Natural Options to Reverse Parkinsons Symptoms

Month: February 2010

Tai Chi for Parkinsons

The inspirational e-mail posted below about tai chi for Parkinsons was sent by Danny Loney

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Hi Robert. This past week concluded the conference of the Israel Parkinsons Association held at the Dead Sea. I spent most of the last night of the conference laying in my bed with tears in my eyes as I thought about the experiences that I had encountered over the previous four days. For me personally, it was emotionally overwhelming as I did not expect to experience such an outpouring of warmth, acceptance, and love. Most of the participants I had known from past conferences and other Parkinsons events, but this time I was able to connect to others and get to know them in a very personal way. I felt like a lost puppy that had found a warm and accepting home.

I was amazed at the many compliments that I received from my tai chi workshops and felt a bit uncomfortable with all of the attention. There is a tremendous amount of creative talent in our Parkinsons Association, whether it be paintings, woodwork, organizational skills, poems, music, counseling, or just a word of encouragement and a warm smile. And I am only one of many who want to make a contribution; a guy uses tai chi for Parkinsons to help a few other people with Parkinsons  improve the quality of their lives.

Danny

Loss of Smell

A pre-diagnosed Parkinson symptom was the loss of smell. It rarely appears on medical information forms, and if brought up during  examination noted but never gone further in discussion.

I wonder about this. If it was a matter of loss of touch, hearing or sight, would this be treated differently? Why is it downplayed? Are there any known recovery methods, studies or treatments concerning this condition?

Thanks, any information will be appreciated.

Daniel

Researchers have known for at least 30 years that persons with the symptoms of Parkinson’s have a loss of smell. Several studies have confirmed the link. The impairment in ability to smell involves more than being able to take in the full essence of a scent. Individuals with the symptoms of Parkinson’s have greater difficulty distinguishing one order from another or are unable to detect any odor whatsoever.

There is currently considerable research interest in the link between Parkinson’s symptoms and the loss of smell now that it has become clear that the two are inextricably linked. Loss of specific smells in particular have also been linked to Parkinson’s symptoms, which is interesting in itself.

Some researchers are currently working on designing a diagnostic smell test for Parkinson’s. There is no definitive test at present that gives a clear indication of Parkinson’s. A smell test will also not be definitive, but it can be used in conjunction with other evidence. I suspect such tests will soon be routinely offered to patients.

The Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test is often used by many neurological clinics to evaluate neurological imbalances. This test evaluates a person’s ability to detect 40 scents. People who take the test can are able to identify on average 35 of the 40 odors correctly. Parkinsons patients can identify 20 of the 40 odors or less.

Researchers predict that people with seriously impaired olfactory functions have five times the risk of developing Parkinson’s than those with the highest olfactory function.

In light of your interest in this question, I will set my intention to interview some of the researchers who are currently conducting studies to evaluate the connection between the ability to smell and the symptoms of Parkinson’s. To be sure, it is an interesting line of inquiry which may lead to understanding the underlying factors that are at play.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

 

 

Dental Detox and Parkinsons

What follows is a rich explanation of dental detox and Parkinsons as a critical factor in the overall health and well being of persons with neurological challenges which was submitted by Brad:

Robert Rodgers Phd
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Much has been written about the presence of toxic metals in dental work, but there is another source of toxins in our mouths that should not be overlooked. Naturally occurring bacteria are present between the teeth and gums that can cause bleeding gums and in severe cases, loss of teeth. The bacteria produce potent foul-smelling toxins.  As the toxicity becomes chronic, the gums become inflamed and recede over time.  This is known as “gingivitis” or “periodontal disease”.  If your gums bleed, even a tiny bit, you have it. As the condition worsens, “pockets” form deep around the tooth, further harboring the toxin-producing bacteria and absorbing the toxins directly into the bloodstream.

I have not seen research linking these toxins to Parkinson’s, however, the mouth is very close to the brain and any toxic stress is bad for PD. There IS research linking periodontal disease to heart disease and other maladies.

Gingivitis can be mild and persist for years without pain or obvious symptoms. Regular dentists do not usually treat this condition, referring patients to periodontists who specialize in gum conditions. If the condition is advanced and the pockets are deep, the periodontist may recommend gum surgery, which is obviously costly and more traumatic than prevention.

Prevention or recovery from mild cases is simple and inexpensive. Merely following routine oral health practices (brushing, flossing, rinsing, use of anti-bacterial mouthwashes, etc.) religiously will destroy the bacteria and toxins before they can reach your bloodstream are sound steps for a dental detox and Parkinsons This must be done at least once or twice daily, though. Regular dentists or periodontists can give advice and judge the effectiveness in this regard.

Brad

Alternative Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease

What follows is a fascinating e mail I received from Brad about alternative therapies for Parkinson’s disease . He has kindly given me permission to post it here.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

I am still “in the closet”, so to speak, that is to say I have not publicly discussed my diagnosis. I am very new to this discovery as I received my diagnosis one year ago (at age 52). Sometimes I get “PD’ed” by strangers who notice my symptoms and ask (or tell) point blank that I “have Parkinson’s”, which I cannot evade. The only purpose for taking the currently available meds is to hide the condition from others during, say, public speaking or other event which might lead to  or embarrassment. The meds serve no other purpose, they do not treat any underlying condition whatsoever. I suspect this denial, or hiding from PD symptoms, is very psychologically damaging (Michael J. Fox treats this in depth in his books). It leads to over medicating and adds stress, thereby worsening the condition.

In my case, I was lead to believe that the use of L-Dopa would provide dramatic relief and thereby confirm the diagnosis (remember that PD is a “negative” diagnosis, that is, it is indicated by ruling out all other possible explanations, however, in reality this is impossible to do. So PD is labeled “idiopathic”, or of unknown causation). Instead of relief, absolutely nothing happened, except that I immediately worsened and developed new symptoms in addition to a multitude of side effects. My brain has resisted L-Dopa therapy over these twelve months. L-Dopa is only sporadically effective and is very hard to predict. It takes very high doses to alleviate all symptoms (briefly) and during periods of high stress (particularly social stress) it does not work at all. So I have made a conscious decision to minimize my use of L-Dopa and seek alternatives right from the start. Sometimes I go for days without medicating at all and my symptoms usually stay about the same or sometimes better.

Things I am doing that seem to help:

Continue to ride and race bicycles  I have had to give up certain types of racing that require extremely fine motor skills, but I ride with accomplished groups regularly, at least 5,000 miles per year. Balancing a bicycle utilizes different neural circuits from your center of gravity than balancing on your feet, so I actually cycle better than I stand or walk. Some medication is required to control dystonia and keep my “slow” leg in sync with my “fast” leg, but I have experienced symptom-free rides occasionally.

Continue serious weight training. Since lifting weights does not involve high speed movements, it is largely unaffected by the symptoms. I have always been very strong and have become even stronger with pd symptoms than I was previously.

All other forms of physical activity, such as stretching, hand and finger exercises, table tennis, hiking, walking, basketball, anything that involves motion.

Healthy food, water, and sleep/rest. Avoid all trauma and toxins insofar as possible. Drama-free social life, mental engagement and exercise, healthy spiritual practices. These seem to be so “common sense” that they may be overlooked, but the proof is in disrupting any one of these and the symptoms immediately worsen. Improve them, and they immediately get better. Simple.

Alternative therapies for Parkinson’s disease that I am trying or considering include mercury detox. This is very dangerous, because disturbing mercury in dental work and/or chelating mercury that has been bound to brain tissues for a long time can worsen matters by “stirring up” heavy metals that may then be reabsorbed or recirculated prior to elimination. A personal decision has to be made balancing the risk/possible benefits of this approach. It is too early to tell what impact this decision will have on me because I have only had mercury-free teeth for less than thirty days after more than thirty years. I do believe eventually mercury will be banned in dental work. There are better alternatives available. My dentist conceded only after agreeing that having already developed pd symptoms, the levels of mercury that may be safe for a normal healthy adult might not be appropriate for me.

Hypnotherapy is showing great promise. If nothing else, achieving relaxed states reduces stress. However, even western medicine recognizes “psychogenic Parkinson’s”, from which full recovery is possible. It distinguishes this from “real” or “organic” Parkinson’s which by definition precludes recovery. So if you recover, it must have been psychogenic and vice-versa, if you don’t recover it’s not psychogenic. This is circular reasoning. Self-observation proves that all PD is at least partially psychogenic. Besides, it is a Western assumption, wholly based on faith, that there is any real difference between the mind/spirit and body at all. There is plenty of evidence, including in Western science, that there is no difference. One cannot exist or be healthy without the other. During hypnotic states (basically that relaxed dreamy state just before falling asleep), observable symptoms abate. What more proof that these symptoms are controlled by mental states (or brain waves, if you will) is needed?

Long held attitudes and “belief systems” are hard to change but they clearly play a role in recovery. At home, we avoid using the term “disease” or even “Parkinson’s”, instead referring to “Mr. P” or “my condition” or “symptoms” because one thing is for sure, if for one minute, you believe that you will not recover, your prophecy will be self-fulfilled. On the other hand, if you believe improvement or recovery is possible (not guaranteed), then that will be true also. Cancer victims refer to “fighting” cancer, PD’ers often talk about “accepting” PD. While “accepting” oneself as one is or accepting the public acknowledgement of your symptoms may be helpful, the will to live (not mere survival, but living well) is the driving force behind recovery from any illness.

On the drawing board when it comes to alternative therapies for Parkinson’s disease is acupuncture. The brain is an electrical system. Western science proves this through DBS. DBS, however, is a crude and intrusive means of maintaining that system. Again, the website mentioned above details how electrical disruptions in other parts of the body (particularly the foot or ankle) may affect the brain. I had such a traumatic injury in which the tibia was fractured and did not “knit” after 99 days in a cast. Subsequently, a “TENS” unit was utilized passing an electrical current, night and day, for several months through the fracture. While this did cause an 80% “healing” of the bone to occur, there may have been electrical side effects unbeknownst to me from this therapy.

I realize that this is rather lengthy, but PD is a vastly complex and mysterious condition. This means there are a variety of alternative therapies for Parkinsons disease which can offer symptom relief. The mere lack of dopamine is neither its cause nor solution. I agree with you that the current scientific research will never result in a “cure” because there are a multiplicity of causes and therefore a multiplicity of “cures”.

I appreciate this opportunity to share my thoughts about alternative therapies for Parkinson’s disease. It has helped me be a little more organized in my own research and thinking. I do not yet know in what way my experience may be used to help others, but I will consider your idea. Thank you for your time and the work that you are doing.

Brad

Liver Detoxes

Toxin buildup in the body is one of the probable causes of PD. As we know, the liver is our body’s major waste converter. What do we do to keep the liver in top shape? What are good liver detoxes? Also, what is the best supplement to give the liver especially when one has PD?

Thank you,

Arsenio

The question you raise about good liver detoxes is critically important for persons with Parkinsons. Research has definitely shown that heavy metals and pesticides have a direct impact on the symptoms of Parkinsons. As you point out, the liver plays a huge role in this drama. The bowels and kidneys are also lead actors. I like to think of detoxing from the perspective of all the body’s elimination organs.

Perhaps the most important factor to a successful detox is better hydration. Many people are unaware they are dehydrated. If cells are not adequately hydrated, waste does not have a prayer of being eliminated regardless of the detox method you use. John Coleman, ND recommends people used Aquas (www.aquas.us), a homeopathic remedy designed to help the body take in water and distribute it to the cells. Clearly, the intake of sufficient quantities of water is important.

I believe many people underestimate the value of colon cleanses. Regular colon cleanses can take the burden off the shoulders of the liver and kidneys.

Eating unprocessed foods also takes a huge burden off the liver. Fresh vegetables and pure water can do wonders for the liver. Some people with Parkinsons use a brief fast to cleanse the liver, though these decisions should of course be pursued under the close consultation of your doctor.

In part, the best detox method depends on the type of toxins that are present in the body. Testing can be done by a naturopath doctor or medical doctor to pinpoint the specific toxins that are present in the body. Naturopath Ivy Faber uses bioenergetic testing which scans the body for toxins and other problems :

Doctors also have tests to identify the presence of specific toxins that may be causing the symptoms. There are specific detox methods for specific toxins, so it really depends on the specifics. This is such a specialized area that some medical practices specialize in helping people detox their bodies.

By way of example, one detox method that can successfully remove heavy metals according to my interviews with doctors and other health professionals is zeolite, a substance that is derived from the ashes of volcanoes.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

 

 

Is Sinemet necessary for Recovery from Parkinson’s

Is Sinemet necessary for Recovery from Parkinson’s? John Coleman, ND mentioned in his book Stop Parkin’ and Start Livin’ that Aqua Hydration Formulas (www.aquas.us) comprise 60% of the therapy, while Bowen therapy 25%.

What makes up the remaining 15%? Does Sinemet (or herbal like Mucuna) fit into it? If so, does it go to say that we cannot recover from Parkinson’s without including Sinemet in the regime?

Thank you,

Arsenio

Dr. John Coleman ND has offered the fascinating estimates you note above based on his personal experience with recovery and with treating others with Parkinsons in his capacity as a naturopath doctor. Simply summarized, his experience is that when the body is properly hydrated and trauma is released using Bowen therapy, the body is in a position to heal itself. Better hydration is of course also plays a critical role in detoxing heavy metals and pesticides from the tissues of the body which have a clear and direct impact on symptoms.

In my conversations with many people who are on the road to recovery, some have an immediate, positive response from beginning to take the Aquas homeopathic remedy designed to hydrate the body. Other people must continue taking Aquas for several months before relief is detected. Others see improvement, but not in the range of the 60% that John reports. And of course a few do not observe any detectable result.

The bottom line for all therapies is this: They work beautifully and profoundly for some people, but not others. I believe the underlying factors that cause the symptoms and multifaceted and vary considerably from person to person.

Permit me to extend my explanation further by reference to Sinemet (which must be prescribed by a neurologist) or mucuna or fava beans which are natural sources of dopamine and do not require a doctor’s prescription. Some people report that the quality of their lives improves markedly after taking either Sinemet or fava beans or mucuna. Other people report trying them but see no positive impact. Some people who take Sinemet feel worse from the side effects.

In the end, it depends on the underlying reasons for the person’s symptoms and on the body’s response to whatever treatment is being tendered.

In specific response to your question,

Is Sinemet Necessary for Recovery from Parkinson’s

The answer for some people is no and for other people it is yes. Believe me when I say I do not mean to waffle here. It is the simple truth. I interviewed people in Pioneers of Recovery who took no Sinemet but are symptom free today. Other people take dopamine supplements of one form or another and do better on them than off.

The good news of the day is that anything is possible. As I document on this blog and in my books such as Road to Recovery from Parkinson’s Disease, there are many therapies that help people get sustained relief from their symptoms. Sinemet and the other dopamine enhancing supplements provide a source of relief, but they are only one among many other options.

In conclusion, the factors that contribute to the symptoms are extremely complex. If you hold the belief that a rigid formula will help you recover, I suspect the chances are pretty good that you will be disappointed with the outcome. There are certainly some people who might lead high quality lives from taking [Aquas + Bowen therapy + Sinemet], but that happens to be the solution set that works well for them. It may do little for you.

Dr. Coleman, ND never actually took Sinemet himself, but is symptom free today. Depending on personal circumstances, he does prescribe Sinemet to some of his patients.

I believe Parkinson’s is the most complex and multidimensional illness that exists in our world today. The answer to your question Is Sinemet necessary for Recovery from Parkinson’s is: it depends. Commit to a personal path of recovery and you will begin to feel better with each passing day. Chances are good that your solution set will be unique to your needs and the requirements of your body.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery

Five Steps to Recovery

Negative Thoughts Equal Instant Failure

Below is an e mail I received from Rose with encouraging news of recovery from the symptoms of Parkinson’s from a “healing.”

YOU ARE SO RIGHT ON! NEGATIVE THOUGHTS EQUAL INSTANT FAILURE! BAH! HUMBUG!

THERE IS THIS OTHER BOOK, CALLED “THE SECRET”..POSITIVE PEOPLE ATTRACT POSITIVE PEOPLE = SUCCESS…WORTH READING.

I WENT TO MY HEALER FOR THE FIRST TIME HERE IN NASHVILLE. SHE WAS WONDERFUL. WE FOCUSED ON SOME BAGGAGE I’VE BEN CARRYING….NOT THE PARKINSON’S DISEASE…AND WE IDENTIFIED SOME OF THE BIGGER PIECES AND I ‘GAVE’ THEM TO OTHERS AS IT WAS THERE iS TO HANDLE.

MY TALKING SPEED WAS VERY MUCH IMPROVED THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS! I STILL HAVE A WAYS TO GO, BUT I AM EXCITED ABOUT THE RESULTS WITH JUST ONE SESSION AND WILL SEE HER AGAIN IN MARCH.

ROSE

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery

 

Table Tennis and Parkinsons

Looking for a new exercise venue that is fun and has the potential to offer sustained relief from the symptoms of Parkinson’s? Brad has a novel suggestion that works for him: table tennis.

I wanted to mention a new idea for Parkinson’s Disease exercise: table tennis. I am talking serious, competitive table tennis. I have not played for 25 years, but I just spent 3 hours playing with NO symptoms (I have not medicated for a few days). I’m pretty rusty, but I was able to execute high-speed movements, with eye-hand coordination, and no tremor for the duration.  Also, this level of play works up a pretty good sweat and cardio rate.

Brad

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Parkinsons Relief Through Better Hydration

A letter about Parkinsons relief thorough better hydration from Mary follows. Mary  gaveAquas relief through better hydration me permission to post here on the Parkinsons Recovery blog.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

I am enjoying reading your new book [Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease: https://www.parkinsonsdisease.me] and look forward to trying some new things for myself that are mentioned in there.

I know that the dehydration thing is right on for me. I started drinking lots more water this past summer at my friend’s insistent urging. And it has really been so helpful. I already have the Aquas [http://www.aquas.us] and will start doing those again in the morning and evening and see what happens. Parkinsons relief through better hydration is possible. 

I had remembered that in 6-08 and 12-08 after two surgeries I had felt much better. I had thought that it could have a couple of things that made me feel better. One was the O2 that I received during the surgeries. I have sleep apnea and having 02 might have made a difference. I also thought that it could have been the IV’s hydrating me.

Well I went into the hospital in Oct. 09 and stayed there for three days, recovering from a kidney infection . I slept and rested for three days (admitted through ER with 104 degree fever) and had an IV 24/7 all those days. What a difference!

Mary

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery