How to manage Myositis nutritionally?
What is Myositis?
Myositis is autoimmune condition in which body produces antibodies against the muscles which lead to the weakening of muscles. It is inflammatory condition which is related to limb muscles, skeletal and smooth muscles of the body.
It affects simple tasks like walking, climbing stairs and swallowing food.
Types of Myositis
There are 4 types of Myositis:
- Dermatomyositis
- Polymyositis
- Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM)
- Immune Mediating Necrotizing Myositis
Dermatomyositis is more common in women. Inclusion body myositis is more common in men.
Causes of Myositis
- Genetics
- Environmental factors
- Post bacterial infection
- Post parasitic infection
- Immune mediated
Sign and Symptoms
- Weak and painful muscles
- Skin inflammation
- Respiratory problems
- Difficulty in climbing stairs
- Difficulty in walking
- Difficulty in swallowing food
- Weight loss
- Scalp itching
- Skin rashes
- Difficulty in moving hand upwards
- Lower limbs affect more than upper limbs
- Dysphonia
- Gottrons Papules

Diagnosis of Myositis
- CPK Test
- EMP Test
- Muscle biopsy
- MRI Thigh
- Myositis specific autoantibodies
- Cancer screening
Nutritional Management of Myositis
- Eat more fiber rich food which includes berries, whole grains, apples and dry fruits.
- Eat 3 to 4 servings of whole grains per day as they are enriched in Folate and vitamin B6.
- Eat fruits and vegetables as they are a good source of antioxidants which helps to fight free radicals.
- Try to eat fresh fruits instead to canned fruits that are dipped in sugar syrup and may rise your blood sugar level.
- Try to eat fresh vegetables instead of canned vegetables as they are high in salt and may rise your blood pressure.
- Choose lean cut of meat and remove all the excess and visible fat from meat.
- Consume 2 to 3 serving of meat, fish and egg.
- Calcium and vitamin D are good for bone health. Consume 2 to 3 servings of milk or milk products. If you are lactose intolerant, calcium and vitamin D fortified food or calcium supplements are recommended.
- Limit saturated and trans-fat from your diet.
- Omega 3 fatty acid is beneficial in reducing inflammation. Consume omega 3 fatty acids from nuts, avocado and coconut oil.
- If you feel difficulty in swallowing, try to eat soft or mechanically soft foods.
Supplements
- Vitamin D
- Calcium
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Zinc
- Vitamin B
- Iron
- Vitamin E
Medical Treatment
- Steroids
- Immune Modulators
- Pain Relief medicines
- Immunosuppressants
- Intravenous Immunoglobin
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