Number of health issues are arising day by day due to different risk factors- lifestyle choices and diet are essential to maintain the overall functioning of the body. Friedreich ataxia is a neurological condition that was first identified in 1863 by Nicholaus Friedreich, professor of medicine in heidelberg. It is an autosomal hereditary condition featured by continuation of neurological disability involving the central and peripheral nervous system, heart disease and raised risk of diabetes. Skeletal damages are common in this condition. Friedreich ataxia is one of the most common inherited ataxia as per recent scientific studies. In this article we will discuss Friederich ataxia, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and ayurvedic treatment which is offered by Planet Ayurveda.
Introduction Of Friedreich Ataxia
Friedreich ataxia is a genetic condition that causes nervous systems and develops movement problems. Other characteristics of this disease include the loss of strength and sensation in the legs and arms, muscle rigidity and impaired hearing, speech and visions. Oftentime heart related disease and diabetes are developed which can be life threatening. Most of the people with age group 5 to 20 are experiencing signs and symptoms of Friedreich ataxia. Moreover, this condition is caused by producing mutations in the FXN gene on chromosome 9, which develop a protein called frataxin. Degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord causes ataxia, which infect the sensory neurons which further causes muscle contraction of the legs and arms through link with cerebellum. The spinal cord becomes weaker and nerve tissues decline myelin sheath.
Symptoms of Friedreich Ataxia
Troubles in walking is the most general sign of the condition. Some other symptoms of this condition are listed below:
- Speech complications
- Changes in vision
- Weak muscle contraction
- Lack or poor coordination
- Insufficiencies of reflexes in legs
- Depletion of hearing
- Foot abnormalities, like clubfoot
- Reflexive eye movements
- Problems sensing vibrations in feet and legs
- Pain in chest
- Breathing problems
What causes friedreich ataxia?
The foremost gene which is liable for FRDA is FXN. People who are affected with FRDA, both copies of FXN gene are damaged. Due to their damages they are incapable of producing enough amounts of fraxatin. These insufficient concentrations of frataxin result in degeneration of nerve cells. All genes consists a series of coding that is build up of four units which are:
These above-mentioned units are called nucleotides. The FXN gene is the region where three nucleotides GAA begin repeating many times. It repeated from 5 to 33 times. The length of repetition of nucleotides is connected with age group, as per the pace of continuation of Friederich ataxia signs, and the degree of its austerity. It is obtained in an autosomal recessive manner in which fragments of FXN are taken from parents. If an affected person has a copy from a single parent, there are no signs. But in case both parents are carriers, then the chances of FRDA rises in the child is upto 25%
How is Friedreich’s ataxia diagnosed?
- Blood tests
- Heart test
- Imaging tests such as CT scan and MRI scan
- Genetic tests
- Physical exam
- Echocardiograms and electrocardiograms to determine heart disease
Ayurvedic aspects of Friedreich ataxia
Ayurveda is an old and traditional medical science which provides effective herbal treatment to heal. According to Ayurveda, the cause of neurodegenerative condition is imbalance of vata dosha. Friedreich Ataxia is developed due to beeja dosha. Frataxin is interconnected with pranavata which maintains the action of udana and vyana vata is induced and impaired gati. Due to lowered prajayatna (action potential) there is less ATP creation. It further results in reduced cellular metabolism (Known as bala as per ayurveda) and apadravya is developed at the cellular levels. This ama produces the blockage and iron modification and proceeds with oxygen to produce amavisha (free radicals) and deteriorate cellular processes. As per ayurvedic perspectives, friedreich ataxia is caused due to disproportion in vata, udana, prana and vyana types of vata dosha.
Ayurvedic treatments for friedreich ataxia by Planet Ayurveda
Planet ayurveda is a leading ayurvedic organization which provides herbal remedies to control the symptoms of friedreich ataxia. All herbal products by them are prepared from the pure extracts of exotic herbs and natural ingredients. However, these herbal supplements are safe for use because they are free from any chemicals, preservatives, colors and starch etc.
Product’s Description and Dosage
1. Brahmi Capsules
These capsules are 100% natural and vegetarian which contain Bacopa monnieri extract. Brahmi capsules are formulated by Planet ayurveda which is used in treatment of brain related disorders, such as neurodegenerative problems. Brahmi is an exotic Indian herb which contains antioxidants, memory- enhancing and anti-stress properties to relieve mental fatigue and nervous exhaustion. It is also used to increase stamina and concentration. Brahmi capsules are a complete herbal remedy for the mind.
Dosage: 2 capsules two times a day, with normal water, after meals.
2. Gotukola Capsules
Planet Ayurveda made these herbal capsules by using extract of centella asiatica which contains natural sterols, tannins, alkaloids, triterpenes and glycosides. Gotu kola capsules are useful in low memory, anxiety, depression, stress and exhaustion. It is also used for several skin diseases and varicose veins. Gotu kola contains various nutrients including magnesium and vitamins A,B,E and K which feed the nervous system and the body’s vitality.
Dosage: Take 1-2 capsules once or twice regularly.
3. Ashwagandha Capsules
Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) is regarded as one of the most important herbs in the Ayurvedic healthcare system. Consumption of these herbal capsules are very effective to control nervous system disorders. Regular use of ashwagandha capsules promote muscle strength and relieve fatigue and muscle spasm. Ashwagandha is a natural herb that helps to maintain the vata dosha and body movements. Friederich ataxia is a genetic condition which can be cured by ashwagandha capsules.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily, with normal water, after meals.
4. Boswellia Curcumin
Planet Ayurveda offers these herbal capsules for the treatment of back pain, knee pain, elbow pain, wrist pain, stiffness, swelling and inflammation. Boswellia curcumin capsules are formulated by using curcumin (curcuma longa) and shallaki (Boswellia serrata). The herbs are helpful in decreasing inflammation and improving blood circulation to the joints and maintaining flexibility.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules 1 or 2 times a day.
5. Shilajit Capsules
Shilajit (Asphaltum punjabianum) is one of the best herbal remedies which is useful for the treatment of a number of health issues. Planet ayurveda shilajit capsules contain natural fulvic acid which is best anti – oxidant and alkalizer. Its powerful anti-aging properties help in rejuvenation of the body and maintain overall health.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules once or twice daily.
6. Yograj Guggul
It is a mixture of different herbs like chitrak (plumbago zeylanica), ajwain (carum copticum), kulanjan (Alpinia galanga), chavya (piper chaba), rasna (pluchea lanceolata), amla (emblica officinalisterminalia bellirica), gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) and many other. It is a classical combination which is used for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease, clearing unwanted toxins from the body and helps to pacify vata (air) dosha in the nerves, muscle and joints.
Dosage: 1-2 tablets two or three times daily.
In this article we discussed FRDA which is a rare genetic disease but if you do not treat this condition at the correct time, it can lead to some serious diseases like heart disease and diabetes. There are several treatments available for FRDA but ayurvedic remedies are more effective than allopathic as we discussed above. products which are offered by planet ayurveda are safe for use because there is no availability of artificial compounds. Moreover, for a healthy life, make sure we are adopting healthy lifestyle activities and nutritious diet to stay healthy and fit to enjoy more future aspects of life.