Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, might sound like something far removed from most of our lives, but it’s a serious disease that affects about 30,000 of people in the U.S. alone. It’s also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, and it impacts the nerves in your brain and spinal cord that control muscle movements. Over time, this disease weakens those nerves, making it harder to move, speak, eat, or breathe.
If you’ve ever wondered, “How can I avoid ALS?” or “Is it preventable at all?”, you’re not alone. Sadly, experts haven’t found a surefire way to stop ALS from happening, but there’s a lot of ongoing research exploring links between lifestyle, genetics, and environmental factors. Knowing more can help you take some proactive steps to protect yourself as much as possible.
What We Know About ALS so Far
ALS is tricky because no one knows exactly what causes it for most people. About 10% of cases are inherited through family genes, but 90% happen randomly without a clear reason. That’s why researchers are still digging into factors that might increase the risk.
Odds of getting ALS
The disease is most often diagnosed between ages 55-75, and it tends to affect men slightly more often than women. While the chance of developing ALS is small (about 1 in 350 for men and 1 in 400 for women), those odds rise if you have a family history of the disease.
Environmental risks
Experts believe certain chemicals like pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents may damage motor neurons (the nerves affected by ALS). For instance, people who have high exposure to cyanobacteria in contaminated water or veterans exposed to toxins during service are at a higher risk. Head injuries, like concussions, could also increase the odds of ALS later in life.
Lifestyle factors
Smoking plays a big role, doubling the risk of ALS in some people, while a diet high in processed fats or glutamate (an amino acid found in many foods) might also add to the risk.
What Can You Do to Lower Your Risk?
While there’s no magic answer to how to prevent ALS completely, there are practical ways to lower your exposure to risk factors. Here’s what you can do to take control of your health:
1. Stay Safe and Protect Your Head
Any activities where you could bump your head – from bike rides to certain sports – might put your brain at risk. Repeated head injuries, like concussions, are a known factor in neurodegenerative diseases. Wear a helmet when necessary and avoid situations where serious injuries might occur.
2. Watch What You’re Exposed To
Wondering what chemicals cause ALS? Pesticides, lead, mercury, and similar toxins have been linked to the disease. While avoiding exposure completely isn’t always possible, small steps, like using gloves at work around chemicals or choosing organic foods to limit pesticide ingestion, can make a difference.
For veterans or those exposed to chemicals in their line of work, being aware of these risks is important. Talk with your doctor if you’ve had prolonged exposure and want advice on lowering neurotoxin damage.
3. Upgrade Your Diet
While there aren’t any guaranteed foods that prevent ALS, certain nutrients may help protect your nerves and reduce overall inflammation. Adding more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish to your meals is a good place to start. Foods rich in carotenoids and polyphenols, like berries, spinach, carrots, and green tea, have antioxidants that protect cells from damage.
Supplements like curcumin (found in turmeric) and ginkgo biloba have shown early promise in reducing oxidative stress, a process that contributes to nerve damage. Always check with your doctor before starting supplements, especially if you’re on medication.
4. Quit Smoking
If you’re a smoker, this is one of the most important changes to make. Smoking harms many parts of the body, and it’s been linked to an increased risk of ALS. Stopping isn’t easy, but there are plenty of resources out there, from nicotine patches to free counseling programs, to help you quit for good.
5. Stay Active but Don’t Overdo It
Staying active is great for your overall health, but balance is key. Can ALS be prevented by exercise? Well, not entirely, but maintaining a moderate level of physical activity can boost your mental and physical health. Try low-impact workouts like swimming, walking, or yoga instead of pushing your body too hard. Overexertion might strain motor neurons and isn’t ideal.
Is Natural Healing an Option for ALS?
Some are curious about ALS natural healing or holistic approaches. While there’s no current natural “cure,” certain therapies can support overall wellness. Physical and occupational therapy can improve movement, while mindfulness techniques like meditation can reduce stress. A healthy lifestyle won’t stop ALS, but it can improve quality of life and help with symptom management.
Stop Worrying Too Much About ALS
It’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed when thinking about diseases like ALS, but instead of worrying, focus on what’s within your control. Small choices, like eating better and avoiding toxins, go a long way in reducing risks for multiple conditions, not just ALS. Staying informed and proactive is the best thing anyone can do.
If you’re curious about ALS or concerned about symptoms, get advice from a doctor early on. The sooner you take action, the more options you have. At the end of the day, none of us can predict the future, but small changes can make a big difference in how we live now. Why not take those steps today? You’ve got this.