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Acupuncture is often thought of as a treatment option for pain. In this podcast we look critically at whether acupuncture might have mechanisms that could slow ALS progression, and we review published trials of acupuncture in patients with ALS.

Low dose naltrexone (LDN) has been proposed as a treatment for a long list of different diseases. Here we examine the potential mechanisms, pre-clinical data and anecdotal reports on LDN in ALS.

Many patients over the years have told us that forms of cannabis can help bothersome ALS symptoms such as pain, cramps, fasciculations, and low appetite. Here we review theoretical, pre-clinical and anecdotal evidence that forms of cannabis might slow the progression of ALS.

Several observations suggest that retroviruses might be able to kill motor neurons, causing forms of ALS. Here we review these data, focusing on the theory that reactivation of an "endogenous" retrovirus we all have hiding in our genes called Herv-K might cause some cases of sporadic ALS. We examine drugs that attack retroviruses as potential treatments for patients with ALS.

With more than 30,000 downloads, this remains our most popular ALSUntangled review of all time. Here we review the history and evolution of this cocktail, including what has been learned about it since we published our review. We highlight the problems with interpreting unverified anecdotal data in ALS.

Protandim is an oral tablet derived from 5 different plants, which may be able to activate an antioxidant pathway in cells. This treatment is also associated with an “ALS reversal,” appears reasonably safe and inexpensive, and warrants further study in people with ALS.

Lunasin, a peptide first isolated from soybeans, is associated with an “ALS reversal.” We explain why we once had great hope for this as an ALS treatment. We then review the results from a recently-completed, year-long clinical trial of Lunasin in 50 people with ALS. Unfortunately, no one in this trial had an ALS reversal or even any detectable slowing of their progression, and there were unexpected GI side effects including constipation severe enough to warrant hospitalization.

Once ingested, coconut oil gets converted to ketone bodies which might be able to help central nervous system cells produce more normal levels of energy, and be more resistant to ALS. Here we discuss the potential utility of coconut oil and other ways to elevate ketone bodies in the treatment of ALS, including an upcoming trial of Triheptanoin.

BMAA is a toxin that may cause some forms of sporadic ALS. Here we discuss how L-serine, an inexpensive, widely available amino acid supplement, might block BMAA toxicity and thus be of use for preventing or slowing ALS progression.

Acuscope is a machine that delivers a very small amount of electric current to muscles. In this podcast we report that acuscope treatment appears fairly safe, but is expensive and has shown no clear benefit in slowing ALS.

Curcumin is an ingredient in the spice tumeric and in curry powder. It has multiple plausible mechanisms by which it might slow ALS progression. There are 3 people with validated ALS diagnoses who recovered significant lost motor function (ALS reversals) on forms of it. Here we discuss the specific curcumin formulation and dosage that we think is promising enough to warrant further study in ALS.

Inosine is a naturally occurring oral supplement that raises blood urate levels. In this podcast, we discuss ways this might slow ALS progression and why it needs careful blood and urine monitoring

CuATSM is a very promising ALS treatment that is in development. Here we discuss copper metabolism in ALS, why this specific therapy might help and why less complicated copper supplements are unlikely to be of any benefit.

Basis in an over the counter supplement containing nicotinamide ribose and pterostilbene. In this podcast, we review the theories on how this might help a person with ALS, as well as the potential risks and costs involved.

In this podcast, we discuss one of the most requested ALSUntangled reviews of all time-a complicated treatment cocktail described in a book written by a patient with slowly progressive ALS called "Eric is Winning."

ALSUntangled is an internet based program that reviews alternative and off label treatments, with the goal of helping people with ALS make more informed decisions about them. This podcast describes how the program works.