Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative brain disease that results in the death of cells responsible for the production of dopamine and acetylcholine.  These chemicals transmit nerve signals and when they are lacking one loses involuntary muscle control as well as cognitive ability.  It is genetically linked, although several factors can worsen or bring on Parkinson’s symptoms. These factors are meningitis, poor nutrition, or poisoning from alcohol, carbon monoxide, manganese or heavy metals.

Certain drugs and repeated head trauma can also cause Parkinson’s disease.

The first sign of Parkinson’s is a slight trembling of the hand that goes away with movement and during sleep.  The trembling eventually affects other parts of the body.  Symptoms of fully developed Parkinson’s disease includes rigid muscles, trembling, slow movement, shuffling gait, stooped posture, expressionless face, drooling, incoherent speech, poor memory and poor concentration.

Conventional treatment of Parkinson’s disease involves a variety of medications that are aimed at decreasing symptoms.  There are a wide variety of possible side effects from these medications.  Surgery can destroy the area of the brain that is responsible for the involuntary movement.  Sometimes pieces of dopamine-producing animal brain tissue can be implanted into the brain.  Unfortunately there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease.

Nutritional support for Parkinson’s disease usually takes the form of improving dopamine levels and enhancing concentration.  The amino acid phenylalanine is used by the brain to make dopamine.  Use vitamin B6 along with it, as this will enhance its utilization.  The extract of velvet beans, known in North America as Dopabean, contains actual dopamine; it has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine in India and has been proven to relieve symptoms.  If you are taking Deprenyl, or other prescription medication for Parkinson’s Disease, do not use either of these supplements.  You can instead use Coenzyme Q10, which helps with oxygen and energy production in the brain and won’t interfere with standard Parkinson’s medications.  You can also use lecithin or phosphatidyl serine -  both help to optimize acetylcholine production. It's also important to detoxify your body.  Using the amino acid NAC can help cleanse heavy metals from the body.  You could also consider supporting liver function with the herb milk thistle, as it helps the liver deal with toxins effectively.

To protect against developing Parkinson’s disease decrease your exposure to heavy metals, alcohol and all other toxins.  Undergo regular detoxification to rid the body of heavy metals.  Use nutritional supplements, eat a diet high in sulphur (garlic, alfalfa, watercress) and antioxidants (fruits and vegetables).  Drink steam-distilled water to help remove toxins from the body.  Be sure to take a mineral supplement if you use steam-distilled water.  Avoid smoking and processed foods.  Avoid artichokes and pomegranates because they contain high manganese levels.

The most important dietary change is to eat a low protein diet with most of the protein being consumed in the evening.  This ensures that neurotransmitter precursors, like tyrosine and tryptophan, are available during the night when the brain replenishes its neurotransmitters.

The most important dietary change is to eat a low protein diet with most of the protein being consumed in the evening.  This ensures that neurotransmitter precursors, like tyrosine and tryptophan, are available during the night when the brain replenishes its neurotransmitters.  Most of the diet should consist of enzyme rich raw foods.  The enzymes will optimize nutrient usage.  Eat foods high in vitamins A, C and E to provide antioxidants that protect cells.  Fibre increases the body’s ability to absorb dopamine.  Fava beans are an excellent source of fibre and they contain dopamine precursors.  Use omega 6 fatty acids like those found in sunflower and sesame seeds to reduce tremors.  Foods high in B6, like bananas, whole grains, fish and oatmeal raise dopamine levels in the brain.  Tyrosine elevates mood and increases alertness.  Eat foods containing tyrosine like alfalfa, carrot, lettuce and beet.

Exercise and stretching will improve balance and mobility and has been shown to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

The following list of supplements can be used for treating Parkinson’s disease.  Adult doses are given. (CLICK SUPPLEMENT NAME FOR PRODUCTS).