Fast Facts about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Every year there are around 6,000 Americans diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
- The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association estimates that there are almost 20,000 people in America suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis at any given point in time.
- Out of these people 93% are Caucasian and 60% are men.
- On an average, most people are diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis at the age of 55.
- The disease is more common in people falling in the 40 to 70 age bracket.
- The prevalence of this condition in men is 20% more than in women.
Source
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is also known as the Lou Gehrig’s disease. This disease is a neuromuscular disease that is progressive in nature. This disease causes the progressive degeneration of nerve cells that control your motor skills present in the spinal cord and the brain.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rare form of neurological disease, which attacks nerve cells that control the voluntary muscle movements you make. Voluntary muscles movements include chewing, breathing, walking, and talking.
When the motor neurons become decapacitated, they are unable to send signals to your muscles. This causes the muscles to wear away (atrophy). The muscles become weak. ALS does not impair a person’s intellectual reasoning, vision, hearing or sense of taste, smell and touch. In most cases, ALS does not affect a person’s sexual, bowel or bladder functions.
Since the disease is progressive, it will get worse over time despite treatment.
Symptoms
The ALS may show early signs and symptoms. These will include:
- Trouble swallowing
- Slurred speech
- Clumsiness or weakness in the hands
- Trouble in walking or performing everyday tasks
- Tripping and/or falling
- Weakness in ankles, feet, or legs
- Twitching or cramps in the muscles of tongue, shoulder and arms
- Problem in holding the head up or maintain normal posture
Often, ALS will begin in the limbs, hands, and feet before spreading to other body parts. As the disease progresses it may become difficult to even perform the most basic routine tasks on your own. Visit a doctor as soon as you can.
Recommended Supplements
While eating a healthy diet and regular exercise helps to manage Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, it is not enough to keep you fit and healthy. Supplements are essential for managing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and reducing its symptoms. But it should be kept in mind that supplements should not be used to replace the treatment for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It is not always true that natural products are safe for use. Many products can react with your body and produce an adverse reaction. Thus, it is better to be safe and consult your before starting to use any supplements for managing your condition.
The following supplements have proven to benefit people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis:
B Complex
The B-complex supplements contain the recommended dosage of all the essential B vitamins required for the healthy functioning of the body. This supplement comes with the benefits of Cyanocobalamin (B12) that is required for the formation of muscle sheath at nerve endings; Niacin (B3) that regulates proper functioning of the nervous system and Thiamine (B1) for efficient brain function.
B12 Drops 5000 mcg/ml
Although B12 alone cannot possibly treat or cure the condition, the lack of this vitamin is one of the major causes of ALS. This formula when taken as prescribed can provide you with the required dosage of B12 that prevents any deficiencies. B12 is also required for the healthy functioning of the nervous system.
Defense Maintenance® (120 caps)
One of the major causes of ALS is the oxidative stress and cellular damage induced by the free radical buildup in the body. The Defense Maintenance formula contains ample amounts of Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a naturally occurring antioxidant that protects the body from oxidative damage caused by the presence of free radicals in the body – hence, slowing down the progress on ALS.
Blue Vervain (2 fl. oz.)
Blue Vervain is one of the few herbs that aid the healing of the nervous system. The herb has soothing properties that prove beneficial for a number of nerve-related health conditions including chronic sleeplessness, stress, and even ALS. The herb repairs damage done to the nerve cells, restoring function to them.
Catnip & Fennel (2 fl. oz.)
Both catnip and fennel act as potent relaxants for the nervous system. These herbs calm the nerves down, stimulate necessary nervous system activity, and protect the nerves from possible damage.
The above natural supplements are known to help in controlling and managing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, but you should exercise proper caution and ask your doctor before adding any such supplements for in your diet. Herbs have lasting and strong effects on the body and can also interact with other drugs and medications, causing dangerous and adverse reactions. If you use any medication for your disease, talk to your doctor before you decide to start any supplements or herbal products to manage your health condition.