Myasthenia Gravis

The musculoskeletal system of the body is afflicted in certain individuals by a rare and chronic condition called myasthenia gravis. A person afflicted with easily fatigued and weak muscles, which weaken progressively as the day ends, is a characteristic symptom of the condition. Some of the regions of the body, which are typically affected first, are the muscles in the throat, the neck and those of the facial region. Drooping and weakening of the eyelids is the first sign of the condition. The individual's speech can have a nasal tone to it, and also characteristic are the presence of double vision and problems with swallowing food.

These symptoms of the disease are episodic in appearance and can lie quiet for long intervals. Thus the symptoms can relapses or reappear in the person and can then cause a weakening and paralysis of the arms and legs of the affected individual. Muscular bulk is lost, though there is an absence of pain accompanying the symptoms, there is also no change in the ability to feel nor is there numbness. An enlarged thymus gland is very commonly observed. In rare cases life-threatening complications can arise because of the development of breathing problems as the condition progresses. A large majority of patients suffer only the mild form of the condition and this progress is not life threatening or debilitating.

The disorder of myasthenia gravis usually affects young women. An autoimmune attack is the underlying cause of the disorder, the immune system attacks the receptors that lie at the neuromuscular junction, and these receptors are responsible for communications between the muscles and the nerves. Thus muscle weakness results due to the poor conduction of nerve impulses and their impaired reception in the muscles. The real cause for the malfunctioning of the immune system remains unidentified, and the cause for its attack on those receptors at the neuromuscular junction is still a mystery. In babies born of afflicted mothers, the symptoms of myasthenia gravis begin within weeks after birth; thus this disorder can be inherited. The presence of physical and emotional stress, infections can induce episodic attacks as well as aggravate the symptoms of the disorder that are already present.

Supplements and herbs

The best and the most effective results have been obtained in some cases through the use of supplements combined with an improvement in the diet. The proper functioning and conduction of the nervous system is dependant on a good and sufficient supply of the vitamins B and E. An important and integral part of the neurotransmitter substance acetylcholine is synthesized from the B vitamin choline, which in itself requires the presence of several nutrients, like the other B vitamins and the mineral potassium for its synthesis. The essential supply of all the B vitamins required by the body is made by supplementation with a good B complex vitamin. The appearance of several other symptoms of myasthenia gravis is induced by an absence of sufficient levels of choline in the body. An excellent source for the choline is the compound called lecithin. Supplements of soy are the best sources for lecithin and can be taken along with the other supplements to reduce the symptoms of the disorder.

Because of their ability to support and enhance the body’s immune system and its functioning, thus increasing overall resistance, supplements of the vitamin C in combination with the plant based natural substances called bioflavonoids should be utilized. The assimilation of choline into the body is carried out through the presence of manganese; this mineral is also essential for muscular contraction. Muscular coordination and strength are lost in its absence and hence supplements of manganese must also be consumed regularly.

All of these herbal remedies can be helpful in the treatment or alleviation of the disorder.

The calming and soothing effects of the St. John's wort herb on the nervous system can help alleviate this condition. Dosage of the herb for this purpose can be a single tbsp. of herbal juice or if preferred a cup of the herbal tea taken thrice a day as required or before bedtime during the treatment regimen. Supplemental use can also be made of several other herbs like the black cohosh, the gotu kola herb, the hops, the lady's slipper, sweet herbs like the licorice, herbs like the red clover, the skullcap, the valerian herb, herbs like the yarrow, and herbs like the yellow dock and finally the yucca. Dosage of these herbs can be a single tbsp. of the fresh herbal juice, or alternately use twenty drops of herbal tincture added in water. A herbal tea can also be made if the other forms are not preferred by the addition of a tsp. of the herbs and boiling it along with a cup of water, strain the mixture for a soothing and relaxing herbal tea that can be taken as and when required.

What else you can do

Extremely stressful situations and events must be avoided at all costs. Relaxation is very important in dealing with this condition so spend sufficient time on rest and relaxation each day.

Usual dosage

• Vitamin B complex, 50 mg thrice a day.
• Vitamin C, (with bioflavonoids), 1,000 mg thrice a day.
• Vitamin E,  400 IU two times a day.
• Lecithin, three tbsp.
• Multimineral complex.
• Manganese, five mg.