Natural medicine and Lifestyle modification can prevent Parkinson’s disease

Natural Medicine and Lifestyle modification can prevent Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson ’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that is caused by a degeneration of cells in the part of the brain that produces the neurotransmitter dopamine (chemical messenger). It is characterised by slowness of movement, rigidity, tremor and balance problems as well as non-movement type symptoms including constipation, low mood, fatigue, sleep and a decline in memory.

Conventional treatment focus on the increase of dopamine activity. Dopamine is made in the body from protein (amino acids) and diet can affect the production of dopamine. Optimising the diet can assist with the co-morbidities such as constipation, depression, fatigue, and insomnia.

It is very important to reduce the toxic load, reduce the homocysteine with folic acid, vitamins B12 and B6, zinc and tri-methyl-glycine (TMG) and increasing Omega 3 fats, Vitamin D and Magnesium.

What Causes Parkinson’s disease?

• Environmental toxicity and pesticides
• GUT bacteria
• Physical trauma
• Genetics
• Drugs – statins and any medication that can lower dopamine like: metoclopramide, levosulpiride, clebopride, itopride and domperidone
• Disease: aids
• Nutritional deficiency like vitamin D and folate
• Mitochondrial insufficiency
• Enzyme deficiency
• Chronic stress
• Excess iron levels
• Aspartame

Conventional Treatment

Conventional treatment is aimed at increasing dopamine activity either by providing the precursor (raw material) in the form of levodopa (L-Dopa), or by stimulating dopamine receptors (essentially mimicking dopamine) through the use of a dopamine agonist drug. Other drugs called COMT inhibitors which can help the levodopa to be more effective and MAO-B inhibitors which prevent dopamine from breaking down so the limited supply is longer lasting.  Other therapies can include physiotherapy, osteopathy, remedial movement, massage, speech therapy, psychological therapy and in some cases surgery (deep brain stimulation). There is no known cure for the condition, but these treatments can relieve symptoms.

Nutrition and Parkinson’s disease

1. Dopamine is made in the body from amino acids which are the building blocks of protein. Every time we eat a protein rich food (such as meat, fish, eggs, chicken and nuts) we take in protein which the body breaks down into its component amino acids. Two amino acids (L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine) are converted in the body into L-Dopa, which is then converted into dopamine in the brain.
2. Nutrient co-factors (vitamins and minerals) are required for each stage of this conversion process, so deficiencies of these may reduce dopamine production which makes diet and supplementation very important.
3. L-dopa medication competes for absorption with dietary amino acids, therefore the timing of taking L-dopa and the eating of protein are important for optimal absorption and effectiveness of the drug and the reduction of side-effects.

Nutritional therapy for Parkinson’s includes:

1. Supporting dopamine production through diet and supplements (vitamins and minerals).
2. Limit drug-nutrient interactions (and timing of medication) to enhance effectiveness and reduce side-effects.
3. Ensuring optimal nutritional status and addressing co-morbidities like: constipation, depression, fatigue, and insomnia.

Diet and nutrition are very important Key Factors – Optimise your diet and reduce your toxic load

Environmental toxins such as pesticides and herbicides are implicated with Parkinson’s. Reduce your intake of dietary toxins such as alcohol and caffeine – avoiding or reducing these may reduce the load on your body’s detoxification pathways.

Maximise your intake of antioxidants through fresh fruits and vegetables. These nutrients can help with inflammation (a feature of Parkinson’s) and support your body’s detoxification pathways.

Optimise your nutrient intake and ensure that your digestive system is working well so that your absorption of nutrients is maximised.  Identify any food intolerances and avoid these foods for an indicated time.

No sugar or refined carbs – eating sugar and refined carbohydrates will give you peaks and troughs in the amount of glucose in your blood; symptoms that this is going on include fatigue, irritability, dizziness, insomnia, depression, excessive sweating (especially at night), poor concentration and forgetfulness. Also, excess glucose in the blood contributes to inflammation, which is a feature of Parkinson’s.

Action plan for Parkinson’s

1. Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid which is toxic if elevated, and some studies have found that it is elevated in people with Parkinson’s.  Reducing homocysteine to less than 6 can put brakes on the progress of the disease.  The following nutrients can reduce homocysteine:  folic acid, vitamins B12 and B6, zinc and tri-methyl-glycine (TMG). It is also important to know that some of these nutrients are co-factors for dopamine production too.

2. Increase your Omega-3

Omega-3 is anti-inflammatory which may be beneficial for Parkinson’s. Mood problems are also a common problem and there has been a lot of research into the mood-boosting properties of the omega-3 essential fats. Examples of omega 3 fish:  salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, trout, pilchards and anchovies.

3. Vitamin D

We have vitamin D receptors in the brain, and that it enhances brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and is anti-inflammatory. Vitamin D is beneficial for the Parkinson’s patient and deficiencies are common.

4. Magnesium

Magnesium is a natural relaxant. Signs of deficiency are: muscle tremors or spasm, muscle weakness, insomnia or nervousness, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, constipation, hyperactivity, depression. Magnesium deficiencies are common in Parkinson’s patients.

5. Mucuna – Natural source of L-Dopa

6. Cannabis Oil (CBD Oil)

Cannabinoid receptors are found in your brain, lungs, liver, kidneys and immune system. They receptors play an important role in many body processes, including metabolic regulation, cravings, pain, anxiety, bone growth and immune function.   Cannabinoids bring balance to your tissues and biological systems.

7. Keep your antioxidant levels high with Lifepak Nano

High antioxidant levels prevent chronic diseases like Parkinson’s and reduce inflammation.   Lifepak Nano will also supply the micro nutrients for dopamine production.

Cannabis oil has been successfully used in the following conditions:

• Arthritis, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
• Degenerative neurological disorders such as dystonia
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson`s disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Epilepsy and seizures

CBD also works as an excellent painkiller and works well in treating anxiety issues.   Cannabis oil also helps for sunburn.

References:

• New Optimum Nutrition Bible – Patrick Holford
• Prescription Alternatives – Earl Mindell
• Natural medicine – Beth Maceoin
• Herbal Medicine – expanded commission E Monographs
• mercola.com

Please note if you suffer from Parkinson’s: contact your Integrative Healthcare Doctor for assistance.