Myasthenia Gravis

Symptoms

Myasthenia gravis is a rare, chronic disorder affecting the musculoskeletal system of the body. Characteristic signs are becoming easily fatigued and weak muscles, which are worse in the evening after a full day of use. The face, neck and throat muscles are affected first. The first sign is often drooping eyelids. Problems swallowing and double vision are typical and speech can become nasal.

The disease continues in spurts. Relapses lead to weakness and paralysis of the arms and legs. There is no pain involved in this condition, nor is there a numbness or change in feeling, although muscles lose flesh. The thymus gland is often enlarged. If breathing problems develop, they can cause a life-threatening situation, but this is rare. In most cases, the disease progesses in a mild form which is not life-threatening.

Causes

Usually, young women are affected by myasthenia gravis. The cause lies in an autoimmune attack on the receptors that lie at the junction between the nerves and muscles. The poor conduction of nerve impulses is responsible for the muscle weakness. Why the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body’s own cells is unknown. Myasthenia gravis also occurs in children born to mothers with the disease, and symptoms begin within weeks after birth. Physical and emotional stress and infections can worsen symptoms or bring on episodes.

Nutrition

A change in diet does make a difference in slowing the advance of this disease. Eating plenty of whole grains and green, leafy vegetables will provide the minerals calcium, phosphorus, manganese, sulphur, silicon, iodine, selenium and the vitamins B and E necessary for muscle strength. Whole grains provide the fiber needed for proper bowel functioning. The development of myasthenia gravis is linked to improper elimination of toxins from the bowels. Essential fatty acids from flax seed oil are necessary for brain and nervous system function.

Nutritional Supplements

Supplements, combined with an improvement in diet, provide remarkable results in some cases. Vitamins B and E are essential for proper nerve conduction and function. The B vitamin choline requires several other nutrients, including the other B vitamins and potassium to be synthesized and is an integral part of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Taking a B complex vitamin ensures all B-vitamin requirements are met. A lack of choline can cause many symptoms of myasthenia gravis. Lecithin is an excellent source of choline. The lecithin from soy is best.

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids should be added to increase the body’s resistance to disease by supporting the immune system. Manganese is vital for muscle contraction and is required for the assimilation of choline. Without it, the muscles lack strength and coordination. Magnesium should also be supplemented to help calm many muscle and nervous system symptoms.

Daily dosages:

Most Important

Lecithin, 3 tbsp.

Vitamin B complex, 50 mg three times daily

Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU twice daily

Manganese, 5 mg

Multimineral complex, as directed on label

Helpful

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg three times daily

Magnesium, 600 mg

Herbal Remedies

St. John’s wort helps this condition by calming and soothing the nervous system. Take 1 tbsp. of juice or 1 cup of tea three times daily or before retiring, as required.

Other useful herbs include black cohosh, gotu kola, hops, lady’s slipper, licorice, red clover, skullcap, valerian, yarrow, yellow dock and yucca. Take 1 tbsp. of fresh juice of these herbs, 20 drops of tincture in water or add 1 tsp. of herbs to 1 cup of boiling water for a soothing herbal tea.

Homeopathy

An experienced homeopath should be sought for a more extensive treatment.

External/Physical Therapies

Avoid constant and excessively stressful situations. Take time to relax and sleep.

Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Flax Oil (Flora)

Flax-O-Mega 1000 mg (Flora)

Udo’s Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend (Flora)

Udo’s Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend Capsules (Flora)

Magnesium Complex (Klaire Laboratories)

Multi Element Buffered C

(Klaire Laboratories)

Flax Seed Oil 1000 mg (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil Liquid (Natural Factors)

Herbal Remedies

St. John’s Wort Extract (Natural Factors)

Valerian Root Extract (Natural Factors)

Black Cohosh Root (Nature’s Herbs)

Herbal Calm (Nature’s Herbs)

Hops-Valerian Combination

(Nature’s Herbs)

Licorice Phytosome (Nature’s Herbs)

Red Clover Combination

(Nature’s Herbs)

Scullcap (Nature’s Herbs)

St. John’s-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Valerian-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Yarrow Flowers (Nature’s Herbs)

Yellow Dock Root (Nature’s Herbs)

Yucca (Nature’s Herbs)