Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system degenerative disease that causes loss of voluntary movement and reduced motor function. Parkinson’s disease symptoms disrupt the body’s smooth, natural movements, making it difficult to accomplish daily functions such as speaking clearly, walking, swallowing, and sleeping.
The part of the brain that regulates muscular movements receives less dopamine than typical in Parkinson’s disease. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is required for not only correct physical movement coordination, but also for learning, motivation, and mood regulation. This is one of the reasons why people with Parkinson’s are prone to depression and other mood swings.
Is Parkinson’s disease treatable and what causes it? Although there is no established cause, possible aggravating variables include exposure to certain chemicals and hazardous water, as well as brain inflammation. While there is no treatment for Parkinson’s disease (which is both chronic and degenerative), there are drugs that can help manage symptoms by increasing dopamine levels in the brain.
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan discovered a viable technique to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease in a 2016 study. Researchers developed caffeine-based chemical compounds containing nicotine, metformin, and aminoindan that inhibited alpha-synuclein, a protein required for dopamine control, from misfolding.
When it comes to the efficacy of pharmaceuticals and standard therapies, Parkinson’s symptoms frequently stop reacting with time. This is why it’s critical to take extra precautions to slow the progression of symptoms, ideally when the disease is still in its early stages. Below, you’ll find information on natural Parkinson’s treatments such as following an anti-inflammatory diet and exercising, both of which can significantly alleviate this challenging illness.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease and How Does It Affect You?
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological ailment that primarily affects elderly adults, with men being affected more frequently than women. It’s thought to be the result of a mix of hereditary and environmental variables.
Tremors, muscle rigidity, poor balance, and trouble walking are all symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Simple actions, such as getting dressed in the morning or heading to work, can quickly become a chore, despite the fact that symptoms differ from person to person.
Because Parkinson’s disease is a chronic condition, symptoms normally last a long time and worsen as you become older. Because each Parkinson’s patient is unique, it’s common to have various degrees of distinct symptoms. As a result, some people are more responsive to natural therapy than others.
Symptoms & Signs to Look Out For
Parkinson’s symptoms are divided into two groups: those that affect motor functions and those that affect one’s mood. The following are the four most prevalent signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease:
Trembling is most commonly seen in the arms, jaw, legs, and face.
Rigidity: The majority of patients report stiffness in their core (trunk area), arms, and legs.
Bradykinesia is the medical word for sluggish movement. When trying to walk, some patients hesitate or freeze and are unable to restart, while others begin to shuffle.
Postural instability (bad posture) causes a loss of strength, balance, and coordination problems in moving muscles and body components.
Other symptoms that can develop and have an impact on a person’s moods and behaviour include:
Depression and exhaustion
Urinary issues
Having difficulty speaking or eating normally
Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems.
Sleeping problems
Problems with the skin
The tone of voice shifts.
Sexual dysfunction is a common problem.
Causes and Risk Factors
At this moment, no specific cause of Parkinson’s disease has been identified. The loss of the neurotransmitter dopamine, neurological injury, inflammation, and brain cell degradation, according to researchers, are among the key elements that cause Parkinson’s disease to develop. However, why patients acquire these issues is a complex question that is still being debated.
What is known is that certain risk factors, such as those listed below, can make someone more prone to acquiring Parkinson’s disease.
Being a male, especially as you get older. Parkinson’s disease is more common in males in their 50s and 60s, according to research.
Susceptibility to genetic alterations: Researchers have now found many gene mutations that can place someone at a higher risk. Parkinson’s disease appears to run in families, and having a brother or parent who has the disease enhances one’s risk.
Damage to the “substantia nigra,” a part of the brain that produces dopamine-producing brain cells.
Toxicity and chemical exposure, including pesticides found in non-organic farm produce. Another environmental risk factor is living in a rural location and consuming well-water that may contain pollutants.
Poor nutrition, vitamin shortages, food allergies, and an unhealthy lifestyle are all factors to consider.
Hormonal imbalances and other physical disorders can wreak havoc on your mental health and cause inflammation.
Treatment as it is now
Pharmaceutical medicines can assist calm a Parkinson’s patient’s moods and enhance motor control, though they are not the only choice. Treatments for Parkinson’s disease can be divided into three categories:
Pharmaceuticals that boost dopamine production in the brain, including as levodopa (L-dopa), Inosine, and Carbidopa, are examples of symptomatic therapies. Bromocriptine, pramipexole, and ropinirole are some of the less prevalent medications used to control symptoms.
Surgery such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) or tissue removal are examples of neuro-protective therapy.
Cure-based techniques are currently being researched and are the way of the future for Parkinson’s therapy. Natural remedies for Parkinson’s disease, such as those outlined below, have been shown in recent study to significantly reduce risk and enhance quality of life in Parkinson’s patients.
A clinical investigation published in 2018 found that young children treated with standard deep brain stimulation and medication have better behavioral results than those treated with medication alone. Medical therapy + bilateral subthalamic stimulation was given to 124 of the 251 individuals. The drug dosage was reduced by 39% during a two-year follow-up period. Neuropsychiatric fluctuations (or mood problems) were also reduced in this group. Medicine dosage increased by 21% in the 124 participants who just got medical therapy, while mood problems remained unchanged.
While we’re on the subject of DBS, a 2017 clinical trial found that adaptive deep brain stimulation is potentially more efficient, effective, and specific than regular DBS. “Adaptive deep brain stimulation,” according to the study, “uses feedback on the status of neural circuits to modulate stimulation rather than delivering fixed stimulation all of the time, as is currently done.” Although both adaptive and standard DBS decreased activity in the brain’s subthalamic nucleus, adaptive DBS produces a better suppression due to the shorter burst duration.
Best Foods for Parkinson’s Disease (Natural Treatments)
Parkinson’s sufferers should consume a nutrient-dense, whole-foods diet that contains plenty of fresh organic fruit, vegetables, and high-quality meats. Processed foods, as well as those containing preservatives, synthetic substances, and other chemicals, should be avoided.
READMORE: DIET PLAN OF HEALING FODDS.
Start with a Parkinson’s disease diet that contains the following items to improve your condition:
Raw foods: Raw fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, which assist to minimize free radical damage and inflammation.
Constipation is frequent among Parkinson’s patients, so eat plenty of fiber and remain hydrated to help with bowel function.
Healthy Fats: Eating healthy fats can assist maintain brain function and minimize mood swings. Wild-caught seafood, avocado, coconut, pastured butter, and sprouted nuts or seeds like walnuts and flax are also good additions.
Cold-pressed oils: Olive oil can give vital vitamin E, which works as an antioxidant, when used as a salad dressing. Coconut oil and palm oil are additional anti-inflammatory oils that you should incorporate into your diet.
Increased omega-3 intake can help boost dopamine levels and minimize inflammation. Incorporate green leafy vegetables into your diet several times per week, as well as nuts, fruits and seeds.
Fresh vegetable juices: These aid in the absorption of important vitamins and minerals. Fresh juice is hydrating and can aid with constipation relief.
Having protein solely during dinner: Maintaining a moderate protein intake throughout the day has been demonstrated to help alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms.
Green tea includes polyphenol antioxidants that aid in the fight against free radicals. It also contains theanine, which helps the brain produce more dopamine. To get the most out of it, consume three glasses every day.
Many people also benefit from fully avoiding grains.
Foods to stay away from
Too much protein: Reducing protein consumption can help with Parkinson’s symptoms.
Processed foods contain toxins and additives that can aggravate Parkinson’s disease. Removing these from a young age also serves as a prophylactic measure, lowering the incidence of other age-related disorders.
Artificial sweeteners and added sugar are both harmful and can exacerbate Parkinson’s symptoms.
Alcohol can cause mood swings and consequences by disrupting brain function.
Any allergies in the food: By affecting gut health and inflammation, food allergies may increase Parkinson’s symptoms. Begin by avoiding gluten, dairy, shellfish, and peanuts, which are all common allergies.