AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS): OVERVIEW
(ALS) is a rare, progressive neurological (nervous system) disease in which the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements -- like walking, talking, chewing, etc. -- get destroyed in affected individuals, thereby leading to disability.
ALS belongs to a category of diseases called ‘motor neuron diseases.’ These diseases are the outcome of a steady deterioration and death of motor neurons -- that is, the nerve cells which serve as important communication links between the brain and the voluntary muscles of the body. These motor neurons in the brain extend to the spinal cord and to the muscles in the body, for the purpose of transmitting messages from the brain in order to produce voluntary movements.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Since ALS causes the degeneration or death of motor neurons in the brain, the transmission of messages from the brain to the muscles progressively gets hampered. Gradually, the muscles lose the ability to function properly and start becoming weak and jerky over a period of time, and eventually waste away. As a result, ALS finally leads to the loss of the brain’s ability to initiate and control the body’s voluntary movements.
The occurrence of ALS is generally more common in people aged between 55 and 75 years, though the disease can occur at any age. Men are believed to be at a slightly higher risk of developing ALS as compared to women.
The exact cause behind the occurrence of ALS is not known. But, according to scientific studies, the disease can be a result of genetic factors -- specifically mutations in the ‘SOD1’ gene -- as well as environmental factors, chemical imbalance resulting from higher-than-normal levels of the brain’s chemical messenger called ‘glutamate,’ disorganized immune response, and mishandled proteins within the nerve cells.
AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS): SYMPTOMS
In the early stages of the occurrence of ALS, the symptoms of the disease are not very noticeable, and are usually overlooked by affected individuals. However, with the passage of time, the disease leads to obvious weakness which can be clearly noticed by doctors.
The onset of ALS is either a ‘limb onset’ in which the symptoms start in the arms or legs, or a ‘bulbar onset’ in which the first signs of the disease are first noticed in speech or swallowing difficulties.
Some of the common symptoms which indicate the onset of ALS are:
- Muscle cramps
- Muscle twitches (fasciculations) in the arm, shoulder, leg, or tongue
- Spasticity (stiffening and tightening of muscles)
- Muscle weakness which can affect an arm, a leg, neck or diaphragm
- Slurred and nasal speech
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing.
AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS): TREATMENT
There is no known cure for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and no effective treatment which can halt, or reverse, the progression of this disease. As such, the treatments for ALS patients chiefly comprise ‘supportive care’ which is provided by doctors and several other health care professionals -- including speech therapists, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, nutritionists, hospice nurses, and social workers -- for controlling the disease’s symptoms, preventing health complications, and making life easier for the patients.
For natural and safe management of the symptoms of ALS, expert Ayurveda practitioners at reputed herbal manufacturing company Planet Ayurveda have prepared some excellent herbal products. These products are prepared from pure and standardized herbs and other natural ingredients. These products include:
PRODUCTS LIST
- Brahmi Capsules
- Ashwagandha Capsules
- Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
- Musli Strength
- Atirasadi Churna
PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION
1. Brahmi Capsules
To prepare these capsules, standardized extract of the well-known ‘Brahmi’ herb (Bacopa Monneiri) is used. The herb is used in several Ayurvedic formulations because of its proven properties as a memory enhancer, aphrodisiac, and health tonic.
The use of Brahmi capsules is beneficial for people affected by ALS because the capsules have the ability to promote mental health, boost the immune system, regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammation, remove free radicals from the body, and alleviate stress/anxiety.
Dosage: 1-2 capsule with plain water, two times a day, after meals.
2. Ashwagandha Capsules
Pure and standardized extract of the ‘Ashwagandha’ herb (Withania somnifera) is used for the preparation of these capsules. The potent herb is widely known in Ayurveda for its immense medicinal value and anti-inflammatory actions.
People suffering from ALS can benefit from the use of Ashwagandha capsules because they can be helpful in improving a person’s overall mental health, enhancing brain function, supporting nerve functions, reducing metabolic imbalances, strengthening the muscles, managing inflammation, rejuvenating the body, and balancing the Vata and Pitta doshas of the body.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules with plain water, two times a day, after meals.
3. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
This remarkable product -- available in tablet form -- is considered an excellent ayurvedic remedy. The natural components of these tablets include: Swarna Bhasma (Calx of Gold), Rajata Bhasma (Calx of Silver), Abhraka Bhasma (Calx of Mica), Mukta Bhasma (Calx of Pearl), Loha Bhasma (Calx of Iron), Pravala Bhasma (Calx of Coral), Suta Bhasma (a compound of purified and processed Mercury and Purified Sulphur), and juice extract of Aloe Vera.
The use of Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras tablets can benefit ALS patients because of their ability to support mental health, maintain healthy brain function, treat different types of pain, keep the nervous system healthy, support the digestive system, and maintain the balance of the body’s Vata and Pitta doshas.
Dosage: 1-2 tablet two times a day (or as directed by the physician).
4. Musli Strength Capsules
Musli Strength capsules are an excellent herbal product for ensuring an overall healthy life. The product is prepared from standardized extracts of two extremely beneficial herbs --- Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestri.)
The use of Musli Strength capsules can be beneficial for patients suffering from ALS because of the ability of the natural components to improve blood circulation, treat weakness (especially sexual weakness in men and women), treat hormonal imbalances, strengthen the muscles, improve nervous disorders, and boost the immune system
Dosage: 1-2 capsules, once or twice a day, with plain water, after meals.
5. Atirasadi Churna
This amazing herbal powder is prepared from a number of rejuvenating herbs which have immense potential to manage several health complications. These herbs include Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), Kali Musli (Curculigo orchioides), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Jaiphal (Myristica fragrans), Taalmakhana (Hygrophila spinosa), Vidaari Kand (Pueraria tuberosa), Akarkara (Anacyclus pyrethrum), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Safed Behmen (Centaurea behen), Varahi Kand (Dioscorea tuberosa), and Kesar (Crocus sativus).
The churna is considered to be an excellent natural supplement which can be very beneficial for ALS patients. The components of the churna have the ability to maintain strength and stamina (especially in men), maintain ‘Shukra dhatu,’ support normal metabolism of tissues, maintain youthful energy, and balance the body’s Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas.
Dosage: One teaspoon, two times a day, with plain water.
CONCLUSION
The herbal products offered by Planet Ayurveda for ALS patients are 100% pure and natural products. These completely vegetarian supplements are free from any kind of chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, artificial colors, yeast, binders, or fillers.
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