Is there any natural treatment for myositis? Know its causes, symptoms, prevention & Complications

Myositis: Many people may not be aware of this disease. But recently this disease has become viral in social media as south Indian actress Samantha Ruth is diagnosed with myositis. Samantha is fighting myositis autoimmune disease confidently. Is there any natural treatment for myositis? What causes this disease?

How to know that we are having this issue? Are any preventive measures available? When to rush to the doctor immediately to avoid huge complications? Let us see everything in this article.

What is myositis?

Myositis is an autoimmune disease. Our immune system is the network of tissues and cells that fight and defend us from harmful bacteria, viruses, and infections. The immune system will identify those invaders and kill them.

In the case of autoimmune disease, our immune system will put the same side goal. Yes. It identifies our body’s healthy tissues as enemies and kills them. Due to this, there may be inflammation that causes muscle damage & pain in muscles you use to move like arm, neck, back, and leg muscles depending on the type of myositis you are affected from.

Myositis can occasionally be a temporary issue that resolves within a few days or weeks. Other times, it is a part of a severe (long-term) illness. Myositis with a prolonged course can cause severe impairment and muscle atrophy (wasting and shrinking).

It cannot be cured; however, treatment can usually put it to rest. Natural therapy for myositis helps you swiftly relieve pain and suffering if used with prescription meds from your doctor.

Myositis is a myopathy type that affects the muscles connected to the bones. There are different forms of myositis. It will make muscles weak & cause severe pain.

Main types of myositis & myositis symptoms

1. Polymyositis

Multiple muscles are impacted simultaneously by polymyositis. Typically, the core muscles experience problems. Over time, polymyositis steadily worsens. Adults are frequently affected. Polymyositis is twice as common in women than in men. Typically, people between the ages of 30 and 60 are affected.

Polymyositis symptoms

Muscle weakness on both sides of the body, beginning with the trunk, is one of the symptoms. It results in growing weakness over time. Symptoms can be challenging to stand up, lift objects, or reach above your head. Other signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, joint or arthritis pain, difficulty swallowing or speaking, and abnormal heart rhythms.

2. Dermatomyositis

This myositis affects our skin along with our muscles. In some cases, it may take some months to develop but dermatomyositis may develop quickly, and you should rush to the doctor once you feel the symptoms to avoid many complications. Few cases can be fatal and may create some types of cancer.

This condition resembles polymyositis in many ways; however, it also has dermatological signs. The face, neck, chest, upper back, shoulders, knees, ankles, elbows, and eyelids can all develop a reddish or purplish rash.

The visible rash could be harsh, dry, and scaly. People who have dermatomyositis may experience hard, uncomfortable lumps on their skin (calcinosis). This type of myositis is commonly diagnosed in children.

Inflammation of the fat may also cause them to develop sensitive tiny pimples under the skin (panniculitis). The neck, thighs, and upper body are the main areas of weakness. There may also be joint discomfort and inflammation (arthritis).

3. Juvenile Myositis

As this type of myositis affects children it is called juvenile myositis. It may last into their adulthood also. There will be muscle weakness throughout the body. Children may find it difficult to stand up from a seated position, dress themselves, comb their hair, climb stairs, and perform other tasks. They could frequently feel weak or exhausted. Typically, children between the ages of 2 and 15 are affected.

In addition, the majority of juvenile myositis patients develop a rash. The elbows, knees, and knuckles are frequent sites of the red or purple rash. Another typical rash is a purplish one around the eyes. It can be visibly seen in the fair-skinned kids. Additionally, the illness may cause painful under-the-skin lumps and difficulty swallowing.

4. Inclusion body myositis

It is a degenerative muscle disease that mainly affects older people. Degenerative muscle disease will cause progressive weakening of muscle mass. It will cause extreme weakness in your hands and legs below the knees.

The muscles in your throat that aid in swallowing may also be impacted. Dysphagia affects about 30% of those who have inclusion body myositis (difficulty swallowing). Typically, people above 50 years are affected.

Although corticosteroid therapy and immunosuppressive medications (as with polymyositis and dermatomyositis) are frequently tried for at least several months, there is unfortunately no consistently effective treatment for inclusion body myositis. If the medication is successful, continued therapy may increase strength or stop weakness from getting worse.

It could be challenging for someone with inclusion body myositis to perform precise operations like

a) Buttoning a blouse.

b) Use your hands and fingers.

c) Grab a tiny object.

d) Difficulty in walking and standing.

e) Trouble swallowing.

5. Necrotizing autoimmune myopathy

This is a rare type of myositis that affects the upper and lower body. The appearance of symptoms can be sudden and get severe within a couple of days. Symptoms include weight loss, muscle pain & fatigue. It can affect any age of people but is common among adults.

What are the causes of myositis?

This disease usually has an unclear cause. They develop when the body’s muscles, joints, blood vessels, and connective tissues come under attack by the immune system. These situations are thought to be autoimmune myositis. Drug interactions can result in toxic myopathies.

Some common causes of myositis include,

1. Infection: generally due to viral infection & rarely due to bacterial & fungal infection.
2. Viruses such as the Coxsackie B virus, HTLV-1, and HIV/AIDS
3. Injury: Due to heavy exercise.
4. Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
5. Can be due to certain medications including cocaine, colchicine, and statins. Carticaine (an anesthetic), penicillamine (lowers copper levels in the body), interferon-alpha (treats cancer or hepatitis), cimetidine (cures ulcers), carbimazole (which treats thyroid problems), phenytoin (treats seizures), growth hormone, and statins are just a few examples of drugs (prescribed for cholesterol).
6. Allergic reactions to some medicines or toxic substances.

Myositis: Risk factors

1. Rheumatoid arthritis (a long-term autoimmune disorder that mainly affects joints).
2. Lupus (a chronic disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of your body).
3. Sjogren’s syndrome (a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the lacrimal and salivary glands, which provide moisture for the body. It can also have major effects on the lungs, kidneys, and neurological system).
4. Scleroderma (is a chronic, rare, autoimmune disease in which normal tissue is replaced with dense, thick fibrous tissue.

Myositis treatment

Chronic myositis cannot be healed. However, several myositis varieties can be successfully treated, resulting in mild or even long-lasting symptom relief.

The best outcomes are often seen in cases with dermatomyositis and polymyositis, with juvenile and necrotizing illnesses also performing well. Due to the lack of known effective treatment options, the inclusion of body myositis is regarded as the most challenging to manage. Follow the upcoming natural treatment for myositis to reduce its symptoms.

Natural treatment for myositis

You must first contact a physician to determine the type of myositis you have and to begin therapy. If your symptoms increase, you should get straight to the hospital. Do not put off seeing a doctor because this disease tends to get worse over time.

The natural treatment for myositis is administered after those medications because it serves as the best support and helps you feel better faster. As certain medicines and natural therapies can combine, talk about your natural therapies and obtain guidance.

There is no specific diet for myositis. However, having a balanced diet can help you to minimize the symptoms. A balanced diet that prioritizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats, with a focus on fatty fish, is crucial.

How balanced diet can be a natural treatment for myositis?

People with myositis can gain many advantages from eating the correct meals, such as avoiding nutritional deficiencies, lessening medication side effects, keeping a healthy weight, and promoting quicker recovery.

1. Fruits & vegetables

They are fiber- and antioxidant-rich (a group of nutrients that fight free radicals, which can damage cells). Additionally, they are a great source of vitamins C and A. The preferable options are fresh or frozen types (without sauces).

Choose low-salt, low-sugar preparations of fruits and vegetables if they are consumed canned, and make sure to rinse them well before eating. Fruit juice and dried fruit should only be consumed in moderation due to their high sugar content.

If you have swallowing difficulties, just blend your fruits, nuts & seeds into smoothies and consume them. Cook the vegetables to make them soft and eat them.

2. Increase proteins & calories to manage the weight loss

If you have weight loss but having trouble sticking to a diet plan, you can take oral nutritional supplements that are heavy in protein and calories to manage your weight loss.

1. Blend tofu or nuts/seeds into smoothies. Additionally, yogurt or hot cereal can be mixed with nut or seed butter to make them less gummy and simpler to swallow.
2. Hummus is a terrific way to increase calories and protein, and you can spread it on crackers or toast to make them more tolerable.
3. Yogurt, particularly Greek yogurt, can be used to enhance the protein level of hot cereals, smoothies, soups, sauces, and dips.
4. Add pureed beans, lentils, or soy products to sauces, stews, or soups.
5. Swap mayonnaise for full-fat greek yogurt, avocado, or tahini (sesame seed paste).
6. Include healthy fats in your smoothies & shakes such as seeds, nuts & avocados. You can add them to your sauces and soups also.
7. Spice up meals with anti-oxidant-rich ingredients like cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger.
8. Spread peanut butter on your bread and add extra virgin olive oil to cook your food.

3. Grains

Oats, quinoa, corn, brown or wild rice, whole wheat bread, and pasta are a few examples of grains that provide fiber, energy, and essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, whole grains are a good source of selenium, zinc, vitamins B2 and B6, folate, and both. At least three servings of whole grains should be consumed each day.

4. Omega-3s

These are crucial in natural treatment for myositis since they could lessen inflammation. Healthy food sources include avocados, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, hemp hearts, walnuts, pecans, canola oil, walnut oil, and flaxseed oil. Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and herring are also excellent sources.

5. Eat lean meat, fish & poultry

Pick lean sources of protein including eggs, skinless chicken, lean ground chicken or turkey, fish, and lean meats like beef tenderloin, 90/10 ground beef, veal, lamb, and pork tenderloin. In terms of cooking methods, grilling, broiling, baking, roasting, or poaching are preferable to frying. Additionally, meat, fish, and poultry are great providers of iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

6. Take plenty of calcium through dairy or dairy replacements

These are the richest sources of calcium, which is necessary for the development of bone and muscle. Additionally, they supply selenium, B vitamins, zinc, and vitamin D.

Lactose-free milk, soy milk, almond milk, and other calcium-rich plant-based dairy products are available for people who avoid dairy. Three servings of dairy products or dairy replacements should be consumed per day.

7. Rest

Getting enough sleep is crucial for treating myositis. Limit your activity during the day and take frequent rests.

8. Stress Management

Patients with myositis must discover ways to relieve the daily stress that the majority of us experience. To achieve this, your doctor might advise relaxing activities like yoga or biofeedback exercises.

9. Exercise

Why should a myositis patient exercise?

Doing exercise won’t “treat” myositis, but it can boost your cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, and psychological well-being. Although it is debatable whether or not muscle can genuinely regenerate after being harmed by myositis, you can keep and build up the muscle you already have.

Additionally, you might be able to stop the further loss of muscle mass. You may be able to reduce your prescription dosage by exercising.

Ten persons with myositis who took part in exercise research had no negative effects, according to a report in the British Journal of Rheumatology. They received a home fitness program that required 15 minutes of exercise five times each week.

Exercises for warming up, stretching, and strengthening were all part of the program. Participants in the program were also encouraged to take a 15-minute walk. The findings of this investigation were encouraging.

Since IBM(Inclusion Body Myositis) does not react to medication, exercise is very crucial for persons who have the illness.

Essential tips for doing exercises

1. Before beginning a new workout regimen or program, don’t forget to consult your doctor and physiotherapist.
2. Find things that you can readily incorporate into your daily schedule and that is both manageable and pleasant.
3. Never try to run before you can walk; instead, increase effort and duration gradually.
4. Do not forget to warm up and cool off.
5. Remind yourself to take a nap, especially if your myositis flare-up.

10. Probiotics

It has long been known that probiotics are crucial for maintaining intestinal health. As a result, as individuals began to link good gut health to autoimmune disease, they also began to think about the value of probiotics.

There is some evidence they can treat autoimmune illnesses, but further research is needed. The use of probiotics has shown modest help in skin problems including rosacea (A skin condition causing red patches and visible blood vessels on the face).

You can eat fermented rice (white or red) for breakfast for a healthy start. Also include yogurt, buttermilk, and sourdough bread.

Include tempeh, cottage cheese, and kombucha for lunch. Try Miso soup, kimchi and fermented sauerkraut for dinner.

11. Essential oils

The essential oils listed below have a reputation for reducing inflammation due to myositis. With very few exceptions, essential oils shouldn’t be put on the skin directly. Before applying them to the skin, dilute them with carrier oil. Excellent options include avocado, castor, coconut, jojoba, olive, and almond oil.

Some of the best essential oils to reduce inflammation are,

1. Thyme.
2. Orange.
3. Turmeric.
4. Ginger.
5. Lavender.
6. Frankincense.
7. Peppermint.
8. Copaiba.
9. Chamomile
10. Rose.
11. Eucalyptus.
12. Fennel.

12. Ashwagandha

It is the best natural treatment for myositis. Due to the herb’s demonstrated capacity to control inflammation, enhance mental health, improve brain function, support nerve functions, improve heart health, strengthen the muscles, lessen metabolic imbalances, relieve hypertension, rejuvenate the body, and balance Vata and Pitta doshas. People with polymyositis can benefit from taking Ashwagandha powder/capsules.

13. Curcumin

It has a history of being anti-inflammatory. Since curcumin is the best anti-bacterial and anti-viral substance produced by nature, it offers all the advantages necessary for treating inflammations and fighting off bacteria and viruses. In addition to providing relief, it increases muscle mobility.

As an inhibitor, curcumin ensures a rapid anti-inflammatory response and pain relief in a variety of methods. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin eliminate all harmful microorganisms and provide immediate relief.

14. Acupuncture for myositis

This autoimmune disease can be effectively treated with acupuncture. An acupuncturist can remove these obstructions that obstruct the passage of energy by inserting very tiny, sterile acupuncture needles into particular spots on your body. The energy may flow easily when these places are stimulated, allowing your body to heal itself.

15. Yoga for myositis

Yoga has a limited collection of studies supporting it in inflammatory myositis, but other diseases including muscular dystrophies have shown encouraging collateral effects. It has been demonstrated that yoga improves muscle strength and motor function as well as has a positive impact on chronic pain.

Lung function may improve in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients whose respiratory system is affected. While receiving long-term yoga therapy, elderly people may notice a decrease in falls due to an increase in balance. So yoga for myositis is one of the best options.

16. Heat Therapy

This therapy refers to a broad range of medical procedures that target warming the muscles in different ways. Physical therapists frequently advise heat therapy after your exercises or whenever you feel fatigued or sore. Heat treatment is said to relax muscles and reduce pain. Additionally, it may increase blood flow and reduce swelling.

This therapy includes warm baths or showers, the use of moist or dry heating pads, or the use of temperature-controlled paraffin baths. People experiencing discomfort or weakness in places that are simple to dip in a wax bath, like the wrist or ankle, may find paraffin baths to be particularly helpful. This plays a vital role in the natural treatment of myositis.

17. Skincare

As Dermatomyositis affects the skin badly proper skin care is mandatory in this case.

1. Avoid going outside in the sun between 11 am and 4 pm.
2. Use appropriate sunscreen lotions with SPF 50+ with UVA and UVB protection if you must be outside in the sun.
3. Don’t wear anything revealing.
4. To reduce UV light emission in your home, try to utilize LED lamps.
5. Apply coconut or Vaseline oil on dry skin.
6. Use moderate cosmetics and gentle soaps.

18. Supplements

Your body needs a lot of nutrients and building blocks for tissue repair since myositis causes muscle damage. For those with myositis, a number of vitamins, minerals, and supplements may be beneficial. Before using them, talk to a healthcare provider about how they should be used because some of them might interact with your medicine.

Creatine

It is naturally present in proteins like meat and fish and is thought to aid in muscle growth. Creatine can strengthen muscles in people with myositis and other progressive muscular illnesses, according to research.

Fish oil

This well-known vitamin supplement might lessen inflammation, a crucial myositis sign. However, if you need surgery or use certain medications, it could thin your blood and be harmful.

Vitamin D and calcium

Maintaining your calcium and vitamin D levels is crucial if you have myositis because corticosteroids and sun avoidance can both cause deficits and osteoporosis. If you should take a supplement, ask your doctor.

Dairy products, wild salmon and bone-in sardines enriched dairy substitutes, broccoli, kale, and fortified cereals are other foods you can eat to increase your consumption.

Coenzyme Q10

Low levels of CoQ10 are typical in people with inflammatory muscle disorders. Ask your doctor if you should take a supplement to bring your levels back into normal ranges even though it’s uncertain whether supplements can help people with myositis.

Glucosamine

Repairing ligaments, muscles, tendons, and cartilage may benefit from this. When combined with chondroitin, it may also lessen joint pain in arthritis sufferers. However, those with myositis are not given as much attention in this study as those with arthritis are.

Before adding glucosamine or chondroitin to your supplement regimen, especially if you don’t also have arthritis or joint discomfort, consult a healthcare expert.

Caution: Spirulina, echinacea, and green algae should be avoided. These are regarded as immune system boosters and could make your illness worse.

Prevention

Not all myositis types are preventable. You can stop both infectious and drug-induced myositis by:

1. Taking vaccines.
2. Eating well-cooked meats.
3. Using required drugs in minimal amounts.

When to rush to the doctor immediately?

If you notice any new muscle weakness, discomfort, or other symptoms, see a doctor right once, especially if they don’t go away in a few days. When your symptoms are worsening or spreading, consult your doctor. You should follow the doctor’s advice along with natural treatment for myositis.

If you suffer any of the following signs, visit the emergency department right away:

1. You are unable to move a bodily part that you normally can.
2. If you’re having respiratory problems.
3. It’s difficult for you to swallow.

Bottom-line

Myositis is a prolonged kind of muscular inflammation brought on by the immune system attacking muscles throughout the body. For the rest of your life, your symptoms will probably come and go in episodes. Myositis has no known cure, but your healthcare professional can still help you identify treatments and use the aforesaid natural treatment for myositis to manage your symptoms.