Natural remedies for Parkinson’s disease · Parkinson’s!Disease!Natural!Treatment!and!Remedies!...

14

Transcript of Natural remedies for Parkinson’s disease · Parkinson’s!Disease!Natural!Treatment!and!Remedies!...

 

[email protected]   2  

   

   

No  part  of  this  document  or  the  related  materials  may  be  reproduced  

or  transmitted  in  any  form,  by  any  means  (electronic,  photocopying,  

recording,  or  otherwise)  without  the  prior  permission  by  the  author/  

publisher.  The  service  and  the  materials  contained  in  this  eBook  are  

based  on  the  author’s  research  and  experience.  The  research  has  been  

done  through  credible  sources  to  the  best  of  our  knowledge.  

In  no  event  shall  the  author  be  liable  for  any  direct,  indirect,  incidental,  

punitive,  or  consequential  damages  of  any  kind  whatsoever  with  respect  to  

the  service,  the  materials  and  the  products  contained  within.  This  eBook  is  

not  intended  to  be  a  substitute  to  professional  medical  advice.  

                               

Disclaimer  

[email protected]   3  

   

 Whether  we  like  it  or  not,  each  and  every  one  of  us  reaches  old  age  at  some  point.  It  does  

sound   scary   but   we   all   have   to   deal   with   it.   The   difference   is   how   we   deal   with   it  

considering  the  several  changes  implied  by  aging.  As  days  go  by  our  bodies  change,  all  

our  cells  get  older  and  stop  responding  as  they  once  did.      

One   of   the   most   common   affections   is  

Parkinson’s   disease,   which   can   be  

developed  in  early  ages  as  well.  Parkinson’s  

disease   affects   the   smooth   natural  

movements   of   the   body.  Generally,   those  

with   Parkinson’s   lose   the   ability   to   speak  

properly,  have  difficulty  walking,  and  may  also  experience  tremors.  

This  happens  because  the  area  of  the  brain  that  controls  these  movements  is  not  getting  a  

sufficient   amount   of   dopamine,   an   important   chemical   necessary   for   proper   body  

movements.    

 As  many  as  one  million  Americans  live  with  Parkinson'ʹs  disease,  which  is  more  than  the  

combined  number  of  people  diagnosed  with  multiple  sclerosis,  muscular  dystrophy  and  

Lou  Gehrig'ʹs  disease.  

 The  combined  direct  and  indirect  cost  of  Parkinson’s,  including  treatment,  social  security  

payments  and   lost   income   from   inability   to  work,   is  estimated   to  be  nearly  $25  billion  

per  year  in  the  United  States  alone.  Medication  costs  for  an  individual  person  with  PD  

average   $2,500   a   year,   and   therapeutic   surgery   can   cost   up   to   $100,000   dollars   per  

patient.  

 

Introduction  

[email protected]   4  

 

 

 

That  is  why  choosing  alternative  remedies  like  natural  treatments  and  healthy  nutrition  

could  be  the  best  solution.  

 

                                                 

 

 

                         

[email protected]   5  

     

 Parkinson'ʹs   disease   is   a   progressive   disorder   of   the   nervous   system   that   affects  

movement.  It  develops  gradually,  sometimes  starting  with  a  barely  noticeable  tremor  in  

just   one   hand.   But   while   a   tremor   may   be   the   most   well-­‐‑known   sign   of   Parkinson'ʹs  

disease,  the  disorder  also  commonly  causes  stiffness  or  slowing  of  movement.  

 

                                                               

 

In   short,   a  person'ʹs  brain   slowly   stops  producing  a  neurotransmitter   called  dopamine.  

With   less   and   less   dopamine,   a   person   has   less   and   less   ability   to   regulate   their  

movements,   body   and   emotions.   Parkinson'ʹs   disease   itself   is   not   fatal.   However,  

complications  from  the  disease  are  serious  

While   the   cause   of   Parkinson’s   is   not   known,   environmental   toxins   such   as   pesticides  

and  herbicides  are  implicated.  Researchers  have  found  levels  of  these  chemicals  to  be    

About  Parkinson’s  disease  

[email protected]   6  

 

higher   in   the   brains   of   Parkinson’s   sufferers   and   incidence   of   Parkinson’s   is   higher   in  

areas  with   greater   use   of   these   chemicals.   It  makes   sense   to   avoid   any   environmental  

toxins   that   you   can.   Also,   consider   your   intake   of   dietary   toxins   such   as   alcohol   and  

caffeine  –  avoiding  or  reducing  these  may  reduce  the  load  on  your  body’s  detoxification  

pathways.  

The  three  main  symptoms  of  Parkinson’s  disease  are:  

• tremor  (involuntary  shaking  of  particular  parts  of  the  body)  

• slow  movement  

• stiff  and  inflexible  muscles  

A  person  with  Parkinson’s  disease   can   also   experience   a  wide   range  of   other  physical  

and   psychological   symptoms,   including   depression,   constipation,   problems   sleeping  

(insomnia),  loss  of  sense  of  smell  (anosmia)  and  memory  problems.  

                                       

[email protected]   7  

     

   Conventional   treatment   can   involve  

medication,  which   is  primarily   aimed  at  

increasing   dopamine   activity.   As  

dopamine   is   made   in   the   body   from  

amino   acids,   which   are   the   building  

blocks  of  protein,  diet  can  play  a  key  part  

in   ensuring   that   the   right   nutrients   are  

available  to  support  the  body’s  ability  to  

produce   dopamine.   Optimizing  

nutritional   status   and   addressing   co-­‐‑morbidities   such   as   constipation,   depression,  

fatigue,  and  insomnia  is  also  an  area  that  can  benefit  through  diet.  

 

Here  are  some  other  food  recommendations  in  case  of  PD:  

 v Raw  foods  –  Raw  fruits  and  vegetables  provide  antioxidants  to  help  reduce  free  

radical  damage.  Antioxidants  are  present  in:  

o vegetables:  artichokes,  okra,  kale,  bell  peppers,  potatoes  

o fruits:  berries,  pears,  apples,  grapes  

o grains  

o eggs  

o legumes:  kidney  beans,  edamame,  lentils  

o nuts:  pecans,  walnuts,  hazelnuts  

 

 

 

Natural  remedies  for  Parkinson’s  disease  

[email protected]   8  

 

 

o dark  chocolate  

o some  beverages  such  as  red  wine,  coffee  and  tea  

v Healthy  Fat  –  Consuming  healthy  fats  can  support  neurological  health.    Add  in  foods  

like  wild   caught   fish,   avocado,   coconut,   pastured   butter,   and   sprouted   nuts.   Also,  

consume  foods  high  in  omega’-­‐‑3  fats.    

v Cold-­‐‑pressed  oils  –  Olive  oil  used  as  salad  dressing  can  provide  essential  vitamin  E,  

which   acts   as   an   antioxidant.     Also,  coconut   oil  and   palm   oil   are   beneficial   oils   to  

include  in  your  diet.    

v Fresh  vegetable  juices.  Help  provide  essential  vitamins  and  miner    

v Protein   at   dinner   only  –   Keeping   protein   levels  moderate   throughout   the   day   has  

been  shown  to  help  reduce  the  symptoms  of  Parkinson’s.  

 

Foods  to  Avoid  

§ Too   much   protein  –   Reducing   protein   intake   can   improve   the   symptoms   of  

Parkinson’s.    

§ Processed  foods  –  Toxins  and  additives   found  in   these   foods  can  make  Parkinson’s  

worse.    

§ Artificial   sweeteners  –   Are   considered   toxic   and   can  make   Parkinson’s   symptoms  

worse.    

§ Alcohol  –  Can  disrupt  neurologic  function.    

§ Any  potential  food  allergen  –  Food  allergies  may  exacerbate  Parkinson’s  symptoms.  

Start  by  limiting  the  common  allergens:    gluten,  dairy,  shellfish,  and  peanuts.  

 

Parkinson’s  Disease  Natural  Treatment  and  Remedies  

Here  are  the  top  supplements  for  Parkinson’s  disease  and  natural  remedies:  

 

 

[email protected]   9  

 

 

v Coenzyme   Q10   (1,200   mg   daily)  A   powerful  

antioxidant   that   can   help   slow   the   progression   of  

Parkinson’s  disease.  

v Vitamin  C   (750  mg  4x  daily)  Vitamin  C  can  

be   used   as   an   antioxidant   to   prevent   free   radical  

damage.  

v Vitamin   E   (400   IU   daily)  Vitamin   E  is   an  

important  antioxidant  that  supports  the  brain.  

v Green   Superfood   Formula  Make   sure   the   formula   includes   spirulina,  

chlorella,   or   wheatgrass   to   provide   critical   minerals   and   help   with  

detoxification.  

v Fish   oil   (1,000   mg   daily)  Fish   oil  helps   reduce   inflammation   and   support  

neurological  health.  

 Essential  Oils  for  Parkinson’s  Disease  

Using  essential  oils  may  effectively   reduce  and   calm  some  of   the   symptoms  associated  

with   Parkinson’s   disease.    Helichrysum  and  frankincense   oil  have   been   shown   to  

reduce  inflammation  of  the  brain  and  vetiver  oil  has  been  found  to  reduce  tremors.  

Rub  2  drops  frankincense,  helichrysum  and  vetiver  oil  on  the  temples  and  neck  2x  daily  

or  put  2  drops  of  frankincense  on  the  roof  of  the  mouth.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

[email protected]   10  

 

 

 

 

As  previously  discussed,  people  with  PD  need  

to   be   extra   careful   to   get   a   diet   rich   in   fiber,  

calcium,   magnesium,   and   antioxidants.  

Although   multivitamin   and   mineral  

supplement  are  usually  important,  too,  it’s  still  

best   to   rely   first   on   food.   The   balance   of  

nutrients  in  foods  cannot  be  equaled  by  any  supplement.  

 

Many   people  with   PD   find   they   have   cravings   for   sweet   foods.  However,   sweets   can  

greatly   contribute   to   constipation,   elevated   blood   sugar,   high   triglycerides,   and   other  

disease  conditions.  Enjoy  sweets   in  moderation,  not  as  a  replacement  for  the  variety  of  

grains,  vegetables  and  fruits  needed  for  a  balanced  menu.  

 

Constipation   is  common  in  Parkinson'ʹs  disease.  Increased  fluid  and  fiber  consumption  

can  help  maintain  regularity.    

ü Aim  to  drink  six  to  eight  8  ounces  glasses  of  water  per  day.  Warm  liquids,  especially  

in   the  morning,  can  stimulate  bowel  movements.  Dietary  sources  of   fiber  consist  of  

fruits   (with   the  peel),  vegetables,   legumes,  whole  grain  breads  and  cereals.  Most  of  

these  are  high  in  antioxidants  as  well.  

ü Low   blood   pressure   is   a   symptom   of   Parkinson'ʹs   and   a   side   effect   of   some  

medications.   Raising   fluid   and   salt   intake  will   boost   blood   pressure,   but   talk  with  

your  physician,  especially  if  you  have  heart  or  kidney  problems.    

 

 

 

Dietary  recommendations  

[email protected]   11  

 

 

ü Increase  cold  fluids  –  water,  Gatorade,  V8  juice  –  to  five  8  ounce  glasses  per  half  day.  

Limit  caffeinated  beverages,  hot  liquids  and  alcohol  as  these  encourage  dehydration  

and  low  blood  pressure.  Eating  frequent,  small  meals  can  also  smooth  blood  pressure  

fluctuations.  

Swallowing   problems   can   present   as   coughing,   choking   or   a   sensation   of   food  

feeling  “stuck.”  A  speech  therapist  can  prescribe  appropriate,  individualized  dietary  

modifications  and  adaptive  strategies.    

ü These  may  include  adding  foods  with  increased  “sensory  input”  (e.g.,  seasoned,  cold,  

sour   or   carbonated   items)   or   altering   the   consistency   of   solids   and/or   liquids.   In  

addition,  you  might  be  asked   to   sit  up   straight,   take   smaller  bites   at   a   slower  pace  

and  allow  for  longer  mealtimes.  

Some   people   with   Parkinson'ʹs   experience   painful   muscle   cramping,   especially   at  

night  and  as  medication  wears  off.    

ü Eating  yellow  mustard,  which   contains   the   spice   turmeric,  or  drinking   tonic  water,  

which   contains   quinine,   may   help.   Others   endorse   salt,   vinegar   or   pickle   juice.  

Maintaining  adequate  hydration  may  prevent  or  limit  cramping.  

The  omega-­‐‑3’s  are  anti-­‐‑inflammatory  which  may  be  beneficial  as  neuro-­‐‑inflammation  

is  a  feature  of  Parkinson’s.  Mood  problems  are  also  a  common  feature  and  there  has  

been  a  lot  of  research  into  the  mood-­‐‑boosting  properties  of  the  omega-­‐‑3  essential  fats.    

ü The   richest  dietary   source   is   from   fish   such  as   salmon,  mackerel,  herring,   sardines,  

trout,  pilchards  and  anchovies.  

 

Planning  your  meals   to  enjoy  a  wide  variety  of   foods  each  day   is   still   the  best  way   to  

ensure  you  get  all  the  necessary  vitamins  and  nutrients.  Choose  foods  from  the  different  

groups  each  day  to  make  sure  you  are  eating  as  healthily  as  possible.  

 

 

 

[email protected]   12  

 

 

Ø Starchy  food  -­‐‑  Bread,  potatoes,  rice,  chapattis,  yams,  pasta,  noodles,  oats,  cornmeal,  

crackers,  toast  and  breakfast  cereals  

Ø Fruit   and   vegetables   -­‐‑   Ideally   5   servings   each   day.   Fruits   and   vegetables   rich   in  

Vitamin  C  include  red  and  green  bell  peppers,  citrus  fruits  and  juices,  strawberries,  

raspberries,   blueberries,   cantaloupe,   papaya,   kiwi,   spinach,   kale,   broccoli   and  

sweet   potatoes.   Fiber-­‐‑rich   fruits   and   vegetables,   such   as   artichokes,   avocados,  

prunes,  bananas,  apples,  pears,  guava  and  legumes,  such  as  beans,  peas  and  lentils,  

can  help  improve  digestive  function  and  prevent  or  alleviate  constipation.  

Ø Dairy  products  -­‐‑  3  to  5  servings  of  milk  and  dairy  foods  each  day  are  recommended.    

Ø Meat,  fish  and  alternatives  -­‐‑  Aim  for  2  to  3  servings  each  day  of  meat,  white  or  oily  

fish,   eggs,   beans,   pulses  or   nuts. Valuable   sources   of   omega-­‐‑3   fats   include   salmon,  

albacore   tuna,   flounder,   halibut,   sardines,   lake   trout,   ground   flaxseed,   flaxseed   oil,  

walnuts  and  walnut  oil.  

Ø Fluids  -­‐‑  Aim  for  6  to  8  mugs/glasses  each  day  of  water,  fruit  juice,  squash,  tea,  coffee,  

milk,  etc  -­‐‑  and  eat  fruits  that  are  juicy.  

Ø Whole   grains   also   enhance   blood   sugar   levels   and   sustained   energy.   Valuable  

sources   of  whole   grains   include   100   percent  whole   grain  breads   and   cold   cereals,  

old-­‐‑fashioned   or   steel-­‐‑cut   oatmeal,   long-­‐‑grain   brown   rice,   wild   rice,   air-­‐‑popped  

popcorn,  quinoa  and  barley  soup.  

Ø Fatty  and  sugary  foods  -­‐‑  Can  be  eaten  in  moderation.  

 

 

 

 

 

[email protected]   13  

 

 

A  typical  day  may  be  planned  as  follows:  

 

 

BREAKFAST  

 

 

• 2  slices  of  bread  with  jelly  

•  1  poached  or  fried  egg  

•  1  piece  of  fruit  

•  8  oz  of  juice  

•  coffee  

 

LUNCH  

 

• 1  cup  of  minestrone  soup  

• 2  slices  of  bread  

• garden  salad  with  oil  and  vinegar  

dressing  

• 1  cup  fruit  salad  

• juice  

 

SNACK  

 

 

 

• 2  cups  microwave  popcorn  

• 8  oz  juice  

 

DINNER  

 

• 1  cup  pasta  

• 1/2  cup  jarred  meat  sauce  

• 2  Tbsp.  grated  parmesan  cheese  

• 1  cup  cooked  broccoli  and  carrots  

• juice  

[email protected]   14  

 

Although  Parkinson'ʹs  disease  progresses  slowly,  it  will  eventually  affect  every  aspect  of  

life   -­‐‑   from   social   engagements,  work,   to   basic   routines.  Accepting   the   gradual   loss   of  

independence  can  be  difficult.  Being  well  informed  about  the  disease  can  reduce  anxiety  

about  what  lies  ahead.  

Parkinson'ʹs  disease  affects  millions  of  people  worldwide.  Although  the  symptoms  can  

be  treated,  there  is  no  known  cure.  

It  is  difficult  for  a  person  to  feel  well  and  maintain  energy  when  he  or  she  is  not  eating  

properly.  Eating  properly  involves  eating  regularly  (no  meal  skipping),  eating  a  variety  

of  foods  from  all  of  the  food  groups  (grains,  vegetables,  fruit,  milk/  dairy,  meat/beans)  

and  eating  prudently  to  maintain  a  healthy  weight.    

Although   this   sounds   like   simple   advice,   implementing   it   can   be   a   challenge,  

particularly  if  you  have  a  hectic  lifestyle  or  if  the  symptoms  of  Parkinson'ʹs  are  affecting  

your  ability  to  shop,  prepare  food  and  eat.  

 

“One  must  fight  for  a  life  of  action,  not  reaction.”    

                                                                     –  Rita  Mae  Brown  

Conclusion