Living with Parkinson's disease

My husband has just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He is 36 years old. We are devastated.

It is early days, and the doctor has advised us as to what we can expect as his condition deteriorates. Are there any natural remedies that can slow this process or help with the symptoms? I understand that there is no cure, but we are willing to try anything.

>>Parkinson’s disease is a result of a gradual degeneration of the nerve cells in the area of the brain responsible for controlling body movements. Symptoms begin with stiffness and weakness in the limbs, accompanied by a slight trembling of the resting hand.

This disease is considered chronic and progressive, which means the shaking and trembling will increase and spread to other parts of the body, making co-ordination, balance, and the most simple of tasks very challenging. In time, this can lead to mental and emotional problems — half of patients with Parkinson’s develop a depression and/or dementia.

While the disease affects quality of life, it is not directly life-threatening. Many individuals manage symptoms with medication, surgical therapy, or a combination of the two. Anyone with suspected Parkinson’s symptoms should consult a specialist immediately — the earlier the treatment, the more successful the results.

In Parkinson’s disease, cells that produce dopamine, the chemical messenger responsible for smooth, purposeful muscle activity, begin to degenerate. The resulting drop in dopamine levels disturbs the balance, with other transmitters, such as acetylcholine, causing the nerve cells to fire out of control, making it very difficult to direct or control movements.

The presence of free radicals, resulting in oxidation, is implicated wherever a condition involves tissue damage (including nerve cells). Antioxidants, which can be obtained from diet and supplementation, keep this damage in check.

Environmental exposure to pesticides or toxins is of concern in relation to this condition, which is why organic wholefoods are usually recommended as part of dietary therapy.

Avoiding processed foods, coffee, tea, artificial sweeteners, sugar, tobacco and alcohol is strongly encouraged, since they over-stimulate an already stressed nervous system.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), found in bananas, beef, fish, liver, oatmeal, peanuts, potatoes and whole grains, interferes with the action of Parkinson’s medication (usually called Levadopa or L-Dopa), so you may need to reduce your intake of these foods. Broad beans, however, are a natural source of levadopa (half a cup contains around 250mg — equivalent to one L-Dopa pill), so these may help.

Another common side-effect of Parkinson’s disease is constipation. Avoid eating bran to relieve this, as it is high in vitamin B6. Instead, opt for prune juice and psyllium hulls to soften and ease your bowel movements.

Drink plenty of pure water — around two litres daily — to help flush toxins and maximise nutrient absorption. Hot spices should be avoided, since they can trigger uncontrollable physical movements. High meat consumption aggravates the symptoms, and inhibits the uptake of vitamin B6, so a dietary ratio of 7:1 (carbohydrates: proteins) is usually advised.

For further support and information, visit the Parkinson’s Association online, at www.parkinsons.ie or phone [phone].