Brain Health & ALS

Brain Health & ALS at Dr. Shel Wellness & Aesthetics Center

Tucked away in Houston’s dynamic pulse is a haven of holistic health—Dr. Shel Wellness & Aesthetic Center, an institution built on the passion and commitment of Shelena C. Lalji, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. With over 25 years of serving the Houston community, Dr. Shel isn’t merely a physician; she is a bridge between the realms of innovative medical research and holistic well-being. One area where this connection becomes especially poignant is brain health, particularly in conditions as severe as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimers and Dementia.

Dr. Shel has a pain to purpose journey when it comes to ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. Her husband of 25 years, Dr. Ayeez Lalji, was diagnosed with ALS in 2017 at the young age of 51 years and was given only 6-9 months to live due to his extraordinarily rapid progression and aggressive form. They are 6 years from his diagnosis now and continue to live each day with strength, faith and hope. This is what drives her to help the thousands of others fighting similar battles.

The Brain: Our Command Center

The brain, our body’s intricate control hub, is responsible for countless functions, from our cognitive abilities to our emotional responses. As such, its health dictates our life’s quality, and conditions affecting the brain can have life-altering implications. ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is one such neurodegenerative disease that progressively impacts the motor neurons and nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to severe physical consequences.

Understanding ALS: The Dr. Shel Approach

ALS gradually strips away the body’s capability to move, speak, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe, leaving patients heavily reliant on external assistance. While the exact cause remains uncertain, several potential contributing factors range from physical / emotional trauma, misfolded proteins, gene mutations, inflammation, toxins, oxidative stress, hormonal imbalances, and even gut dysbiosis to name a few.

Dr. Shel’s comprehensive approach to wellness seeks to understand the underlying causes of conditions like ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. Patients are subjected to a series of comprehensive tests ranging from nutritional assessments, gut microbiome analysis, food sensitivities, viral panels, to toxin levels, hormonal profiles, cortisol and much more. This individualized diagnostic approach is crucial in a condition as intricate as ALS, given its potential multifaceted origins.

Treating ALS at Dr. Shel Wellness & Aesthetic Center

While there’s no definitive cure for ALS, Dr. Shel’s treatment strategy emphasizes optimization of the body’s biological and chemical balance alleviating difficult symptoms, slowing progression, and enhancing the quality of life. Detoxification plays a crucial role, with methods such as infrared sauna sessions and removing toxins in food and environment, designed to eliminate potential toxins affecting brain function. Moreover, the center’s focus on ensuring toxin-free living environments and promoting non-toxic personal products can be especially pivotal for patients with ALS.

Dr. Shel also advocates for a comprehensive wellness routine for ALS patients, involving dietary modifications, reduction of inflammation, hormonal optimization, gentle movement and exercise, emotional healing, optimal sleep, meditation, nutritional supplements, and stress-reducing practices, all tailored to the individual’s needs. This multifaceted approach not only addresses the physical manifestations of ALS but also the emotional and psychological toll it can take.

Beyond the Clinic: Dr. Shel’s Commitment to Community

Dr. Shel’s influence extends far beyond her clinic. She is deeply ingrained in the Houston community, participating in charitable initiatives, especially those revolving around health and wellness. Her center, beyond being a space for treatment, serves as an educational hub. This ethos of empowerment through knowledge is crucial for conditions like ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, where understanding and awareness can significantly impact treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Brain health, while complex, finds a dedicated champion in Dr. Shel and her state-of-the-art center. By emphasizing a holistic, individualized approach, especially in conditions as challenging as ALS, Dr. Shel Wellness & Aesthetic Center stands as a beacon of hope for those navigating the intricacies of neurodegenerative diseases. And for those in Houston and beyond, this message resounds clearly: with the right guidance, even the most daunting health challenges can be faced with confidence and hope.