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Remedies for Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative neurological disorder. Although symptoms usually appear after age 50, the condition can develop for decades prior. It is also known to occasionally occur in younger men and women, notably actor Michael J. Fox, who is a spokesperson for research into Parkinson's treatment. It's not clear what causes brain cells to waste away in Parkinson's disease. Symptoms develop over time, such as tremors, difficulty with movement and loss of coordination, as the neurons that normally produce dopamine in the brain are destroyed and neurological messages are no longer relayed.

  1. Conventional Treatment

    • Modern medicine has several approaches to remedying Parkinson's. The symptoms are addressed by taking levodopa, a precursor to dopamine that is converted and meets the body's need for this neurotransmitter. Dopamine agonists are also used to mimic the presence of natural dopamine. Surgery on various areas of the brain is also a treatment option. Doctors target parts of the brain affected by Parkinson's and stimulate them with electricity or destroy them, depending on the condition.

    Holistic Remedies

    • In addition to conventional treatment, a variety of holistic remedies have been recommended by naturopaths as alternative or complimentary approaches to dealing with Parkinson's disease. A diet of limited protein and high fiber is recommended. Maximizing intake of raw fruit and vegetables (especially leafy greens) is advised, and beneficial foods include carrot juice, spelt, seaweed and raw seeds. Because proteins can inhibit the usefulness of levodopa, a ratio of 7:1 carbohydrates to proteins is recommended for Parkinson's patients. B12 and magnesium supplements and heavy metal chelation are other natural remedies for the disease.

    Prevention

    • Prevention is always the best remedy. Unfortunately, because there seems to be a hereditary component to Parkinson's, the degree to which the disease can be prevented is not certain. Increasing your intake of antioxidants, like vitamins C and E and coenzymen Q10, have been theorized to reduce risk, but studies have not substantiated this claim. However, a study funded in part by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke published in the March 11, 2003 issue of Neurology found that men who drink four to 24 oz. of coffee per day have a reduced chance of developing Parkinson's. Women who drink coffee while receiving hormone replacement therapy are actually at significantly greater risk for developing the disease.

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