Spinal muscular dystrophy (SMA) is a type of muscle wasting disease that affects the muscles used for movement. It is a genetic disorder that can cause severe disability and even death in some cases. It is most common in children, but can affect people of any age.
Symptoms of SMA include muscle weakness, difficulty walking, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, joint contractures, and scoliosis. In some cases, people with SMA may also experience seizures, vision problems, and hearing loss.
Dietary and lifestyle factors can play a role in the development and progression of SMA. For example, a diet high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates can increase inflammation in the body, which can lead to muscle wasting. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to decreased muscle strength and mobility.
Making dietary and lifestyle changes can help improve the symptoms of SMA. Eating a balanced diet that is low in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates can help reduce inflammation and improve muscle strength. In addition, increasing physical activity can improve muscle strength and mobility.
SMA affects about 1 in every 6,000 people worldwide. However, the exact prevalence is not known as SMA is often underdiagnosed. It is estimated that about 1 in 10,000 babies are born with SMA. In addition, SMA is more common in certain populations, such as those of European descent.
Fasting has been found to reduce inflammation, improve energy metabolism, and protect against oxidative stress in animal models of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Fasting also increases autophagy, which is a process of breaking down and recycling damaged proteins and other cellular components. Autophagy is thought to be beneficial in SMA, as it can help to reduce the accumulation of damaged proteins and other cellular components, which can lead to the progression of the disease. Additionally, fasting has been shown to reduce the expression of SMN2, a gene that is associated with SMA, and to reduce the levels of SMN1, a gene that is necessary for the production of SMN protein, which is essential for the survival of motor neurons. Finally, fasting has been found to improve the overall health of motor neurons, which may help to reduce the symptoms of SMA.