What Vitamins Help With Muscular Dystrophy

Ayurvedic Treatment For Muscular Dystrophy

Ayurveda offers effective treatment techniques for Muscular Dystrophy that helps in muscle growth and to improve the quality of life. The treatments can help to maintain a good range of motion for the entire joints in the body. The main treatments are as follow:

• Body Heating Therapy

It is an important Ayurvedic method to treat Muscular Dystrophy. It boosts blood circulation, which then allows nutrients and oxygen to travel to joints and muscles. This circulation helps repair damaged muscles, relieves inflammation and pain, and improves back stiffness. The heat opens up the pores and removes body toxins through the sweat allowing the body to heal fast.

Effective Ayurvedic treatments to cure Muscular Dystrophy are Body Heating Therapy, Oleation Therapy, Medicated Enema Therapy, and panchakarma therapy.

• Tadasana.

• Ashwagandha

Is Exercise Good For Dmd

Exercise can help DMD patients to maintain and improve muscular strength for performing activities of daily living such as stair climbing, slow the rate of increased weakness or contracture development that can prolong ambulation, maintain enough respiratory capacity and strengthened postural muscles, which can

Supplements To Support Healthy Muscle Tissue

Supplements do not necessarily work for everyone however, there are those who find them helpful. Muscular dystrophy supplements include

• Antioxidants such as vitamin C and E contain anti-aging properties and useful for joints, muscles and the heart.
• Match green tea, as well as green tea, extracts to provide energy and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Omega 3 fish oil which is great for minimizing inflammation.
• Amino acids such as coenzyme Q10, carnitine, and creatine. These form proteins which help sustain muscle tissue.
• Probiotics which help with digestive functions.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin that help manage joint pain

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What Foods To Eat For Boys With Dmd

There is no specific diet for boys with DMD. Focus on eating a wide variety of foods from the five main food groups: fruit, vegetables, meat, meat alternatives and eggs, dairy products, grains and cereals. Choose whole wheat or whole grain breads and cereals to increase fibre in the diet and assist with glucose control.

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Is It Safe To Take Creatine Supplements

Although creatine is present naturally in your body, taking additional supplements appears to be generally safe. However, keep in mind that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate nutritional supplements. Creatine products that are sold in stores may vary in quantity of creatine supplement, quality and additional ingredients. Safety and purity standards are also not controlled.

Check with your healthcare provider about use of creatine supplements in children younger than 18 years. Not enough information is known about the safety of creatine supplements in pregnant or nursing women. If you have kidney disease, speak with your healthcare provider before using. Taking the supplement may make your kidney disease worse. Many medications can harm your kidneys. Always check with your provider if you take any medications the combination of creatine supplements could damage your kidneys.

Doctors do not know the effects of creatine supplements on important organ systems, such as the heart, brain, kidneys, liver and reproductive organs, or the effects of combining creatine supplements with over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, vitamins and energy drinks.

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The Right Diet For Muscular Dystrophy Patients

Proper nutrition is crucial for people suffering from neuromuscular diseases as they can help them live as normally and as healthily as a person with muscular dystrophy can. According to research, a well nutritious and well-balanced diet can notably improve the quality of life especially for patients suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. There are many considerations surrounding caloric intake including the use of steroids, the capacity of ambulation and physical activity, however, most experts recommend a daily caloric uptake of up to 80% for anyone who does not have Duchenne MD. Other recommendations include reducing salt intake and including more calcium.

Regardless of the condition a person is in, a good diet is essential in stabilizing your health. Parents Project Muscular Dystrophy states that it is important for a patients diet to be high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fats. Maintaining normal body weight is vital so as to not overburden weakening muscles. Further, immobility and weak abdominal muscles can bring about constipation. A diet high in proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables and high in fluid fiber can aid the digestive process and metabolism.

Eggs. Eggs, particularly egg whites are high in protein. In fact, overall, eggs are considered very nutritious and healthy. For a little extra boost and creativity, try eating your eggs with cheese.

Tuna. Tuna is 94% protein. Its no wonder that tuna is extremely popular in diets and tasty too.

Preliminary Evidences Of Safety And Efficacy Of Flavonoids

• 1Stem Cell Laboratory, Unit of Neurology, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Centro Dino Ferrari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
• 2Service of Physiotherapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
• 3Bianchi Bonomi Haemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
• 4Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hepatology, Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Milan, Italy
• 5Department of Laboratory Medicine, Desio Hospital, University Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy

Background: Nutritional compounds can exert both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Since these events exacerbate the pathophysiology of muscular dystrophies, we investigated nutraceutical supplementation as an adjuvant therapy in dystrophic patients, to low costs and easy route of administration. Moreover, this treatment could represent an alternative therapeutic strategy for dystrophic patients who do not respond to corticosteroid treatment.

Objective: A 24 weeks randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study was aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of daily oral administration of flavonoids- and omega3-based natural supplement in patients affected by muscular dystrophy with recognized muscle inflammation.

Trial registration number: NCT03317171

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The Most Common Types Of Muscular Dystrophy: Duchenne & Beckers

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy:

• This form of muscular dystrophy affects males from birth. It usually starts causing symptoms in early childhood, normally before the age of 5. According to the advocate group and website for Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy , Duchenne is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood. It affects approximately 1 in every 3,500 live male births.
• About 20,000 new cases are diagnosed each year worldwide. Duchenne affects only male newborns since the duchenne gene is found on the X-chromosome. Females can be carriers of Duchenne dystrophy, passing it onto their offspring, but wont actually have the disorder themselves.
• A mutation in the dystrophin gene which codes for the protein called dystrophin causes Duchenne. Dystrophin helps to maintain healthy structural elements of muscle tissue and cell membranes. Without dystrophin, progressive muscle weakness, and eventually death, occurs.
• Symptoms of muscular dystrophy typically appear in infancy or children prior to age 5. Some are not diagnosed with the disorder until symptoms first appear. However, a growing number of laboratory tests are being used to identify those who are likely to have the illness at birth.

Beckers Muscular Dystrophy:

Creatine Supplement May Help People With Muscular Dystrophies

Date:

Center For The Advancement Of Health

Summary:

Creatine, a popular nutritional supplement used by weightlifters and sprinters to improve athletic performance, could lend muscle strength to people with muscular dystrophies. Muscle strength increased by an average of 8.5 percent among patients taking creatine, compared to those who did not use the supplement, according to a recent review of studies. Creatine users also gained an average of 1.4 pounds more lean body mass than nonusers.

Creatine, a popular nutritional supplement used by weightlifters and sprinters to improve athletic performance, could lend muscle strength to people with muscular dystrophies.

Muscle strength increased by an average of 8.5 percent among patients taking creatine, compared to those who did not use the supplement, according to a recent review of studies. Creatine users also gained an average of 1.4 pounds more lean body mass than nonusers.

The evidence from the studies “shows that short- and medium-term creatine treatment improves muscle strength in people with muscular dystrophies and is well-tolerated,” said lead reviewer Dr. Rudolf Kley of Ruhr University Bochum in Germany.

Although creatine has been widely studied as a performance enhancer, it’s still not clear if the supplement makes a difference, according to Roger Fielding, Ph.D., of Tufts University, who has also recently written a review of creatine treatments for neuromuscular diseases.

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Common Symptoms Of Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne and Beckers muscular dystrophy typically cause the following symptoms:

Symptoms of Other Types of Muscular Dystrophy:

• Facioscapulohumeral muscle dystrophy : Symptoms affect mostly the upper body and face. Symptoms can include weak facial and shoulder muscles, trouble with raising the arms overhead, difficulty with controlling the tongue and mouth, trouble closing the eyes, hearing loss, speech problems and abnormal heart tempo. Symptoms typically start around the teenage years or early twenties, between about 10-25.
• Distal muscular dystrophy: Affects the muscles of the extremities including the arms, legs, hands, and feet. Symptoms typically start in middle to late adulthood, between ages 40-60.
• Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy: Causes muscles of the face, eyes, neck, and shoulders to become weak. Symptoms include droopy eyelids , followed by difficulty swallowing or controlling the tongue. Symptoms typically start in middle age, between ages 40-50.
• Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy: Causes heart problems and other symptoms related to degeneration of muscle tissue. Symptoms usually begin during childhood, much more often in males than in females.

Clinical Trial Designation: The Characteristics Of Participants

We designed a phase II, randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study to assess the safety and efficacy of one dosing regimen of FLAVOMEGA oral administration in 29 patients affected by DMD, FSHD, and LGMD . We screened 60 DMD, FSHD, and LGMD patients who were characterized at the level of their gene mutations and skeletal muscle biopsy in 6 specialist centers in Italy. Included 29 patients were evaluated at baseline and after 24 weeks of treatment. Inclusion criteria featured documented genetic diagnosis and histological confirmation for inflammatory mononuclear cellular infiltrates in muscle biopsy of DMD, FSHD, and LGMD patients age superior to 9 years for DMD, between 9 and 70 years for LGMD, and between 20 and 70 years for FSHD absence of severe cardiac and pulmonary disease. In particular, we defined cardiomyopathy with values of left ventricular ejection fraction and shortening fraction of, respectively, < 55 or < 28% or both, while severe cardiomyopathy was considered with EF < 45% and SF < 20%. Severe pulmonary disease was determined by Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s < 0.8 L and Force Vital Capacity < 40% . Included DMD patients’ genotyping showed deletion of N-terminal , ROD domain , and point mutation of ROD domain of dystrophin gene. Included LGMD patients’ genotypes were LGMD-2B , LGMD-2A , and LGMD-2R . Included FSHD patients presented reduced numbers of repetitive units of D4Z4 allele < 10 . Five out 12 LGMD and all FSHD enrolled patients were males.

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Therapy And Support When Dealing With Emotional Troubles

Chronic and other difficult illnesses are often times very hard to deal with and can result in emotional distress for both the patient and their caregiver. Speaking to the family therapist or a cognitive behavior therapist can be helpful for everyone i.e. patient and caregivers as well as the rest of the family. Both patients and caregivers can enroll in support groups to help themselves cope.

Other ways to manage fear and sadness include practicing meditation and visualization, educating oneself on the disease and making plans for the future. Joining a support group allows one to meet and speak to other people who are dealing with the same problems. An excellent place to find this kind of support or get help when one is handling the stress that comes from managing the disease is the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Management & Conventional Treatments For Muscular Dystrophy

Genetic Testing To Determine Risk & Other Ways Of Diagnosing Muscular Dystrophy:

Females can now be tested prior to becoming pregnant or giving birth to determine if they are a carrier. A blood test can reveal if certain enzymes related to abnormal muscular development are present. Its now also possible to test an unborn child for the disease before birth.

Doctors also use a number of other methods to determine if someone might have muscular dystrophy. These include:

• Physical exam to test muscle strength, flexibility, range of motion, etc.
• Electromyography . Measures electrical activity within muscles.
• Muscle biopsy. Can determine specific type of muscular dystrophy someone has.
• Electrocardiogram or EKG. Measures electrical signals from the heart and of other muscles.
• MRI . Uses radio waves to determine if organs or major areas of tissue are damaged.

After making a diagnosis, treatments will depend on the type of muscular dystrophy a patient has and the symptoms that are present. Duchenne and Beckers are not curable diseases however, many remedies are available that can help improve quality of life and manage symptoms. The more treatments that are combined typically the better the outcome will be.

While there are many that are used by different patients with success, treatments for muscular dystrophy can include:

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What Is The Most Common Type Of Creatine Supplement

The most common is creatine monohydrate, a dietary supplement that increases muscle performance in short-duration, high-intensity resistance exercises. Studies show that taking these supplements benefit athletes during strength training, notably weightlifting and cycling. Other forms of creatine have not shown added benefits.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/13/2020.

References

Preparing For Your Appointment

It is always important to be prepared before meeting a muscular dystrophy specialist . Some of the ways to prepare before the appointment include:

What You Can Do

• Make a list of all the signs and symptoms you have experienced. Parents can write these down for their children
• If you have photos or video recording that illustrate the symptoms then bring those along too
• Note down all key medical information. This includes any pre-existing conditions, medicine, vitamins, and supplements.
• Find out if anyone else in your family, including those who have passed on, has suffered from muscular dystrophy.

Questions to Ask the Doctor

• What are the likely causes of the signs and symptoms?
• What complications can arise?
• Which tests need to be done?
• Are there treatments that the doctor can recommend?
• In terms of long-term outlook, what are you facing?
• Is a meeting between a genetic counselor and the family necessary?
• Any other questions that you may have in mind

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What Dietary And Lifestyle Changes Can Help Manage Muscular Dystrophy

Dietary and lifestyle changes cannot directly impact muscular degradation. However, many people with muscular dystrophy have limited mobility, which makes proper nutrition essential. A high-fiber, high-protein, low-calorie diet with proper fluid intake is recommended for many patients with muscular dystrophy.

Disclaimer And Safety Information

This information is not intended to replace the attention or advice of a physician or other qualified health care professional. Anyone who wishes to embark on any dietary, drug, exercise, or other lifestyle change intended to prevent or treat a specific disease or condition should first consult with and seek clearance from a physician or other qualified health care professional. Pregnant women in particular should seek the advice of a physician before using any protocol listed on this website. The protocols described on this website are for adults only, unless otherwise specified. Product labels may contain important safety information and the most recent product information provided by the product manufacturers should be carefully reviewed prior to use to verify the dose, administration, and contraindications. National, state, and local laws may vary regarding the use and application of many of the therapies discussed. The reader assumes the risk of any injuries. The authors and publishers, their affiliates and assigns are not liable for any injury and/or damage to persons arising from this protocol and expressly disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

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Precautions When Treating Muscular Dystrophy

Keep in mind that not every patient will respond to these muscular dystrophy treatments in the same way. Monitoring symptom progress, individual reactions and warning signs of complications is important. Ultimately every patient will need to determine their own best treatment approach with their team of professional health care providers. Early intervention can also be very beneficial for reducing worsened symptoms. Talk to your doctor, or your childs doctor, right away if you notice signs of muscular disease or degeneration. These signs include: slurred speech, numbness in the face or upper body, sudden weakness, trouble walking, loss of balance and reduced flexibility.

Exercise And Other Physical Activities

One of the key strategies when it comes to managing muscular dystrophy is keeping the muscles both strong and supple. Lack of exercise and generally leading a sedentary life can lead to worsening of the condition and even contribute to complications including emotional distress. The appropriate exercise can help a person maintain muscle strength longer. You can actively improve your mobility by using special shoes or inserts, a can, strollers, braces, electric scooters, walking assistants and manual or electric wheelchairs. Physical therapy goes a long way in maintaining flexibility and motor skills.

Stretching and exercising have proven valuable in dealing with trouble balancing or walking, joint pain, anxiety or depression as well as a reduced range of motion. You can online and find free videos on muscular dystrophy that will teach you how to do helpful stretches and other physical exercises. Researchers from MDA Neuromuscular Disease Clinic, UC Davis, indicate that in as much as exercise is helpful for those suffering from muscular dystrophy, it is not usually recommended to a lot of patients unless they inquire about it. The reason behind this is, is that there have not been a lot of formal clinical trials to test the effectiveness of physical activities on muscular diseases.

According to research, exercises such as swimming or water sports, wheelchair sports, stretching, weight training, walking, cycling and using stretching bands have all been shown to be beneficial.

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