Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. In ALS, both the upper and lower motor neurons degenerate or die, ceasing to send messages to muscles.
(Upper motor neurons = it is the group of nerve cells present in our brain and spinal cord that send instructions in the form of electrical impulses to muscles of our upper arms and shoulder to work properly. Lower motor neurons = it is another group of nerve cells present in our brain and spinal cord that send instructions in the form of electrical impulses to the muscles of our lower leg to move properly).
Due to ceasing of function of both upper and lower motor neurons, muscles gradually weaken, waste away and twitch. Eventually, the ability of brain to start and control voluntary movement is lost. Individuals with ALS lose their strength and ability to move their arms, legs and body. When muscles in the diaphragm and chest wall fail, individuals lose ability to breathe without ventilatory support. The disease does not affect a person's ability to see, smell, taste, hear or recognize touch and it does not usually impair a person's thinking or other cognitive abilities. Several recent studies suggest that a small percentage of patients experience problems with memory or decision-making, and there is growing evidence that some may even develop a form of dementia.
The cause of ALS is not known, and scientists do not yet know why ALS strikes some people and not others.
Pathophysiological etiology of ALS and the Role of Noni
To identify the underlying cause of ALS, a number of scientific studies examined various theories. A growing body of evidence suggests that multiple complicated factors work together to cause and advance ALS. Studies also showed that many of these factors are linked to underlying nutritional deficiencies that can be addressed through diet and nutrient supplementation. Divine Noni is a natural food supplement that contains all the major nutrients and many more micronutrients which are very much essential for every person for normal metabolic and biophysiological activity of the body. Since many of the etiological factors of ALS are linked with underlying nutritional deficiencies, Divine Noni helps a lot in improving conditions of ALS patient.
It is suggested that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disorder resulting in motor neuron death, is associated with oxidative damage induced by free radicals. Divine Noni is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes oxidative damage of free radicals in Motor neuron. Divine Noni contains all antioxidant vitamins, all trace minerals, and lots of phytochemicals. All these ingredients by their synergistic action make Divine Noni a powerful and effective antioxidant.
Oxidative Damage
Free radical nerve damage in ALS is caused by :
1. Deficiency of body's antioxidant enzyme. The deficiency or weak antioxidant enzyme system of our body is one of the major causes of oxidative damage responsible for ALS. Our body has evolved with endogenous defense mechanisms to protect against free radical induced cell damage. Glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutases are three primary antioxidant enzymes in our body, which involved in direct elimination of free radicals or reactive oxygen species from our body. They require micronutrients like selenium, iron, copper, zinc and manganese as cofactors for their formation and optimum catalytic and effective antioxidant activity. Divine Noni strengthens antioxidant enzyme system of our body and protects our body from damaging effect of free radicals. Divine Noni contains all the trace minerals like zinc, selenium and manganese that help optimum catalytic activity of those three important antioxidant enzymes for an effective antioxidant defense mechanism. Hence in ALS, negative effects of free radicals on neurons can be rectified by using Divine Noni as it strengthens our own body's antioxidant enzyme system most effectively and it also neutralizes the bad effect of free radicals by its high antioxidant property.
2. Glutamate excitotoxicity : Glutamate is important to proper brain function because of its role in communication between neurons. Under normal conditions, its concentrations are tightly regulated during its release into the extracellular space and its reuptake into cells. In many events, excess amounts of glutamate are released into the space between cells. This excess glutamate excites the nerve cells beyond their capacity and results in nerve cell death. In ALS, there is evidence that the glutamate reuptake system may not work correctly resulting in an accumulation of glutamate in the space between cells. The excess glutamate allows more calcium to enter the cell. The interiors of motor-neuron cells are highly sensitive to excess calcium, which increases cell activity beyond normal levels (excitotoxicity) and contributes to cellular injury through production of free radicals. Divine Noni helps in this regard by modulating the glutamate reuptake system into the cells and thus prevents the motor neuron cells from destroying. Xeronine, the alkaloid of Noni helps to modulate any protein molecules of its improper configuration to normal molecular configuration to carry its normal activity. Glutamate is also made up of protein hence it modulates glutamate molecular property and thus enhances the intra cellular reuptake of glutamate in ALS.
3. Mitochondrial abnormalities : The mitochondria are powerhouses or energy factories of cells. They are responsible for many aspects of proper cellular functions, including production of ATP, scavenging of radical oxygen species and maintenance of intracellular calcium concentrations. In ALS patients, changes in mitochondria are identified. Mitochondrial abnormalities can directly lead to free radical production or increased calcium levels between cells. Additionally because proper mitochondrial function is so essential, other processes, as yet unidentified, could be altered when mitochondrial health is impaired. Supplements that support healthy mitochondrial function stabilize mitochondrial health. Divine Noni helps a lot for healthy mitochondrial function. Xeronine, the alkaloid, Divine Noni contains interact with the protein and makes it fold into its proper conformation. The result is a properly functioning protein. Whenever a problem arises in the cell due to a protein structures, either in mitochondria or golgi apparatus, xeronine's presence would be beneficial. The mitochondrial abnormalities found in ALS can be modulated by Divine Noni by its xeronine system.
Therefore a long term use of Divine Noni in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is very effective both for curative and preventive purposes.
Recommended Dosage
Divine Noni Concentrate
5ml morning and 5ml evening for 3 days. Then
10ml morning and 10ml evening for next 3 days. Then
15ml morning and 15ml evening for next 15 days. Then
20ml morning and 20ml evening for next 8 months.
