Notes From Glutathione In Parkinsons Disease
– a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of Washington 2016.
Having become very intrigued by Laurie’s work, I read her published PhD thesis, and, because it such a mine of information about PD, much of which I was unaware of myself, I started taking notes. I have decided to share my annotations here, simply because I do believe these could help people with PD to start thinking more for ourselves, and outside the box of hopleess degeneration that neurologist are still mis-informing us about.“Originally thought to be exclusively a motor disorder, PD is now recognized as a syndrome affecting non-motor and cognitive facilities. The most significant advance in PD therapeutics … the provision of the dopamine precursor, levodopa , provided symptomatic relief.”
“It is now known that the dopaminergic system is affected late in the course of the disease. While the provision of dopamine is essential for symptomatic relief, prevention efforts may, or may not, involve dopaminergic pathways. On autopsy, individuals with PD have distinct cellular inclusions, called Lewy bodies an increasing body of literature suggests these inclusions first appear in the intestinal tract up to a decade before the disease and spread up the vagus nerve, into the midbrain, eventually reaching the substantia nigra .”
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
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How Can I Know If An Alternative Treatment Is Safe And Effective
Alternative treatments can be helpful in some cases, yet some therapies can be ineffective, costly, and even dangerous. The best way to evaluate your options is to become educated. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What is the treatment?
- What are the side effects?
- Is it effective?
- How much does it cost?
Once you answer these questions, weigh your options and decide whether the benefits outweigh the risks.
If you do decide to try an alternative treatment, make sure your health is protected. Do not take the claim at face value: contact reliable organizations and discuss the therapy. Talk to others in a support group, your family and friends although they may not always be supportive, they can help you make an educated, objective decision.
Discuss the therapy with your doctor. Make sure your doctor knows what therapy you are considering so they can discuss possible interactions and/or side effects with your current treatments. They can also provide you with information on other patients who may have tried the same therapy.
Contact the Better Business Bureau and thoroughly research the background of the therapy provider. Determine how long they have been providing this therapy, what credentials they have, and what their philosophy of treatment is. Avoid therapy providers who refuse or are reluctant to work with your doctor. Be sure that the provider is willing to refer patients to a conventional doctor when necessary.
Diet And Nutrition In Parkinson’s Disease
which covers how they used a new online symptom recording and tracking system to correlate various foods and supplements with degree of symptoms and disease rate of progression in over 1000 people with PD. The include:
“This pragmatic.. study offers… evidence-base for prescribing lifestyle modification . Foods shown here to be associated with slower PD progression are common to the Mediterranean diet… iron, beef, dairy, fried foods, diet soda, or canned goods provide environmental insults that accelerate disease progression… warrants immediate attention…minimizing exposure to these foods is justified.”
“…weight loss commonly occurs as the disease progresses…. Patients should be counseled on alternative sources of protein and calcium .”
“Fish oil supplementation is warranted in individuals with a diagnosis of PD and justified based on biological plausibility and the clinical epidemiological data. As fish oil supplements are sold over the counter, there is a tremendous amount of diversity in both content of EPA and DHA, as well as in quality … familiarize themselves with available products and recommend buying from companies that perform analysis on stability, purity, and potency. Consumption of nonfried oily fish, such as herring, sardines, mackerel, and salmon should be encouraged.”
for more information about the neurotoxic effects of iron in people with Parkinson’s Disease.
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Most Doctors Are Skeptics
Many patients complain of the disdainful reaction they encounter when they ask their doctors about adding Mucuna to their treatment regimen. As it is an unorthodox therapy, it is perfectly understandable that the physician does not want to prescribe Mucuna : it is not part of the generally accepted body of treatments they are trained to manage. When a doctor decides to incorporate Mucuna , he faces new difficulties, particularly with patients treated with other drugs. This requires the additional effort of studying the situation and designing a strategy for each individual case.
On the other hand, we cannot allow patients to treat themselves in hiding. Therefore, it is desirable that as doctors, we have to educate ourselves about Mucuna so that we can choose to use it or not in a particular type of patient. One should never despise the unfamiliar. After studying the properties of Mucuna and weighing its advantages and disadvantages, we should decide on a rational basis whether it is beneficial, neutral, or inadvisable for a specific case.
If the patient perceives that we master the subject, he will entrust his care to us, rather than attempting to treat himself. That way, he will cooperate if we ban the Mucuna or recommend a gradual dosage pattern. We earn their trust when we have enough information and credibility.
Other Advantages Of Mucuna
Mucuna does not produce dyskinesia . A different study, this time in monkeys , produced very interesting results on the possibility of dyskinesias. One group was treated with Sinemet , another with Mucuna plus carbidopa, and the third only with Mucuna . All the animals experienced an improvement in their symptoms. Dyskinesia was then assessed by the study of spontaneous activity in the substantia nigra. Larger dyskinesia appeared in the Sinemet group. In those treated with the combination of Mucuna and carbidopa, dyskinesia seemed more moderate. Interestingly, in those who had only taken Mucuna , no dyskinesia was found .
Long-term Mucuna without dyskinesia . A similar experiment was performed, but this time Mucuna treatment was continuous, extending for a year. It was done in rodents and compared Mucuna with Madopar. One group was treated with Madopar , another with Mucuna plus benserazide, and the third only with Mucuna . All were controlled for a year. The symptoms were alleviated in all groups, but the improvement was significantly higher in those who were treated with Mucuna plus benserazide.
To highlight the results of long-term use: after 1 year, major dyskinesia appeared in rats that had taken Madopar. Rodents treated with Mucuna plus benserazide had some minor dyskinesia while for animals that took only Mucuna , none at all . Even more, in an experiment with different dyskinesias , these repetitive movements improved when Mucuna
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Return To Stillness: A Natural Approach To Parkinsons And Degenerative Disease
Although Parkinsons disease has been recognized since early in the 19th Century, its cure remains beyond the reach of mainstream medicine. Holistic care offers options outside the medical approach, but even naturopathic doctors struggle to make headway against the ravages of this progressive, degenerative
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Michelle Simon Phd Nd
President & CEO
As president and CEO of INM, Dr. Simon brings her passion for working with organizations dedicated to improving the quality and delivery of healthcare. This desire stems from her years of practice as a licensed naturopathic physician. In addition to holding a Naturopathic Doctorate from Bastyr University she also holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
She has served on boards for the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians , the Naturopathic Physicians Research Institute , and several advisory boards. Dr. Simon served nine years on the Washington State Health Technology Clinical Committee, as Ambassador to the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine and was recognized as 2018 AANP Physician of the Year. Dr. Simon shares with her husband a passion for adventure travel, preferably by boat or motorcycle. She also enjoys teaching a womens off-road motorcycling class.
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Parkinson’s Disease And Movement Disorders Center
Our center provides compassionate and timely treatment to patients with movement disorders, such as dystonia, ataxia, essential tremor and similar conditions. But our mission goes beyond patient care excellence. By offering educational events and support groups, we empower patients and caregivers to become better partners in their health.
Conventional Treatment Of Parkinsons
Although they are not the only option, pharmaceutical drugs can be used to help stabilize a Parkinsons patients moods and improve motor control. When it comes to the effectiveness of medications and traditional drugs, often over time Parkinsons symptoms will stop responding. This is why its very important to take extra measures to slow down the progression of symptoms, ideally in the early stages of the disease. Luckily there are natural ways to help do this, including an anti-inflammatory diet
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The Problem Of Volume
Mucuna is more effective, more rapid, and durable however, to achieve a dose that will offer the same relief as Sinemet or Madopar, it would be necessary to prescribe large amounts of seed powder dissolved in liquid . The need to consume seed powder several times a day would soon overwhelm the patient, and the treatment would be abandoned as too cumbersome.
The solution to the problem can be found in concentrated extracts. This allows for the presentation of Mucuna in tablets or capsules, facilitating the application of different doses of the product and making it easy to manage daily consumption of Mucuna in the amounts deemed necessary. There is another choice that requires the cooperation of the neurologist: Mucuna could be used in association with carbidopa to achieve greater efficiency with less seed powder.
Some Of The Causes Of Parkinsons Disease
One of the six principles of Naturopathic Medicine is to find and treat the causes of dis-ease. Some of the potential PD causes include: pesticides and herbicides toxic metals, such as lead poor nutrition hidden and delayed food allergies, such as gluten traumatic brain injuries inflammatory brain disorder, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction . According to Dauer , only 5-10% of PD cases are linked to genetics.
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How Do I Find A Good Therapist
Before choosing a therapist its important to find out if theyre reputable, insured and, where relevant, belong to a regulatory body.
You may find it helpful to ask:
- your GP, specialist, Parkinsons nurse or other healthcare professional. Many hospitals and GP surgeries now work together with complementary therapists
- someone else with Parkinsons, a friend or family member
- your Parkinsons local adviser
Always check the therapists credentials. Some complementary therapists use the Dr title, but that doesnt necessarily mean theyve studied conventional medicine. An honest, reliable practitioner wont mind you asking about their qualifications.
Professional associations
Many therapists are members of reputable, professional organisations. These organisations can be useful sources of information. Be aware that some organisations may make claims that arent backed up by good evidence.
We list a number of professional organisations for each complementary therapy. If youre doing your own research, bear in mind that a high quality professional association requires its members to:
- complete some kind of formal qualification, which will usually include a training programme and an exam
- stay up to date in their field by continuing their professional training and development
- follow a code of ethics and professional conduct
- report any side effects when they happen
When you find a therapist, here are a few questions you should ask:
Naturopathic Medicine And Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons Disease is the second most common neurogenerative disorder experienced by seniors voluntary movement is impaired or lost. Although the dis-ease may come to affect the whole body, it most commonly weakens ones ability to control semi-voluntary motions such as swinging arms when walking, or moving ones tongue so that speech is clear and precise.
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The Latest Research About Mucuna Pruriens As A Treatment For Parkinsons
In 2004, a study was conducted comparing the efficacy of MP with the standard medication used in PD, carbidopa/levodopa . Eight patients were given one dose of a MP preparation or C/L in a blinded fashion and then tested four hours after ingestion. MP acted more quickly and lasted longer than C/L without worsening of dyskinesias. A 2017 study also compared various single dose preparations of MP vs. C/L given blindly and determined that MP had a quicker onset of action, lasted longer and caused fewer dyskinesias.
However, when MP was given for longer periods of time as opposed to in single doses, the results were not as positive. In 2018, a study was conducted in which 14 patients were given MP powder for eight weeks and then carbidopa/levodopa for eight weeks. Seven of the patients discontinued MP, four for gastro-intestinal side effects and three for worsening of motor symptoms.
For the seven who remained on treatment, efficacy of MP was the same as C/L. Nobody discontinued during the C/L phase. Although the study showed that MP can be effective in reducing PD symptoms, it drew attention to the need for additional research into the optimal MP formulation and dose to allow for greater tolerability when taken continually.
H3: The difference between mucuna pruriens and cabidopa levodopa
Why Are There No Frequent Major Problems
Mucuna is not a placebo but, rather, has important effects. However anyone can buy it without a prescription, and most are taking it without medical supervision. These patients are not sufficiently familiar with the properties of Mucuna they do not know the side effects or complications that may arise they do not take into account the interactions with other medications or the differences between individuals.
While this scenario suggests a public health issue, it fortunately does not usually cause serious problems. Why? I think that one reason is the safety of the components of Mucuna , which has been used for millennia in thousands or hundreds of thousands of patients in India without significant harmful effects. Another issue is that the products are sold often in small doses as a dietary supplement. That is not, however, always the case: there are some preparations with excessive doses especially when combined with carbidopa , dopamine agonists, or other antiparkinsonian drugs. It is necessary to use extreme caution.
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Treating Parkinsons Disease Naturally: What You Should Know
Its important to use good judgment when researching alternative treatments for Parkinsons disease. As a general rule, you should always avoid any products that claim to cure Parkinsons disease, whether they are natural or not. There is no scientific evidence that any medication, surgery or natural remedy can get rid of the disease entirely.
Many people think that the word “natural” means a product is safe and won’t cause any side-effects, but this isn’t always the case. You should always consult your doctor before trying new medications, herbal supplements or homeopathic treatments, as some may interact with your Parkinson’s medications or have adverse effects.
Natural remedies can be beneficial when used alongside the right Parkinson’s medication and physical therapy plan. However, you shouldn’t rely on natural treatments for Parkinsons disease without guidance from your doctor. Patients with Parkinsons usually have to take medications to ease the symptoms of their condition, but many of these are gentle with few side-effects particularly those used in the early stages.
APA ReferenceSmith, E. . Natural, Homeopathic Treatments for Parkinsons Disease. Really?!, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2022, September 15 from https://www.healthyplace.com/parkinsons-disease/treatment/natural-homeopathic-treatments-for-parkinsons-disease-really
Natural Treatments For Parkinsons Disease
Throughout my many years in Practice, I have had the opportunity to work with many patients suffering form neurodegenerative diseases, including those suffering from Parkinsons and this is what I have discovered. The human brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress due to its high metabolic activity. Glucose is the main fuel of the brain, but when glucose is low , the brain can use lactate during exercise and ketone bodies for fuel during glucose depletion. The general reliance on glucose means that the brain uses disproportionately more oxygen than other tissues.
What does this have to do with Parkinsons? Well, when dopamine is made in the brain it is especially prone to oxidation. This is where high dose antioxidant therapy becomes extremely important and beneficial for those suffering from Parkinsons disease. I often incorporate the following vitamins as part of my protocols for treating Parkinsons.
Vitamin C Can be used as an antioxidant to prevent the free radical damage from getting worse and spreading.
Coenzyme Q10 research has found that the level of CoQ10 is substantially lower in the mitochondria of the people with Parkinsons Disease and that a CoQ10 deficiency can increase the risk of dopamine cell death in the substantia nigra region of the brain.
Considerations When Treating Parkinsons
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