CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE
Written by Slawomir (“Swavak”) Gromadzki, MPH
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, also known as Peroneal Muscular Atrophy or Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy, is an inherited disorder that causes nerve damage leading also to smaller, weaker muscles. It is characterized by the death of muscle tissue and loss of touch sensation.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms usually begin in your feet and legs, but they may eventually affect hands and arms as well as the loss of sensation in legs and feet, muscle contractions, and difficulty walking. Symptoms may also include weakness in legs and feet, loss of muscle mass in legs and feet, and frequent tripping or falling. The nerve damage takes place mostly in legs and feet (peripheral nerves) but over time may also involve arms and hands.
CAUSES
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is an inherited, genetic condition. It occurs when there are mutations in the genes that affect the nerves in feet, legs, hands and arms.
These mutations may damage the nerves or, like in Multiple Sclerosis, they may damage the protective coating that surrounds the nerve (myelin sheath). Both damages interfere with the nerve signals that travel between extremities and brain. As a result, some of the muscles in the feet may not receive the brain’s signal to contract, increasing the risk of tripping and falling. In addition, the brain may not receive pain signals from the feet.
Complications may include difficulty swallowing, breathing, or speaking if the muscles that control these functions are affected.
RISK FACTORS
Symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease may get much worse if they are combined with other neuropathies such as multiple sclerosis or peripheral neuropathy (peripheral nerve damage especially in feet) caused by untreated chronic high blood sugar levels and type 2 diabetes or medications such as statins and other cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Other factors that significantly contribute to the progression of this condition and worsening of the symptoms include very common today deficiency of Vitamin B12, Magnesium, Vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants (including especially low levels of glutathione), chronic stress, poor dietary habits (especially overconsumption of sugar and other refined foods, meat, dairy and processed foods), use of popular stimulants, lack of sleep and exercise.
TREATMENT
Although at present the disease is regarded as incurable yet there are many remedies that can be very effective in helping to regenerate damaged nerves, stimulating blood circulation and improving the nerve and muscle function. In this way, the symptoms can be significantly reduced. Although multiple sclerosis and peripheral neuropathy have different causes yet since the damage is similar it is logical to use similar remedies (listed below) that are recommended in these two conditions
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS, HERBS & SUPERFOODS
– Vitamin C (pure Ascorbic acid powder preferably): 2gr (2000mg) 3 times daily after meals. Vitamin C helps in the improvement of nerve damage. The human body needs to form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle, and collagen in bones for the effective healing process. The results of one study concluded that ascorbic acid treatment reduced the worsening of the Charcot Marie Tooth. However, it is better to not take vitamin C supplements if you decide to take mentioned below Chlorella.
– Alpha Lipoic Acid (2-3 times 300-600 mg per day). Alpha-lipoic acid has proven its ability to prevent oxidative stress caused by radicals and other factors in nerve tissue. It helps to maintain high glutathione levels which are found to be depleted in individuals diagnosed with neurological conditions. Current research also reveals the protective effects of alpha-lipoic acid in neuropathy, excitotoxic amino acid brain injury, mitochondrial dysfunction, and other causes of damage to neural or brain tissue. It is one of the best remedies to treat peripheral neuropathies.
Alpha Lipoic Acid Prevents Oxidative Stress and Peripheral Neuropathy in Rats >
– Vitamin B12 (must be sublingual Methylcobalamin) – 2000mcg (2 tablets) under the tongue every day after breakfast. Vitamin B12 is very effective in preventing and treating neurological damage in the body caused, for instance, by statins, high blood sugar levels, toxins, and other factors.
Vitamin B12 is superior to the drug Nortriptyline in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy >
– Magnesium citrate powder (2 x 200mg in the morning and evening). Magnesium is extremely important in maintaining muscle and nerve function and preventing and treating muscle and nerve damage.
– Acetyl-l-carnitine (2 x 300-600 mg per day) is another excellent remedy:
Acetyl-l-carnitine shows promise in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy >
Acetyl-l-carnitine has significant therapeutic value in the treatment of neuropathic pain >
– Vitamin D3 (5,000 to 10,000 IU every day after breakfast): Since vitamin D deficiency causes muscle weakness, patients who correct their vitamin D deficiency significantly improve overall muscle function. Some patients with multiple sclerosis have no further symptoms when treated with vitamin D deficiency and when they maintain their 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels at more than 30 ng/ml. Taking vitamin D requires Magnesium supplementation as vitamin D requires magnesium for its conversion into an active form and it also gradually leads to magnesium deficiency.
The severity of peripheral neuropathy is associated with lower vitamin D levels >
– Organic Chlorella (1 heaped tablespoon 2 x a day 30 minutes before breakfast and before lunch) contains nucleic acids DNA and RNA believed to help reverse neurological damage. Since Chlorella is a powerful detoxifier and energy booster it is better to start with a smaller dose such as 1 teaspoon or 3 tablets 30 minutes before breakfast and the same amount 30 minutes before lunch with 2 glasses of water, vegetable juice or smoothie. Then gradually increase the intake every day (by approximately 1 tablet) until reaching the maximum dose of 2 heaped tablespoons or 10 – 20 tablets (500mg) 30 min before breakfast and the same amount 30 min before lunch.
– Vitamin K2 (MK-7) (200-400mcg with breakfast) to prevent nerve and muscle and nerve calcification. Also supplementing with vitamin D3 requires Vitamin K2 (and Magnesium).
– Good quality Multivitamin (must be high in B Complex, and contain zinc, selenium and other nutrients) such as Healthy Mega (HealthAid) 1 tablet after breakfast.
– Biotin improves diabetic peripheral neuropathy >
– Because Cayenne Pepper boosts peripheral circulation it is one of the best remedies against peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage caused by the use of statins, chronic high blood sugar levels, and deficiency of vitamin B12). Apart from using cayenne pepper internally (3 x a day half teaspoon or 10 drops of tincture), in order to quickly recover from peripheral neuropathy, also apply a cayenne pepper external poultice (compress) to the affected area (usually feet). For still better results take also alpha lipoic acid, chlorella and sublingual methylcobalamin, as these 3 are most effective in reversing neurological damage.
– Avoid supplemental calcium carbonate.
CAYENNE POULTICE ON FEET & WATER TREATMENTS
– Link to the video on cayenne pepper poultice (excellent remedy for nerve damage in feet) >
In addition to the above poultice every day in the morning and evening you must keep your feet in hot water for about 1 minute and icy water for about 30 seconds and do it alternatively about 5 times. This treatment will greatly improve blood circulation to the feet and significantly shorten the recovery time from nerve damage in feet. However, since the feet of people with nerve damage may be less sensitive to heat, in order to prevent burning first check temperature of hot water with your elbow or thermometer. Learn more about water treatments >
DIET & LIFESTYLE
Check blood glucose levels. If blood sugar is higher than normal address the problem according to the description included here >
Make sure every day you include in your diet fresh raw cold-pressed vegetable juices, raw vegetable salads.
In addition and for better results, you must avoid or at least significantly reduce intake of all animal foods (meat, dairy), sugar, refined foods, processed foods, stimulants (coffee, tea, other caffeinated products, chocolate, alcohol, smoking etc.).
Proper exercise 2-3 times daily and stress control are also very important.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapy can help strengthen and stretch your muscles to prevent muscle tightening and loss. It gives other health benefits including improved blood circulation, blood glucose levels, hormonal balance, and much more. Therapy should include low-impact exercises, outdoor exercising and walking, and stretching techniques guided by a physical therapist. Started early and practised regularly, proper physical therapy can help prevent disability and reduce symptoms. Regular exercise keeps muscles and nerves strong. Biking and swimming are also recommended. Strengthening muscles and bones reduces your risk of falls.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
Implement principles from HEALTH RECOVERY PLAN >
Any information or product suggested on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Consult your primary healthcare physician before using any supplements or making any changes to your regime.