Oxidative Stress in MND / ALS
The 1% blog explores themes of hope, wellness and discovery in the context of MND / ALS. This article is for informational purposes only and does not construe medical advice. The author is not a healthcare professional. Please consult a healthcare professional about your own healthcare needs.
The way MND progresses can be different for different people. I was talking with someone the other day whose first symptoms were fasciculations in the legs and a change in gait, whereas in my case, I first noticed slurred speech and fasciculations in my left arm. Our cases have developed uniquely and we each face completely different challenges. That’s what’s happening on the surface, but what about behind the scenes?
According to a review by Brotman et al , a single cause of ALS is unknown but possible mechanisms include, among other things, oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress intertwines with other issues like excitotoxicity, mitochondrial and proteasomal dysfunctions, altered synaptic function, disturbed axonal transport, and neuroinflammation, causing a vicious cycle of stress and aggregation. Over time, the problems compound to interrupt proper cellular functioning, eventually manifesting as motor neurone disease.
But what is oxidative stress?
Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance in the body between free radicals and antioxidants. Free radicals are a byproduct of ATP (energy) production by the mitochondria. A free radical is an unstable molecule that ‘steals’ an electron from another cell in order to stabilise itself. This hit-and-run activity damages healthy cells, DNA, and proteins, and can generate oxidative stress .
The body has its own in-built mechanisms for dealing with free radicals, including superoxide dismutase (SOD1), an antioxidant enzyme which neutralises reactive oxygen species (ROS) - a type of free radical. According to the ALS Association, SOD1 mutations are a hallmark of ‘familial’ or inherited cases of MND / ALS.
For me, this begged the question; if oxidative stress is a problem, and / or if my endogenous (in-built) antioxidant defences are compromised, what natural things can I do to shore-up my defences and fend-off oxidative stress?
According to Healthline, some of the best antioxidant foods include:
Dark chocolate
Pecans
Blueberries
Strawberries
Artichokes
Goji berries
Raspberries
Kale
Red cabbage
Beans
Beets
Spinach
Spices
Okra
Colourful, natural foods are also known to boost immunity, improve brain function, feed beneficial gut bacteria, balance mood and reduce inflammation.
Exercise - 2024 research by Meng and Su found that, ‘moderate exercise enhances antioxidant defenses through hormesis, while excessive exercise may exacerbate oxidative stress. The review also highlights that while natural dietary antioxidants are beneficial, high-dose supplements could impede the positive adaptations to exercise.’
Supplements - research by Henkel et al points to ‘the antioxidant paradox’ - the suggestion that “overuse of antioxidants (supplements) such as vitamin C, vitamin E, N-acetyl cysteine may lead to reductive stress, which is reported to be as dangerous to cells as oxidative stress”.
Grounding - or earthing, has been shown to combat oxidative stress by neutralizing excess free radicals in the body. Direct contact with the Earth's surface allows the transfer of electrons, which act as natural antioxidants, reducing inflammation and mitigating oxidative damage to cells. Research by Chevalier et al. suggests that grounding can support overall health, enhance recovery, and contribute to a balanced immune response.
For me, as someone looking to support my body against the onslaught of MND, it makes sense to combine these approaches as part of my wellness routine.
I stand with you.