Complementary And Alternative Therapies
DO NOT try to treat Parkinson disease with alternative therapies alone. Used with conventional medications, complementary and alternative therapies may help provide some relief of symptoms and slow progression of the disease. Some CAM therapies may interfere with certain medications, so work with your physician to find the safest, most effective CAM therapies for you.
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Supplements For Reducing Parkinsons Risk
Many nutrients are associated with a lower risk of developing Parkinsons. But that does not mean they can prevent the disease. They have an association, not necessarily causation.
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.
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The #1 Best Supplement For Parkinson’s Disease Says Dietitian
Parkinson’s Disease is a disorder that causes nerve cell damage in the brain, which leads to a drop in dopamine, the “feel good” hormone lower dopamine levels cause atypical brain activity that can lead to impaired movement. Every year, around 13 out of every 100,000 people in the United States deal with the disease. Although it may stem from genetics, head injuries, and some other environmental factors, Parkinson’s will not only affect the one who was diagnosed, but it will affect their loved ones as well.
Once you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, there are ways to help control the symptoms. This includes changing your diet and even taking medication prescribed by your doctor. There are even supplements that can help provide you with extra nutrients that your body is missing that can impact your disease. According to Lisa R. Young, PhD, RDN, author of Finally Full, Finally Slim, and The Portion Teller Plan and member of the Eat This, Not That! medical expert board, the best supplement you can take to help with Parkinson’s Disease is one with vitamin B12.
“While I’m a fan of a food-first approach, taking a vitamin B12 supplement may slow the loss of reduced cognitive function,” explains Dr. Young. “People with early-onset Parkinson’s disease tend to have lower vitamin B12 levels which may lower cognitive function.”6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
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Vitamin E Vitamin C And Natural Foods
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.
However, a recent study published in Neurology, revealed that those with high Vitamin E and C consumption might be associated to a lower risk of PD. Additional research is still needed to better understand this association. Vitamin E has few side effects, and many people with PD continue to take it in high doses of 400 IU or more.
Researchers are also examining if health foods, such as fermented papaya and blueberries, play a role in slowing nerve cell death. Scientists are optimistic about the research, but do not have conclusive data at this time to recommend these supplements to treat PD.
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What The Science Says
A study published in the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society suggests that patients in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease who show low vitamin B12 experienced faster motor and cognitive decline. This suggests that vitamin supplements may help slow the progression of these symptoms.
In the study, researchers measured vitamin B12 and other B12-related factors in 680 participants with early, untreated Parkinson’s Disease. They then followed up with 456 samples. The results showed that 13% of these participants had borderline low B12 levels, and 7% had elevated homocysteinean amino acid whose levels are inversely related to a vitamin deficiency. Elevated homocysteine may increase your risks for dementia, heart disease, and stroke without treatment.
Therefore, the study showed that low levels of B12 were common in those with early stages of Parkinson’s Disease. Low B12 predicted greater worsening of mobility, while elevated homocysteine predicted greater cognitive decline.
So, if you’re in need of a vitamin boost, a B12 supplement may help do the trick. As always, consult with your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet.
Principles Of Supplementation In Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is not a condition you should manage yourself at home. You must take the help of a medical practitioner and seek appropriate treatment.
Supplementation falls under complementary and alternative therapies, which means that it is to be used along with or after trying medical treatment. Consult with your doctor before using any supplement regimen.
Supplementation in Parkinsons disease relies on 4 pillars:
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Probiotics & Parkinsons Disease
Probiotics refer to foods or nutritional supplements that contain micro-organisms meant to support health. Probiotics therefore make up a very large category of products, including certain yogurts as well as supplements in powder and pill form. You can review the use of probiotics for general health on the NIH website here. Probiotics may work by supporting a healthy balance of micro-organisms in the microbiome, defined as the trillions of microbes that live in the human gut, and possibly by modulating the bodys immune responses.
Recently, there has been concern in medical literature that the explosion of use of probiotics in the general population has outpaced our understanding of the science behind its use. Probiotics have been linked to infection, particularly in people who have compromised immune systems . Despite insufficient scientific data to support its widespread use however, ingestion of probiotics does not typically cause problems in those with normal immune systems.
In two past blogs, I wrote about the complex relationship between the gut and PD and discussed the possibility that the microbiome in patients with PD might be different than those without PD. This has led to a research interest of whether manipulating gut bacteria in PD can be therapeutic.
Neurology Solutions Video: How To Prepare A Protein Shake
Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center Medical Director Robert Izor, MD, MS, has created a short video demonstrating how to prepare a protein shake, including detailed step-by-step instructions, ingredients and serving recommendations. A neurology clinic based in Austin, Texas, that focuses on the care and treatment of movement disorders, Neurology Solutions recommends a nutritional approach to treating neurodegenerative disease.
Dr. Izor recommends his patients increase their intake of protein as well as Omega-3 fats and healthy amino acids. His practices comprehensive disease management approach incorporates diet, medication and supplemental nutrition as well as additional therapies as needed, including physical and occupational therapy. The practice also oversees patients utilizing advanced treatments for neurological disorders, such as Botox therapy, baclofen pump therapy and deep brain stimulation therapy.
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What About Other Drinks
Parkinsons patients should avoid drinking sugar-sweetened beverages. These products can negatively affect disease symptoms. Especially, diet soda could be very toxic.
Moderate consumption of caffeine and alcohol shouldnt cause any harm but their high amount may possibly actuate adverse effects in patients. Few clinical trials have reported that daily consumption of coffee may improve some of Parkinsons symptoms. Therefore, researchers often encourage the use of moderate amounts of coffee in Parkinsons disease.
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Supplements For Slowing Down Parkinsons Progression
There are multiple supplements that offer antioxidant protection. Obviously, you do not need to take all these supplements.
I have mentioned different choices above because you may be taking or considering some of them for another condition, in which case, you can choose that particular one in preference to the others. For example:
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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.
Vitamins For Parkinsons Disease
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
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:
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Medications For Parkinson’s Disease
After youve received a diagnosis of Parkinsons disease, your doctor will develop a treatment plan based on the diseases progression at the time you were diagnosed. Current pharmaceutical treatments include:
- Levodopa is a primary treatment for movement, tremors, and stiffness. Levodopa helps nerve cells make dopamine. This medication is also taken with carbidopa so that levodopa can reach the brain and stop or reduce side effects from the drug, such as vomiting, nausea, and low blood pressure.
- Dopamine agonists mimic dopamine in the brain but are not as effective as levodopa in controlling symptoms like muscle movement and rigidity.
- Catechol O-methyltransferase inhibitors block an enzyme that breaks down dopamine. They are taken with levodopa and slow the bodys ability to get rid of levodopa.
- MAO B inhibitors block monoamine oxidase B , a brain enzyme that breaks down dopamine. This allows dopamine to have longer-lasting effects.
- Anticholinergics aid in reducing tremors and muscle stiffness.
- Amantadine was first developed as an antiviral agent and can reduce involuntary movements caused by levodopa.
- Istradefylline is an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist. It is used for people taking carbidopa and levodopa but who experience off symptoms.
These drugs can have a variety of side effects. Be sure to discuss your medications with your doctor so you understand how and when to take them, what side effects may occur, and when to report any concerning side effects.
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.
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How To Get The Desired Results
What Is Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects older people most often, and men more often than women. Its believed to be caused by a combination of both genetic and environmental factors.
Characteristics of Parkinsons include tremors, muscle stiffness, poor balance and difficulty walking. Although symptoms vary from person to person, with time simple tasks like getting dressed in the morning or going to work can often become a chore.
Because Parkinsons disease is a chronic condition, symptoms usually persist over a long period of time and also progress with age. Each Parkinsons patient is different, so its common to experience varying levels of different symptoms. For this reason, some patients respond better to certain natural treatments than others.
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The Importance Of Vitamin B12
Dr. Young suggests that B12 helps to keep the nerve cells healthy. If you’re taking the food-first approach, B12 can be found mainly in animal products. For example, red meat, chicken, fish, dairy, and eggs, but also in nutritional yeast. However, if you want to ensure you’re getting the correct amount of B12 intake, then you can take a supplement.
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According to the Mayo Clinic, the recommended daily amount of vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms. The Mayo Clinic further states that the B12 vitamin plays an essential role in red blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nerve function, and the production of DNA, linking dementia and low cognitive function with this vitamin deficiency.
Coffee & Tea For Parkinsons
Multiple studies have shown an association between caffeine intake and reduced PD risk. Different studies have noted this association across a range of dietary exposures including coffee, black tea, green tea and total caffeine intake.
The relationship between coffee or tea drinking and lower rates of PD is an association that is, the two tend to co-exist. We do not yet know if coffee and tea are the cause of the lower rates of PD. In addition, there are other potentially beneficial compounds in coffee and tea besides caffeine, some with anti-oxidant properties.
Researchers are exploring if there are contributions from these other substances that may contribute to the lower risk of PD. Recent research published by Dr. M. Maral Mouradian, interim director of one of APDAs Centers for Advanced Research at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and member of APDAs Scientific Advisory Board, demonstrated how caffeine and Eicosanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamide may work together to prevent biochemical changes linked to development of PD. Although more research is necessary to test these compounds in humans and to determine how much of these substances are necessary to achieve the protective benefit, the research is pointing in the direction of coffee being beneficial.
Whether caffeine, coffee or tea is helpful to a person who already has PD is even less clear. That is, in addition to being associated with a lower risk of developing PD, could caffeine help PD symptoms?
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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:
- certain fortified foods