Information and facts on Parkinson's Disease

 

Parkinson's disease is also known as paralysis agitans or shaking palsy. It is a degenerative disorder affecting the body's nervous system. The disease may begin with hand tremors, a heavy or slow feeling, easily getting tired, and muscular stiffness. Symptoms later on include: drooling, appetite loss, tremors, impaired speech, a fixed facial expression, dementia, and depression. It is a serious disease and may result in death after 10 or more years. Malnutrition is believed to be a cause and thus a good complete natural multi-vitamin/mineral/herbal supplement can be very helpful.

Parkinson's disease, sometimes called palsy or paralysis agitans, is caused by damage to nerve cell clusters in the brain. The degeneration of nerve cells in the basal ganglia areas of gray matter located in the cerebrum lobes, the large part that caps the whole brain causes a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine in this part of the brain. Normally, dopamine works with another neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. These two brain chemicals act to transmit messages between the nerve cells that control the functioning of muscles throughout the entire body. Acetylcholine sends messages that cause the muscles to contract, while dopamine moderates these signals to proper levels. In persons with Parkinson's disease, however, there is an imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine, because there is too much acetylcholine and too little dopamine. As a result, nerves that control muscle contraction send bad signals, causing involuntary tremors and muscle rigidity. Parkinson's disease may  also result if the receptors to which dopamine must bind to exert its effects become blocked. 

Parkinson's disease normally occurs slowly. Early symptoms include a slight tremor, usually of one hand, arm, or leg. The trembling is worse when the affected body part is at rest, but may be hardly noticeable when that body part is moving. As the disease worsens, both sides of the body become affected. Stiffness, muscle weakness and rigidity shaking of the head, and trembling increase. A "pill-rolling" movement of the fingers in which the thumb and first finger rub together as if rolling a pill or tiny ball bearing between them is typical of the disease. Over time, the posture becomes stooped, and the affected person moves with a stiff, shuffling walk, though they may break into small uncontrollable running steps at times. Cramp like pains in the arms, legs, and spine are common. Constipation is very often a problem as well. In the later stages, a person with Parkinson's disease may drool and have an unblinking, fixed expression and oily skin. Eventually, everyday activities become difficult or impossible to manage without help, and speech becomes impaired. If untreated, the disease progresses over 10 to 15 years to severe weakness and incapacity. However, the thinking ability and reasoning are normally unaffected.

Parkinson's disease is more common in men than women. It most often affects persons over 60 years old, although it may affect younger people. When it does, it is normally is a result of encephalitis which is brain inflammation, or poisoning by carbon monoxide, heavy metals, or drugs. The incidence of Parkinson's disease is rising. In the 1970s, among people over 60, one person in 1,000 was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. By the 1980s, the number increased to one in every 200 people, and today, an estimated one person in every 100 over 60 is affected. While no one knows what causes the nerve cells to degenerate, these statistics would seem to support a recent theory suggesting that increased exposure to environmental toxins may be a factor in this disease. Proponents of this theory believe that brain cells may be destroyed by the cumulative effects of toxins absorbed over the years. Malnutrition and incomplete utilization of nutrients also may be contributing factors to the disease.

CONVENTIONAL  MEDICAL TREATMENT

The primary treatment for Parkinson's disease is aimed at correcting the imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain. Levodopa - often called L-dopa and also sold under the brand name Larodopa. If you must take the drug Levodopa than eat the following foods in moderation: bananas, beef, fish, liver, oatmeal, peanuts, potatoes, and whole grains. These food can interfere with the drugs potency due to the vitamin B6 in these foods.

Levodopa /larodopa, which the body converts into dopamine, is a widely used drug treatment. Because much of this substance is taken up by other parts of the body before it reaches the brain, high doses are required to achieve the desired effect. Because some amino acids prevent this drug from reaching the brain, L-dopa should not be taken with food. Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat. However, the benefits of levodopa diminish with continued use, while there is an increase in longer term side effects, including dyskinesias or abnormal movements and confusion. After about 2 years, it no longer works well and another drug, such as bromocriptine "Parlodel" or a combination of levodopa and carbidopa "Atamet", "Sinemet", is normally substituted. But these substitute drugs are not as effective as the initial levodopa therapy. When residual amounts of levodopa in the system are diminished, normally after about a month, your doctor may advise you to resume taking it once again. At this point, the side effects may take time to return, though the progression of the disease is not stopped. The variability of drug treatment stems from a well known phenomenon called the on/off effect, in which Parkinsonian symptoms can suddenly get worse and then improve again. This may be helped by taking lower doses of medication at more frequent intervals.

Other Changes To Make

• drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or filtered water a day

• eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)

• nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good

• juice is good (make your own with a juice machine)

• do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods

• carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack

• a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)

• do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks

• do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...

• use stress relief like going for walks in the park (or the 10/90 rule - see Stress)

• brown rice is good to eat

• avoid red meat and animal fats

• reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others

• fast a few days a month

• get at least 8 hours of sleep 

• exercise light to moderate amounts

• avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet

• do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke

• do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal

• do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry

• do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any physical ailments.
In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed Medical Consultant or Doctor.