We Need to Talk About Parkinson's

WHAT IS PARKINSON'S?

    Parkinson's disease affects roughly 200,000 people per year. Due to the loss of dopamine cell receptors in the brain, the neurodegenerative disease leads to progressive deterioration of motor function. Although most individuals are diagnosed around age 60 or above, Parkinson's targets no age. It can affect anyone, at any age. Often times it is genetic and though the full causes of Parkinson's are unknown researches and scientists still work to find how we prevent or cure this neurodegenerative disorder. 
     When PD sets in and signs begin to show this means the substantia nigra, a basal ganglia structure located in the midbrain, which plays an important role in reward and motor function, starts to lose dopamine cell receptors. 

SELF MAINTENANCE 
      Now, I haven't really talked about this much at all, but over the years of my own health and wellness journey I have come to know my own genetics very well. I have come to learn a lot about different disorders and diseases, and found ways to combat my genetic ailments with food and natural supplementation. As it turns out, everything I have been taking over the years has slowed the progression of PD. 

1. ​Nootropics- A few years ago now, I met a man who introduced me to something called nootropics. Nooptropics to put it simply are brain drugs, but not to worry, these are good "drugs." These are vitamins for your brain; the particular ones I take are from a company called ​Limited Labs. Theses particular nootropics, their neurotransmitter booster called Phoenix, was designed for extra support in the dopamine cell receptors. Designed for those who are stressed, depressed, or just need an extra pep in their mood, this particular nootropic has helped me personally overcome 6 concussions within a span of one year, along with those days where I struggle to even make my legs pull me up and out of bed. 
   1. L-dopa- L-dopa is the main ingredient in the Phoenix Neurotransmitter that is a precursor to such neurotransmitters as: dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. L-dopa is an amino acid that humans and other animals make biosynthetically from L-tyrosine. The lower the presence of these neurotransmitters, the worse the condition becomes. Same for any condition related to your dopamine cell receptors. 
2. Fish Oil- I have been taking fish oil for years, even before I started to take the nootropics. Since the body cannot make them for itself, as far as the brain is concerned it prefers fats over carbohydrates any day, hence why fish oil may be an important role in fighting PD. 
   1. EPA & DHA- EPA and DHA are the main fatty acids you may hear about often when it comes to fish oil. The important thing to remember when it comes to nutrition and supplementation is that it will change not only throughout your own life but also the lives of those around you. The requirements for what keeps your body and mind healthy and functioning is going to be different from anyone else. With that being said, this is an important supplement to add to your regimen if you don't already. 
   2. FISH OIL FOR BRAIN DEVELOPMENT- ​Fish oil contains a component called  DHA, a fatty acid that is abundant inside the brain and required for normal and proper functioning. Children who were given DHA throughout their life, and mothers who took fish oil during pregnancy, had higher IQ scores and were more intelligent than children without. In adults, lower DHA levels manifested in signs of the brain aging quicker. DHA is important for not only aiding in communication between brain cells but it also preserves cell membrane health overall. Since the body does not make it's own DHA, or EFA's at all, we must supplement them from food and fish oil soft gels, liquids, etc. 
3. NUTRITION- I will preach till the day that I die, NUTRITION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN LIFE. Without a proper nutrition for your body the whole system will begin to break down. While there is no one specific nutrition plan that will cure Parkinson's however, eating properly and steering clear of certain foods can aide in lessening the pain and effects that onset over time. It is suggested that those with PD should avoid these foods as much as possible in their nutrition, especially if taking an L-dopa medicine. 
   1. Red wine and beer
   2. Soy and soy products
   3. Cheeses that have been aged such as Swiss or blue cheese
   4. Fermented cabbages
   5. Fermented, dried, cured meats and fish
4. ​EXERCISE- In a previous blog post we discussed why yoga and exercise are great for those with PD. Exercise forces nerves, neurons, and synapses in your brain to communicate with your muscles. If you are on and L-dopa prescription of some kind then your best option to fight against the neuro-degenerative disease is to utilize what that L-dopa is going to do for your brain and your body. 

WHAT NOW?
While these are just a few, natural and holistic ways, of fighting PD and being able to maintain a. lifestyle that you enjoy PD is something that cannot be cured. At least not to our current knowledge. However, taking these necessary steps made it possible for an early diagnoses and exercise, nutrition, and proper supplementation has made it to where the disease will not progress unless I stop doing these things. Having a disease should never hinder you from progressing in life, as a being, or any other aspect of yourself. 

There is always a way to better your health, for everyone. 

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Reference links:
Substantia Nigra
L-dopa
Fish oil, for the brain