Many of you have seen and participated in the recent "ALS Ice Bucket Challenge." ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a disease of the "nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease." Symptoms of ALS are listed here. ALS Ice Bucket Challenge "is an activity involving dumping a bucket of ice water on one's head or donating to ALS research. It went viral throughout social media during mid-2014. The challenge dares nominated participants to be filmed having a bucket of ice water poured on their heads. A common stipulation is that nominated people have 24 hours to comply or forfeit by way of a charitable financial donation."

We affirm this worthy cause and are thrilled to see how this challenge has brought awareness to this disabling disease. We would also like to submit the results of 5 cohort studies which involved using diet and lifestyle modifications to prevent or delay the onset of ALS published by the National Institute of Health. Dietary variables were examined as well as body mass index and factors such as smoking. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables showed promising results: "A greater total major carotenoids intake was associated with a reduced risk of ALS." Interpretation: "Consumption of foods high in carotenoids may help prevent or delay onset of ALS."

The leading cause of disability and death in the U.S. are caused mostly by poor diet and lifestyle choices. Considering the above results, it's encouraging to see how diets rich in whole whole plant foods could possibly reduce the risk of ALS.

For additional information, click on the following links:

(1) "Treating Multiple Sclerosis With Diet"

(2) "Planning for Retirement?"

(3) "Food is Powerful Medicine"

(4) Dr. Linda Carney's Autoimmune Pinterest Board

(5) "How Bad Can Just One Meal Be?"

Photo Credit - Dietitian on a Mission