Re: about muscular dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy

The goal of a treatment plan is to maintain the person's optimal physical and emotional health by preventing joint and spinal deformities, which prolongs the ability to walk for as long as possible. Assisted breathing is introduced as needed, and lifelong physiotherapy is necessary. Orthopedic devices may be needed for support. Hydrotherapy, such as continuous tub baths, may help maintain a full range of joint motion.

A comprehensive treatment plan include a range of complementary and alternative therapies.

Nutrition
Follow an anti-inflammatory diet, including organic whole foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes, sea vegetables, and essential fatty acids (nuts, seeds, and cold-water fish). Avoid refined foods, saturated fats (dairy and other animal products), and all known food allergens.

Potentially beneficial nutrient supplements include the following.

Essential fatty acids (for example, flax, borage, evening primrose, cod liver) 1,000 to 1,500 mg two to three times per day
Vitamin E (400 to 800 IU per day), selenium (100 to 200 mcg per day), coenzyme Q10 (100 mg one to three times per day)
L-carnitine (320 mg one to two times per day)
B-complex vitamins, especially B12 (1,000 mcg per day) and B6 (100 mg per day), and minerals, such as calcium (1,000 mg per day), magnesium (500 mg per day), and potassium (100 mg per day)
N-acetyl cysteine (500 mg twice a day)
Creatine (5 to 7 g per day)
HERBS

Herbal remedies may offer relief from symptoms. Herbs are generally available as dried extracts (pills, capsules, or tablets), teas, or tinctures (alcohol extraction, unless otherwise noted). Dose for teas is 1 heaping tsp. per cup of water steeped for 10 minutes (roots need 20 minutes).
Combine three of the following herbs in equal parts and add two to three others as needed:

Mineral-rich herbs: horsetail (Equisetum arvense), nettles (Urtica dioica), oatstraw (Avena sativa), and kelp (Laminaria cloustonii)
With spasm, add black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), cramp bark (Viburnum opulus)
With muscle pain, add Jamaica dogwood (Piscidia erythrina), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
If the heart is affected, add hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis)


Arnica — for relief from muscle pain or spasm
Calcarea carbonica — for cramps of the lower extremities, particularly in those who are overweight and easily chilled
Magnesia phos — for muscle pain and spasm with cramps and severe, shooting pain

Massage
Regular massage is important for reducing spasm and muscle contractions.

Supporting Research

Adams RD, et al. Principles of Neurology. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1997: 1414–1429.

Bartram T. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Dorset, England: Grace Publishers; 1995:301.

Edstrom L. Dystrophia myotonica: clinical pathophysiological, and molecular aspects. Scand J Rehab Med Suppl. 1999; 39: 47–52.

Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1998: 2473–2477.

Forst J, Forst R. Lower limb surgery in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Neuromuscul Disord. December 9, 1999: 176–181.

Gaby AR. The role of coenzyme Q10 in clinical medicine: Part 1. Alt Med Rev. 1996; 1(1):11-17.

Jonas WB, Jacobs J. Healing with Homeopathy: The Doctors' Guide. New York, NY: Warner Books; 1996: 261.

Kakulas BA. Problems and solutions in the rehabilitation of patients with progressive muscular dystrophy. Scand J Rehab Med Suppl. 1999; 39: 23-37.

Kroksmark A-K. Physiotherapy in muscular dystrophy. Scand J Rehab Med Suppl. 1999; 39: 65-68.

Leger P, Leger SS. Respiratory concerns in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Pediatr Pulmonology. 1997; 16 (suppl): 137–139.

Samuels MA, Feske S. Office Practice of Neurology. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 1996; 577–587.

Simon RP, et al. Clinical Neurology. 4th ed. Stamford, CT: Appleton & Langel; 1999: 189–192.

Stewart PM, Walser M, Drachman DB. Branched chain keto-acids reduce muscle protein degradation in Duchennes muscular dystrophy. Muscle Nerve. 1982; (3): 197-201.

Tarnopolsky M. Creatine Monohydrate increases strength in patients with neuromuscular disease. Neurology. 1999, (52): 854-857.

Ullman D. Homeopathic Medicine for Children and Infants. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1992: 115, 217.