Lou Gehrigs Disease (ALS)
Symptoms
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurological disorder that became better known when the American baseball player Lou Gehrig became ill with this disease and died in 1939. ALS is a progressive degeneration of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control the voluntary muscles. The symptoms vary according to the part of the nervous system most affected. The disease generally occurs after age forty and is more common in males.
In most cases, muscular weakness and wasting (atrophy) begin in the hands and spread to the forearms and legs. Throat muscles may be affected, making speech and feeding difficult. From there, it spreads, affecting muscles randomly throughout the body and causing paralysis. In over half of all ALS patients, survival is not longer than a few years though, in other cases, progression is slow and can persist over decades. There is no effective medical treatment, except physiotherapy, to help slow down muscle deterioration. All current drugs and injections are experimental and the risk of the side-effects must be weighed with the possible benefit in each case.
Lou Gehrigs Disease (ALS) Causes
The cause of ALS is unknown. There are many theories, including one that suggests that it is viral in origin. Studies indicate that there are biochemical imbalances in ALS patients. These include both amino acid and mineral imbalances. Another study concluded that those with ALS have a defective glutamic acid metabolism. A defective gene prevents the body's natural ability to eliminate cell damage causing free radicals. Excess glutamate causes brain cells to fire neurotransmitters too often and die, eventually causing paralysis and death. One double-blind study showed that supplementing the diet with branch-chain amino acids (valine, leucine and isoleucine) for one year, significantly prevented muscle deterioration and maintained strength in the extremity muscles, and so prolonged the ability to walk.
Toxic and heavy-metal poisoning is a likely cause, particularly the mercury from silver-colored amalgam dental fillings. Mercury is a lethal substance that has been associated with hundreds of serious nervous and immune system problems. In 1991, the use of mercury in dental fillings was banned in Sweden. Aluminum toxicity should also be considered. Aluminum is ingested when cooking with aluminum pots. It is also found in many antacids and other medications. Toxic metals coupled with inadequate calcium and magnesium also possibly lead to ALS.
All patients suffering from this disease are diabetics. ALS, like diabetes, is caused by an abundance of ammonia in the body. People deficient in certain substances, such as manganese or arginine, do not process ammonia correctly. A high level of ammonia begins to kill off nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The muscle tissues then waste away because the nerves that stimulated them are gone.
Lou Gehrigs Disease (ALS) Nutrition
Emphasize foods containing magnesium and calcium, as ALS patients are often low in these minerals. Green, leafy vegetables and raw, unhomogenized and unpasteurized dairy foods such as quark, natural cheeses and yogurt are good calcium sources. Figs, almonds and green, leafy vegetables provide magnesium. Ammonia is counteracted by vitamin C, so the person suffering from this condition should supplement the diet with rose hips, black currants and acerola cherries, which are high in vitamin C. Glutathione is an amino acid which fights free-radical damage. Boost your intake of this essential nutrient by eating asparagus, avocado, grapefruit, orange, potato, tomato and broccoli.
Lou Gehrigs Disease (ALS) Nutritional Supplements
Vitamin C is essential for the maintenance of normal, healthy body functions. Taken in huge doses, this vitamin will also effectively neutralize various toxins in the system, speed healing and prevent the degenerative processes by strengthening collagen and the connective tissues. Because ALS patients also have high levels of manganese, mercury and aluminum in their systems and low levels of calcium and magnesium, adequate doses of calcium and magnesium help prevent the toxic effects of aluminum and mercury. Magnesium is often lacking in persons affected by toxic levels of aluminum. Vitamins E and B1 also help in the treatment of ALS. Vitamins B and E are important for muscle and nerve function.
Daily dosages:
Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg, up to bowel tolerance (For more information, see Section 6, Nutritional Supplements)
Calcium, 1,200 mg
Magnesium, 600 mg
Vitamin B complex, 100 mg
Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU
Lou Gehrigs Disease (ALS) Herbal Remedies
For relief of specific symptoms, see appropriate sections.
Lou Gehrigs Disease (ALS) Homeopathy
Due to the seriousness of this condition, consultation with an experienced homeopath is recommended.
Lou Gehrigs Disease (ALS) Tissue Salts
See cramps and muscle weakness for tissue salt remedies.
Lou Gehrigs Disease (ALS) External/Physical Therapies
Physiotherapy helps slow down muscle deterioration.
Lou Gehrigs Disease (ALS) Other Suggestions
In order to make the necessary adjustments in diet supplementation, a blood, urine and hair mineral analysis can help determine the body's mineral balance.
A fasting plasma amino-acid analysis and allergy testing are also strongly recommended. (For more information, see Appendix 1.)
Lou Gehrigs Disease (ALS) Available Brand Name Products
Nutritional Supplements
Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)
E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)
Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)
Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Vitamin A (Natural Factors)
