1) Bio-Assessment Scan - This provides an overview of what is happening with your body as a whole. It is non-invasive and generally takes about 90 minutes. When sitting up this appointment with a provider be sure to bring all medications and supplements you are taking. These scans are usually done by functional medicine providers, health coached, naturopaths, chiropractors or integrative health providers.
2) Anti-inflammatory - Let food be your medicine not your crutch. Reduce or eliminate inflammatory foods. Use supplements like fish oil and turmeric to help reduce inflammation. We have a list of anti-inflammatory foods on our resources page.
3) Gut health - Get your gut health tested and work to repair it. This may involve eliminating foods and/or adding medical foods or supplements like probiotics. Research has shown probiotics ( Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Streptococcus thermophilus) may be beneficial for autoimmune dis-ease such as myasthenia gravis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23284891/
4) Incorporate quality supplements based on deficiency and need. We recommend getting supplements from functional medicine providers or health food/ vitamin stores not at a department or big box store. This is especially true for CBD oil. Do not purchase CBD from a gas station. Always check for a certificate of analysis to help ensure the quality of the CBD you are taking.
5) Find tools to manage stress and symptom triggers. Give yourself permission to REST when needed. Practice self-care daily. Remember it is okay to say, "no" in a loving manner. Nothing will change in your health until you change your mindset on how you want your life to look and stay committed that outcome.
Here is a list of other things for you to consider for your wellness journey. We are happy to help find you someone in your area to help you once you have checked with your healthcare provider.
Lab Testing to monitor your overall wellness:
Here’s a breakdown of why each of these tests is important for people with an autoimmune condition, especially those with myasthenia gravis:
Adrenal screening
- Why it's important in autoimmune diseases like myasthenia gravis (MG) for several reasons:
1. Adrenal Insufficiency Risk: Patients with autoimmune diseases may be at risk for adrenal insufficiency, especially if they are on long-term corticosteroid therapy. Screening can help identify this condition early.
2. Impact on Treatment: Knowing adrenal function can influence treatment decisions. If adrenal insufficiency is present, corticosteroid doses may need to be adjusted to avoid exacerbating the condition.
3. Symptoms Overlap: Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency (e.g., fatigue, weakness) can overlap with those of MG, making it essential to differentiate between the two for effective management.
4. Stress Response: Autoimmune diseases can increase physiological stress, which may strain adrenal function. Screening can help assess how well the body is managing stress.
5. Comorbid Conditions: Autoimmune diseases can coexist with other conditions affecting adrenal function, such as autoimmune adrenalitis. Screening can help identify and manage these comorbidities.
Overall, adrenal screening helps ensure comprehensive care and optimal management of patients with myasthenia gravis and related autoimmune conditions.
1. Comprehensive Allergy Testing (Chemicals & Environmental)
- Why It’s Important: This test checks for allergies to various substances like chemicals or pollen. For people with autoimmune conditions like myasthenia gravis, allergies can trigger symptoms or make the condition worse. Chemicals commonly found in insecticides can disrupt neurotransmitter function and cause neurological symptoms. Formaldehyde in household products has been linked to neurological effects. Lead exposure can impact cognitive function in adults. Heavy metals can cause neurotoxicity. For our founder Dawn Warner she found things like household bleach triggered neurological symptoms. Knowing what you're allergic to can help avoid these triggers and better manage your health.
2. CBC (Complete Blood Count)
- Why It’s Important: A CBC measures the levels of different cells in your blood, like red and white blood cells. This helps doctors see if there's an infection or if your immune system is overactive, which is common in autoimmune conditions.
3. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Why It’s Important: The CMP checks how well your organs, like your liver and kidneys, are working. Since myasthenia gravis can sometimes affect your overall health, this test ensures that your body’s systems are functioning properly.
4. C-reactive Protein with High Sensitivity (CRP-hs)
- Why It’s Important: CRP-hs measures inflammation in your body. High levels can mean your immune system is overly active, which is a common problem in autoimmune conditions like myasthenia gravis.
5. Homocysteine
- Why It’s Important: High levels of homocysteine in the blood can damage your blood vessels and increase the risk of heart problems. For those with autoimmune conditions, managing this is crucial because the immune system can already cause inflammation and damage.
6. HgA1C (Hemoglobin A1C)
- Why It’s Important: This test shows your average blood sugar levels over the past few months. It's important because high blood sugar can worsen inflammation and make autoimmune conditions like myasthenia gravis harder to manage. Certain medications like steroids are know to cause increase blood sugars and therefore it's important to closely monitor your HgA1C levels while taking steroids,
7. Insulin
- Why It’s Important: Measuring insulin levels helps in understanding how well your body is managing sugar. Abnormal levels could indicate insulin resistance, which can lead to further complications if you have an autoimmune condition.
8. Iodine Loading
- Why It’s Important: This test checks how well your body absorbs iodine, which is crucial for thyroid health. Since thyroid issues are common in autoimmune conditions, making sure you have enough iodine is important.
9. Iron Panel with Ferritin
- Why It’s Important: This test checks your iron levels, which are important for carrying oxygen in your blood. Low iron can cause fatigue, which is already a big issue for people with myasthenia gravis.
10. Nutritional Analysis with Lymphocyte Proliferation
- Why It’s Important: This test checks if your immune cells (lymphocytes) are reacting to certain nutrients. For those with autoimmune conditions, ensuring that the immune system is not overreacting to foods is important for managing symptoms.
11. Nutrient Panel
- Why It’s Important: This test checks levels of vitamins and minerals in your body. Having the right balance is key to keeping your immune system in check and managing autoimmune conditions.
12. Prealbumin Blood Test
- Why It’s Important: Prealbumin levels help measure nutritional status. Good nutrition is essential for managing autoimmune conditions because it helps keep your body strong and less prone to flare-ups.
13. 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D
- Why It’s Important: This test measures your vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is crucial for immune function, and low levels can worsen autoimmune conditions like myasthenia gravis.
These tests together help provide a comprehensive understanding of how your body is functioning, allowing doctors to better manage and treat autoimmune conditions like myasthenia gravis.
EATING HABITS
Eat as clean as possible. We are strong supporters of eating an anti-inflammatory lifestyles. To help you we are providing an easy list to help you when you go shopping.
Here’s a list of anti-inflammatory foods:
1. Fruits:
- Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
- Cherries
- Oranges
- Kiwi
- Pomegranate
- Pineapple (contains bromeliad an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties)
- Watermelon
2. Vegetables:
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard, arugula)
- Cruciferous - Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower
- Bell peppers (especially red and yellow which are high in vitamin C and antioxidants)
- Beets ( rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds)
- Sweet potatoes
- Cabbage
3. Healthy Fats:
- Olive oil
- Avocados
- Nuts (walnuts, almonds)
- Chia seeds
- Flaxseeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Pistachios
4. Whole Grains:
- Oats
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Bugur
- Buckwheat
- Farro
5. Fatty Fish:
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Sardines
- Tuna
6. Legumes:
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Green beans
- Black beans
- Kidney beans
7. Herbs and Spices:
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Garlic ( contains sulfur compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects)
- Onion (rich in quercetin, which can reduce inflammation)
- Rosemary
- Cinnamon
- Basil, oregano, thyme
- Cumin
8. Green Tea:
- Rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
9. Dark Chocolate:
- Contains flavonoids that may help lower inflammation (in moderation).
10. Fermented Foods:
- Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut, which promote gut health.
11. Mushrooms:
- Shiitake and maitake have anti-inflammatory properties
Incorporating these foods into a balanced diet can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
Use the EWG 2024 shopper's guide. The guide is based on test results by the Department of Agriculture and FDA of around 45,000 samples of produce. This guide is useful to help reduce exposure to toxic pesticides. The clean fifteen had the least amount of residual pesticides why the dirty dozen had the most and therefore should be purchased organic whenever possible. All fruits and vegetables. should be washed throughly prior to consuming.
Clean Fifteen:
Avocados
Sweet Corn
Pineapple
Onions
Papaya
Sweet Peas (frozen)
Asparagus
Honeydew Melon
Kiwi
Cabbage
Mushrooms
Carrots
Mangoes
Watermelon
Sweet Potatoes
Dirty Dozen
Strawberries
Spinach
Kale, Collard & Mustard Greens
Nectarines
Apples
Grapes
Bell & Hot Peppers
Cherries
Peaches
Pears
Blueberries
green Beans
Maintaining a healthy diet is important for managing Myasthenia Gravis (MG) and supporting overall well-being. Here are some general healthy eating tips tailored for people with MG:
1. Eat frequent, small meals: Instead of large meals, consider eating smaller meals throughout the day to help manage fatigue and prevent muscle weakness associated with MG.
2. Include protein in each meal: Protein is essential for muscle health and strength. Include sources of lean protein such as poultry, fish, tofu, legumes, and nuts in your meals.
3. Choose nutrient-dense foods: Focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals without excess calories. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats in your diet.
4. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen muscle weakness and fatigue. Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day and consider incorporating hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables into your meals.
5. Consider your chewing and swallowing abilities: Some people with MG may experience difficulty chewing and swallowing. If this is the case for you, choose softer foods, pureed or blended options, or foods that are easier to chew.
6. Limit processed foods and added sugars: Processed foods and foods high in added sugars can contribute to inflammation and may worsen MG symptoms. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible.
7. Consult with a dietitian: A registered dietitian can help you create a personalized meal plan that meets your nutritional needs while considering your specific MG symptoms and challenges. Check into www.faynutrition.com for assistance from a registered dietitian nutritionist covered by insurance.
8. Monitor medication interactions: Some medications used to treat MG may have dietary restrictions or interactions with certain foods. Be sure to discuss any dietary concerns with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
9. Listen to your body: Pay attention to how different foods make you feel and adjust your diet accordingly. Keep a food diary to track your symptoms and identify any triggers.
10. Stay consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet with MG. Establishing a routine and making small, sustainable changes over time can help support your overall health and well-being.
Remember that every individual with MG is unique, so it's important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a dietary plan that suits your specific needs and helps you manage your condition effectively.
Must have kitchen items:
