A new study reveals that may not be the only way to treat those susceptible to Lou Gehrigs disease.
Research from the journal of Neurobiology and Disease discovered that high amounts of lead can slow down the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), otherwise known as Lou Gehrigs disease, an illness that paralyzes the body.
These findings offer a paradox, as it was once believed that elevated levels of the metal brought on the disease. Now, scientists are claiming more levels may help prevent it.
“Available evidence supports the view that astrocytes are key targets of lead and respond to it by inducing neuroprotective pathways,” the researchers wrote in their report. “Our results suggest that lead activates a novel pathway able to reduce neuroinflammation and slow neurodegeneration in ALS.”
However, some people claim , which removes unwanted metals from the body, may still be the safest possible treatment. There is still a need for further evidence to suggest that higher lead levels can do the body good, as some doctors are concerned about the potential paradox.