Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating, degenerative brain condition that results in the death of the cells responsible for the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine and acetylcholine. Let's look at the common Parkinson's symptom support, causes and more.
Understanding Parkinson's Disease
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit nerve signals throughout the brain and body. Low levels of key neurotransmitters reduce involuntary muscle control. They also impair cognitive function. Genetics links strongly to Parkinson's disease. Several factors worsen or trigger Parkinson's symtpoms. These factors are meningitis, poor nutrition, or poisoning from alcohol, carbon monoxide, manganese or heavy metals.
Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
The first sign of Parkinson’s is a slight trembling of the hand that goes away with movement and during sleep. Over time, the trembling eventually affects other parts of the body. Symptoms of fully developed Parkinson’s disease include rigid muscles, trembling, slow movement, shuffling gait, stooped posture, expressionless face, drooling, incoherent speech, poor memory and poor concentration. The progression to this advanced state can take many years.
Parkinson's Disease Symptom Support
Conventional Treatments
Conventional treatment of Parkinson’s disease involves a variety of medications that are aimed at decreasing symptoms. The most commonly used medication is levodopa (L-DOPA), which can have side effects with long-term use. 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.
Natural Parkinson’s Symptom Support
Nutritional support for Parkinson’s disease usually focuses on improving dopamine levels and enhancing concentration. The brain uses phenlalanine to produce dopamine. Supplementation supports dopamine production pathways. Vitamin B6 enhances this biochemical process. A B-complex supplement may improve results. Velvet bean extract, known as dopabean in North America, contains dopamine precursors. Ayurvedic medicine has used it for centuries. Research shows it may relieve symptoms. It is important to avoid using any dopamine-boosting supplements while taking levodopa or other dopamine-enhancing medication for Parkinson’s disease, as the two may combine to create an excessive effect that can be dangerous. 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, as both help optimize acetylcholine production.
Detoxification
It's also important to detoxify your body on a regular basis. Using the amino acid NAC can help cleanse heavy metals. You could also consider supporting liver function with the herb milk thistle, as it helps the liver effectively deal with toxins.
Diet and Lifestyle
To protect against developing Parkinson’s disease, be sure to decrease your exposure to heavy metals, alcohol and all other toxins. 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 levels of manganese.
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, tyrosine and tryptophan, are available during the night when the brain replenishes its neurotransmitter stores. Most of the diet should consist of enzyme-rich raw foods. The enzymes will optimize nutrient usage. Eat foods high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin 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 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. Try to eat foods containing tyrosine, like alfalfa, carrot, lettuce and beet. Exercise and stretching will improve balance and mobility and have been shown to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Be sure to stay active and develop daily exercise habits to help keep Parkinson’s at bay.
