Motor neurons are crucial for controlling voluntary movements like walking, speaking, swallowing, and breathing. When these neurons deteriorate, the body’s ability to perform these tasks diminishes. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in managing Motor Neuron Disease, as malnutrition and weight loss are major contributors to reduced quality of life and survival. A well-balanced diet can help maintain energy levels, muscle mass, and overall health.
What is Motor Neuron Disease?
Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a progressive neurological condition where motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord degenerate and die, leading to muscle weakness and loss of function. As MND advances, patients experience increasing difficulties with movement, speech, and swallowing, ultimately affecting their ability to perform basic tasks. MND can be managed with medication, therapy, and proper nutrition.
Role of Nutrition in MND
Nutritional management is essential in slowing the progression of MND. As muscles weaken and energy demands increase, maintaining caloric intake becomes challenging. Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is common, making it harder to consume enough food. This can lead to malnutrition, which exacerbates muscle loss, reduces immunity, and shortens life expectancy. A tailored diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, along with nutritional supplements, can help maintain a healthy weight and improve quality of life.
How Does MND Affect Nutrition?
MND affects the muscles used for chewing, swallowing, and digestion. Dysphagia, a common symptom, makes it difficult to eat solid foods, often resulting in weight loss and malnutrition. In severe cases, gastrostomy (tube feeding) may be necessary to ensure adequate nutrition. As involuntary muscle movements increase calorie expenditure, patients need higher caloric intake, but their weakened muscles make it harder to meet these needs.
Key Nutrients and Supplements for MND
A healthy diet with adequate amounts of carbohydrates, proteins and fats is absolutely essential. Below are some of nutritional supplements prescribed to patients with MND:
- Vitamin E: It is an antioxidant that also helps the body maintain its immunity and ability to fight illnesses and infections. Foods rich in Vitamin E include pumpkin, almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, nut butter, spinach, red bell peppers, mangoes, avocados, wheat germ oil, soybean oil, etc.
- B Vitamins (B6, B12, Folic Acid): These support proper nerve function; help in metabolism, and maintain healthy skin and brain cells. Foods rich in B Vitamins include meat, milk, eggs, cheese, whole grains, cereals, beetroots, avocados, potatoes, bananas, watermelons, kidney beans, chickpeas, etc.
- Zinc: It boosts metabolism and immunity. It is also known to improve sense of taste and smell, maintaining good vision, etc. Since the body doesn’t excess store zinc, the mineral must be obtained through foods and supplements. Foods with zinc include oysters, lobster, crab, chickpeas, lentils, cashews, mushrooms, spinach, hemp seeds, yogurt, etc.
- Melatonin: It is known to reverse oxidative damage to an extent and help the body sync with its natural circadian rhythm. Foods rich in melatonin include eggs, milk, goji berries, nuts, fish, cherries, etc.
- Catechins: They help in regulating blood pressure, optimizing body weight, and also help stall the degeneration of brain cells. Foods rich in catechins include apricots, strawberries, pears, black grapes, faba beans, etc.
- Vitamin D: It is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, and helps regulate the body’s calcium and phosphate levels. Foods rich in Vitamin D include salmon, egg yolk, cheese, oranges, tofu, cereals, etc.
- Genistein: It helps prevent cardio-vascular ailments by maintaining arterial elasticity. It also supports bone and brain health. Genistein is most commonly found in soybeans.
- Coenzyme Q10: A fat-soluble vitamin-like compound, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) helps generate energy in cells. With age, the natural secretion/production of CoQ10 decreases. But with the right foods and supplements, one can maintain the CoQ10 levels. The compound additionally helps in protecting cells from oxidative damage. Research has shown CoQ10 has slowed the progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Chicken, trout, herring, sardines, mackerel, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, oranges, peanuts, lentils, soybeans, sesame seeds, pistachios, canola oil, etc are rich in CoQ10.
- Creatine: It is essential for the maintenance of a steady supply of energy so that the muscular system can continually function. Foods rich in creatine include milk, seafood, and red meat.
- Alpha-lipoic: An antioxidant made by the body, Alpha-lipoic acid helps in the breakdown of glucose into energy. It is found typically in organ meats (like liver), red meat, and brewer’s yeast.
- L-Carnitine: It is a chemical that is essentially produced by the body (in the brain, liver and kidneys) that turns fat into energy. It is also important for the healthy functioning of the brain, heart, and muscles. Dairy, fish, meat, and poultry are the most common sources of L-Carnitine.
- Glutathione: It is important for the functioning of the immune system. It helps in building and repairing tissue, and also acts as an antioxidant to protect your cells from free radicals. Asparagus, ladies’ finger, spinach, avocado, etc are some foods that are rich in Glutathione.
- N-Acetyl cysteine: It is an antioxidant that helps in the production of glutathione, diminishes damage to kidney and liver, improves brain health and relieves respiratory distress. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is prescribed in several high-risk diseases too. It is found in high-protein foods like turkey, chicken, eggs, yogurt, cheese, legumes, and sunflower seeds. Although they’re found in these foods, medical professionals recommend NAC supplementation.
- Pro-cysteine: It is an antioxidant that helps in the restocking of glutathione reserves that may have been depleted due to alcohol consumption. It is typically prescribed medication.
As overwhelming as the above supplements may sound, the levels of most of these can be managed through food. However, in cases where food intake is severely impacted due to weakness in muscles (that directly impacts chewing and swallowing), supplementing with medication is preferred.
Dietary Strategies for MND
- Focus on energy-packed foods while adjusting textures to the patient’s tolerance
- Ensure hydration with water, juices, broths, and soups
- Include all food groups to provide balanced nutrition
- Consult a dietician for a tailored diet plan based on patient needs
- Position the patient comfortably with support (pillows, upright head) during meals
- Use ergonomic cups, spoons, and straws that the patient finds easy to handle
- Offer soft, moist foods (puddings, purées) and fortify them with extra nutrients like milk powder or eggs
- Serve thick drinks and fortify smoothies with protein supplements
- Use full-fat or high-protein milk for soups and porridges
- Provide small, frequent meals throughout the day
- Stay positive during mealtimes and try again if a meal fails
Plexus’ Rehabilitation for MND
At Plexus, rehabilitation for Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is designed to provide a comprehensive approach to improving the quality of life for individuals affected by this progressive condition. Our programs are personalized to address the unique needs of each patient, focusing on maintaining mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing overall well-being.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing MND, and at Plexus, personalized nutritional care is integrated into the rehabilitation process. As MND progresses, patients may experience difficulty swallowing and maintaining adequate nutrition, leading to weight loss and muscle weakness. To combat this, Plexus offers tailored dietary plans that focus on providing essential nutrients, maintaining energy levels, and preventing malnutrition.
Our team of expert nutritionists ensures that patients receive high-calorie, nutrient-dense meals that are easy to swallow and digest. Foods rich in proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals are prioritized to support muscle function and overall health. We also address hydration, offering strategies to ensure sufficient fluid intake to prevent dehydration, which is common in MND patients.
Additionally, we also emphasize the importance of timely nutritional interventions, offering advice on alternative feeding methods, such as using soft or pureed foods, thickened liquids, or enteral feeding if necessary. This holistic approach to nutrition helps patients manage symptoms, maintain body strength, and improve their overall quality of life, making it a key part of our comprehensive rehabilitation for MND.
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FAQs
What to eat with MND?
People with MND should focus on soft, easy-to-swallow foods that are rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Options include smoothies, soups, mashed vegetables, lean proteins, and soft fruits. Hydration is crucial, so incorporating thickened liquids or nutrient-rich fluids is important.
How do you slow down motor neurone disease?
While there’s no cure, treatments like Riluzole, physical therapy, and a balanced diet can help slow MND’s progression. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and participating in multidisciplinary rehabilitation can improve quality of life and delay the impact of symptoms.
How do you treat motor neurone disease?
Treatment focuses on symptom management, including medications like Riluzole, physical therapy, nutritional support, speech therapy, and respiratory care. Multidisciplinary approaches, like those at Plexus, help maintain independence and improve the overall well-being of MND patients.
What is the last stage of MND?
In the final stage of MND, patients often experience severe muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and loss of mobility. Palliative care focuses on managing symptoms like pain and ensuring comfort, with respiratory assistance frequently required.
Which food is best for brain nerves?
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, sardines), walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, support brain and nerve health. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, dark leafy greens, and turmeric also protect against nerve damage.
