Parkinson’s Disease

DESCRIPTION

Parkinson was an English physician in the 18th century. He described a clinical state that has taken on his name. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative disease affecting the nervous system. The underlying cause is unknown, but symptoms appear when there is a lack of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that carries messages from one nerve cell to another. In healthy persons, it exists in balance with another neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. In people with what is called primary Parkinson’s disease, the substantia nigra – the area of the brain containing cells that manufacture dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin – are damaged or dying, and the brain loses the ability to manufacture these chemicals.

The disease may start almost imperceptibly, with a mild to moderate tremor of the hand or hands while at rest, a general slow and heavy feeling, muscular stiffness, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and a tendency to tire more easily than usual. Later symptoms may include muscular rigidity; drooling; loss of appetite; a stooped, shuffling gait, tremors, including characteristic ‘pillrolling’ movement in which the thumb and forefinger rub against each other; impaired speech; and a fixed facial expression. Depression and/or dementia may accompany the physical symptoms.

Parkinson’s disease is becoming increasingly more prevalent. It affects men more than women. Recent statistics indicate that 1 in every 200 persons over the age of sixty is affected.

While the cause of the loss of brain cells that causes Parkinson’s disease remains unknown, a number of different theories have been developed. One hypothesis is that the cells are destroyed by toxins within the body that the liver is unable to filter out, metabolise, detoxify because as the body ages, the liver loses its ability to work as effectively and as efficiently as it once did. Another theory is that exposures to environmental toxins, such as herbicides and pesticides that leach into ground water are responsible.  Aluminium has also been cited as a potential cause of the destruction of that part of the brain that produces dopamine. Mercury toxicity should also be ruled out as a possible factor of toxicity as should lead toxicity which has been found in high level quantities in the brain of PD patients. ICIM Medics conduct a toxicity assessment to help uncover potential toxins : http://icimmedics.com/medical-assessments/toxicity-assessment/

Dietary aid

 
Experimental study has found the following dietary factors to aid in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. They are as follows:

• Low protein diet
• Calcium & Magnesium & Potassium: People with PD often develop porous bones and are in danger of fractures. Calcium also supports the nervous system. Use calcium citrate form. Magnesium is important for the function of nerves and muscles. Potassium aids nerve-impulse transmission and muscle contraction.
• Co-enzyme Q10 : Allows cells to produce energy.
• 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP): increases serotonin levels in the brain, which helps overcome insomnia and depression.
• Glutathione: Often depleted in people with PD. Found in the substantia nigra in the brain, where cells are dying.
• L-Phenylalanine & L-Tyrosine: Amino acids that are converted into dopamine. Caution: do not take these supplements if you are pregnant or nursing, if you take an MAO inhibitor drug or levodopa, of if you suffer from panic attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure or PKU.
• Vitamin B-complex: extremely important in brain function and enzyme activity. Use a high-potency sublingual formula. Consider injections (under a doctors supervision).
• B2 (riboflavin): a lack of this vitamin causes depression, nerve damage, and a reduction in neurotransmitter levels.
• B3 (niacin) or niacinamide: helps maintain a strong immune system and overcome depression and irritability. Do not take niacin if you have a liver disorder.
• B6 : Dopamine production depends on adequate supplies of this vitamin. Consider injections (under a doctor’s supervision). Caution: do not take this supplement if you are taking a levodopa preparation.
• Vitamin C & E: antioxidants that may slow progression of the disease and postpone the need for drug therapy.
• Selenium: also a powerful antioxidant.
• Iron: beneficial in treatment of PD.

Botanical Medicines

Degenerative disease is often facilitated by the accumulation of toxins in the body. The following herbs have detoxifying properties:
• Burdock root
• Dandelion root
• Ginger root
• Milk thistle   
• Yellow Dock
These herbs all possess liver detoxification properties, which can greatly aid the elimination and excretion of toxicity from the body.

• Cayenne
• Goldenseal
• Mullein
• Siberian Ginseng
• Yarrow
These herbs stimulate the thymus gland and lymphatic system. These herbs offer immune support as well as further supporting detoxification on a deep level.

• Hawthorn Red Clover
• Sarsaparilla
• Yellow Dock
These herbs possess blood cleansing properties, which further enhance cleansing, and detoxification of the system.

• Black Cohosh
• Catnip
• Lemon Balm
• Passionflower
• Skullcap
• Valerian root
These herbs have anti-stress properties and can help nourish the nervous system.

• Gingko Biloba
This herb helps to improve memory and brain function. It also increases blood circulation to the brain and helps prevent strokes.

Testing methods

• Advanced Microscopy: high magnification of blood cells – should be considered. This test can show changes in the red and white blood cell patterns in the bloodstream and, although not well substantiated through scientific experimentation, yet is a useful addition to the equation. This test can also identify the presence of toxicity in the blood stream, undigested fats, proteins, low iron levels, anaemia, circulatory problems and much more. http://icimmedics.com/therapies/blood-analysis/

 
• Toxicity Assessment : ICIM Medics conduct toxicity assessments for patients and practitioners who suspect that toxicity may be contributing in some way to their illness. Pesticide and metal toxicity testing would be appropriate for those suffering from Parkinson’s Disease.  http://icimmedics.com/medical-assessments/toxicity-assessment/

 • Bio-resonance Testing:  This system is calibrated to measure the very fine and subtle electrical and subspace reactions to a group of biological and medical substances. The sensitivity is set so fine as to pick up the earliest signs of dis-ease and distress.  Testing is capable of uncovering electro-magnetic changes in the body in response to stimuli such as: food sensitivities, vitamin and mineral analysis, toxicity, bacteria, fungi and parasites and organ imbalances.

 
• Computerised Thermographic Imaging (CTI): CTI is an imaging technique that uses specialized infrared cameras to take a picture of the soft tissues. CTI’s infrared camera can detect temperature patterns of heat emission from the skin surface to a depth of six (6) millimeters. CTI is based upon physiological responses, which occur much earlier than anatomical mass. It is a non-contact, non-invasive procedure; there are no risks or side effects. Thermal patterns are displayed on the skin and detected by the infrared sensor of the camera. Interpreted, as temperature data, the information is transmitted to the computer where all images are stored as pictures. By detecting thermal asymmetry CTI offers the Practitioner an added dimension to the diagnostic picture, detecting neurological and vascular information not available on x-ray. CTI can contribute to those who experience chronic pain syndromes yet anatomical studies provide no clinical findings. http://icimmedics.com/therapies/cti/

 
Diet Recommendations

• Eat a diet consisting of 75% raw foods, with seeds, nuts, and goats or soya milk.
• Include in the diet foods containing the amino acid phenylalanine, such as almonds, brazil nuts, cold water sea fish, pecans, pumpkin, sesame seeds, lima beans, chickpeas, and lentils.
• Reduce your intake of animal proteins, especially if you are taking levodopa. This can help with control of coordination and muscle movements. Try to limit your protein consumption to 7 grams per day, consumed mainly at dinner. Eat spelt, tofu, goats/sheepts/soya yoghurts, beans, lentils, and other sources of protein instead of meat and poultry.
• If you must take the drug levodopa, consume the following foods in moderation only: bananas, beef, fish, liver, oatmeal, peanuts, potatoes, and whole grains. These foods contain B6, which interferes with the drug’s potency. DO NOT take supplemental vitamin B6, as it counteracts the drug’s therapeutic effects (be careful with multi-vitamin supplements). Also, because some of the amino acids contained in food proteins can prevent this drug from reaching the brain, where it is needed, eat protein foods only in the evening, and not at the same time as the drug is taken. Once on medication, discuss with your physician any dietary change you plan to make, as dosage adjustments may be needed.
• Avoid exposures to chemicals or metals such as lead, aluminium, and mercury. 

Therapeutic considerations

• Any neurological symptoms that persist must be reviewed by a specialist and a firm diagnosis made.
• Orthodox drugs are geared towards correcting the loss of dopamine. These drugs seem to lose their effect after a few years and are therefore not started by most neurologists until the disease process is inhibiting normal function. The alternative treatments below should be tried as soon as possible and orthodox treatment delayed as long as possible.
• Consult with a Natural Practitioner specialist with experience in the field for in the field for measures of toxicity, nutritional deficiencies and liver function. These need to be corrected. ICIM blood analysis, oxidation testing and bio-resonance testing are particularly useful.
• Particular attention should be paid to blood cell copper levels and this should be corrected by taking an absorbable copper supplement.
• Bioresonance techniques may be beneficial in helping to illustrate any underlying cause of the destruction of dopamine-producing brain cells.
• The amino acid tyrosine should be taken in divided doses throughout the day. L-Methionine is another amino acid that should be taken.
• High-dose antioxidants should be considered if there is any level of toxicity.
• Any specific toxins that may be isolated should be treated by their homoeopathic equivalent at a potency of 30, twice a day for one month, and the levels re-measured. If there is no diminution, then repeat using potency 200 twice a day for two weeks.
• Cranial osteopathy, osteopathy, polarity therapy, yoga and Qi Gong may all have a beneficial effect on reducing the symptoms and delaying the progression of the disease.
• Marma massage and neuropathy, both Ayurvedic disciplines, can be beneficial.
• If the disease is progressing, TCM/Tibetan medicine should be employed under the care of a TCM/Tibetan trained Physician.
Appropriate dosage of medicines must be discussed with your Medical Practitioner.  To learn more about ICIM Blood Analysis, Bio-resonance, and/or Computerised Thermographic Imaging, go to our home page on our website : www.icim.ie 

 
ICIM Medics Approach

If you feel that this article relates to you and you suffer from Parkinson’s Disease then please make an appointment to see one of ICIM Medics Natural Medical Practitioners.

Some tests may be prescribed depending upon your individual case such as the ICIM Toxicity Assessment and/or ICIM Blood Analysis. The results from these can be used by one of our Natural Medical Practitioners who will help you with your individualised treatment plan. This may include dietary, nutritional and/or botanical advice.

This article is not meant to be used for treatment but for information purposes only. If you feel that this approach is appropriate for you please contact ICIM Medics on 045 844 819 or www.icim.ie e-mail : info@icim.ie  Appointments can be arranged for you.

Tags: Degenerative, Nervous System, Parkinson's Disease