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Important Books & Resources for ALS
And Other Neuro-Degenerative Disorders
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, otherwise known as ALS and commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease or Motor Neuron Disease (MND), is a serious neuromuscular illness affecting approximately 30,000 people in the United States. There are about 5,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Since 50 percent of all ALS patients die within 18 months after diagnosis and only 10 percent live longer than 10 years, ALS is considered to be an incurable fatal illness. However, there have been reports of several people outliving their diagnosis, halting the progression of the disease, and even reversing some of their symptoms.
This web page provides information on the suspected causes of ALS, the symptoms of ALS, genetic testing, diagnosing ALS, ALS organizations, and most importantly, the book Eric is Winning by Eric Edney, which details Eric's journey with ALS, and which describes the therapies that have helped him stop the progression of ALS and reverse several of his symptoms.
The books we feature below are useful for those of you who are beginning to experience any neurological symptoms, even if you don't yet have a formal diagnosis. For no matter what the diagnosis or cause, the sooner you start learning about and implementing therapies that promote neuroprotection and encourage nerve repair, the better. |
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Eric is Winning:
Beating a Terminal Illness with Nutrition, Avoiding Toxins, and Common Sense
by Eric Edney |
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If you or a loved one has ALS/MND, we highly recommend the book “Eric
is Winning” by Eric Edney.
Written by an ALS survivor, it offers a highly detailed account of how he "beat the system" through
nutrition, special supplements and detoxification.
According to Eric's personal physician, Eric has
managed to stop ALL progression of the disease,
as well as dramatically improve his residual function,
which as far as we know, has never been done by
an ALS patient before. |
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How did he do it?
He took
steps to avoid all toxins, reverse the toxic overload
in his body, and he added proper targeted supplements
to help regenerate his nervous system.
Eric was first diagnosed with ALS in 1993, although his first symptoms occurred in 1990. The progress of his disease was slow at first and then speeded up later.
Fortunately, Eric has lived long enough to gather a great deal of information about ALS and develop a program to beat it. He soon realized that he had more information about ALS than was available from any other single source.
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A Customer's Review of Eric's Book |
"I purchased the book "Eric is Winning" when I learned my father was diagnosed with ALS recently. I believe the information and life experience Eric details provides hope and direction for the otherwise bleak diagnoses decreed by the medical community.
I shared the book with my parents, my brother, my sister and, as a result, will be ordering 2 more copies. It seems this is a bit of a watershed moment in our lives and beyond, as more people learn about my father's condition and are wondering about the influence of toxins on the human condition. My best answer is to direct those interested to your website."
Thank you for providing valuable resources.
- K. Burton, St. Paul,
Minnesota |
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“BrainRecovery.com”, by David Perlmutter M.D. |
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BrainRecovery.com, written by Board Certified Neurologist David Perlmutter, M.D., is a “must read” for anyone facing Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, or Stroke.
It will give those people who are in the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases a tremendous sense of empowerment to know brain damage, to some extent, can be reversed and that neurological diseases are not pre-determined and unmodifiable. |
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“This excellent and thorough book by Dr. Perlmutter is a great read for any physician or patient, and provides a very practical guide to treating neurological conditions with natural and safe remedies that have abundant scientific support. The nutritional and oxidative therapies that he recommends are part of a growing wave of scientifically based, complementary treatments.
Any patient would benefit from his advice, and all physicians should learn of these treatments if they want to do the best for their patients. Dr. Perlmutter’s advice could improve the lives of millions of patients and their families, and save health care dollars at the same time”.
- Michael Janson, M.D.,
President, American College for Advancement in Medicine |
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"The Better Brain Book", by David Perlmutter M.D. |
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The Better Brain Book, also written by David Perlmutter, M.D., is similar to BrainRecovery.com only it is written in layman's terms, with less emphasis on scientific research.
Dr. Perlmutter addresses all the factors that can influence brain health and gives you detailed recommendations for dealing with them.
This book is excellent for helping you understand risk factors associated with specific brain disorders, for tailoring a diet and supplementary program just for you. |
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We recommend BrainRecovery.com to study and take to your neurologist, and The Better Brain Book as a simple guide to help you build a better brain through nutrition, supplements and lifestyle changes. |
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How ALS is Connected to Toxins and Free Radicals |
Epidemiological studies have confirmed that environmental toxins are one of the major contributing factors in the development of neurodegenerative disorders, including ALS. For example, studies have shown that ALS patients have higher concentrations of mercury, lead and aluminum in their body tissues.
Chemical toxins, such as excessive exposure to pesticides and other toxic agents have also been implicated. For example, the incidence of ALS among the personnel of Operation Desert Storm is twice that of the general population - suggesting that chemical toxins such as those found in chemical warfare may be a significant factor. As well, people with a history of exposure to agricultural chemicals, including fertilizers and pesticides used in gardening and lawn care, may be twice at risk for developing ALS.
Exposure to excessive amounts of metal or chemical toxins, whether through occupational hazards such as mining, manufacturing, welding, the military, etc., or through recreational pursuits such as excessive exposure to chemically treated lawns (golfing, soccer, etc.), painting, ceramics, and so on may put certain people at increased risk for developing a neuro-degenerative disorder, such as MS or ALS.
So why is it that only a small number of people exposed to these toxins go on to develop ALS? The answer, according to David Perlmutter, a board certified neurosurgeon, is this: |
| “What then is unique about this small number of people who ultimately develop ALS following this form of toxic exposure? Clearly, the answer lies in how their bodies respond to the toxic insult. That is to say that some individuals may be at increased risk for developing ALS following exposure to a toxin because of inadequacies of their detoxification system.” |
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| What he is saying is that some people, possibly due to a genetic abnormality, are unable to detoxify metals and chemicals adequately, resulting in a build-up of these substances in the body. This results in excessive free radical activity, which damages the delicate motor neurons. Indeed, according to Dr. Perlmutter: |
| “Virtually every team of scientists investigating ALS worldwide agree that the final common pathway mediating the destruction of brain neurons in ALS focuses on the central role of free radicals. Indeed, the free radical model coupled with defective neural energy production has become the dominant theme in all of the neuro-degenerative diseases.” |
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NOTE: Dr. Perlmutter recommends a rational protocol for brain and neurological disorders which involves reducing free radical damage, and enhancing mitochondrial energy within the cells. His protocol is based on the understanding of the fundamental biochemistry underlying these disorders. |
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Steps to Encourage Neuro-Protection and
Promote Nerve Repair
As you can see from the above, it is imperative that you identify your sources of toxins and eliminate them as much as possible. This means eliminating preservatives, food additives, artificial sweeteners, MSG and artificial flavorings. It also means reducing exposure to airborne chemicals, such as perfumes and tobacco smoke, household chemicals, and pesticides and insecticides.
Click here for more information on the sources of toxins and how to eliminate them >>>
It may also mean having your dental amalgams removed, since they contain mercury. Read the section on this web site on ALS and Dental Amalgamsand consult a biological dentist to see if removing your amalgams is right for you. |
| Step 1: Test Yourself for Toxic Metals |
| There are various ways to test yourself for heavy metals, the most accurate being a chelation challenge test. This test needs to be performed by a doctor specializing in chelation therapy. The benefit of this test is that it is the most accurate way to pinpoint your toxic load. The drawback is that it is invasive (you are given either DMPS or DMSA, and your urine is collected and analyzed over a 24 hour period), it is expensive, and there is a possibility of side effects. |
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Another way to test for toxic metals which is very safe and inexpensive is through a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis or through a Heavy Metal Screen Test.
Click here for more information on Toxic Metal Testing >>> |
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| Step 2: Take All Reasonable Measures to Reduce the Toxic Load on Your Body |
According to Dr. Thomas Nissen, an expert in Environmental Medicine, detoxifying the body of metals and chemicals is the first priority. Toxins play a major role in ALS and other neurological disorders, so neutralizing these toxins is highly important. Two very easy, inexpensive and effective ways to do this is with Evenbetternow™ Detoxifying Clay Baths and Bio-Chelat™ Heavy Metal Chelator.
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Evenbetternow™
Detoxifying Clay Baths |
Bio-Chelat™
Heavy Metal Chelator |
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Evenbetternow™ Detoxifying Bentonite Clay is the simplest, most effective and least expensive way to remove metals and chemicals from the body – and it’s as simple as taking a bath or footbath. Each 5 lb kit is good for 7 – 14 baths.
Bio-Chelat™ has been scientifically proven to remove the deeply stuck metals from the tissues and organs, including from the central nervous system and the brain. Use the clay baths to dump large quantities of toxic metals and chemicals safely and quickly, and the Bio-Chelat to remove the “deeply stuck” metals from the tissues and organs.
Click here for more information on Detoxification Therapy >>> |
Step 3: Improve Cellular Energy and Increase Stem Cell Production with Evenbetternow™ Glyconutrients
(formerly called Optimal Cell Support Glyconutrients) |
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Now Available in Capsule Form!!
Glyconutrients are a type of nutraceutical that combines essential saccarides from food substances. Glyconutrients are important for two reasons:
- They increase energy production from within the cells
- They increase the production of adult stem cells within the body.
Of all the supplemental therapies, glyconutrients have had the most positive feedback from people with ALS. |
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| Evenbetternow™ Glyconutrients contain essential saccharides in the right quantity. This product is less expensive than the leading glyconutrients manufacturer, Mannatech. |
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Click here for complete details on Evenbetternow™
Glyconutrients >>> |
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What People Are Saying About
Evenbetternow™Glyconutrients
"I find I am swallowing more easily since taking your product Evenbetternow™ (Optimal Cell Support) Glyconutrients. Also, I feel stronger. Thank you."
- Barbara S., Hot Springs, AR
"Before I started using the Evenbetternow™ (Optimal Cell Support) glyconutrients and the ImmunoPro whey protein powder, I would get a lot of muscle twitching. Sleeping at night would be a real challenge. When I started taking these two products, the twitching would either be not a all or very minimum. Also, I have found the service from this company to be very good. They (Evenbetternow) are very nice to deal with."
- Steve D., Marion, IA
"I was on vacation in the beginning of August this year. Well, before this vacation I had run out of glyconutrients. It was two weeks later that I finally had received the glyconutrients and other stuff including the R-plus R-Lipoic. In these two weeks without the glyconutrients and the R-plus R-Lipoic my condition went down. I could hardly go up stairs in my own house. I had trouble lifting my foot. After I took the glyconutrients again conditions went better again. Now I have no trouble with going upstairs in my house and my foot is reacting much better."
"I have another thing to let you know. I do, every 4 weeks, a test on chemicals with the Heavy Metal Screen Test. One and a half months ago I was seriously contaminated with mercury (phase 3: maximum toxication). Last Saturday I did this test again and now I was a whole less toxic (phase 1: minor toxication)."
"I tell you that my progression is not that fast anymore. Sometimes I think that my progression has stalled for a time. I only can feel this in a longer term. The time that I am feeling is still too short, but I think it is happening with me."
Two months later he wrote:
"I can tell you that I am already walking better and that I am regaining my strength."
- Gerard van Wijnen, Kaatsheuvel, Holland
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| Step 4: Improve Muscle Strength with Creatine |
Creatine is a naturally occurring substance in the body and in foods. It is made up of three amino acids – arginine, glycine and methionine. Creatine is used by the body’s muscle cells to create energy and maintain muscle mass.
A number of research studies have demonstrated the benefits of taking 5 to 10 grams of creatine daily for patients with neuromuscular diseases. According to Dr. Perlmutter, researchers at Harvard Medical School published a study in 1999 that showed that supplemental creatine protected mice with a genetic form of ALS from the loss of motor neurons, and improved movement. The authors concluded that “creatine administration may be a new therapeutic strategy for neuromusclular disorders”.
A study in the journal Nature found that creatine was more effective than Riluzole in extending the survival of mice with the genetic form of ALS. The scientists noted that Riluzole alone extended the survival rate by 13 days in mice, whereas with creatine administration, survival doubled to 26 days. The study proposed that creatine stabilized the enzymes in the mitochondria, thus slowing the cell death process.
These studies support the benefits of including creatine in a protocol for neurodegenerative conditions. Creatine is well tolerated, though patients with kidney or liver disease should check with their doctors before using. |
| Creatine Monohydrate |
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We carry a 100% Pure powdered creatine called Creatine Monoydrate. Creatine provides a "reservoir" of energy in the cells by helping the body convert ADP (adenosine diphosphate) back to ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
Suggested neurological use: 5 grams per day.
Caution: Do not take creatine if you have an existing kidney or liver disease. |
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| Step 5: Protect the Neurons From Free Radical Damage
with Glutathione and Other Antioxidants |
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Antioxidants protect the delicate motor neurons from the ravages of free radical damage. According to Dr. David Perlmutter: |
“Pertubations of free radical homeostasis are proposed to cause ALS. A corollary hypothesis is that antioxidants should slow the disease course.” |
| Two of the most important and powerful antioxidants that Dr. Perlmutter recommends are glutathione and coenzyme Q10. |
Glutathione
Again according to Dr. Perlmutter: |
| “Intriguing research published in 1999 by Japanese scientists has revealed a striking deficiency of this brain-protecting chemical (glutathione) in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients diagnosed with ALS…Not only may glutathione deficiency play a role in the genesis of ALS, but its repletion offers the potential for a powerful therapeutic intervention”. |
| New! Lipoceutical™ Glutathione |
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Glutathione is a supplement that is extremely difficult to absorb. Most oral supplements are worthless, because the digestive tract destroys the nutrient before it can be absorbed.
Supplements such as NAC can help your body make more glutathione, but the effect is mild. This is why intravenous therapy was once considered to be the only therapy that really works.
However, there is a brand new glutathione product on the market called Lipoceutical™ Glutathione. |
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According to Dr. Marcus Laux, it’s the first oral glutathione supplement that your body can truly absorb. It survives the trip through your intestines because the glutathione is contained in microscopic little pouches called liposomes. Thus, the glutathione enters your bloodstream intact. According to Dr. Laux, liposomes were recently tested in rigorous scientific studies, and were found to have an amazing 90% absorption rate. That’s comparable to intravenous glutathione therapy, for a fraction of the cost. Dr. Laux says:
“I’ve been using (liposomal glutathione) myself to treat a close relative. I can personally attest the effects are miraculous."
This is nothing like yesterdays ineffective glutathione supplement. Lipoceutical™ Glutathione is brand new and clinical trials are ongoing but not complete. |
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Other Important Antioxidants |
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells against free radical damage, and is also a natural compound that acts inside the mitochondria, the ‘powerhouse” of the cell, where it is involved in cell energy production.
Dr. Perlmutter states:
“CoQ10 dramatically extends survival in animal models of ALS. So there is no reason to wait for clinical research to prove coenzyme Q10’s effectiveness in humans. Time is clearly of the essence in ALS. Including CoQ10 in this protocol is mandatory”. |
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CoQmelt® CoQ10 |
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Co-Q10 is available from many manufacturers in a number of different forms.
Several manufactureres have worked on developing enhanced bioavailability forms of Coenzyme Q10, meaning that if more of the Coenzyme Q10 is absorbed by the body, then a lower dose of the supplement is needed.
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CoQmelt™ is formulated using patented Fast-Melt technology designed to allow the tablet to begin dissolving immediately upon contact with saliva. As the tablet melts the liquid is swallowed.
"When I use the CoQmelts, the feeling and use of my lips returns almost to normal. Also, my production of saliva in my mouth goes down, which is very good."
- Steve D., Marion, IA |
For more information on Antioxidant Therapy and Co-Q10 >>> |
According to Dr. Perlmutter:
"Alpha lipoic acid is clearly the most exciting antioxidant of the decade... unlike more familiar antioxidants, alpha-lipoic acid is not characterized as being water soluble or fat soluble. It is both...its fat solubility allows this powerful antioxidant to enter the brain. This makes lipoic acid an ideal candidate for neuro-degenerative conditions."
"As well, alpha lipoic acid has the unique ability to regenerate many of the other vital brain antioxidants including vitamin E, vitamin C, and glutathione."
There are two forms of alpha-lipoic acid, an S-form and an R-form. Researchers believe that R-Form may be "up to 12 times more effective" than regular alpha lipoic acid which contains a synthetic by-product. |
R-Plus™ R-Lipoic Acid
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We carry R-PLUS™ R-Lipoic Acid which contains both R-Lipoic acid (RLA) and R-Dihydrolipoic acid (R-DHLA),which is the reduced form of RLA.
They function together as a powerful antioxidant pair with the ability to quench free radicals in the lipid and water-soluble portions of the tissues and cells.
Evidence suggests that the "redox-couple" is more powerful together than either compound alone. |
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Questions? Call Toll Free 877-562-6039 or 520-877-2637. Or email your questions by clicking here. |
The Detoxification and Motor Neuron
Support Paks
We have combined our best detoxification and neuro-protective supplements into two convenient packs - the Detoxification Support Pak and the Motor Neuron Support Pak. When used together, these support packs will help to:
- Remove
toxic chemicals and metals from the body – studies
have shown that ALS/MND patients have higher concentrations
of mercury, aluminum and lead in their tissues. (Evenbetternow™ Detox Clay, Bio-Chelat™, Lipoceutical™ Glutathione)
- Improve muscle strength (Creatine Monohydrate, Glyconutrients)
- Improve mitochondrial function (CoQmelts™)
- Enhance
the production of stem cells in the body – stem cells
can move throughout the body, repairing diseased or damaged
tissues and organs and creating new ones. (Evenbetternow™ Glyconutrients)
- Protect the delicate motor neurons from free radical damage with antioxidants – scientists
agree that free radicals play a central role in the destruction
of brain and motor neurons. (Lipoceutical™Glutathione, R-Lipoic Acid)
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" Two weeks ago, I started using the Motor Neuron Support Pak. Today, the degeneration has slowed noticeably. I am now working on repairing and revising the damages already done to my body since the onset of symptoms three years ago. That is why I am ordering another support pack."
- Anozie O., York, PA |
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Detoxification
Support Pak |
Motor Neuron Support Pak |
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Save 10% Off List Price! |
Save 10% Off List Price! |
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To Purchase Products in the Support Packs Separately,
Click on the Individual Product Link Above. |
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All the products on this page can be ordered from our secure shopping cart by clicking here.
To place your order by phone, call toll free 1-877-562-6039. International customers: call 520-877-2637. |
More Info on Alternative Support Therapies |
Other Useful Information for ALS/MND Patients |
Useful Tests
The following tests may be extremely useful for people
to both tailor your therapeutic supplements program and to chart your progress.
Read
more >>>
Detoxification Therapy
There is considerable and growing evidence that environmental toxins play a major role in numerous neurological disorders.
Read
more >>>
pH Balance Therapy
Having a balanced body pH is crucial to any healing program. You may not have heard about the importance of balancing your body’s
pH, but the cause of disease, according many experts, is over acidification,
from diet, stress, toxins, etc.
Read
more >>>
Glyconutrients
Glyconutrients are a type of nutraceutical that help improve overall health. They are composed of small amounts of several essential saccharides. Some
people with ALS are swearing by the health benefits they have felt from taking
these supplements.
Read
more >>>
Antioxidant Therapy
Most of you have heard of antioxidants and know that they are good for you. Antioxidants
are substances that neutralize free radicals.
Read
more >>>
Herbal Therapy
The following herbs have beneficial properties to support neurological health.
Read more >>>
Vitamins and Minerals
The following vitamins and minerals can be useful for people with neurological symptoms.
Read
more >>>
Viral & Bacterial Support
Scientists have long surmised that there may be an infectious component to
neurological symptoms, and while this has not been proven, it would be prudent to take
natural and safe substances that effectively rid the body of viruses, bacteria
and mycoplasma.
Read
more >>>
Supportive Supplements
Here is an additional list of supplements that may also be helpful for people
with neurological challenges.
Read
more >>>
Cellular Extract Therapy
We now offer animal embryonic cell therapy for cellular renewal.
Read more >>> |
Causes of ALS
While the actual cause of ALS/MND remains unknown, there are presently several
theories being put forward.
Read
more >>>
Early Symptoms of ALS
The onset of ALS/MND is often very subtle – these are the initial symptoms
to watch for.
Read
more >>>
Genetic Testing for ALS
ALS/MND is hereditary in only 10 percent of families. The vast majority
of ALS cases are sporadic, meaning that although there is likely a genetic
predisposition involved, ALS is not directly inherited in a family.
Read
more >>>
Diagnosing ALS
ALS/MND is one of those diseases that is very difficult to diagnose. There
is no one test that will definitively tell you whether you have ALS.
Read
more >>>
ALS and Dental Amalgams
The use of mercury “silver” amalgams in dental fillings has been an accepted practice in the United States for more than one hundred years. Therefore, most people assume that their “silver” fillings
are safe and non-toxic. Not so.
Read
more >>>
Suggested Dietary Regimen for ALS
This part of the ALS/MND protocol requires following a very specific dietary
regime. This may be the most challenging aspect for many people with ALS.
Read
more >>>
Medications for ALS
There are various medications that are being prescribed for people with ALS/MND as their symptoms progress.
Read more >>>
Stem Cell Therapy
There is a huge and widespread interest in the ALS/MND community in stem cell
therapy, both in how it is helping people with ALS today and how it may
benefit people with ALS in the future.
Read
more >>>
ALS Links and Resources
The following organizations may provide much useful information for people
with ALS/MND.
Read more >>> |
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Questions? Call Toll Free 877-562-6039 or 520-877-2637. Or email your questions by clicking here.
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