Is A Therapy Unsafe If Its Not Statutorily Regulated
Not necessarily. Some complementary therapies are regulated by statutory law, including osteopaths, chiropractors and art therapists. This means that, in the same way GPs and specialists have to register with the General Medical Council, these therapists must register with a statutory regulator before they can practise. One reason for statutory regulation is the level of risk linked to a particular therapy. For example, the government considered regulating acupuncture, but took the view that because acupuncturists were well self-regulated, it wasnt needed.
A Resource Guide Of 19 Complementary Therapies For People With Parkinson’s
The options to help people with Parkinson’s live well are not limited to conventional medicine and DBS. This list of 19 complementary therapies people associated with the Davis Phinney Foundation Blog experimented with, under the care of their medical team, in an attempt to reduce symptoms even more.
Joel & The Wellness Team
Hey! Joel here A graduate of Herbalism & Naturopathic Medicine School. My team and I are passionate about finding ways to improve our lives on a daily basis and truly believe in natural alternatives of doing so before seeking traditional medications. However, always consult with your Doctor/Physician first before taking any actions regarding your health. Stay Safe and Healthy!
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The Importance Of Treatment
As Parkinson’s disease takes its course, nerve cells responsible for the production of dopamine slowly die off. The condition causes tremors, muscle stiffness, and difficulty with motor function.
Treatment for Parkinson’s disease helps reduce the following symptoms:
- Problems with movement
Natural Treatment For Parkinsons #1 Cannabis/medicalmarijuana:
Cannabis, aka medical marijuana, is an incredibletreatment for Parkinsons disease. You can have a Parkinsons patient shakingviolently and uncontrollably, and yet within 30-40 minutes of self-administering with some cannabis, their symptoms will almost completely disappear. Watch this short 2minute video from Parkinsons sufferer, Ian Frizell, who shows you what he waslike before self-medicating with cannabis and then again after. The change is truly astonishing!
Taylor French is another Parkinsons patient thatundergoes a remarkable transformation once he ingests what he calls nutritional vegetable extract . This guy has an advanced form ofParkinsons and is normally confined to a wheelchair with limited use of hisbody due to stiff and rigid muscles . But after ingestingsome cannabis hes able to walk, and incredibly, in his video he even getsinto his car and drives off down the road!
You can view it here
Elyse Del Francia also tells the story of her Parkinsonssuffering husband, and the time she decided to smother his morning pancakes withsome canabutter. She said
Within45 minutes of eating a pancake with marijuana on it, he stopped shaking. Thatwas my lightbulb moment. Thats when I knew that I was onto something thatwould relieve his pain and suffering, because its horrible, horrible, to haveParkinsons Disease and not have any relief. I feel that this is something thathelps so many people in so many ways with pain and suffering. 5
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How Can A Person With Pd Get A Supply Of Mp And What Is A Typical Dose
Powders and pills of multiple brands of MP can be easily purchased at health food stores. However, there is no regulatory body that controls standardization of the MP products to ensure that they do not contain impurities and that they contain a reliable and consistent amount of levodopa. There is also no standard dosage that is widely accepted and recommended for people with PD at this time. Many people with PD have very exact levodopa requirements, so using a supply that does not have a reliable and predictable amount of levodopa can be very problematic.
Gut Microbiome Diet & Parkinsons Disease
The field of gut microbiome research has attracted much attention and interest in the last decade. Theres a growing body of evidence that links gut microbiome with health and disease, and supports the idea that Parkinsons disease may actually originate in the gut before spreading to the brain.
The human gut microbiome consists of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa that live on and inside our bodies and digestive tracts. These microbes have the potential to impact most of our physiological processes by controlling our food digestion, immune system, and central nervous system. Researchers have come to understand how microbes keep humans healthy and are also learning how microbiome imbalances may cause disease, affect brain health and contribute to neurodegenerative disorders.
The link between gut microbiome and Parkinsons disease may account for why many people with Parkinsons disease complain of constipation and other digestive issues for years before motor symptoms present. Research has shown that changes in the composition of gut bacteria can contribute to and may even result in the deterioration of motor skills. Gut bacteria may be releasing chemicals that over-stimulate parts of the brain leading to Parkinsons symptoms. Theres also evidence that people with Parkinsons disease have different gut microbiome to other healthy adults.
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Important Supplements That May Help
Once you stop putting toxins into your body and eat clean, the trillions of cells in your body will be able to start living normally again. Eating the right foods and taking the necessary supplements will now begin to boost your brain health and healing.
Here are some supplements that will speed up the reversal of PD symptoms:
- Magnesium: First and foremost on the list is magnesium. Low intake of this mineral magnesium, enables the deposition of excess calcium, heavy metals and toxins in the brain that leads to Parkinsons and Alzheimers diseases. When there is adequate presence of magnesium, heavy metals cannot be absorbed in the small intestines. Magnesium plays a vital role in protecting neurons from the lethal effects of aluminium and mercury poisoning.
- B vitamins: A deficiency in vitamins B9 and B12 can cause brain problems that will initially manifest as depression, anxiety or even psychosis. The other B vitamins are useful for protecting against age-related brain wasting, and possibly prevent memory loss.
- Glutathione: Glutathione is the mother of all antioxidants and is powerful in neutralizing free radicals damage and greatly reduce oxidative stress that destroy neurons.
- Grape seed extract: Has super antioxidant effect that reduces DNA fragmentation in the brain. It is able to cross into the brain to protect brain cells from free radical damage.
How Might Massage Therapy Help
Research suggests that massage may help to reduce pain and anxiety and depression, although theres no conclusive evidence. Abdominal massage may also help with constipation.
Many people with Parkinsons and their carers have told us they find massage therapy useful as a way to relax and to have time to themselves.
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The Stages Of Parkinsons
- Stage 1: The tremor may be mild, and its symptoms do not affect daily activities.
- Stage 2: Moderate symptoms that begin to affect both sides of the body, but living independently is still possible.
- Stage 3: This is the stage where the symptoms typically become severe. The symptoms increase and significantly affect daily activities. Movement restrictions and falls tend to increase at this stage.
- Stage 4: The noticeable symptoms have become severe at this stage, but you may still be able to stand on your own. Living alone might be a challenging task because of falls and movement restrictions.
- Stage 5: Severe symptoms may indicate that you cannot move without assistance. This is the stage where you experience severe dementia or hallucination.
Special Diets For Parkinsons
Certain foods, vitamins or special diets are sometimes recommended as being beneficial if you have Parkinsons. You should always discuss any special food or diet with your doctor or dietitian as there is generally no scientific evidence to support these.
Broad beans are reputed to help Parkinsons symptoms as they contain levodopa but unfortunately this is in such small and variable amounts that they cannot be effective. The quantity that would necessary in order to obtain an effective amount of levodopa would probably cause illness or other side effects.
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How Is Parkinsons Disease Diagnosed
Diagnosing Parkinsons disease is sometimes difficult, since early symptoms can mimic other disorders and there are no specific blood or other laboratory tests to diagnose the disease. Imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans, may be used to rule out other disorders that cause similar symptoms.
To diagnose Parkinsons disease, you will be asked about your medical history and family history of neurologic disorders as well as your current symptoms, medications and possible exposure to toxins. Your doctor will look for signs of tremor and muscle rigidity, watch you walk, check your posture and coordination and look for slowness of movement.
If you think you may have Parkinsons disease, you should probably see a neurologist, preferably a movement disorders-trained neurologist. The treatment decisions made early in the illness can affect the long-term success of the treatment.
New Discovery May Lead To Effective Natural Treatment For Parkinsons Disease
Researchers working in Dr. Kwang-Soo Kims lab. Credit: McLean Hospital
Certain hormone-like compounds boost dopamine levels in the brain.
- The Nurr1 protein maintains the health of neurons that produce dopamine and die off during the progression of Parkinsons disease.
- Hormone-like compounds called prostaglandin A1 and E1 bind to and activate Nurr1.
- Prostaglandin A1 or E1 treatment lessened symptoms in a mouse model of Parkinsons disease.
Investigators have identified two molecules naturally produced by the body that stimulate the production of dopamine, the molecule that is in short supply in the brains of patients with Parkinsons disease. Stimulating dopamine production may help reverse the progression of the disease. The research was led by scientists at McLean Hospital in collaboration with scientists at Nanyang Technical University, Singapore, and published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology.
The team designed the study based on the knowledge that a protein called Nurr1 is key for maintaining the health of neurons that produce dopamine, which helps control a persons movements and emotions. It is thought that decreased Nurr1 effectiveness may lead to a decrease in dopamine levels, which then results in the development of Parkinsons disease.
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Natural Remedy For Parkinsons #4 Chlorella And Borax:
If you have a neurological disease such as Parkinsons orAlzheimers, the importance of removing heavy metals from the body – especiallyfrom the brain and nervous system – cannot be overstated. Heavy metalsaccumulate in the brain and nervous system at a rapid rate and cause damage tothe neurological pathways and brain inflammation. Fluoride is one ofthe worst, however, mercury, lead, aluminium and cadmium are also extremely dangerous.Chlorella and borax not only remove these heavy metals completely, theycontinue to prevent further toxic build-ups.
Chlorella is a miracle blue-green algae and one of themost powerful detoxifiers and chelators yet discovered. Whenits combined with cilantro, its benefits are enhancedsignificantly. A Russian study found that chlorella, combined with cilantro,was able to remove all heavy metals from the body, including fluoride and mercury,with no adverse or harmful side effects. You can purchase chlorellain powdered form online or from most health food stores. Just make sure you buythe Broken Cell Wall Chlorella as this is the strongest and most bio-available.For dosage recommendations, simply follow the directions on the container.
How Much Does It Cost
If your chosen therapy isnt available on the NHS or HSC, you may have to pay. Costs for complementary therapies will vary, depending on the type of therapy you want, the length of the treatment and where you live.
At your first session the therapist will usually take a medical history and get to know you a bit better. As a result the first session may cost more than any follow-up sessions.
Practitioners usually recommend several treatment sessions. Before committing yourself to a course of treatment, make sure you ask about the cost.
You may also find it useful to ask when you can expect to feel any improvement and when to call it a day if you dont see the results youre hoping for.
Private health insurance may pay for some types of complementary therapy. Before you book a treatment session, ask your insurer if its covered by your policy and how to arrange payment.
Weve heard from many carers who have tried complementary therapies, some with very positive experiences. Again, its a personal choice.
If you care for someone with Parkinsons, its important to look after your own physical and mental health. You may find that complementary therapies are a good way to have time to yourself, reduce stress and do something you enjoy.
In some areas, the NHS, local councils and charities offer free or low-cost therapies to carers. Speak to your GP or a Parkinsons local adviser about whats available in your area.
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Naturalremedy For Parkinsons #7 Omega
Animal based omega-3 fatty acids are a powerful weapon inthe fight against Parkinsons disease. One of the main fatty acids, DHA, is oneof the essential building blocks for the human brain. Half of your brain andeyes are made up of fat and a large proportion of this is DHA fat.
Omega-3 fatty acids have the unique ability to cross theblood-brain barrier, something most conventional drugs cannot do. They helpincrease dopamine levels and reduce neuroinflammation in the brain, while atthe same time, stimulating neuron growth. So basically, EPA and DHA help preventbrain cell damage and keep the nervous system in tip top working order! 4
Best sources of animal based omega-3s are either fishoil, cod liver oil or krill oil. High strength krill oil is the preferred option as thiscontains a substance called Astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a potent brain food nutrientthat has been shown to prevent neurodegeneration and inflammation of the brain.For dosages, take AT LEAST the highest recommended amount listed on the bottle the same goes with fish oil or cod liver oil. You cant overdose on thesesupplements so theres nothing to be concerned about. In fact, the more omega-3syou can get into you the better the results!
In addition to this, try and eat some cold water fattyfish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines or herring 3-4 times a week foran extra supply of DHA and EPA.
Complementary Therapies For Parkinson’s Disease
During the pandemic, movement disorders specialist Britt Stone, MD, trained in integrative medicine, the practice of integrating traditional remedies and modern medicine in treatment of the whole person . In this episode of Dr. Gilbert Hosts, she speaks for about 20-minutes about complementary therapies to relieve symptoms of stress, anxiety, pain, stiffness, insomnia, nausea, bloating, and memory, before answering questions for another 20-minutes.
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Generic Vs Branded Drugs
There are currently several pharmaceutical companies that manufacture a generic formulation of carbidopa/levodopa, dopamine agonists, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and anticholinergics. The FDA requires generics to show significant brand affinity prior to market approval, but in rare cases, this standard is not high enough.The review, supported by the Parkinson Foundation, provides strong evidence that if you are in the latter stages of the disease, switching from brand-name drugs to generics or from one generic to another can have slightly different effects. The authors, including Parkinsons National Medical Advisor, Dr. Michael S. Okun, believe that generic approval standards for PD may not be stringent enough to demonstrate that generic alternatives are equally effective.Talk to your family doctor to create a personalized Parkinsons disease treatment plan. Using generic drugs is likely to save you money, and it is only on rare occasions that you may need branded drugs.
If you switch from branded to generic Parkinsons disease medications, follow these tips:
- Inform your doctor about the effectiveness of the medicines.
- Carefully keep a journal of any side effects.
- Record the dose adjustments made by your doctors .
- Try to stick with one drug manufacturer for your generic drugs. You may need to ask your pharmacist to place a special order for you.
Natural Treatments For Parkinsons Disease: The Facts
It’s important to note that there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, natural or otherwise. However, many patients find that medication combined with physical exercise and home remedies help them control their symptoms and live well with the condition. No treatment will stop your Parkinson’s disease from progressing. However, homeopathic treatments for Parkinson’s disease have been successful at controlling symptoms in many cases.
Here are the facts surrounding natural and homeopathic treatments for Parkinsons disease:
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Add Fish Oil Pills To The Diet
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil pills are extremely potent, and this supplement is one of the best ways to boost brain health. Consuming 1,000 milligrams of fish oil every day can balance the natural chemicals in the brain and reduce general inflammation. Some preliminary studies have also found that fish oil can alleviate emotional symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
Side Effects With Levodopa
Mucuna should not be used in individuals with known allergy or hypersensitivity to Mucuna pruriens or components. There have been some side effects of Mucuna . In a study of patients with Parkinsons disease, a derivative of Mucuna pruriens caused minor adverse effects, which were mainly gastrointestinal in nature. Isolated cases of acute toxic psychosis have been reported probably due to levodopa content. Therefore, as with Sinemet and Madopar, its use should be avoided in patients with psychosis or schizophrenia.
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