Christine Webb, Your Health and Fitness

Betsy, 6, loves to play, but three years ago, the active child was lifeless.

"It was extremely scary," said Anne Carcara, Betsy's mother. "I don't think you ever get used to it."

Little Betsy's seizures were at times so bad, she could have 30 in just one day. She was on six medications, and her parents had tried everything.

At that point, they learned about the Ketogenic Diet.

"The Ketogenic Diet is not an easy diet. Weeks of hard work can be undone if a child takes a cookie," said Dr. Jasna Kojic, a child neurologist with Orlando Health.

It is not easy, and by all means not healthy. The diet consists of eating high-fat foods and no carbohydrates. For Betsy, that meant lots of butter, whipping cream and only some vegetables, not easy for a 3-year-old to eat.

Anne Carcara said there was no other alternative. Simply put, doctors said the diet works by protecting brain cells and reprogramming the brain to stop the seizures.

It worked for Betsy.

"The difference was almost immediate," Anne said. "She went from having several grand mal seizures a day, to two to three days without seizures. I don't think I'd have my child. She'd be a totally different kid."

Betsy is now off the diet, and it has been two years since she has had a seizure.

She does still take a small amount of medicine for her seizures, but she is even being weened off that.

There are some side effects to the diet, and it should only be used under a doctor's supervision.

Side effects can include elevated triglycerides and cholesterol levels, and the ability to dehydrate quickly.