Parkinsons Disease (PD): Diet, First Line of Defense

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PARKINSONS DISEASE

 

Parkinson's Disease (PD)

(named after 19th century British physician James Parkinson)

 

http://www.nutritionlifestyles.com/parkins.htm

 

A slow, progressive, degenerative nerve disease, related to the

death of cells deep in the brain which control muscle tension and

movement.5 Brain cells that die are gone forever and are NOT ever

replaced .

 

Symptoms appear when there is a lack of dopamine, a neuro-

transmitter or message carrier from brain to brainstem. A nutrient

dense diet and supplement program is the first line of defense.

 

" When medications are added to control symptoms, there is an

unwanted array of side effects like nausea, hallucinations and

spastic movements.

 

Dosage is critical, but doesn't seem to follow a measurable pattern,

which requires much experimentation and trial for each patient.

Finding the right dosage is extremely hard and the patient seems to

be always under or over medicated . Even advances in administering

medication produce effects that are limited and eventually become

ineffective. It was thought that symptoms were caused by

suppression, or lack of electrical activity in the nerve pathways

but the exact opposite is true. How can a brain whose major problem

stems from the death of some of its cells be repaired by

deliberately destroying a few more? Patients experience too much

unmodulated stimulation in certain pathways, which is helped by

surgically deadening a few of the cells in this pathway...the basis

for PVP (see research history below). Robert Iacono, M.D.

 

 

Primary disease: cells that manufacture dopamine are lost and the

brain can no longer manufacture this chemical.

Secondary form: dopamine receptors in the brain are blocked in some

way, interfering with the action of the brain chemical.

 

Possible links ( even though the cause is unknown):

 

malnutrition...believed to be an important underlying factor

cerebral vascular disease (blockage of blood vessels in the brain)

side effects of antipsychotic drugs, carbon monoxide poisoning, and

abuse of certain designer drugs

a rare infection ...encephalitis lethargica

exposure to environmental toxins.., like herbicides and pesticides

that leach into our ground water.

The liver can no longer filter out, metabolize and detoxify toxins

efficiently

 

Facts:

N-MPTP an illegal, street-synthesized form of heroin can cause a

severe form of PD.4

High levels of lead have been found in some patients. (Chelation can

remove it))

One in a :100 over age 65 and 1 in 250 over age 40 is affected (more

men than women) 4

There are over 1.5 million victims in the U.S.

Genetics does not seem to be a factor4

One of the most common debilitating diseases in the U.S.

Death occurs secondary to aspiration or infection.

Four major symptoms:

(No patient has all the many and varied symptoms...just a custom

collection)

 

slowness of movement

muscular rigidity

resting tremor (at its peak during rest, improves with movement and

absent in sleep)

postural instability (shuffling, unbalanced walk which progresses

into uncontrollable tiny, running steps to keep from falling)

 

Early symptoms: Tremor in one hand that resembles a " pill rolling "

motion; severe loss of eye blinking

 

Other symptoms: unstable or twisted posture, weakness, excessive

sweating, loss of sense of smell, weight loss, constipation,

cramping,, spastic movements (akinesia), double vision, both sides

of body involved in tremors, speech becomes difficult and slow, more

stiffness, swallowing difficulty due to muscle rigidity, drooling,

loss of appetite, head shaking, permanent rigid, bent-over posture.

All daily activities become difficult. Handwriting becomes small.

Depression and impaired mental acuity may occur. " To put it mildly,

quality of life becomes greatly decreased " . Robert Iacono, M.D.

 

Best Diet. Fresh, unrefined, primarily vegetarian, without

additives, rich in complex carbohydrates (fruits and vegetables),

whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds...in a wide variety. Especially

include: almonds, peanuts and pecans, pumpkin and sesame seeds and

sesame butter, lima beans, chickpeas and lentils, oats, barley,

wheat germ, green leafy vegetables, bananas and potatoes, tofu.

Include flax seed oil (great in salad dressings, etc)

With special emphasis: Vitamins B6, C and E ,magnesium, calcium,

selenium. 5,10

 

Vitamin C rich foods: red bell peppers, citrus, broccoli, brussels

sprouts, cabbage, spinach, potatoes, strawberries, sweet and hot

peppers, tomatoes.

Vitamin E rich foods: almonds, hazelnuts, safflower nuts, sunflower

seeds, walnuts, wheat, bran, whole-wheat flour. Spinach, dark leaf

lettuce, onions, blackberries, apples and pears.

Vitamin B6 rich foods: whole grains, bran, whole wheat flour, wheat

germ and brown rice; bananas, vegetables, including avocados and

carrots; brewer's yeast, hazelnuts, lentils, soybeans, and sunflower

seeds; salmon and tuna.

Calcium rich foods: green leafy vegetables, brazil nuts, almonds,

molasses, soybeans, tofu, canned salmon.

Magnesium rich food.: green leafy vegetables, almonds, molasses,

soybeans, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, fruit, and fish (bluefish,

carp, cod, flounder, halibut, herring, mackerel, ocean perch).

Selenium rich foods: broccoli, cabbage, celery, cucumbers, garlic,

mushrooms, and onions; whole grain products, bran and wheat germ;

egg yolks, tuna.

Note: " The B vitamins, especially B6 given along with other B

vitamins and magnesium will result in steady

improvement " 11 " Patients begin to feel stronger, walk with a

steadier gait, have better bladder control, a greater sense of well-

being, better mental alertness, a greater sense of well-being, and a

decrease in muscular cramps, trembling and rigidity. Sometimes

improvement is not noticed in persons who have had a severe case of

the disease for several years. High fiber diet will eliminate

constipation, and an adequate intake of water (8 glasses or more)

will help offset side effects of PD medications frequently used. " 10

 

Things that will help:

Drink only pure water (reverse osmosis or distilled water) and ½ the

body weight in ounces daily. (150lb. person needs 75 ounces a

day) " The dry mouth is the very last sign of dehydration.12

Nutrient dense diet and supplement program that includes vitamins,

minerals, Moderate exercise like walking .... to maintain normal

muscle tone and function

Active and passive exercises and range of motion...will help keep

muscles toned and flexible.

 

History of PD Research:

 

1939 Russell Heyers, M.D. removed a brain tumor and noted that

tremors and rigidity were relieved. He did some experimental surgery

but technology made it too risky.

1950's Lars Leksell, M.D. (Neurosurgeon in Sweden) Some success at

reducing symptoms when he inserted a thin probe into the skull along

the front hairline, deep into the pallidus. However, being off

target a small amount caused blindness and permanent impairment.

1985, Laud Laitinen, M.D.(a student of Dr. Leksell) developed

steoeotactic PVP (postero-verml pallidotomy). He attached a halo to

the head with calibration marks, MRI and x-ray images allowed the

pallidus to be measured and targeted from multiple angles on the

halo, providing precise points of intersection for the probe.

1989, Robert Iacono, M.D.(student of Dr. Laitinen) began using fetal

tissue implant. It is thought that the tiny new brain cells

implanted, attaches and grows and stimulating the production of

dopamine and allowing some regeneration of brain cells. Fetal tissue

research was not approved in the U.S., so he took his patients to

China. He also continued research on stereotactic PVP, to improve

the procedure.

Early 1990s, Dr. Iacono joined the staff at Loma Linda University

Medical School near Redlands, California (phone 909-824-0800) and is

doing his version of stereotactic PVP ( which can counter both

tremor and akinesia).He uses the halo and meticulous measurements to

determine the exact location of the pallidus. During surgery, he

uses a tiny microphone on the tip of a probe that is inserted into

the brain. When it enters the pallidus or other abnormally affected

areas, the sounds emitted change from soft, even hiss to a loud

crackling and popping static sound. This allows him to pinpoint the

area of hyperactivity electric signals. The patient is awake during

surgery but feels no pain. The patient can respond to questions and

requests to move fingers, hands, legs, tongue or eyes as the probe

is being positioned. After meticulous measurements, using MRI and x-

ray to verify his position the tip of the probe is heated, which

kills a few of the overactive brain cells, but leaves circulation

undamaged. The patient normally feels immediate relief. There are

some relapses, but for many there is permanent improvement.

1994 Dr. Iacono is also doing some research inserting a deep brain

stimulator connected to a pacemaker implanted in the patients side.

The FDA has granted permission for 15 patients to have these in a

research study.

Dr. Iacono and others are doing research, hoping to find a cure for

PD.

 

Avoid exposure to chemicals:

 

drinks in aluminum cans (up m six times more aluminum in the soda

compared with bottled in glass)

acid foods (like tomato) should be in lined tin cans to avoid the

leaching of lead

antacids containing aluminum (like Maalox, Rolaids, Digel, Mylanta,

Riopan, Amphogel, and AltemaGel)3

calcium supplementation as it decreases absorption of other

minerals.3

foods with additives and preservatives, colorings, etc.

handling pesticides and other toxic chemicals without gloves, and/or

other protection..

Occupations and hobbies, with caution, that use chemicals

 

Supplements needed: (*AIM Products)

Barleygreen* a powerful, organic, whole food concentrate complete

with vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids, chlorophyll and

phytochemicals to build up the common nutritional deficiencies found

in this disease.9 A optimal serving for the first few months: 1 Tbs.

4 times daily--adjust to your needs ..more or less. (Start with ½

teaspoon and build up). The most nutrient dense vitamin-mineral

concentrate available to reverse nutritional deficiencies common in

this disease. Also, an excellent source of SOD (superoxide

dismutase)..a enzyme that retards oxidation and protects neurons and

spares dopamine. It will also help the body detoxify...adjust the

servings down and then more slowly work up if symptoms occur. If you

want more a more nutrient dense drink...use Just Carrots and

RediBeet powder mixed in distilled water (and omit processed fruit

juices). After the disease is better controlled, you will come down

to a lower daily serving adjusted to your bodies needs. " green drinks

may significantly reduce symptoms " . James Balch M.D.1

 

Proancynol* as directed, an antioxidant providing bioflavanoids and

free radical scavengers " the use of antioxidants may delay the need

for levodopa therapy in some cases by two or three years " . James

Balch M.D.1

 

Flax meal - 2-level Tablespoons, twice a day --mixed in juice taken

before 2 meals a day (mix with Herbal Fiberblend)....Providing Omega

3 fatty acids which are essential to a good diet.

Herbal Fiberblend* 1 level Tablespoon added to flax meal before 2

meals a day or at bedtime. The fiber will provide cleansing benefits

to the colon and help avoid toxic waste buildup that would otherwise

reabsorb into the body. Adjust servings as needed.

 

Gingko Biloba* 1 60 mg caplet twice daily on an empty stomach. It

improves fine circulation.

 

Renewed Balance* natural progesterone cream. Men need 10 mg/day and

women 20 mg. 1 jar has 1500 mg....and will last four months or more.

Apply a small amount 1/16 or 1/8 tsp daily to thin skin, rotating

sites (wrist, chest or breasts, abdomen, inner thigh, face).

 

Lecithin granules or capsules 1 Tbsp. 3 times a day or 1200 mg

before meals...good source of choline...important for nerve

transmission.

 

Wheat germ oil: contains Octocosanol, which has positive benefits on

neuron membranes and " may reduce dosage of levodopa required " James

Balch M.D.1

 

Things to consider:

 

Rule out heavy metal poisoning, especially from aluminum, lead or

mercury.

 

 

Types of Tremors:

Note: most tremors are NOT an indication of Parkinson's disease..but

DO need evaluation.

 

Hand tremors - Most pronounced during rest., worsened with tension

or fatigue and disappear during sleep.

Intention tremors - occur only when muscles are used, rather than at

rest.

Essential tremors - more or less continuous up-and-down

tremors...Affect both hands, milder with rest and more severe with

activity or stress. Attempting to stop this tremor with willpower

makes it worse.

 

References:

Nutritional Healing James Balch, M.D. PP. 420-422

Alternative Medicine Deepak Chopra, M.D. PP.957-959

Guide to Natural Healing (1996) Julian Whitaker, M.D. pp 43,67

Merck Manual Home Edition (1997) pp.315-317

Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (1999) Michael Murray, N.D. and

Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.pp.224-225.

Robert Iacono, M.D. Scope Magazine Spring-Summer 1994 pp. 21-25.

PDR Family Guide to Nutrition and Health (1995) pp.591-595..

Self Health (1996) Steven E. Whiting PhD. pp171-172.

Health in the 21st Century (1997) Ernesto Contreras, M.D. pp.259-

260.

Nutrition Almanac 3rd edition (1973) Layon Dunne pp.204-205

Lets Get Well Adelle Davis.

The Body's many Cries for Water (1995) B. Batmangheldj, M.D.p.18

_________________

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

DietaryTipsForHBP

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html