Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain that causes seizures—2 or more seizures is the criteria for diagnosis of this disorder. Once diagnosed, patients can receive treatment to help manage symptoms and prevent seizures, such as Xcopri, Briviact, and other anti-epileptic medications. Seizures usually begin as a result of a trigger, and common triggers include tiredness, stress, alcohol, and flashing lights. What many people are surprised to learn is that certain foods can trigger epilepsy as well, here are 5 examples:

1. Sweets
Candy, chocolates, pastries, and other baked goods contain high amounts of sugar that can increase blood sugar levels and result in the excitability of neurons in the brain, disrupting signals, and potentially triggering a seizure. Too much sugar in the body, known as hyperglycemia, can decrease GABA levels, and low GABA levels can also cause a seizure.

2. Tea and coffee
A cup of tea or coffee may be part of your daily routine, but the caffeine in it is a stimulant that can alter the electrical signals in your brain and trigger a seizure. Opt for a decaf coffee or herbal teas that contain no caffeine, like peppermint tea, ginger tea, or chamomile tea.

3. Soft drinks
Soft drinks contain a few things that aren’t good for you if you have epilepsy, including high sugar quantities and caffeine. Caffeine, in particular, can trigger a seizure as it can alter your brain’s electrical signals. This paired with the way sugar increases the excitability of neurons in the brain and disrupting signals are now 2 triggers for epilepsy. Skip the soda and have a refreshing glass of water instead.

4. Excess salts
Foods like frozen meals, microwave popcorn, canned meat, and salted nuts have excess amounts of added salts that are not only bad for you, but can also be a trigger for epilepsy. Hypernatremia, the intake of too much sodium, can lead to seizures—it’s best to check the nutrition facts of the food you eat to make sure sodium levels aren’t too high as well as season food with herbs and spices instead of salt.

5. Bananas (or too much potassium)
Bananas contain high amounts of potassium, and while one banana a day won’t harm you, too much potassium in your diet can be a trigger for epilepsy. Potassium helps your body with sending electrical signals to the brain, and too much potassium in the brain may lead to a seizure. Potassium is found in other foods like potatoes, beans, lentils, avocados, spinach, broccoli, and more.