Natural remedies for Parkinson’s disease · Parkinson’s!Disease!Natural!Treatment!and!Remedies!...
Transcript of Natural remedies for Parkinson’s disease · Parkinson’s!Disease!Natural!Treatment!and!Remedies!...
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Disclaimer
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
That is why choosing alternative remedies like natural treatments and healthy nutrition
could be the best solution.
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
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.
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
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:
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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