Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder. In people suffering from this disorder, there is a production of antibodies that stop the communication between the muscles and the nerve signals. The symptoms of this neuromuscular disorder include difficulty in breathing, chewing, swallowing or holding a gaze. People with this autoimmune disorder also experience fatigue and facial paralysis.
Medical treatment is critical for this disease. Natural cures can also help a patient to cope with the symptoms of this disease. Herbs which can be used to treat this disorder include Asian Ginseng, Gingko Biloba, Echinacea, Winter Cherry and Astragalus. Dietary recommendations need to be followed. Deep breathing exercises are also beneficial for patients suffering from this condition.
Best Natural Cures For Myasthenia Gravis
Do Deep Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises can improve the functionality of your lungs. Deep inhalations and exhalations can increase the capacity of your lungs to function well and eliminate breathing difficulties. Deep breathing exercises which you can follow include inspiratory muscle training. In this method of breathing, there is use of pursed lips breathing, diaphragmatic breathing and the frequent resort to breathing devices.
Breathing through pursed lips improves the functioning of the lungs and reduces breathlessness. Diaphragmatic breathing is also known as abdominal breathing where the person takes a long breath through the nose and fills the stomach with air. Then, he or she exhales the breath through the mouth. Deep breathing exercises can prove very effective in countering labored breathing and other breathing difficulties encountered by patients diagnosed with this disease. It also oxygenates the body and lowers fatigue levels.
Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Inflammation causes the autoimmune response which results in myasthenia gravis. So, you should eat foods that are anti-inflammatory in nature to avoid triggering the autoimmune response. Foods that can cause inflammation include proteins from non vegetarian sources, harmful fats such as saturated fats and trans fat, oils such as corn oil and sunflower oil as well as processed foods such as white sugar, refined flour and candy.
Avoid eating creamy, greasy and spicy foods as these can really harm your body and aggravate the symptoms of myasthenia gravis. Dairy products containing milk can also irritate the immune system and trigger the autoimmune response. To ensure that you only eat foods that are anti-inflammatory, make sure that your protein sources are vegetarian such as legumes, lentils, beans and nuts.
Follow A Diet That Reduces Swelling
Swelling or inflammation can be very damaging for persons who have myasthenia gravis. Therefore, foods that reduce the inflammation should be taken to minimize irritation to the immune system and an autoimmune reaction. For easing inflammation, use healthy oils such as canola oil or olive oil.
Make sure you eat plenty of fish such as tuna, salmons, sardines, anchovies and cod which are rich in Omega 3 essential fatty acids that ensure the body inflammation is eased. Vegetarian sources of Omega 3 essential fatty acids include almonds, flax seeds and hazelnut. You should also eat foods that are rich in antioxidants.
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant. You can take these fruits or consume their juices for easing inflammation and avoiding an autoimmune reaction in your body. You can also consume vegetables which help you to recover from the disease more swiftly. Vegetables such as spinach, collard, tomatoes and pumpkin contain substances such as folic acid and beta carotene which are good for improving immune system functioning and easing inflammation.
Consume Potassium Rich Items
Potassium rich food items are very important for warding off the fatigue that results from myasthenia gravis. Low levels of potassium have been found to be correlated with this disease and the physical exhaustion it causes.
Potassium rich foods include bananas, apricot and turkey. You should try to eat more vegetarian sources of potassium for best results. It is also important to stay well hydrated as this can cause potassium levels in the body to be stabilized. Potassium is an important mineral for the body to ensure the healthy and effective functioning of the immune system.
Regulate Your Manner Of Eating
As patients diagnosed with myasthenia gravis are unable to chew or swallow with ease, it is vital that you take your food in smaller portions and regular intervals. Instead of 3 large meals, try eating 5 to 6 small meals. Avoid crumbly items as these can stick to your throat and make swallowing even more difficult.
Lubricate your food by moistening it. Avoid dry food items. Chew slowly as this is important for ensuring easy ingestion of food. Reduce your intake of dry dishes and try to eat nourishing gravies, soups and broths. Moisten your food by putting sauces and gravies on it to ensure easy eating. You can also chop and mash food.
Try Echinacea Root Tea
Echinacea Angustifolia is the botanical name of this herb. It is also called Purple Cone Flower colloquially. This herb is native to Europe and it also grows in North America. Echinacea improves the immune system functioning and boosts the health and vitality of the body. Echinacea root increases the number of white blood cells or leukocytes in the human body, which helps to prevent malfunctioning of the immune system.
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease which has resulted from abnormality in the functioning of the immune system. Therefore, herbs such as Echinacea can be very beneficial for patients suffering from this disease. You can drink Echinacea tea brewed using the roots of this herb for relief from the symptoms of this autoimmune disease.
Use Astragalus
Astragalus is also known by other names such as Milk Vetch, Loco Weed, Goat’s Horn and Green Dragon. It is also called Huang Qi in China. Astragalus is known botanically as Astragalus Membranaceus. This immunostimulant herb has the ability to boost the ability of the body to ward off diseases by ensuring the correct functioning of the immune system.
Astragalus is so useful for serious diseases like cancer that it is a well known herb for enhancing the immune system functioning. You can use Astragalus root extract to increase the optimal functioning of your immune system and ward off fatigue. Due to this reason, it is a good herbal remedy for myasthenia gravis.
Photo Credit: http://www.chop.edu/healthinfo/myasthenia-gravis-1.html
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