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
Which Vitamins Are Good For Parkinsons Disease
Nutritional interventions, which act via different types of mechanisms may slow or avoid the accumulation of damaged brain cells associated with the production of Parkinsons disease. Particularly, nutrients responsible to increase the utilization of brain energy, prevention of mitochondrial dysfunction, protection against oxidation damages and inflammation of tame are few leading contenders associated with anti-Parkinsons therapies.
Possible Neuroprotective Mechanisms Of Vitamin B3 In Pd
Firstly, numerous studies have demonstrated that mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular energy failure are pathophysiological features of PD. Nicotinamide participates in the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide via various metabolic pathways . NADH is an essential cofactor assisting the tetrahydrobiopterin functioning in tyrosine hydroxylase, which can hydroxylate tyrosine and produce dopamine NADH deficiency is common in PD .
Secondly, NADH is indispensable for the physiological function of mitochondrial complex I in ATP synthesis, and the corresponding dysfunction is involved in PD patients and animal models . Nicotinamide mononucleotide constitutes one of the key precursors of NAD+. In previous in vitro studies, the scholars have established a cellular model of PD using rotenone-treated PC12 cells, and they found the NMN treatment was associated with a significantly higher survival rate in the rotenone-treated PC12 cells. NMN is assumed to enhance the intracellular levels of NAD+ and ATP in the cellular model of PD .
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Antioxidants: Vitamin C And E Mediterranean Diet
Since there is evidence relating oxidative damage of nerve cells to PD, some researchers are studying antioxidants:
- A 2002 study focused on the potential antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 , which is believed to play an important role in mitochondria health. Mitochondria are the “powerhouses” of a cell. Some scientists think that abnormalities of mitochondrial function may play a role in PD.
In 2011, a large clinical trial studying the potential benefits of CoQ10 on reducing the progression of early PD was stopped because a mid-study analysis suggested that there was no improvement in the people taking CoQ10 in comparison to those receiving treatment. Researchers decided that continuing the study would have shown an extremely low likelihood of CoQ10 showing any benefit in delaying the progression of early PD.
Scientists have also examined Vitamin E, Vitamin C and health foods to evaluate oxidative properties. Vitamin E can fight damage in the brain caused by free radicals and has been suggested to lower the risk of PD. However, researchers conducted an extensive and thorough study more than 10 years ago and failed to find any evidence that Vitamin E slows the progression of PD or manages symptoms. Since Vitamin E has few side effects, many people with PD continue to take it in high doses of 400 IU or more.
Foods That Are Hard To Chew
Many people with Parkinsons have difficulty with chewing and swallowing foods. A person needs medical help if this is the case. A speech and language therapist may be able to help a person overcome this issue.
However, if a person is finding certain foods hard to chew and swallow, they may wish to avoid these foods.
Such foods include:
- dry, crumbly foods
- tough or chewy meats
If a person does wish to eat chewy meats, they could try using gravy or sauce to soften them and make eating easier.
They could also try chopping meat into smaller pieces or incorporating meat into casseroles, which can make it more tender.
Having a drink with a meal can also make chewing and swallowing easier.
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Clinical Studies Regarding Vitamin D In Pd
Substantial epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that vitamin D has a positive effect on PD. In a cohort study, over 7000 Finnish’s serum samples were collected for measuring the 25-hydroxy vitamin D level, and meanwhile, the occurrence of PD was instigated over a 30-year follow-up period. The results showed that individuals with higher serum vitamin D concentrations had a lower risk of PD . Evatt et al. also noted consistent findings .
As mentioned above, vitamin D3 can be endogenously synthesized upon sunlight exposure in the skin. In a large case-control study of Danish men, involving 3819 PD patients and 19,282 controls, the scholars proposed that men working outdoors have a lower risk of PD . Another nationwide ecologic study in France also suggests that vitamin D levels are negatively correlated with the risk of PD, but this result needs taking ages into account . Wang et al. not only demonstrated a positive correlation between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and sunlight exposure but also noted that lower serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D and sunlight exposure can increase the risk of PD .
Furthermore, PD patients with lower 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels may exhibit more severe symptoms compared with normal controls . Unsurprisingly, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that vitamin D3 supplementation significantly prevented the deterioration of PD .
Clinical Studies Regarding Vitamin E In Pd
The DATATOP experiment is a multicentre-controlled clinical trial to investigate the long-term efficacy of treatment with deprenyl and/or copherol and to explore whether it is possible to extend the time before the application of levodopa treatment. At 28 US and Canadian sites, 800 eligible patients with untreated early-stage PD were enrolled in DATATOP and randomized to four groups: deprenyl 10mg/d, copherol 2000IU/d, placebo-controlled, and deprenyl 10mg/d and copherol 2000IU/d. Deprenyl can delay the development of functional disorders, delay the application of levodopa, and improve motor symptoms, but vitamin E is disappointing . Similarly, another two population-based studies also did not find the association between vitamin E intake and risk of PD .
However, a large community-based study showed that high intake of dietary vitamin E may reduce the occurrence of PD . Another pilot trail suggests that long-term treatment with vitamin E may delay the use of levodopa in patients with PD . Further research is needed to verify these results.
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Parkinsons New Treatment :
Luckily, there are many natural alternative solutions which can help ease the symptoms of Parkinsons Disease. This is why we decided to look into the 3 best natural herbs and supplements which help treating Parkinsons Disease , listed from least to most effective.
Number 3:
Turmeric: The Super-Spice
Lately, this golden spice, widely used in curry and other oriental dishes, turned into a favorite amongst scientists and health enthusiasts. New health benefits of turmeric are discovered with every new research: its a natural remedy for infections, it contains antioxidants, it even seems to help with treating cancer! The component in turmeric which helps with all the above is curcumin, and as experts from Michigan State University recently found, it also helps with easing Parkinsons Disease. It does that by preventing proteins which lead to Parkinsons Disease from becoming aggressive.
How to Use Turmeric for PD:
If youd like to try using turmeric as a natural remedy for Parkinsons, just add some to your cooking.
Number 2:
Vitamins For Parkinson’s Disease
Apart from traditional pharmaceutical treatments, if you have Parkinsons disease, your doctor may recommend vitamins with antioxidant properties. While it is best to get these from food sources as part of a healthy, balanced diet, some people need to take supplements. These vitamins include:
- Vitamin B12
- Folate
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Vitamins For Parkinsons Disease
Vitamin B6
Pharmaceutical treatment used for treating Parkinsons disease aim at obtaining an optimum trade-off between achieving a good control over the symptoms and minimizing side-effects related to the use of these drugs.
The role of vitamin B6 in maintaining a healthy nervous system, through its ability to improve blood circulation to the brain and promote the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine has been well established by studies conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center.
A study has established a strong link between the deficiency of vitamin B6 and an increased risk of developing Parkinsons disease. Although, vitamin B6 may not be very efficient in reversing the damage done to the brain cells, it can certainly help in the second stage of the treatment by helping patients cope with the side-effects associated with many drugs used to treat PD.
However, it has been recommended to limit your vitamin B6 intake to 100 grams per day, since an overdose can cause negative side effects like loss of sensation, balance and co-ordination. Hence, vitamin B6 can be more beneficial, if obtained through the consumption of foods like fish, chicken, turkey, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, nuts, beans, legumes, etc., rather than obtaining it through the intake of over-the-counter supplements, which have doses of vitamin B6.
Antioxidant Vitamins
Vitamin C
Improvement Stages Of Parkinsons Disease
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Optimise Your Diet Reduce Your Toxic Load
While the cause of Parkinsons is not known, environmental toxins such as pesticides and herbicides are implicated. Researchers have found levels of these chemicals to be higher in the brains of Parkinsons sufferers and incidence of Parkinsons is higher in areas with greater use of these chemicals. It makes sense to avoid any environmental toxins that you can. Also, consider your intake of dietary toxins such as alcohol and caffeine avoiding or reducing these may reduce the load on your bodys detoxification pathways.
Oxidative Stress And Neuroinflammation In Pd
Oxidative stress, generation of free radicals, and generation of ROS in neurons and glial cells contribute and play a major role in the pathogenesis of PD and other neurodegenerative diseases . In particular, nigral dopaminergic neurons seem to be particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress mainly because of the long axons and millions of synapses, which require high energy to work properly . Besides high energy, increased levels of dopamine and its metabolites can also cause oxidative stress . Finally, the mitochondrial dysfunction naturally leads to an increased level of oxidative stress, with a depletion of lysosome and the establishment of a vicious cycle in which the first increases the alteration of the latter and vice versa .
At the same time, the antioxidant defensive mechanism in the brain is poor and thus limits its protective action against free radical attack, especially during the progression of neurodegenerative conditions, in which the cells antioxidant capacity is further reduced. Antioxidants are able to scavenge free radicals and reactive species, giving a beneficial therapeutic effect in PD by preventing the onset of apoptotic cell death and neuronal degeneration of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway.
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So What Does Nutrition Have To Do With Parkinsons
1. The neurotransmitter dopamine is made in the body from amino acids which are the building blocks of protein. Every time we eat a protein rich food we take in protein, which the body breaks down into its component amino acids. Two amino acids are converted in the body into L-Dopa, which is then converted into dopamine in the brain.
2. Nutrient co-factors are required for each stage of this conversion process, so deficiencies of these may reduce dopamine production.
3. L-dopa medication competes for absorption with dietary amino acids, therefore the timing of taking L-dopa and the eating of protein needs to be managed for optimal absorption and effectiveness of the drug and the reduction of side-effects.
Therefore, the nutritional therapy approach to Parkinsons includes:
1. Supporting dopamine production by ensuring adequate precursors and co-factors
2. Considering drug-nutrient interactions to enhance effectiveness and reduce side-effects
3. Optimising nutritional status and addressing co-morbidities . These co-morbidities include constipation, depression, fatigue, and insomnia.
Traditional Chinese Medicine And Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine views disease as caused by internal imbalances. It has historically been used to treat Parkinson disease with acupuncture and individually prepared herbal remedies. One study showed that acupuncture improved symptoms in a small group of people with Parkinson disease. People with Parkinson disease may also find that acupuncture helps them sleep better. If you consult a TCM practitioner, make sure your doctor is aware of any suggested treatment.
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Magnesium And Magnesium L
Magnesium is an essential dietary mineral and is the second most common electrolyte in the body. Magnesium deficiencies are common in the western diet, and magnesium deficiencies have been linked to a number of adverse health effects including weakness, cramps, anxiety, and high blood pressure.
Vitamin C And Vitamin E
Vitamin C is found in fruit, vegetables, and the livers of animals. Vitamin E is an antioxidant found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, bell peppers, and avocados.
An 18-year study followed 41,058 subjects in Sweden. Within that population, there were 465 cases of Parkinson’s disease. Researchers evaluated vitamin C and E to determine whether antioxidants and total non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity were linked to a lower risk of Parkinsons disease.
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Foods Containing Nutrients That People May Be Deficient In
Some research suggests that people with Parkinsons often have certain nutrient deficiencies, including deficiencies in iron, vitamin B1, vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D.
The above study points out that some of these deficiencies may be associated with neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, which are key factors in Parkinsons.
Therefore, people with Parkinsons may wish to consume more of the following foods.
Foods containing iron
The following foods are good sources of iron:
- liver
- certain fortified foods
How To Get The Desired Results
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Get Your Nutrients From Food
Remember, vitamins and nutrients come from nutritious foods, so dont just look to supplements to seek their potential benefits. The advantages you get from eating a healthful diettrue for folks with Parkinsons disease and beyondare well known. Research shows that a Mediterranean diet reduces inflammation. This approach to eating is high in antioxidants and flavonoids, both of which may help with PD symptoms when you get them through food, research shows. My recommendation is a healthy diet thats high in antioxidants, Dr. Begna says. Leafy vegetables, colorful fruits, omega-3 fatty acids, fish. We know it cant hurt.
Parkinsons and Supplements: Parkinsons Foundation. Over the counter and complementary therapies.
Parkinsons and Supplements:Current Treatment Options in Neurology. A Review of the Clinical Evidence for Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Parkinsons Disease.
Possible Neuroprotective Mechanisms Of Vitamin D In Pd
VDR belongs to the intranuclear receptor superfamily, composing of eight coding exons and three alternative 5 noncoding exons, spanning over 105kb, on chromosome 12 . The most widely studied biallelic polymorphic sites are BsmI, TaqI, ApaI, and FokI. Substantial researches have been carried out to explore the relationship between these allelic variations and PD. Kim et al. detected VDR gene BsmI polymorphisms in over 300 Korean individuals . The frequency of VDR genotype bb was significantly increased in the PD patients than that in the controls . The bb genotype was more common in PD patients with postural instability and gait difficulty than in the PD patients with tremor . A meta-analysis showed that VDR BsmI and FokI polymorphisms were associated with the risk of PD , and VDR FokI genotype was associated with the severity and cognitive decline of PD . Muscular and motor impairments, which can seriously affect the motor behaviour, were found in the VDR-knockout mice , indicating that vitamin D may be involved in the pathogenesis of PD.
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor is a protein that is essential for the maintenance and survival of dopaminergic neurons and can inhibit microglial activation . Many animal studies showed that 1,25-2-D3 could enhance the endogenous GDNF expression in vitro and in vivo and inhibit the glial cell activation to protect dopaminergic neurons from immune inflammation .
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