What is Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disease resulting from damage to the nerves in the area of the brain that is responsible for controlling muscle tension and movement - the basal ganglia. The damaged cells are the ones needed to produce the neurotransmitter called dopamine. There is no cure for Parkinson's, but symptoms are often improved by drug therapy (see Commentary).

The disease usually begins as a slight tremor of one hand, arm, or leg. In the early stages the tremors are more apparent while the person is at rest, such as while sitting or standing, and are less noticeable when the hand or limb is being used. A typical early symptom of Parkinson's disease is "pill-rolling," in which the person appears to be rolling a pill back and forth between the fingers. As the disease progresses, symptoms often get worse. The tremors and weakness affect the limbs on both sides of the body. The hands and the head may shake continuously. The person may walk with stiff, shuffling steps. In many cases, the disease causes a permanent rigid stooped posture and an unblinking, fixed expression.

What causes Parkinson's Disease?

The cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, but it is thought that a neurotoxin causes oxidative damage to the basal ganglia in the brain. The basal ganglia controls muscle tension and movement. In the oxidative damage model, oxidation reactions lead to the generation of free radicals that are capable of destroying the cell membranes and nerve cells.

What dietary factors are important in Parkinson's Disease?

At this point in time, Parkinson's disease is best treated with drug therapy along with key dietary, nutritional, and herbal recommendations can be used to enhance the effectiveness of drug therapy. The key dietary strategy is to follow a low protein diet to enhance the action of L-dopa therapy. This simple dietary recommendation has been demonstrated to be extremely helpful in several clinical studies and is now a well-accepted supportive therapy. The usual recommendation is to eliminate good sources of dietary protein from breakfast and lunch (i.e., keep daytime protein intake below 7 grams). This simple dietary practice can offer an effective method for the reduction of tremors and other symptoms of Parkinson's disease during waking hours.

What nutritional supplements should I take for Parkinson's Disease?

Foundation Supplements. There are three products from Natural Factors that I think are critical in supporting good health:

• MultiStart (age and gender specific multiple vitamin and mineral formulas). Follow label instructions.
• Enriching Greens - a great tasting "greens drink" containing highly concentrated "greens" like chlorella, spirulina, wheat grass juice, barley grass juice, etc., and herbal extracts. Take one serving (one tablespoon) in 8 ounces of water daily.
• RxOmega-3 Factors - A true pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement. Take two capsules daily.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels are significantly lower in the mitochondria (the energy-producing compartment of cells) in people with Parkinson's disease. The most recent trial of CoQ10 supplementation in Parkinson's disease patients showed very positive results. All of the patients had the three primary features of PD - tremor, stiffness, and slowed movements - and had been diagnosed with the disease within 5 years of the time they were enrolled. After an initial screening and baseline blood tests, the patients were randomly divided into four groups. Three of the groups received CoQ10 at three different doses (300 mg/day, 600 mg/day, and 1,200 mg/day), while a fourth group received a matching placebo for 16 months. The group that received the largest dose of CoQ10 (1,200 mg/day) displayed a percent less decline in mental function, motor (movement) function, and ability to carry out activities of daily living, such as feeding or dressing themselves. The greatest effect was on activities of daily living. The groups that received 300 mg/day and 600 mg/day developed slightly less disability than the placebo group, but the effects were less than those in the group that received the highest dosage of CoQ10. These results indicate that the beneficial effects of CoQ10 in PD are achieved at these higher dosages. No significant side effects were seen in any of the patients.

Niacinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) - - the active form of vitamin B3 may also be helpful. NADH is required by the brain to make various neurotransmitters as well as chemical energy. NADH is effective in raising the level of dopamine within the brain making it useful in Parkinson's disease. NADH has been shown to significantly increase brain dopamine levels in Parkinson's disease and as a result produce significant benefits in reducing symptoms as well as improving brain function. The typical recommendation for NADH (tradename "Enada®") is 5 to 20 mg daily.

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) may be helpful. In a one-year open trial of 25 patients with Parkinson's disease and additional signs of Alzheimer's disease to produce significant improvement in brain wave tracings. These improvements were thought to signify improved brain metabolism. The typical recommendation for GBE is 240 to 320 mg daily.

Phosphatidylserine has been shown to improve the mood and mental function in patients with Parkinson's disease, but exerts no beneficial effects on muscle control. The recommended dosage is 100 mg three times daily.

Comment:

At this time, Parkinson's disease is best treated with drug therapy. The dietary, nutritional, and herbal recommendations can be used to enhance the effectiveness of drug therapy. The most popular drug used is Sinemet® - a drug that contains two key ingredients: levodopa and carbidopa. Levodopa, or L-dopa, is the "middle step" in the conversion of the amino acid tyrosine into dopamine. L-dopa, but not dopamine (DA), crosses the blood-brain barrier. Carbidopa is a drug that works by ensuring that more L-dopa is converted to dopamine within the brain, where it is needed, and not within the other tissues of the body. Other drugs used include Eldepryl® (selegiline or deprenyl), bromocriptine, and amantadine.

How do I know if the program is working?

Improvements in the symptoms of Parkinson disease within the first 3 to 4 months of following the program.

Feedback:

Please let Dr. Murray know how this program has worked for you by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Testimonials:

"Dr. Murray, thank you so much for making my life so much better. Since starting your protocol my tremors have been improved, but even more impressive to me is just how much better I feel. I find myself happier and mentally sharper. SB"

Condition Center Caution:

• Dr. Murray’s recommendations and protocols for nutritional support are not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care.
• The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
• If you have a medical condition or disease, please talk to your doctor prior to using the recommendations given.
• Do not self-diagnose. Proper medical care is critical to good health. If you have a health concern or undiagnosed sign or symptom, please consult a physician, preferably a naturopathic doctor (N.D.), nutritionally oriented medical doctor (M.D. or (D.O.), or other health care specialist. Please go to www.naturopathic.org to find a qualified naturopathic doctor (N.D.) in your area to help you.
• Make your physician aware of all the nutritional supplements or herbal products you are currently taking to avoid any negative interactions with any drugs you are taking.
• If you are currently taking a prescription medication, you absolutely must work with your doctor before discontinuing any drug or altering any drug regimen.