TV star Gemma Atkinson revealed this week that her six-year-old daughter Mia has been diagnosed with epilepsy. However, in a new statement on social media today (October 2), Gemma has shared an update.
Gemma shares Mia and son Thiago, two, with her partner Gorka Marquez, who she met in 2017 while competing on Strictly Come Dancing. The pair announced they were dating in 2018 and went on to get engaged in 2021, although they are yet to tie the knot.
Over the years, Gemma has been open about parenting struggles and health scares with her children. And, this week, in a heartbreaking update, she revealed Mia is being treated for epilepsy.
Gemma Atkinson reveals daughter Mia has epilepsy
Speaking on her Just As Well, The Women’s Health Podcast earlier this week, Gemma opened up about Mia receiving treatment for epilepsy. And she revealed the changes she has made to try and make things better for the youngster.
Gemma was joined by author Davinia Taylor, who was sharing how a keto diet could help with brain health. And this was something Gemma had become aware about recently, admitting that Mia has “absence seizures”.
She said: “It’s interesting you say about keto for the brain health. My daughter, she is under treatment for epilepsy. She has the absence seizures. She doesn’t fit or anything. It’s just like a stare out.”
But thankfully, over the past year, Mia has been improving. And Gemma believes changing to a keto diet was part of the reason as to why.
The actress said: “The seizures have gotten so much better a year in. I obviously, when I was told that, was immediately like ‘I need to research, research and research’. I went down a rabbit hole, and found that keto diet was designed for patients with epilepsy.”
Gemma explained that diet helps “rewire” functions in brains, admitting: “The doctor said to me: ‘If you can get her on a keto diet, you can reset it and rewire her brain for life.'”
A keto diet is a very low-carb, high-fat eating plan that shifts the body into a metabolic state called ketosis.
Mia has been ‘improving’ over the last year
Gemma immediately began a keto diet for her daughter, and found she’s had huge improvements – and hasn’t had a seizure in a while.
She said: “The improvements we have had… I mean, we are constantly monitoring. In the last six months, she’s had none. Touch wood. School has reported none. We have not seen anything.”
As for what changes Gemma is actually making, she revealed that Mia has a set breakfast every day.
“It’s an omelette every day for breakfast. At first she was like: ‘No, I don’t want it.’ But we were like: ‘Nope.’ I’m putting collagen in her yogurts and stuff without her knowing. When I read about it, it said it was given to epilepsy patients back in the day.”
Gemma Atkinson shares update
Earlier today, Gemma shared a new post, hoping to clear up speculation around Mia’s condition.
“Morning everyone, just jumping on to address the recent headlines regarding Mia. I was recording an episode of my podcast last month and in a relaxed environment with mates I mentioned her health during a topic we were discussing. To put this in context, Mia’s diagnosis was something we dealt with privately almost 18 months ago.
“This isn’t recent and I’m pleased to say she’s now absolutely fine. She’s thriving and doing everything in life she wants to do. The amount of support and kind messages I’ve received from people has been really lovely, but I don’t want to mislead people into thinking this is our current situation.
“18 months ago it was a scary time and to any other families who have been through or are currently going through similar I truly understand how you feel. There is light at the end of the tunnel though. Many children grow out of absence seizures, just like Mia has and they can live a very normal life, so stay positive, thanks again for your kind words.”
Read more: Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez announce joint podcast, Lost in Translation
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