Muscular dystrophies are a group of muscle diseases caused by mutations in a person’s genes. Over time, muscle weakness decreases mobility, making everyday tasks difficult. There are many kinds of muscular dystrophy, each affecting specific muscle groups, with signs and symptoms appearing at different ages, and varying in severity. Muscular dystrophy can run in families, or a person can be the first in their family to have muscular dystrophy. There may be several different genetic types within each kind of muscular dystrophy, and people with the same kind of muscular dystrophy may experience different symptoms.

Muscular dystrophies are rare, with little data on how many people are affected.

 

 

 

 

Causes

Certain genes are involved in making proteins that protect muscle fibers. Muscular dystrophy occurs when one of these genes is defective. Each form of muscular dystrophy is caused by a genetic mutation particular to that type of the disease. Most of these mutations are inherited.

Muscular dystrophy occurs in both sexes and in all ages and races. However, the most common variety, Duchenne, usually occurs in young boys. People with a family history of muscular dystrophy are at higher risk of developing the disease or passing it on to their children (www.mayoclinic.org).

 

 

 

 

Symptoms

The main sign of muscular dystrophy is progressive muscle weakness. Specific signs and symptoms begin at different ages and in different muscle groups, depending on the type of muscular dystrophy.

Duchenne type muscular dystrophy

This is the most common form. Although girls can be carriers and mildly affected, it’s much more common in boys.

Signs and symptoms, which typically appear in early childhood, might include:

• Frequent falls
• Difficulty rising from a lying or sitting position
• Trouble running and jumping
• Waddling gait
• Walking on the toes
• Large calf muscles
• Muscle pain and stiffness
• Learning disabilities
• Delayed growth

 

Becker muscular dystrophy

Signs and symptoms are similar to those of Duchenne muscular dystrophy but tend to be milder and progress more slowly. Symptoms generally begin in the teens but might not occur until the mid-20s or later.

 

Other types of muscular dystrophy

Some types of muscular dystrophy are defined by a specific feature or by where in the body symptoms begin. Examples include:

• Myotonic. This is characterized by an inability to relax muscles following contractions. Facial and neck muscles are usually the first to be affected. People with this form typically have long, thin faces; drooping eyelids; and swanlike necks.
• Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD). Muscle weakness typically begins in the face, hip and shoulders. The shoulder blades might stick out like wings when arms are raised. Onset usually occurs in the teenage years but can begin in childhood or as late as age 50.
• Congenital. This type affects boys and girls and is apparent at birth or before age 2. Some forms progress slowly and cause only mild disability, while others progress rapidly and cause severe impairment.
• Limb-girdle. Hip and shoulder muscles are usually affected first. People with this type of muscular dystrophy might have difficulty lifting the front part of the foot and so might trip frequently. Onset usually begins in childhood or the teenage years (www.mayoclinic.org).

 

 

 

 

Treatment

Although there’s no cure for any form of muscular dystrophy, treatment for some forms of the disease can help extend the time a person with the disease can remain mobile and help with heart and lung muscle strength. Trials of new therapies are ongoing. People with muscular dystrophy should be monitored throughout their lives. Their care team should include a neurologist with expertise in neuromuscular diseases, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, and physical and occupational therapists.

Some people might also need a lung specialist (pulmonologist), a heart specialist (cardiologist, a sleep specialist, a specialist in the endocrine system (endocrinologist), an orthopedic surgeon, and other specialists.

Treatment options include medications, physical and occupational therapy, and surgical and other procedures. Ongoing assessments of walking, swallowing, breathing and hand function enable the treatment team to adjust treatments as the disease progresses.

 

 

 

 

Natural Remedies for Managing Muscular Dystrophy

 

Exercise & Physical Activities To Help Maintain Muscle Strength 

Keeping the muscles strong and flexible is the most important strategy for managing muscular dystrophy symptoms. Inactivity (a sedentary lifestyle or lack of exercise such as bed rest) can make the illness worse and contribute to complications or emotional distress. Physical therapy is often very helpful to maintain flexibility and coordination. Exercise (if possible and appropriate) can maintain muscle strength. You can improve mobility by using a cane, special shoes or inserts, strollers, walking assistants, braces, electric scooters, manual or electric wheelchairs, and more if needed (www.parentprojectmd.org).

Research shows that exercises including swimming or water sports, walking, stretching, weight training, cycling, using stretching bands and wheelchair sports can all be beneficial.

 

Therapy & Support For Dealing With Emotional Troubles 

Dealing with a chronic or very difficult illness can cause lots of emotional distress. This is true for both the patient themselves and also their caregivers. It can be very helpful for both patients and their family members or caretakers to speak with a cognitive-behavioral therapist or another professional (such as a family therapist). It can also be helpful to enroll in a support group.

Practices like meditation, visualization, planning for the future, and becoming educated on the disease all seem to help manage fear and sadness. Support groups offer a place to speak with those who share common experiences and problems. The Muscular Dystrophy Association is an excellent source for finding support or help to deal with the stress of managing these diseases.

 

Healthy Diet For Maintaining Energy & Managing Inflammation

According to the theory behind nutrigenomics, your food choices may actually influence how your genes affect you and whether or not you develop a particular disease. Certain dietary chemicals can act on the human genome to alter gene activities or gene structure. This means they can influence the onset and progression of chronic diseases, along with how severe they may become. What you eat, along with your genotype can help prevent, mitigate or even cure diseases.

Your diet can also impact inflammation levels within your body. Factors like a highly processed/ low-nutrient diet, environmental pollution, toxin exposure, high-stress levels, and inactivity can all make inflammation worse. Turmeric has been used for centuries for its world-renowned benefits as a natural anti-inflammatory and pain soothing remedy.

While your diet alone may not be able to prevent your disease or treat it, lowering inflammation through a healing diet is important for slowing disease progression. Try to consume whole foods as much as possible (especially fresh veggies, superfoods, and other plant foods that are nutrient-dense). Also, limit the use of harsh chemicals in household/beauty products, avoid smoking, stay active and try to manage stress.

 

Supplements To Support Healthy Muscle Tissue

While supplements don’t always work for every patient, and studies have shown mixed results, many find them helpful. Supplements for muscular dystrophy can include:

• Amino acids: Amino acids form proteins in the body and help sustain muscle tissue. Complex Superleaf Moringa Leaves are a great option to try as Moringa is a complete protein that contains all 9 essential amino acids.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin for managing joint pain
• Antioxidants like vitamin E or C, which have anti-aging effects and are beneficial for the heart, joints, and muscle.
• Omega 3 fish oil supplements for reducing inflammation.
• Matcha green tea and green tea extracts for energy support and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Probiotics for helping with digestive functions.