This is a type of autoimmune disease. MG causes severe muscle weakness. The immune system of the body blocks the signals that are sent from the brain to the muscles and then muscles cannot respond correctly. This is a rare and long – term condition which is affecting 20 in every 100,000 people around the world [1]. Usually, this weakness is happening in the eyes and face, but also it can happen in the chest, legs, arms, fingers and neck. This weakness get worse after activity and it gets better after rest.
The myasthenia gravis can be serious, but most people who suffer from it have a good quality life, have a normal life expectancy and they respond well to the treatments. Usually, it affects women in their 20s and 30s and men who reach their 50s and 60s. The most common symptoms of myasthenia gravis include trouble breathing; difficulty walking upstairs, lifting things or doing repetitive motions; fatigue; inability to move face muscles; trouble chewing or swallowing; problems with talking; double vision; droopy eyelids. [2]
There are some factors which can increase your risk of myasthenia gravis, such as taking certain medications; being stressed, ill or fatigued; having a family member with myasthenia gravis; having another autoimmune condition, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease or lupus; having problems with the thyme gland. If you suffer from myasthenia gravis, then you need to talk with your doctor before you start using some of the below mentioned home remedies for this condition.
Home remedies for myasthenia gravis
Eat small meals more often: There are many people who suffer from myasthenia gravis who have difficulty chewing, especially when they eat food like pork or steak. If you have trouble swallowing or if your jaw tends to get tired, then you should take extra care when you eat. You should eat small meals so you will not get tired of chewing before you are done. You should eat more often to get the same number of calories. If you spread out the stress of your jaw, then you will avoid the annoyance of exhausting chewing and the danger of difficulty swallowing. You should eat foods that are easier to chew, such as oatmeal, rice, bananas, lentils, stews, fish, cooked vegetables and soups. [3]
Plan ahead: Many times we feel too tired by the end of the day to do anything physically demanding. If you are planning your daily activities in times when you have the most energy because this will help you to complete your daily activities without worries. It is the best time to make your plans after you wake up in the morning or after you have taken afternoon nap. [3]
Vitamin D: There are some studies in which are shown that the supplementation with the Vitamin D can have positive effects on the autoimmune response and this can help you to alleviate the fatigue [4] that is associated with the myasthenia gravis.
Fish oil: This home remedy has immune – modulating and anti – inflammatory properties which can help to treat the underlying pathology of myasthenia gravis.
B Vitamins: There are some studies in which are said that foods rich in B Vitamins can help to promote the nerve health. Also, these vitamins are playing an important role in the overall health. Vitamin B1 can help in the healthy functioning of the heart, nerves and muscles. Some foods rich in Vitamin B1 are black beans; asparagus; squash; green peas; macadamia nuts; sunflower seeds; wild – caught salmon. Vitamin B2 has the same function as Vitamin B1.
You should include foods rich in Vitamin B2 in your diet, such as kidney beans; grass fed yoghurt; spinach; pasture – raised chicken and eggs; Brussels sprouts; almonds. Vitamin B3 can help in the regulation of digestive and nervous systems. This vitamin can help to convert the food into energy. Some foods rich in Vitamin B3 which you can add in your diet are avocado; grass fed beef; pasture – raised chicken and eggs. Vitamin B6 will support the immune function. Add foods rich in Vitamin B6 in your diet, such as spinach; potato; papaya; grass fed cheese; carrot; banana; chickpeas. Vitamin B12 can help to support the nervous system, alongside with Vitamin B3 and Vitamin B6. Some foods rich in Vitamin B12 are grass fed milk; grass fed beef; sardines; crab.
White peony extract: It has been found that peony has immune – modulating properties which can help with the underlying pathology of myasthenia gravis [5].
Reishi mushroom: It grows on decaying logs and tree stumps. It is also known as ling zhi in China. It can be found in six different colors. The red variety is most commonly used and commercially cultivated in North America and East Asia. There are some doctors who are recommending reishi mushrooms as home remedy for myasthenia gravis but this was not scientifically proven.
If you are allergic to reishi mushrooms or to its components, then you should not use it as your home remedy for myasthenia gravis. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, then do not use it because there are not enough studies which have shown that it is safe. If you have bleeding disorder or you are taking anticoagulants, then use it with caution. You should avoid this natural cure if you have hemophilia. If you are taking blood sugar – lowering medications or if you have diabetes, then use it with caution.
Avoid possible triggers: There are some people who suffer from myasthenia gravis who have noticed that specific triggers can lead to myasthenic crisis or they can worsen the symptoms of this condition. You should avoid certain triggers, such as quinine (tonic water); alcohol; some chemicals; hot foods and drinks; bright light; extreme temperature; depression; pain; anger; illness; stress and lack of sleep. It is believed that some drugs can worsen the symptoms of myasthenia gravis. If you want to start taking some kind of drug as your treatment for myasthenia gravis, you should always consult your doctor.
Ginger: It is recommended taking ginger as your home remedy for myasthenia gravis. You can start with one capsule, twice a day, but ask your doctor if this home remedy can help you and about the recommended dosage. [6]
Make your home safer: When you are too tired, then you are thinking about things which you should do and they look challenging for you. You should do some things to keep yourself save, such as an automatic stair lift; clean paths and sidewalks; clean floors; grab bars or railings in the shower or near stairs. These changes can help you to have fewer chances to be injured when you are too tired for doing anything.
Change your neck position: You can try a different neck angle because this can help you to swallow the food easier. You should try to found an angle which works but it is comfortable for you at the same time.
Turmeric: There are some studies in which are thought that turmeric can help in the natural treatment of myasthenia gravis but you should talk with your doctor before you start taking turmeric as your home remedy for this condition. [7]
Eat a healthy diet: Those people who suffer from myasthenia gravis may struggle with bone loss, excess weight and side effects of drugs, such as fluid retention, low potassium levels and diarrhea or nausea. You should follow specific diet if you have some of these symptoms. You should eat more lean proteins, grain and vegetables and you should watch your overall calorie intake if you are above a healthy weight. [3]
You should talk with your doctor if you should take Vitamin D supplements. Usually, doctors are recommending 800 IU of Vitamin D and 1,000 mg of calcium on daily basis. If you have diarrhea or upset stomach, then you should avoid dairy products (just yogurt is recommended consuming), high – fiber foods and fatty foods. You should eat foods rich in potassium, such as orange juice, potatoes, bananas and avocadoes. You should avoid eating salt and high – sodium foods, such as processed foods, salty snacks, canned goods and frozen meals.
Take baths: You can take baths so in this way you will avoid lots of movements of your arms overhead, avoid standing and bearing your full body weight. There are some studies in which are shown that taking a hot and long bath can have good benefits for your metabolism and body inflammation. This has similar positive benefits to those from exercise. If the heat is trigger for your symptoms, then you should not take an hour of hot tub as your natural treatment for myasthenia gravis.
References:
[1] Howard JF. Clinical overview of MG. Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. 2015. Retrieved from https://myasthenia.org/For-Professionals/Clinical-Overview-of-MG
[2] Saint Louis University. How muscle weakness caused by Myasthenia gravis can be stopped, cccording to new research. Science Daily. 2007. Retrieved from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071220170334.htm
[3] Jowkar A. What is the role of diet and activity in the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG)? Medscape. 2018. Retrieved from www.medscape.com/answers/1171206-92698/what-is-the-role-of-diet-and-activity-in-the-treatment-of-myasthenia-gravis-mg
[4] Roy S, Sherman A, Monari-Sparks MJ, et al. Correction of low Vitamin D improves fatigue: Effect of correction of low Vitamin D in fatigue study (EViDiF study). North American Journal of Medical Sciences. 2014;6(8):396–402.
[5] He DY, Dai SM. Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of Paeonia Lactiflora Pall., a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2011;2:10.
[6] Chen J, Pan C, Liu Y. Sixty cases of ocular myasthenia gravis treated with acupuncture and moxibustion at extra-meridian and collateral. World Journal of Acupuncture – Moxibustion. 2012;22(4):56-9.
[7] Su Z, Huang Y, Huang S, et al. Therapeutic effects of curcumin on experimental
autoimmune myasthenia gravis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine. 2018;11(10):10646-52.
