there are certain types of water you want to avoid because they can act as seizure triggers. The ever-popular “Smart Water” product is one you want to avoid because it is infused with electrolytes. For someone prone to epileptic seizures, these electrolytes will accelerate your brain activity in the worst way possible that has the potential to result in a seizure when consumed.

Carbonated water, such as “Perrier” or sparkling water products, should also be avoided because they will act just like electrolyte infused water by accelerating brain activity. The result of this will be the triggering of more seizures. If you are given the options, Still or Sparkling, always choose “Still” if you wish to avoid increased seizure activity.

Watch the video below for more details on the subject of water in relation to epilepsy:

 

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

Epilepsy Insight #5: Vitamin D

When a person is diagnosed with Epilepsy and not sure about what their next step should be, I always suggest a bloodwork panel to test the body’s primary vitamin and mineral levels to better understand his or her current state of health. Appearances are often deceiving and what appears to be a perfectly healthy body might actually be a body full of deficiencies that can lead to serious health issues. By putting your body under a microscope, you will be able to understand yourself from the inside out. This knowledge will also allow you to form a solid gameplan for long-term healing instead of chasing lots of rabbit trails that promise healing, but actually, deliver disappointment.

By far, Vitamin D is one of my Top 5 nutrients to get checked if you have been diagnosed with Epilepsy. Honestly, it would be wise to take preventative measures and get your levels checked even if you have not been diagnosed with a medical condition just so that you can know whether or not you have any deficiencies in need of supplementation.

However, since this is a discussion for those with Epilepsy the focus will be on Vitamin D in relation to Epilepsy.

Quick fact: Vitamin D deficiency alone can cause a person to have seizures. Yep, a simple deficiency is all it takes to cause brain malfunctions for certain individuals. Therefore, it is imperative not to overlook the minute details.

It still shocks me that my neurologist never ordered a bloodwork panel to measure my vitamin, mineral, and toxin levels. Logically, it makes sense that one can only understand what is happening to your body on the outside by first examining your inner-body function.

There are many different forms of Vitamin D that exist in your body, however, in order to measure the amount of Vitamin D present in your blood, you must check Vitamin D3 levels specifically. The only downside is that you will not be receiving a measure of your Vitamin D at a cellular level. But, if the levels are low in your blood, you can expect the level of Vitamin D in your cells to be even lower. This is because the amount of Vitamin D in our blood is a direct reflection of the amount in your cells. So if you’re showing low levels in your blood, it means the cells do not have enough Vitamin D to disperse evenly throughout the body. This results in a deficiency. This may affect exactly how much VItamin D you need to accurately supplement because (despite what your blood levels say) your cells may need more than you realize in order to correct the deficiency long term. It will take time to build the levels of Vitamin D back up to a truly healthy level, a level that will remain consistently healthy.

Personally, I had my Vitamin D levels checked about 8 years after my initial diagnosis. Better late than never, right??? This optimism may sound a bit ridiculous, however, if you wish to correct a problem (i.e. seizures) you must first understand your dilemma in its entirety. And I needed more info! So the necessary bloodwork was completed…

Let’s just say that the word “dilemma” is putting the entire situation concerning my Vitamin D levels lightly. According to the medical profession, the “Normal” range should be somewhere between 30 and 100. With 30 being considered a deficient level and anything lower being incredibly dangerous.

My own level came back as “1.” Yep, that’s right, numero uno. Almost zero. As you’ve probably already inferred, these results mean that I had almost no Vitamin D present in my blood at the time of my test. This also means that the level of Vitamin D in my cells was even lower (if that’s possible).

The good news is there are a lot of supplement options to correct this particular deficiency. And it gets even better…Vitamin D3 is easily absorbed by the human body; even for people like me who struggle to absorb all vitamins and minerals.

Immediately following my disturbing results I began taking Seeking Health’s Vitamin D3 Drops. The standard dose, according to the product label, is one 2,000 IU drop. The dosage will depend on the person and should be determined by a doctor, but typically the recommendation is to take the supplement every day. This dose will equal out to 14,000 IU per week.

Because my levels were both extremely and unusually low, my neurologist prescribed a weekly dose of 56,000 IU to start or 4 drops a day, 7 days a week. It only took about one month to elevate my blood levels from 1 to 62. According to my neurologist, this is a very healthy level of Vitamin D for any human body.

So, don’t give up even if you do discover that you have a deficiency. Instead, think of your discovery as another piece to the puzzle you are trying to solve in order to find long term healing for your body. I am living proof that it is possible to correct your deficiency and I can say from experience that my seizure activity decreased significantly once I began supplementing with Vitamin D.

The link for the supplement I used is provided above and can be found easily on a variety of marketplaces including Amazon.

Check out Epilepsy Insight #5 for more information on Vitamin D & Epilepsy:

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

Epilepsy Insight #4: Epileptic Friendly Product Recommendations

Sometimes I feel like a broken record anytime I discuss how sensitive epileptics are to a wide variety of ingredients and products.

Personally, I have struggled with ingredient sensitivities since my diagnosis with epilepsy in 2009 so it’s pretty much just a fact of life for me. However, the key to living with these sensitivities shouldn’t necessarily be limited to figuring out WHAT to avoid, rather HOW to avoid “said” ingredients or products by learning about alternatives. Finding a substitute is the real challenge because everyday products and foods contain A LOT of ingredients that can behave as seizure triggers.

My family will often joke around about me being their “Canary in the Cage,” because my reaction (seizure or no seizure) after eating or using something will automatically reveal the presence of a seizure trigger in that product or food. It is a really great insight when trying to eat clean and use clean cosmetics, but the seizure remains the same as always…inconvenient.

So, here are a few products that I have used in relation to improving my overall circumstances of living with Catamenial Epilepsy.

The first product is a cream called Bach’s Rescue Cream and it is a wonderful homeopathic remedy for surface wounds. In the video for Epilepsy Insight #4, you will see that I used it for post-seizure first aid purposes. In Epilepsy Insight #3 you can learn more about how the particular injury occurred. In this latest Epilepsy Insight (#4) you can see the remarkable improvement this cream has made in healing my own fingernail scratch across the right side of my upper cheek. I would also like to bring attention to the fact that only 7 days have passed between videos #3 and #4, which means a quick recovery for your facial wound.

I cannot even begin to tell you how many dirty looks my poor brother got when we went out in public together while my scratch was still healing. FYI: He is a huge teddy bear and was sorely misjudged! My point is, everyone wants an injury to heal quickly, especially one that is on display for the general public.

Honestly, I use this cream for any surface wound and it works like magic. Truly. Another positive is the product’s clean ingredient label. Certain manufacturers are incredibly skilled at hiding dirty ingredients by choosing not to list the ingredient whatsoever on the packaging. Cue the canary…I have used this product for years and not once has it ever acted as a seizure trigger for me. The amazing quality of the product extends past the ingredient label and resides in the makeup of the actual cream, as well. Needless to say, it is my go-to for all skin related injuries.

The second product is a wonderful magnesium supplement by Jarrow Formulas and it is called MagMind. Low magnesium levels are never good and they are often associated with seizure activity. When epileptics get nutrient panels done to test their bodily levels of vitamins and minerals, they usually display levels that classify them as magnesium-deficient. Good to know, but what can we do to fix the deficiency???

Personally, I prefer homeopathic methods to conventional methods because homeopathic products use natural sources of the vitamin to correct the deficiency while conventional medicine uses synthetic sources. Translation: the natural source will actually correct the problem while the synthetic source will only create more problems and has the potential to interrupt your body’s natural ability to produce the vitamin or mineral. Of course, please remember that I am not a healthcare professional, therefore, you should always consult a doctor before making any changes to your daily supplement routine.

When you flood your body with synthetic versions of any vitamin or mineral, here is the most common problem that we want to avoid:

Your body cannot interpret the chemical makeup of the synthetic version of the vitamin therefore it cannot properly disperse it to the correct location where this vitamin can be properly absorbed. Instead, your body will either discard the imposter product or it will store the product in its entirety in your cells. If the ingredients in this synthetic product are toxic (It possesses a completely chemical makeup so, Yes, chances are very good that it contains some toxins) your body will indirectly store toxins in your cells.

You do NOT want your body to do this! We already struggle to prevent this from happening due to large amounts of toxins found in our food, environment, cosmetics, etc. Once toxin build-up reaches a concerning level, the human body will begin displaying signs. They may start out as small and hard to miss signs, but eventually, you will begin to notice that something in your body’s ability to function is amiss.

Toxicity build-up in your cells could be the culprit behind these “misfunctions” so it’s always something to take into consideration. Seizures are one sign of toxin build-up in the cells. Every epileptic is different, of course, but years of research have consistently shown us that most epileptics’ bloodwork results often display high levels of heavy metals (one of the most basic forms of toxin build-up at a cellular level).

Your body will warn you of such mishaps in the way it functions, but you must remember to listen to these warnings rather than brushing them off as “nothing.” I learned this lesson the hard way and trust me when I say it is much better to investigate these “nothings” before they get the chance to turn into “somethings.”

To learn more about each recommendation, watch Epilepsy Insight #4:

 

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