Parkinson’s is a debilitating disease that can affect a patient’s lifestyle. Patients struggle to walk, eat, talk, and carry out everyday tasks that we often take for granted. This is a chronic degenerative disorder that affects the neurological system and can grow worse with time. Some people experience one set of systems while others experience something different. Parkinson’s disease is more prevalent in elderly people and men.
Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease
If you have a family history of Parkinson’s disease, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on symptoms. Early signs manifest differently in different people so being aware of all the possible symptoms can help. Here’s are some signs to look out for:
- •Muscle and body rigidity
- •Trembling hands, legs, and body
- •Poor posture or postural instability
- •Bradykinesia, which is the slowness of movement
- •Pausing or freezing during walking
- •Digestive issues
- •Urinary problems, especially when it comes to controlling urination
- •Speaking and carrying out complex conversations
- •Trouble eating (the physical act of eating)
- •Depression
- •Fatigue
- •Poor sleeping pattern
- •Changes in tone and cadence of voice
- •Skin issues
These are just some of the many problems that indicate the onset of Parkinson’s disease. If you experience or see a loved one experience any of these issues, contact a professional neurologist immediately. They will provide advice and recommend effective ways to manage the symptoms.
What Are The Natural Remedies for Parkinson’s?
People often underestimate the influence and effectiveness of natural remedies or lifestyle changes on diseases such as Parkinson’s. Scientific research shows us that altering the diet and adding specific nutrients can help. Here’s a look at what you can do to improve the quality of life under the influence of this disease:
1. Types of Food
Many experts consider the digestive tract to be the body’s secondary brain. What we eat on a regular basis impacts our physical and mental health, which is why it’s a good idea to consider how diet influences Parkinson’s. Here’s a look at the type of food you should consume:
- •Raw Foods – Raw fruits and vegetables in the daily diet can affect a person’s overall health and fitness. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, enzymes, phytonutrients, amino acids, etc. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and contain fiber that can aid with digestion.
- •Fiber-Rich Food – People with Parkinson’s experience digestive problems like constipation or inconsistent bowel movements. Fibrous foods can help with these issues and ensure the metabolism functions better.
- •Healthy Fats – People hear “fats” and run in the opposite direction, but healthy fats provide a number of health benefits. This includes mental and neurological health benefits. Avocado, coconut, sprouted nuts, seeds like flax and walnuts, wild-caught fish, etc., contain plenty of healthy fats and can help with Parkinson’s.
- •Omega 3 – Omega-3 fatty acids should be an essential part of your diet, whether you have Parkinson’s or not. This nutrient has anti-inflammatory properties and will elevate dopamine levels in the brain. The dopamine can help with depression and improve a patient’s mood. You can incorporate this into your diet by adding nuts and seeds.
- •Vegetable Juices – Patients who have difficulty eating fresh fruits and vegetables should consume vegetable juices. Make them at home from fresh vegetables instead of buying them in cans. Fresh juice will help with constipation and keep you hydrated as well.
- •Green Tea – Green tea has numerous health benefits. Nutrients like polyphenol antioxidants and theanine help fight free radicals while improving dopamine levels in the brain. Experts recommend consuming two to three cups of green tea per day for the best effect.
There are some food items and dishes that can aggravate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and make things difficult for patients. It’s a good idea to reduce or eliminate these ingredients entirely. They include excessive protein, processed food, artificial sweeteners, added sugar, alcohol, and items that trigger an allergic reaction in patients. Some Parkinson’s disease patients benefit from eliminating or reducing grains in their diet.
2. Exercise
Poor physical mobility, lack of balance, and other such symptoms of Parkinson’s disease discourage exercise. Patients find it difficult to get motivated and choose to limit their physical movement. Unfortunately, that can make the symptoms worse. At Silver State Neurology, we encourage patients to exercise regularly and recommend:
- •Gentle and easy stretches to prevent muscle soreness and stiffness.
- •Careful and cautious workouts involve activities like walking, swimming, or something similarly mild.
- •Exercises like yoga or Tai Chi that can help improve balance.
Gentle but regular activity can elevate the mood, keeps depression at bay, and ensures your muscles are active. That’s important for treating Parkinson’s disease at home.
3. Supplements
Our Las Vegas Neurologist will recommend a series of supplements to help improve a patient’s general well-being. Supplements will help ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs to handle Parkinson’s. Experts recommend supplements like:
- •Coenzyme Q10 is rich in antioxidants and will help slow down the progression of Parkinson’s.
- •Vitamin C helps prevent damage caused by free radicals.
- •Vitamin D improves bone health and can influence the entire body.
- •Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that has a positive impact on brain function.
- •Green Vegetable Powder usually contains a combination of chlorella, spirulina, or wheatgrass and is a powerful detoxification supplement. It also provides critical minerals to help with overall health.
Natural essential oils can also help with some symptoms of Parkinson’s like depression, sleep deprivation, inflammation, tremors, etc. Essential oils like helichrysum, frankincense, and vetiver oil are particularly effective.
While natural remedies and solutions can help, it’s still important to consult with a professional neurologist. They will provide proven solutions based on an in-depth diagnosis of the patient’s condition. Silver State Neurology can also provide advice on preventive lifestyle changes that can help stall Parkinson’s or delay its onset significantly. A combination of professional advice along with the above mentioned natural remedies can help people improve their overall quality of life.