There is no cure for myasthenia gravis (MG); the treatment is directed towards controlling the symptoms. So, patients can live a normal or near-normal life. There are medical treatment and surgical treatment available for myasthenia gravis. So, along with the medical and surgical treatment the following home remedies can be done to relieve the symptoms.
The main symptoms of myasthenia gravis are fluctuating muscle weakness that is mainly seen in the ocular, oropharyngeal, neck, axilla and limb muscles and fatigability. The symptoms are more towards the latter part of the day or after the repetitive movement of the muscles. Patient’s find it difficult to sustain a movement for a long period of time.
Home Remedies For Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis patients might experience drug side effects (nausea and vomiting), excess weight, fragile bones or osteoporosis, low potassium and fluid accumulation in the body. Some of these symptoms can be resolved by your diet:
- Have plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, plant proteins, and fish. Make sure fruits and vegetables are organic.
- Have food with high potassium such as bananas, papaya, oranges, tomatoes, watermelon, apricots, and broccoli. Most fruits and vegetables are high in potassium.
- Ginger and turmeric are believed to be helpful for myasthenia gravis patients.
- Avoid milk and dairy products make other substitutes to increase calcium intake. Take calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements after your doctor’s recommendation.
- Reduce protein intake to 10% of total calorie intake and avoid animal proteins as much as possible.
Avoid saturated fat containing food such as animal meat and dairy products. Trans fat which is usually found in baked goods and fast food should be cut down completely.
Avoid added salt to food. Reduce salt intake as much as possible.
Schedule Your Meals. Chewing and swallowing are exercises that can strain your pharyngeal and laryngeal muscle and this can lead to swallowing difficulties and choking which can be fatal. Since symptoms are less in the morning you can have a big meal comparatively for breakfast. Have small meals frequently throughout the day and have breaks between bites. Avoid dry food that needs to be chewed for a long time.
Wear An Eye Patch. If you have double vision wear an eye patch to reduce it. You can wear them when you are reading, watching television, writing or doing work. Switch the eye patch alternatively between eyes to reduce the eyestrain.
Regular Low-Impact Exercises. According to studies done on myasthenia gravis patients’ low impact moderate exercises are shown to be beneficial, it reduces fatigue and stress; and increases the muscle strength, cardiorespiratory health, nutritional status, sleep, and concentration. You can do walking, slow jogging, swimming, and recreational sports. Muscle strengthening exercises should be started from a range of motion then gradually increased to full resistance. Get advice from your physician and physical therapist regarding what exercises you should engage in.
Make Your Home Safer. Make sure your home is safe for you to avoid injuries. Make sure there are railing or grab bars near stairs and bathrooms, keep the floors clean, have a clear walking area in the house, and have sidewalks and driveways clear of any slippery surfaces.
Plan Your Day. Plan your day on the previous day so that you can do work that requires more energy in the mornings and has rest in the evening. (1)
Conclusion
Myasthenia gravis does not have any cure; treatment is directed towards reducing or resolving the symptoms as much as possible. Along with medical and surgical treatment, you can do some home remedies and lifestyle changes that can reduce the symptoms and makes your life easier. Dietary changes such as have plenty of organic vegetables, fruits, whole-grain, and plant protein. Avoid dairy products, animal protein, saturated and trans fats, and added salt in food. Schedule your meals and have small frequent meals. Wear an eye patch to reduce double vision. Do regular moderate low-impact exercises. Take the necessary precautions to make your home safe. Plan your day to get the maximum benefit out of it.
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