Alternative Treatments For Parkinson’s Disease
Claudia Chaves, MD, is board-certified in cerebrovascular disease and neurology with a subspecialty certification in vascular neurology.
For people with Parkinson’s disease, treatment typically involves the use of medications that help minimize movement problems and control symptoms. A disorder of the central nervous system, Parkinson’s disease also can be better managed with the help of certain lifestyle changes.
Since many medications used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease can cause severe side effects, patients often seek alternative treatment options.
Symptoms And Warning Signs
Symptoms of Parkinsons fall into two major categories: those related to motor functions, and those related to changes in someones mood. The four most common signs and symptoms of Parkinsons disease include:
- Trembling: This usually presents itself in the arms, jaw, legs and face.
- Rigidity: Most patients experience stiffness of the bodys core as well as their arms and legs.
- Bradykinesia: This is the term for slowness of movement. Some patients pause or freeze when moving without being able to start again, and others begin to shuffle when trying to walk.
- Postural instability : This results in loss of strength, loss of balance and problems with moving muscles or coordinating body parts.
Other symptoms that can also occur, which often impact someones moods and other behaviors, include:
- Sexual dysfunction
So Many Diseases Are Caused By Inflammation In The Body Spirulina Can Ease Symptoms
What we do know, is that the symptoms of Parkinsons can cause a wide range of inflammation in the body. Once again, inflammation is a factor in a disease, as it is with Osteoarthritis, cancer and diabetes. So many chronic diseases seem to be linked to inflammation in the body. And that is where spirulina is such a useful superfood, helping to ease and mitigate inflammation in the body, so it might help with the Natural Treatment for Parkinsons Disease*
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New Discovery May Lead To Effective Natural Treatment For Parkinsons Disease
Researchers working in Dr. Kwang-Soo Kims lab. Credit: McLean Hospital
Certain hormone-like compounds boost dopamine levels in the brain.
- The Nurr1 protein maintains the health of neurons that produce dopamine and die off during the progression of Parkinsons disease.
- Hormone-like compounds called prostaglandin A1 and E1 bind to and activate Nurr1.
- Prostaglandin A1 or E1 treatment lessened symptoms in a mouse model of Parkinsons disease.
Investigators have identified two molecules naturally produced by the body that stimulate the production of dopamine, the molecule that is in short supply in the brains of patients with Parkinsons disease. Stimulating dopamine production may help reverse the progression of the disease. The research was led by scientists at McLean Hospital in collaboration with scientists at Nanyang Technical University, Singapore, and published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology.
The team designed the study based on the knowledge that a protein called Nurr1 is key for maintaining the health of neurons that produce dopamine, which helps control a persons movements and emotions. It is thought that decreased Nurr1 effectiveness may lead to a decrease in dopamine levels, which then results in the development of Parkinsons disease.
How Might Massage Therapy Help
Research suggests that massage may help to reduce pain and anxiety and depression, although theres no conclusive evidence. Abdominal massage may also help with constipation.
Many people with Parkinsons and their carers have told us they find massage therapy useful as a way to relax and to have time to themselves.
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Eat Plenty Of Protein But Not With Levodopa Medications
If youre taking a levodopa medication, your doctor may tell you to avoid protein when taking your meds. Both animal and plant protein can interfere with the absorption of levodopa medications.
But you should still eat plenty of protein. Just be strategic with the timing. Dont take levodopa medications with meals, Dr. Gostkowski says. Its best to take it on an empty stomach either 30 minutes before your meal or an hour after eating.
If you get nauseous from the medication, eat a small amount of starchy food with it, such as crackers. Make sure whatever you eat with your medicine doesnt have protein. Its a misunderstanding that people with Parkinsons should avoid protein, Dr. Gostkowski says. You definitely need protein in your diet. Just dont eat it when youre taking your levodopa medication.
Our Natural Remedy To Cure Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement.
Parkinsons disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimers disease. Today, many laboratories and researchers are looking to improve the treatments already available to slow the progression of Parkinsons disease. They regularly offer new drugs ( levodopa , selegiline , azilectand new therapies. Unfortunately their treatments are often ineffective and they lead to disastrous side effects for the health of the patient. These drugs are unnecessary because they only fight the symptoms of Parkinsons disease, not the causes. If you have Parkinsons disease, or have a loved one who suffers from it, here is a natural, effective remedy without side effects that will allow you to cure the disease away from all those heavy chemical drugs. This natural treatment is the best for treating Parkinsons disease. It stands out because it is completely herbal and we see the patient and the family as a whole. Trust us ! It is the miracle solution to naturally cure Parkinsons disease.
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Spirulina & Parkinson`s Prevention
The Spirulina superfood, which we understand might play a helpful role in mitigating or reducing Alzheimer/dementia symptoms*. Spirulina might also be helpful with regards to preventing or reducing the risk of Parkinson´s too* The gut brain connection is certainly real, with doctors now starting to better understood the link, related to inflammation in the body, so it felt logical to us that it might also help with the prevention or mitigation of Parkinson´s symptoms. We decided to look into it further.
As if you didn´t already have numerous reasons already for taking the spirulina superfood, here is yet another one! Learn more
Eat More Organic Fresh Raw Fruits And Vegetables
It is a known fact that eating more fresh, raw fruits and vegetables is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Fruits and vegetables provide your body with all the nutrients that your body needs, without any side effect: Phytonutrients, antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, amino acids, fiber and anti-inflammatory properties.
When eating processed and fast foods, they are void of these nutrients on their own, but require them for digesting the foods, thus causing nutrient deficiencies that contribute to deterioration of health.
If you dont eat much fruits and vegetables now, then you will have a lot to catch up on. Drinking freshly extracted juices will help speed up your healing. The key is to eat/drink of them raw and organic .
Green juices contain high levels of chlorophyll that is powerful in healing of the gut and to detoxify the body of heavy metals. So it makes sense to start drinking green juices in small amount, gradually building up the amount to up to 2-3 glasses of green juices a day.
If drinking green juices is a hassle for you, a good alternative is making your own moringa tea or green matcha tea that are very rich in chlorophyll and anti-cancer properties.
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Bioactive Molecules Derived From Parasitic Plants And Fungi
Cistanche salsa is a parasitic plant used as a Chinese traditional medicine containing acteoside, echinacoside, and tubuloside as its major phenylethanoid glycosides . C. salsa extracts containing these bioactive molecules have been shown to restore behavioral deficit and dopamine depletion in strata of MPTP induced C57 mice . They has also been demonstrated to protect dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of PD model mice, which correlated with neurobehavior improvements and TH positive neuronal levels .
Gastrodia elata blume is a saprophytic perennial herb used traditionally as a medicine due to its wide range of therapeutic benefits. Protective effects of GE extract against MPP+-induced cytotoxicity in human dopaminergic SHSY-5Y cells demonstrated that GE extract dose dependently improved cell viability maintenance, attenuated oxidative damage, modulated expression of Bcl-2 and Bax, caspase-3, and limited poly polymerase proteolysis . Recently, MPP+ induced MN9D dopaminergic cells were shown to exhibit antiapoptotic effects following GE extract treatment. The v anillyl alcohol present in GE was considered to act by attenuating the MPP+ induced elevation of ROS levels and decreasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and poly polymerase .
How Might Homeopathy Help
Homeopaths believe homeopathy can help with any condition in which the body has the potential to self-repair. As a result, they suggest homeopathy can be used to treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Homeopathy is popular. However, despite extensive research, there’s no good quality evidence that homeopathy is effective as a treatment for any health condition. There are no studies on homeopathy for Parkinsons.
Homeopathy isn’t widely available on the NHS. In 2017, NHS England recommended that GPs and other prescribers should stop providing it. It is available privately.
Practitioners
Some health professionals, including doctors, nurses and pharmacists, are trained in homeopathy and use it alongside conventional medical treatment. Theyre all regulated by their relevant professional body for example, GPs are regulated by the General Medical Council.
Some homeopaths arent medically qualified. Currently, there are no national standards of training and accreditation for these practitioners. If you decide to see a homeopath who isnt medically qualified, you should check theyre insured and registered with a professional body.
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Important Supplements That May Help
Once you stop putting toxins into your body and eat clean, the trillions of cells in your body will be able to start living normally again. Eating the right foods and taking the necessary supplements will now begin to boost your brain health and healing.
Here are some supplements that will speed up the reversal of PD symptoms:
- Magnesium: First and foremost on the list is magnesium. Low intake of this mineral magnesium, enables the deposition of excess calcium, heavy metals and toxins in the brain that leads to Parkinsons and Alzheimers diseases. When there is adequate presence of magnesium, heavy metals cannot be absorbed in the small intestines. Magnesium plays a vital role in protecting neurons from the lethal effects of aluminium and mercury poisoning.
- B vitamins: A deficiency in vitamins B9 and B12 can cause brain problems that will initially manifest as depression, anxiety or even psychosis. The other B vitamins are useful for protecting against age-related brain wasting, and possibly prevent memory loss.
- Glutathione: Glutathione is the mother of all antioxidants and is powerful in neutralizing free radicals damage and greatly reduce oxidative stress that destroy neurons.
- Grape seed extract: Has super antioxidant effect that reduces DNA fragmentation in the brain. It is able to cross into the brain to protect brain cells from free radical damage.
Treatment For Parkinsons Disease With Traditional Medications
To treat Parkinsons , its best to follow your Doctors guidance. The use of natural remedies and other alternatives not based on scientific evidence can be counterproductive.
Therefore, its best not to resort to them .
Heres eight of the main medications and therapies used in the treatment for Parkinsons disease according to most medical institutions:
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Using Alternative Medicine For Parkinson’s Disease
As with conventional medicine, no type of alternative therapy has been found to stop the progression of Parkinson’s disease. If you’re interested in using alternative medicine as part of your Parkinson’s disease treatment program, talk to your doctor about which alternative therapies might be helpful for you. Self-treating and avoiding or delaying standard care can have serious consequences.
Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. It is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, circumstance or adverse effects. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.
Increase The Intake Of Omega
Omega-3s are highly important in enhancing the levels of dopamine and decreasing the level of inflammation in the brain. Wild seafood is the best source of omega¬-3, and it must be consumed at least thrice a week, so that marked decrease in the symptoms of Parkinsons disease is possible. Nuts and seeds are other rich sources of omega-3, and they also reduce the symptoms of PD to a great level.
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Are Complementary Therapies Beneficial
Theres no simple answer to this. There are so many types of therapy that its impossible to generalise.
Theres evidence of the beneficial effect of some complementary therapies . For other therapies, there is no research to prove it has any benefits for people with Parkinsons. But we hear from many people affected who feel it helps them.
It will also depend on what you expect from complementary therapies. For example, you may feel a particular therapy is not having a positive effect on your Parkinsons symptoms, but you may enjoy the experience. For you, this might be enough of a reason to continue.
Weve included comments from people affected by Parkinsons who have tried some of the therapies. We hope this will give you a better idea of what people are trying and how they found it. But remember that everyone will have a different experience.
Please remember these are peoples personal opinions Parkinsons UK doesnt endorse any particular therapy.
People may use complementary therapies alongside prescribed medication for many reasons, for example:
- Conventional medicine might not always control someones symptoms.
- Complementary therapy is a way of taking control of your own health.
- Group therapy can be an opportunity to socialise. Equally, complementary therapies can be a time to enjoy your own company.
- Complementary therapies can be relaxing.
Causes Of Parkinsons Disease
As identified by specialists, the main cause of PD is the brains inability to produce dopamine. But, what makes the brain not able to produce dopamine? Your health is in your hands. Be educated and take charge.
Here are some of the reasons that contribute to the deterioration of not only PD but also neurological health:
- Various nutrient deficiencies
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How Might Chiropractic Help
Chiropractic is commonly used for conditions affecting the muscles, bones and joints. Most people use chiropractic to relieve pain, especially back and neck pain. Theres some evidence that chiropractic can help with this.
Chiropractic can also be used to treat mental health conditions, such as phobias, depression and anxiety, but there is little evidence of its effectiveness.
There are no studies on the effects of chiropractic on people with Parkinsons.
Eat Fresh Raw Vegetables
If you needed more reasons to eat your vegetables, this should be the clincher. Studies show that increased amounts of the B vitamin folic acid, found primarily in vegetables, can significantly reduce the risk of Parkinsons.
The best sources of folic acid are simultaneously some of the healthiest foods on the planet, namely dark green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, collard greens, brussels sprouts, asparagus and okra all of which can be grown in your backyard! This B vitamin can also be found in avocado, legumes and lentils.
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Risk Factors And Causes
There isnt one single cause of Parkinsons that has been proven at this time. Researchers believe a loss of the neurotransmitter dopamine, neurological damage, inflammation and brain cell deterioration are among the primary factors that trigger Parkinsons development. But why exactly patients develop these problems is a complex issue that remains up for debate.
What is known is that certain risk factors can make someone more susceptible to developing Parkinsons disease, which can include:
- Being a man, especially during older age. Research suggests that men in their 50s and 60s are most likely to develop Parkinsons.
- Genetic susceptibility: Studies have now identified several gene mutations that can put someone at a greater risk. Parkinsons has also been found to run in families, and having a sibling or parent increases someones risk.
- Damage to the area of the brain called the substantia nigra, which produces brain cells that are responsible for making dopamine.
- Toxicity and exposure to chemicals, including pesticides present on produce from non-organic farming. Living in a rural area and drinking well-water that might contain chemicals is another environmental risk factor.
- Poor diet, nutrient deficiencies, food allergies and an unhealthy lifestyle.
- Hormonal imbalances and other medical conditions that affect cognitive health and increase inflammation.
How Is Diet And Parkinson Interrelated
Parkinsons and diet are interrelated. The diet in Parkinsons plays an essential role in treating Parkinsons symptoms as there are many dopamine foods for Parkinsons disease to get the nourishing diet for the same.
It is recommended that the people with Parkinsons illness should keep up a healthy diet regime, including the variety of whole grains, vegetables, milk, and dairy items, fresh vegetables, and protein-rich nourishments, for example, meat and beans. Additionally, consider including nuts, olive oil, fish, and eggs to your eating regime.
Thus, the right nourishments will likewise optimize your Parkinsons medication, which helps in keeping your bones healthy and helps to fight against constipation and maintain your overall general wellbeing.
Eating an assortment of nourishments will assist you with getting the vitality, protein, nutrients, minerals, and fiber you require in Parkinsons.
You should pick an eating regime with a lot of grains, vegetables, and organic products, which gives nutrients, minerals, fiber, and complex starches and can assist, you in bringing down your intake of fats in the body. In addition to this, reduce your sugar, salt and sodium intake, which helps in maintaining your BP levels.
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Natural Remedies For Parkinsons Disease
By Lutgarda Mariano 9 am on February 19, 2021
Parkinsons disease primarily develops due to low dopamine levels. When dopamine-generating neurons in the brain die, the body is unable to produce enough of this essential neurotransmitter. Many Parkinsons treatments aim to boost dopamine levels, which can mitigate some of the symptoms. While there are plenty of prescription treatments to alleviate Parkinsons symptoms, some natural remedies are also available.