Category Archives: Natural Remedies Parkinsons treatment

Mucuna as Treatment for Parkinsons

Question: What are your thoughts about using the mucuna to
treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s?

Answer:

There is an upside and a downside to taking Mucuna to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

The Upside

Macuna bean (or Mucuna Puriens) is derived from a plant
that grows
in tropical climates. The Mucuna herb has been used
for generations in India and other eastern countries
to treat
Parkinson’s with varying success. Mucuna is by no means
a new revelation.

People use Mucuna in part because it does not have the side effects of prescription medications.A number of people in my global audience who take prescription
medications for Parkinson’s have been pleased with the results they
get from taking Mucuna.  Others  have succeeded
in reducing the dose of their prescribed medications or
even weaning themselves off prescription medications altogether. 

No changes in the dosage of prescription medications should of course be made without consulting with your doctor first. Even though it is not a prescription medication, it is also just as important to consult with your doctor before taking any natural herb supplement like Mucuna to boost dopamine.

The Downside

It is clear from talking with other health professionals that
Mucuna is not a cure nor does it provide relief
for everyone. After all, if Mucuna were a panacea
everyone with Parkinson’s would be taking it and no one
today would be suffering from its symptoms.

Many people think of Parkinson’s simplistically as a
deficiency of dopamine. In fact, the “disease” is
described by most health care providers as such.
The truth of the matter is that
reasons for
the symptoms of Parkinson’s are far, far more
complicated than this simple explanation. 

Symptoms of Parkinson’s are affected by an imbalance
of over
39 different neurotransmitters. When you take
Mucuna or any dopamine supplement for that matter
you are making a decision to
focus on a tiny fraction
of the problem. 

The body is making fine adjustments to the production
and distribution of hormones continuously, second by
second, minute by minute.
Consider the maze of
complicated adjustments your body makes to produce
and distribute the other 38 neurotransmitters when you take
any dopamine lookalike.

Ingesting a single synthetic hormone once a day creates an instant
adjustment the body must make to the delicate balance of hormones
in the body.
The “adjustment” that comes from taking a dopamine
supplement (whether prescription or a supplement like Mucuna)
is crude.The body produces and distributes hormones continuously each and every second of the day.

Do the math.

If the choice is between relying on the  body or any dopamine supplement I
am betting on the body any day of the week.

A second challenge you will encounter if you decide to
take Mucuna – and keep in mind this
may be a good
choice for you – is that you are giving your body the
signal it does not
need to expend the energy produce dopamine
on its own.
Think like your body and you will understand
the long term consequences of what happens when
you take a dopamine producing supplements.

Here is the decision sequence:

1. Your body is busy with the work of adjusting and balancing hormones
which, after all, is one of its functions.

2. An external source of domaine mysteriously
appears in the digestive system.
There is suddenly and
unexpectedly an
external intrusion into the body.

3. The body begins to ponder: “Who is in charge here?” A critical function of the body is suddenly and unexpectedly being handled by an external intervention.

4. The body then concludes:  “If someone else is doing my job, why should I bother?”
Isn’t this just anyone of us do  when someone else takes on the burden of  doing
a job you thought was our responsibility? I mean, if someone else wants to do the work, why not let them?

A reason cells in the substantia nigra die is because
dopamine is being supplied by an external source.
Cells
that produce dopamine are no
longer needed since the supply is provided by an external source.  You either use it or lose it. In this case you lose it.
The body eventually surrenders responsibility for producing dopamine.

Prescription medications and Mucuna  are different delivery systems for
dopamine. For most people higher doses have to be take to experience symptom
relief.

John Coleman ND points out that most of the Macuna bean
that is packaged and sold in the marketplace is not actually
“natural.” It is a processed. The Mucuna pill capsules
are manufactured and refined, purified and converted to
powder. John Coleman ND has also observed in his clinic that
some forms of Macuna  induce the “same adverse effects as synthetic
levodopa if consumed in large quantities over a long period.

Coleman offers a different recommendation for his clients.
He suggests you hydrate your body by taking a
natural homeopathic remedy. The body has an easier
time producing and balancing hormones when the cells
are adequately hydrated.

Mucuna may provide welcome relief in the short term.
But if it is used as a lifetime remedy your body’s
incredibly intricate
system for monitoring
hormones will be short circuited. Sensitivity of
the monitoring system is degraded and the system
itself is eventually disabled.

Your body gradually gives up its mandate at birth to maintain
health and wellness. You eventually begin to feel lousy.
Health
deteriorates.

Why not give your body a chance to do its work whenever
possible? Wait. Be patient. Ask the most important question of all:
What is causing your symptoms?

Once you identify and address the cause, you will not necessarily
begin feeling  good every day. Some days you will may feel lousy.

Helping  the body re-remember how to balance hormones is not an
easy task but the rewards are worth it.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Aquas

Little Known Natural Therapies to Reverse Parkinson’s Symptoms

Dozens and dozens of natural therapies have been discovered that help reverse symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. I want you to know about several little known therapies in particular.

 

You are invited to watch videos I prepared that explain them. To do so, click on the secure link below. Then, enter your first name and email address in the fields provided. I will then email you links to the videos I have prepared for you to watch over the coming week.

Click Here Then Enter Your First Name and Email Address to Receive Links to the Videos 

P.S. I was surprised to see some of the therapies reported on the survey to have been helpful. I suspect you will too.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com
Olympia, Washington
877-526-4646

Solutions for Parkinson’s Symptoms

On Parkinsons Recovery Radio today. Fred Phillips offered his insights into how he gets immediate relief from a variety of his Parkinson’s symptoms.  His solutions for Parkinson’s symptoms are novel and profound. Do you ever have difficulty when walking with:

  • Freezing?
  • Standing up?
  • Shuffling?
  • Slowness?
  • Leg Cramps?

If so, I strongly recommend that You listen to my interview with Fred today. Click the arrow below to hear the replay. Fred has discovered some powerful, yet simple solutions to these
symptoms that have helped him enormously.

One of now over 70 pioneers of recovery I have hosted on Parkinsons Recovery radio, Fred also previews his 10 step protocol for recovery.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

 

 

 

Natural Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease

When it comes to finding natural treatments for Parkinson’s disease, most people get very frustrated. This frustration comes not from being unable to identify treatments that can facilitate healing the neurological symptoms, but from the challenge of having to sort through the many excellent natural therapies for Parkinson’s disease that seem to be helping some if not many people.

I say stuff the frustration in the closet. There are ways to find the answers you need now to jump start your recovery. You just have to take charge and launch your own program of recovery.

 

Robert Rodgers PhD
Jump Start to Recovery

Get Ready to be Dazzled: Natural Remedies for Parkinson’s

Natural Remedies for Parkinson’s

On Parkinsons Recovery Radio this week Richard Melvin discussed how he was influenced by his father’s experience with taking Parkinson’s medications. He decided to take a different approach from his father. Instead of taking prescription medications like his father, Richard conducted an extensive investigation into the research which focused on studying the effectiveness of natural remedies for Parkinson’s. He then proceeded to test these remedies on himself – with great results I might say!

In addition to giving detailed information about specific therapeutic vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids, he discussed possible causes of the condition that are currently being investigated by scientists. Click on the link below to hear a recording of his fascinating review on natural remedies for Parkinson’s that, according to research studies, really do make a huge difference.

Natural Remedies for Parkinson’s

When you land on the radio show page, be sure to scroll down to the comment section. Rich posted extensive information about the various remedies he discussed with links to the relevant research evidence to support its use for Parkinson’s.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

Do You Have a Systematic Recovery Program?

Question

Do You have a systematic recovery program? 

Is a Recovery Program Realistic?

Our experience in working with persons who have Parkinson’s has convinced us that there is no standard protocol that is the panacea. Of course, there is no “cure.” Factors that cause the
condition are multi-faceted so it depends.

We do know from a thorough review of the research that the symptoms can be caused by heavy metals, pesticides, chemical toxins, pathogens, trauma and stress. A variety of natural therapies are available to address each of these threats to the healthy function of the body.  We encourage each individual to investigate the therapies that are available
depending on their own individual needs and preferences and the primary factors that are causing their symptoms. 

  • Whole body detoxes are critical.
  • Strengthening the immune system is a must.
  • Reducing inflammation is important.
  • Nutrition is essential.
  • Adjusting the hormonal thermostat is important.
  • Exercising the body and the mind makes a huge difference.
  • Laughter every day helps.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

 

The Ultra Mind Solution

Greetings Robert et al:

This is Linda Ralph writing to you. I have written to you a few times now. You may remember me, I am from Victoria and went on the Alaska Cruise. I have something I would like to share with you.

I am  half way through a  newly purchased book, “The Ultra Mind Solution by the author: Mark Hyman, MD. I have had one of Mark’s earlier books , “The Ultra Simple Diet” for years now , and was truly very excited to find two new books  published by him recently,  especially  the one having to do with the brain,  and healing and fixing the brain, entitled: “The UltraMind Solution“. On the cover of this book it says:

“Fix Your Broken Brain By Healing Your Body First”.

And, I really do believe that to be  true. For me, this book reiterates much of what I have learned through your website, Robert. Be it through your blog, your published works  or through information  that I have heard from radio show guests, or through the personal stories written or told, of many folks who are having successes in coping  with PD.

In addition to that, this book is also jam packed with practical information  to help one heal and to enhance the brain.  It has  realms of information , that although pretty detailed at times, does  provide the reader with learning that I feel is relevant and vital. And there are also a personal case studies as well, that seem, ‘bring it  all home’, so to speak, as well as referencing to PD.

Hyman speaks of

‘treating the body as a whole and not as separate entities’.

Now this is not a new idea. But it merits repetition. He too, states, that

‘your brain may be broken, but  it can be fixed’.

This idea certainly rings true of  the last few years findings and  new discoveries about the brain. Many  books and articles have illuded to the fact that you can rewire your brain, you can change it, and maybe you can even fix it.  Outlined in this book is a detailed (but not overly complicated ) way as to what one does to go about  ‘fixing the brain”, and  the methods to follow to have success.

Hyman says that by ‘pinpointing the biological problem one can  then fix it, by  letting the body’s  natural healing intelligence take  over to repair your brain’. He then goes on provide a program, a simple  way to do this through his : Seven Keys to Ultra  Wellness. This is a very well written and helpful  book.  (Another recent book of his, with over  200 recipes, “The Ultra Metabolism Cookbook“, is also an excellent resource.)

If you haven’t heard of him, ( and you probably have) I do believe that you would find this  book  of his, to be another delightful addition and resource for your readers. It is a good read.

There  may be some merit in your readers knowing about this book and its author. Maybe this author could be a guest on your show??

JUST ONE PERSON’S OPINION
Linda Ralph

Walking and Balance Problems

Today, I was looking for new inspiration and direction. My walking and balance is a little more wobbly, but the feeling on my left side (once quite numb) is much better in the last month now. So, in a way, I feel that I am doing better. I no longer feel like I have two different sides but have one body. I can make my left hand do things like brush teeth and type. (Having Parkinson’s does not make you ambidextrous; it is just that your non-sided hand must help out if it need be. There’s no comfort in that: it doesn’t have the coordination that the sided hand does, if that is the one that is affected). I hope that this (one-body experience) is part of my recovery. I want to work harder on my health, as I keep thinking of the interview of the woman who had deep stimulation (not the poetry writing lady, the one before that). She said if she had it to do over, she would have given the alternative therapies a better chance.

Searching around the recovery website, I read many blogs as well as listened to past interviews and this week’s interview, which included mention of stiffening in the chest related to the breathing. Taking your suggestion of working on one symptom, I decided to compensate for my shallow breathing for a week, moment by moment. I’m always deflated, and I know that I have not been getting enough oxygen. Starting that, I decided as well to root out one thought form that may be contributing to this condition. I thought that it would take some time to discover one, but it came up immediately. The woman with the CORD therapy said, in general, that Parkinson’s people have a reality print of
‘I can’t quite do this, or measure up’.
I understand that. I can affirm, I can do this, I can, I can–anything. Believe me, this is a different type of energy to have within myself, though I have accomplished a lot in my life. Idid it by simply pushing. I want my brain to learn something new here of real confidence.

I found a boost in this story from my own saved archives.

This story makes you think about your potentials, as the woman in the story did. She went to college in her 60s and got the geology degree that she always wanted. I can at least accomplish everything that is before me this week. Thanks for your site again. I’m working on getting it to two other people with Parkinson’s.

Alan

Medication Side Effects and Parkinson’s Disease

Question:

I have been diagnosed with Parkinsons almost four years ago. My main symptom is tremor. Some days are better than others. I am not taking any medications.

Every year we go to Hippocrates Health institute for detox. At home I am on almost vegeterian diet. I drink green juices, algae as well as taking enzymes and whole food supplements. I walk every day 3 -4 miles, do yoga and gentle therapies as feldenkrais. Over the years my condition has not changed much.

As I understand medications don’t really treat the disease. Am i doing the right thing by not taking any medications?

Response:

One man who had been recently diagnosed with Parkinsons told me his neurologist recommended that he hold off taking medications until the time comes (if it does) that you have to have something. Why did his neurologist recommend this cautious approach?

The levodpa medication for Parkinson’s works miracles for some people for a short period of time. Some people tell me the honeymoon lasted 6 months (or less). Others say the honeymoon lasted longer – 2 years or even more.

It is inevitable however that the honeymoon will come to an end and the drug will start to become less and less effective. Usually this means that a neurologist or general practitioner will prescribe larger and larger doses for you to take over time. Most people eventually have to take doses more frequently.

The “on” times (when you feel good) become shorter and shorter. This confound of the medication is typically addressed by prescriptions from neurologists who usually prescribe larger and/or more frequent doses during the day.

As you state, the medications do not address the underlying causes of the condition. They only address the symptoms.  

The unfortunate consequence is that more and more of the drug circulates throughout the body. The result is dyskinesia (involuntary muscle gyrations and jerking). This symptom is not the direct consequence of Parkinson’s per se. It is a side effect of the medications.  

Let me stress that some people have told me that the medications have given them their life back. They have been able to begin functioning and, in some cases, reduce their medications. So, any outcome is possible.

Clearly, there is no standard operating procedure for anyone who is diagnosed with the symptoms of Parkinson’s. What works for you may flop for someone else. Some people start on  medications and it does absolutely nothing for them. Others get sick from the side effects. Still others are ready to walk on water. Everybody is different.   

Are up doing the right thing by not taking medications at this time? By your own report, the answer has to be yes! Let me first qualify my answer by reminding you that I am not a medical doctor and am not qualified to advise you specifically about medications or individual treatments. My approach is strictly from a research perspective. 

Why do I think you are doing the right thing by not taking medications at this time? You are not getting worse. Your symptoms have been stable for four years. The drug studies follow the “progression” of Parkinsons of people who are on medications. Findings across studies are consistent. Studies report an average gradual decline of functions of approximately 3-4% a year.

This means that relative to people who have elected to take medications, you are on average 12-16% better off today than had you begun taking medications 4 years. 

Let me stress this is an average. The variation in symptoms across studies is very large.  

I am continually generating alternatives for people to experiment with which involve various herbs, supplements or or natural remedies. Why?

Such alternatives tend to have fewer side effects than levodopa and some of the other prescription drugs. Some of these herbs and supplements enhance the effectiveness of the medication, making it possible to take less over time (rather than more).  Everybody is different. 

Your recovery program is solid. It is consistent with what other people tell me gives consistent relief from their symptoms.  The challenge now is to dig deeper to find the underlying cause of your symptoms so that you can shift from “no change” to “positive improvement.”  

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

© 2009 Parkinsons Recovery

Parkinson’s and Stress

Question:

“In my opinion, the true cause of the hormonal imbalance in 
Parkinson’s lies with an overabundance of stress hormones: 
It obviously will take time to convince the body otherwise
– to produce dopamine.” Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.

I was diagnosed with PD 8 years ago. I completely agree that
the major cause is related to stress and stress hormones.

Can the body be convinced to produce dopamine after its total
depletion?

Has any body been convinced and by what means?

I would be grateful to receive some help and advice for myself
and other PD sufferers in Lithuania.

Responses

Here are my responses to your questions in the
order they have been asked:

Can the body be convinced to produce dopamine after its total
depletion?

I believe the body can always heal itself when given the
proper support and nutrition. Yes, the body does
know how to heal itself. It just needs a little help
from time to time re-remembering how.

I am well aware that most medical professionals frame the
the cause of Parkinson’s solely in terms of a dopamine
deficiency. If there is a severe head injury this is
probably a meaningful and useful frame of the problem.
But for a vast majority of people with the symptoms of
Parkinson’s, the problem is far more complicated
than a simple deficiency of dopamine. There are over
40 hormones in the body which are out of balance.
Dopamine is only one among these 40 interrelated
hormones that are out of balance. 

Has any body been convinced and by what means?

The good news here is yes! Some people are symptom free
today. Many people are finding good relief by a wide variety
of modalities and approaches.

I have learned that there is considerable variation in what
works for people. There is no universal list of things you
can do that will guarantee that you will feel better. It really
depends on the specific factors that happen to be causing your
symptoms.

I have spent the past year interviewing people who have
fully recovered or who are finding ways to get
relief from their symptoms. I will soon be launching a
Parkinsons Recovery member website where all of this
incredibly fascinating information will be posted.

I would be grateful to receive some help and advice for myself
and other PD sufferers in Lithuania.

There are a wide variety of natural methods you can
use to get relief from the effects of stress. The idea
behind all of these methods is to release fear that is trapped
at the cellular level so our bodies can produce neurotransmitters
and reduce the production of stress hormones. Strategies that
are useful on a daily basis are:
 
• Meditation
• Relaxation
• Walking
• Sitting
• Dreaming
• Singing
• Sleeping
• Listening to music

Body therapies are also useful in this regard.
If you click on the link below, do a search
for craniosacral therapists in Lithuania. Three were
listed when I did the search, though only one had
contact information.

http://www.iahp.com/pages/search/index.php

Essential oils can be very effective, as can Emotional
Freedom Technique (EFT). I will soon be posting an interview with
an aroma therapist who explains how essential oils can
provide great release from the effects of stress. I recently
wrote a newsletter with a link showing the effects of
EFT on veterans of war.

Breathwork can also be very powerful. This involves continuous
breathing (in and out) for a period of 5 minutes or longer.
We bury the effects of stress on our bodies by not breathing.
When we do breathwork, we release the effects of stress that
has been trapped in our bodies, sometimes for decades.  

These are just a few of the approaches that you can do
yourself. They are safe and noninvasive.

With a little experimentation, you should be able to
discover the methods, techniques, therapies and modalities 
that work for you. Use them daily and you will gradually
see relief from your symptoms.    

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

© 2008 Parkinsons Recovery

What Parkinson’s Disease Treatments Should My Fiancee Try Next?

Question:

Please bear with me as I write this…my fiancee was
diagnosed with Parkinson’s about 3 years ago. To
make a long story short, he’s made many lifestyle
changes (better dietary choices; no chemicals in his
home; takes soil-based organisms; limits stresses…)
and has been to multiple ND’s as well as MD’s for
interventions.

He’s only tried one conventional medicine, Reserp,
which resulted in severe palpitations. He has refused
all other medications because he believes that this
only addresses the symptoms and not the cause.

This is only a brief synopsis of what’s transpired
over the past few years, but I’m hoping I’ve included
enough info for you.

What can we try to help him recover from this disorder?
Neither of us believe that this “disease” is incurable,
but we are at a loss as to what to try next. Any help
you can send my way would be MOST APPRECIATED.

Response:

You have asked a great question. Parkinsons Recovery
is all about identifying a wide variety of alternatives
for people to consider who are committed to feeling
better.

You fiancee clearly is on the road to recovery and he
will get better. Keep in mind two realities. First, recovery 
is a gradual process which takes time and patience. 
You don’t start eating healthy food one week and see
dramatic improvements the next week. It takes the body
time to rejuvenate cells and to heal. 

Second, you do not report whether he is seeing any relief
from symptoms. Is he getting worse? Is he the same? Is
he getting better? My guess is that you and he probably
do not know the answer. I suggest that he begin to
track his symptoms. 

The link to Symptom Tracker is on the main page at
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com. Complete the questionnaire,
get a baseline, then repeat the assessment every month. 
It is free and only takes a few minutes to complete.  
He can see the progress of his improvement over time. 

From the tone of your letter is sounds like you are
both discouraged.  It is very possible that he is
actually improving – but neither of you see it. 

You use the terms “better dietary choices” which is
an interesting use of terms. You do not say “healthy
dietary choices.” I will be doing a teleseminar with
Randy Mentzer in the nest few weeks. Randy is
a certified nutritional counselor. Take this opportunity
to ask Randy about his dietary habits. 

It is possible that while his eating habits are
generally good he may be eating foods he is
allergic to. Keep in mind also that sugar is a
neuro toxin. If he is eating any sugar at all
it will be a challenge to feel better right now. 

You say he has no chemicals in his home. That
is awesome news. He may however have certain
toxins lodged in the tissues of his body. Most people
do. It is just a question of whether the extent of
exposure is too much for his body to process. 

There are some wonderful approaches to
detoxing that you two might evaluate. I will be
doing teleseminars with professionals who approach
detoxing in different ways. Hopefully, you will discover
an approach that feels right to pursue.

You do not mention hydration. When the body is
adequately hydrated it is able to cleanse itself
of toxins more readily.  John Coleman recommends
a homeopathic remedy for dehydration called the
aquas. You can find more information at
www.aquas.us

Finally, I would venture a guess that a factor
that is aggravating his symptoms is a sustained
and persistent level of stress and trauma. You say
he “limits” stress, but the truth is that any stress
can have a profound impact on our immune system
and on the health of our neurological  system. 

So as a final next step to consider, I would recommend
he investigate methods of releasing stress and trauma
that is lodged in the tissues of his body. As long as a
body is in a sustained state of stress. the symptoms
will not and cannot resolve.

There are many awesome approaches for relieving
stress and trauma that is lodged in the tissues of
the body: craniosacral therapy, Bowen therapy,
neuro-linguistic programming, biofeedback
to mention just a few. 

Which approach is right for him? Only he can figure that
answer out through experimenting using his intuition.
Different therapies work for different people. Only he
will know what is right for him.

Stayed tuned. I am gathering information every
week from professionals who are discussing therapies
that provide ways to address persistent stress and
longstanding trauma.

I hope these suggestions are of some use. Keep in
mind that there are dozens and dozens of therapies that
have helped people with Parkinson’s. Your fiance’s job
now is to figure out the ones that are right for him. 

He has set his intention. He has engaged the journey.
He will get better. Just watch. Be sure to celebrate
his progress as the two of you together track the
improvement in his symptoms over time.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery 

© 2008 Parkinsons Recovery

Live Interview with Dr. John Coleman, ND

I have a confession to make.
I have been very selfish.
How so you ask?

I have genuinely enjoyed
interviewing people who have
Parkinson’s who have found
ways to get relief from their
symptoms. I have also truly
enjoyed asking experts in
various modalities about their
experiences in working with
people with Parkinson’s

My confession is that I have
always asked the questions I
want to ask, so you never 
have the opportunity to ask
the questions you want to ask.
I admit it. I have been selfish
and self serving.

The good news is that I am ready
to make amends. I am doing a
teleseminar this coming
Thursday, September 4, 2008 at
4:00 pm Pacific time (7:00 pm
Eastern time) where you will have
the opportunity to ask questions
of my surprise guest, Dr. John
Coleman, a naturopath doctor from
Melbourne Australia.

John is a friend and a naturopath
doctor from Melbourne, Australia
who had an advanced stage of
Parkinson’s in 1995 but who is
symptom free today.

Click on the link below to get the
details on the interview with John
Coleman. You can listen to the
interview over the phone or connect
through the web on your computer.
Ask any questions you wish today
and I will put them on the list to
ask John Thursday. Or, you can always
ask questions during the interview.

TO ATTEND THIS EVENT, CLICK THIS LINK NOW…

Interview with Dr. John Coleman, ND

I hope you are able to join us.

Again, click on the link below
and get the scoop on the teleseminar
coming up this Thursday.

Interview with Dr. John Coleman, ND

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

© 2008 Parkinsons Recovery
 
 
 

What Can I do about Problems I am Having with My Fingernails?

Question:

Why am I having problems
with my Fingernails?

Response 

One healthy approach for understanding
any health problem – in this case problems
with your nails – is to acknowledge that
your body is sending you a signal that
something is out of balance. Perhaps
there is a mineral or vitamin deficiency
such as, for example, the C or B vitamins
or both.

The challenge is to figure out what
your body needs. When bodies 
scream at us to be heard, 
it can be difficult to figure
the problem out. I have two
approaches for you to
consider: homeopathy and 
an exploration of the underlying
reason for the condition. 

Homeopathy 

Homeopathy can be very
useful in getting to the root
cause of a problem. Homeopathy 
treats illness in a novel way.
Homeopathic doctors use 
substances that produce,
in a healthy person, symptoms
similar to the symptoms seen in the
illness. 

Homeopaths use serial dilution (which
involves shaking between each dilution)
to remove the toxic effects of the remedy. 
The underlying qualities of the substance
are retained by the diluent. The diluted
substance is usually indistinguishable
from pure water. 

Practitioners select treatments according
to observations they have of a patient
through consultations that explore both
the physical condition and any emotional
issues that may be associated with the
condition. 

Below is a link to a web site that
lists various conditions with nails
and suggests possible reasons why
such conditions might develop. 
The descriptions give you an idea of
how homeopathy can be helpful
in sorting through a health challenge
and finding a solution to it. Homeopathy
can be used to treat any condition.

http://www.hpathy.com/papersnew/traub-finger-nails-homeopathy.asp

Explore the Underlying Cause of the Problem

A second way of figuring out what your
body is telling you is to investigate what
might be the underlying (and unconscious)
reason for the problem.  

Louise Hay, author of You Can
Heal Your Life,
believes that
there are always underlying reasons
why a particular health problem 
presents itself.  She offers probable
reasons for a wide variety of ailments. 

In the case of problems with nails she 
writes that a probable cause is linked
to issues connected with protection.
The new thought pattern that she
suggests will help heal this problem is:

“I reach out safely.”

On a more general level, Louise Hay
says that problems with fingers are
related to issues associated
with the details of life. The healing
thought pattern is:

“I am peaceful with the details of life.”

If either of these possibilities resonate
with you, then you might want to
write one or both mantras on a piece of
paper and affix it to a place you
will see it everyday like your bathroom
mirror, refrigerator or front door.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

© 2008 Parkinsons Recovery

Are There Any Natural Remedies for Parkinson’s?

Question:

I am 52 years old and I have been
experiencing Parkinsonian symptoms
for over a year now.  I went to a
neurologist and he said I did show
early stages of parkinsons i.e. trembling
in left foot, cramped/small handwriting,
left hand has trouble touching thumb
to middle finger at a fast pace; I feel I
talk slower; I have constipation
(I thought the constipation was from
my acid reflux condition) and I recently
fell into a depression cause of some
events in my life…

I am taking SAMe now for three weeks
and feel somewhat better but not l00%…
I am scheduled to see this neurologist
again in September to see if my condition
is true and or progressed and at that time
he will discuss taking medication for
Parkinson’s.
 
I am praying that these symptoms I
am experiencing are due to another
situation like menopause and or my
depression/stress.  
 
I am reaching out to you for any input
on where I am at and also any natural
remedies I might start doing now to
improve my health and well being.

Response

Thank you for sending in your question
to Parkinsons Recovery. You will find
my newsletter, this blog and our website
contains information and resources that
offer many choices you can consider. 

You will always find new information on
this blog every week. I write a daily
Parkinsons Recovery newsletter that
covers a wide range of topics, all
related to natural remedies. You can
subscribe to the newsletter by entering
your email address in the space to the
right at the top of this blog. You will
receive an e mail asking if you wish
to receive the newsletters. Simply
click on the address and you will
receive the newsletters on a regular
basis. 

I write about approaches people say
have helped them, so we are very
practical in our approach here. Our 
mission is to provide you with a
wealth of information about natural
approaches and remedies so you
can make the choices that are
right for you.

I interview people with Parkinson’s
who tell me what has worked for them.
And, I also interview experts in their
various fields (e.g.: process psychologists,
physical therapists, herbalists, craniosacral
therapists, Neural Linguistic Programming
experts, biofeedback therapists, acupuncturists,
etc., etc.) who tell me about how their
work can potentially help people with
Parkinson’s feel better.

The good news is that I hear 
reports every week from
people with Parkinsons who are
feeling better. You can too, though
you will have to make some
changes in your life.

Speaking generally, the natural
approaches that people tell me offer
relief from symptoms are: a healthy
diet, daily exercise, detoxing heavy
metals and other harmful substances
that reside in the body, awareness of
what stress does to the body, release
of traumas, meditation, laughter, 
social contact and dedication to a purpose
in life. 

The theme at Parkinsons Recovery is
to emphasize health and well being rather
than to dwell on “disease.” We believe
the body knows how to heal itself. It just
needs a little help sometimes.  

Welcome aboard.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

© 2008 Parkinsons Recovery

Exercise and Diet are Two of the Best Natural Remedies for Parkinson’s

Question

My husband has been diagnosed with
Parkinson’s Disease. What are some
natural exercise and diet remedies
that would help?

Response 

From my extensive review of the
research literature on Parkinson’s 
you have asked the right question.
Diet and exercise have a compelling
influence on how your husband
feels every day. 

Eat healthy food. Exercise. He will
feel better.

Eat junk food. Be a couch potato.
He will feel lousy.  

It is as simple as that. This is not 
rocket science.

The research on exercise and Parkinson’s
is unequivocal. Exercise helps people  
feel better and get relief from their
symptoms.

Exercise

I make it a point to add exercise
books and videos on the resources
resources page of Parkinsons Recovery. 
If anyone knows of exercise books or
videos that have been useful to you,
please reply so that I can add them to
the list of resources. 

I have a very simple, perhaps
mundane suggestion. Move any
way it feels good to him.  Move
as often as he can. 

Some people love to exercise. Other
people hate to exercise.  I talked
with one woman last week who loves
to exercise - so much so that her physical
therapist has limited her exercise routine 
to 90 minutes. She gets significant relief
from her symptoms. 

Other people have never exercised
in their life and are proud of it. Making
a practice of moving every day is an
annoyance. Too bad for them.  

I believe the trick is for your husband
to find a way of moving his body that 
is motivated from a place deep inside
himself. When he discovers a way of
exercising every day that works for
him his body will let him know:

“Yes. This is what I need. Do it
today. Do it every day.” 

What exercise is the right exercise
for your husband? Ask him to remember
what he loved doing when he was a child.
Did he enjoy swimming when he was little? 
Then swim now. Did he love to play 
marbles? Then play marbles now. 
Did he love to play hide and seek?
Then play hide and seek with your
dog Fido now. (My apologies if your
dog is not named Fido). You get the
point.

I have always been a runner, so I run
frequently. I get high when I run.
Running always makes me feel better.
It is the natural remedy that works
for me. 

Some people with Parkinson’s tell me
running on a treadmill is their exercise
of choice. Running itself is clearly not
the best form of exercise for many 
people. 
 
If any one of us (you or your husband or
myself) is told that we must exercise in
a specific way using a specific routine 
for 60 minutes a day, we will not do it
for very long if we do not like doing it.
Period. 

I will stick to a routine I do not like 
for a week – maybe. Perhaps you
are good for a month. Maybe your
husband is more disciplined and will
last four months. 

Eventually, we will all abandon any
type of exercise if it does not give us
intrinsic joy and genuine satisfaction.
The desire to move must, again, be
motivated by a place from deep inside
us.   

Another problem can surface if we 
exercise because we are told we must
do it to feel better - not because we
want to exercise to feel better. Isn’t
that just what I am telling you now? 

If the exercise is forced, we are
likely at some point to stretch and
challenge our muscles incorrectly.
Tares in tissues and serious injuries
can be the consequences. Injuries 
do not happen when exercising
is done mindfully.  

Of course, if you are injured you
can not exercise. Is not this the 
perfect outcome for anyone who
has always hated to exercise? 
The steps are simple to follow:

  1. Force yourself to exercise in a
    way that is not right for you. 
  2. Injure yourself. 
  3. Stop exercising.    
  4. Feel worse.
  5. Conclude it is your body’s fault
    for not working correctly.

If the question you ask yourself
repeatedly when you exercise is:   

“How much longer do I have to endure
this torture?” 

Stop. Consider the possibility there is
another form of exercise that is a
better way of exercising.

You may very well have expected a
different answer to your question
about exercise.  Perhaps you were
looking for an answer like this from
me:

“Everyone with Parkinson’s should
do “Professor Bob’s Zippy 2 Hour 
Daily workout  for Parkinson’s.”
(Just to be clear in case anyone is
wondering – this program does
not exist.)

This is not the response I can give
you because I do not believe that
any single exercise program – even
Professor Bob’s Zippy program - is
right for everyone. Any particular
type of exercise will always work 
for some people, but it will never 
work for all people. Far from it.

What is important is to move. Move.
Move. Move every day. The more
your husband moves the better he 
will feel.

Everyone – people who are healthy and
people who are  not – should move the 
equivalent of 5 miles each day (weekends
included). Total up each of your separate
movements throughout the day to reach
your goal.

For example:  Let’s say a walk from your 
bedroom  to the kitchen in the morning
is .005 miles. A walk from your car to the
store at 9 am is .02 miles. And so forth. 
By the end of the day, the sum total of all
such movements should total 5 miles. 

There are many, many ways to move
your body.  If your husband is not moving
his body every day, I recommend he
investigate the multitude of options
that are available for getting the daily
exercise he needs: Pilate’s, Tia-chi, yoga,
swimming,  daily walks — the list is
endless. There are so many fascinating 
ways to get exercise. 

If he does not move every day, his body
will eventually begin to complain loudly. 
Symptoms will smack him in the face.  

Have you noticed that there is redundancy
in my writing here? This is just was exercise
is all about, going through the same routine
over and over, day after day. So get with it. 

I am working diligently to document ways 
of exercising that people with Parkinson’s
tell me helps them feel better. If your husband
has not found a way of exercising that works
for him, stay tuned. 

There is a way of exercising somewhere out
there in the universe that is perfect for him.
He just needs to discover it.  

There are also physical therapists who are
specifically trained to help persons with
Parkinson’s. They assess your strengths and
weaknesses and recommend specific exercises 
that will help him find relief from his symptoms.  

Good options surround you. Explore the options.
Try them out. An exercise routine is not working
for you if you are not doing it regularly and loving
it. Find another. Try it out. Keep experimenting
until you find a way of moving every day that
gives you joy.

Your body will thank you. And you will thank
yourself. 

I am supposed to talk about diet in this
blog too. Oops. Sorry. No time today. I have
to get my daily run in before it gets too
late. 

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

 © 2008 Parkinsons Recovery

Are Prior Surgeries Connected to Parkinson’s Symptoms?

Question: 

Are Prior Surgeries Connected to Parkinson’s Symptoms?  

Response 

Scars from surgeries interrupt meridian pathways in the body.
It is important to heal the scar tissue so that all channels
of energy that nourish your organs and tissues are unobstructed.

What do I mean by channels? There are well documented energy
pathways in our bodies that are given difference names in
acupuncture: The stomach meridian, the liver meridian, the spleen
meridian, etc. You can find charts of these pathways in the
library.
 
Surgery on your foot or hand or any part of your body for that
matter interrupts the flow of vital energy across any one or more
of these pathways. Acupuncturists place needles along the meridian
lines that need a jump start. It is like recharging the battery of
a car. An acupuncturist may place needles in your foot or neck 
to address issues with your digestion or mood. 

For example, let’s say you have had surgery on your hip recently.
There is a big scar on your upper thigh that is located at the
center of your body. This scar tissue from hip surgery 
creates a systematic interruption in the energy pathways that
nourish one or more of your vital organs.

Check out the meridian charts to see if any surgeries you may have
had lie on a key meridian. Do not be surprised to discover you
may be having difficulty with an organ that is connected with the
meridian that happens to cross the scar tissue.

Let me be clear that no one in the research literature
has identified scar tissue as a factor that is related to the
symptoms of Parkinson’s. I personally believe that it
can aggravate the symptoms, so why not address
the problem?

The remedy is cheap and easy to do. No expensive
tests are needed. No prescriptions need be written
by a medical doctor.

Simply find wheat germ oil in a co-op or health food store. 
Apply the wheat germ oil to the scar tissue twice daily.
The treatment takes 15 seconds.

I personally purchase wheat germ oil in capsule form. I then apply
the wheat germ oil directly onto the scars on my body that resulted
from surgeries. That is all there is to it.

Robert Rodgers
Parkinsons Recovery

 © 2008 Parkinsons Recovery

What Can I Do for Constipation?

Question:

What Can I Do about My Constipation?

Response:

Why should anyone be concerned about gut 
problems when “everyone” knows the challenge
with Parkinson’s involves a neural dysfunction? 
Function of the gut has a huge influence –
I repeat huge – on the symptoms of Parkinson’s.
When the gut is working properly depression lifts, 
constipation is relieved and energy returns.  

Let me be blunt. If your digestive system is
not functioning properly, all of the money
you spend on supplements and healthy food 
goes down the toilet.  

The process is wicked. You spend money on
supplements and healthy food.  You pour the
supplements and healthy food into your body
each day like clockwork.

The following day the supplements and healthy
food from the day before come out the other end
– unaltered. This happens over and over, day in
and day out. Your body is not absorbing the
nutrients.  

To summarize:

  • You pour money down the toilet day in and day out.
  • You do not feel any better. 
  • You convince yourself it is impossible to feel better.  
  • You stop doing the things that help you feel  better.
  • End of story.

The good news is that you can reverse this wicked
cycle. Natural approaches for improving gut function
are widely available. They fall into three categories:
increasing hydration in the body, maintaining a 
proper pH level in the stomach and improving
overall function of the bowel. 

First let’s consider the important role hydration
which, as we age, becomes more and more
problematic.  

Increase Hydration in the Body 

If the body is not hydrated adequately,
waste begins to accumulate in the cells. 
This is the underlying reason why many
people feel sluggish and run out of energy
by the afternoon. The solution is to hydrate
your body.  

John Coleman, a naturopath doctor from
Australia who himself recovered from
Parkinson’s, highly recommends that
people with Parkinson’s take a homeopathic
remedy for dehydration called the Aquas. 
This therapy involves taking a few drops
of a unique combination of essential oils
and Bach flower essences in the morning
and the evening.

The  mechanism in the body that signals
thirst needs to be recalibrated as we age.  
I was totally unaware until last year
that I had stopped drinking water.
The tissues in my body had become 
chronically dehydrated. It is the type
of problem that creeps up on you so
slowly you do not even notice what
is happening. 

I have taken Aquas for about a year and have
been amazed at their effectiveness. I now
get thirsty when my body needs water. 
If I do not take the Aquas, I do not drink
water because I am never thirsty. 
The Aquas have solved this problem for
me.    

Maintain a pH level of 2 in Your Stomach   

Everyone should maintain a pH level in the 
stomach of 2. The term “pH” is a measure of the
acidity of a solution like a body fluid. The most
acidic of liquids will have a pH as low as −5 (this
is a negative five).  The most alkaline of liquids 
have pH level of +14.

By way of comparison here is a sample of 
pH levels from selected foods: lemon juice
pH = 2.4, coffee pH = 5.0, pure water pH = 7.0,
tomato pH = 4.0, milk pH = 6.5.

A point of confusion for many people is to
conclude that you need to eat more acidic
foods in order to maintain the correct acidic
content in your stomach. This is not true.  
Disease flourishes when the environment
in the body is acidic. 

A high proportion of the food you eat should  
contain a high alkaline content.  Many doctors
recommend that 60% of the foods should be
alkaline. Others suggest 80% of the foods you
eat should have a high alkaline content in cases  
of chronic conditions like Parkinson’s. 

Most people think of the acid-alkaline scale
as linear: i.e., from 2 to 3 = 1 and from 2 to 4 = 2.
It is not. Each individual pH unit is a factor of
10 more than the next higher or lower unit. 
An increase in pH from 2 to 3 represents a
10-fold change. An increase of 2 to 4 represents
a one-hundred (10 × 10) fold change.  

Shifting down from a pH level of 6 (which is very
alkaline) to a pH level of 2 (which is more acidic)
is thus not as easy as it might seem. Given the
tricky nature of pH, is there any wonder that it is
difficult to maintain the proper pH balance in
the stomach?

The pH in the stomach needs to be low because 
acid is needed to break food down. Here is the
key: If there is not sufficient acid in the stomach
(i.e., the stomach is too alkaline), food does not
break down. No. It crawls its way into your gut
and – if you a squeamish do not read further – rots. 

Please note that I said the pH level “in the
stomach” should be around 2. The pH of 
other body fluids such as urine, saliva
and blood vary considerably. For example,
the pH of blood is 7.4. Secretions of the
pancreas have a pH of 8.1.    

In contrast, a fluid in the body that has a
high acidic content in the body is plaque.
Plaque’s pH is low and will dissolve teeth
if it is not removed.

How can you know if the pH level in your
stomach is “2”? After all, having a pH lab
test every day would be very expensive
and time consuming. 

There is an easy way to know. It costs
nothing. It takes a second each day. 

Simply pay attention to the color of your
bowel  movements. OK. I know this is not
exactly a sexy topic, but it is important to
know. 

If your poop is dark brown the pH 
level in your stomach is low enough. You 
are in good shape. If your poop is light
brown, there is not enough hydrochloric acid
in your system. That is to say, the pH level
in your stomach is too high. 

So if the color of the poop is too light 
corrective action  is needed. What do
you do? Take Vitamin C and drink a 
lot of water.

Vitamin C is the body’s anti-oxidant
of choice. If we give our bodies enough
Vitamin C, our bodies are able to
manufacture enough CO-Q10.

There are many vitamin C products on
the market, so be judicious in what you
choose to purchase. I use a Vitamin C product
recommended by Randy Mentzer: Vital
Mixed Ascorbates made by Pharmax which
is loosely packed in a 9 ounce container. 
I mix it with water. 

How much Vitamin C should you take? Your
body will tell you the answer. Just ask it. Muscle
test yourself. You will need to take more and more
Vitamin C until your poop turns to a dark brown
color. 

Most people are unaware that our natural
biology calls for large quantities of vitamin C.
You may be shocked at how much is needed
for your body to come back into balance.

Improve Overall Function of the Bowels  

You are now well hydrated and your pH level is
good to go. Now it is time to focus on getting your
bowels moving. Everyone needs one good bowel
movement every day. Two to three movements
are ideal.

Herbs that can facilitate bowel function are
genian, chamomile, fennel and St Mary’s
thistle. Which herb (or herbs) will do the 
best job for you?

I must sound like a broken record, but just
ask your body. Muscle test yourself. Your
body knows the answer. 

John Coleman’s Home Remedy

John Coleman ND recommends a homemade
cocktail for people suffering from
digestive challenges including constipation.
He suggests you take this cocktail in the
morning and evening 1/2 hour before meals. 
You make this special cocktail yourself.

The recipe:

12 ounces pure water
1/2 – 1 teaspoon Vitamin C powder
1/2 teaspoon magnesium
1 ml (eyedropper) zinc liquid
Aqua drops (1 drop AM in morning; 1 drop PM in evening)
1 drop selenium

Once you get your digestive system back on line, 
nutrients from the healthy food you eat will be 
distributed to the cells that desperately need to be
nourished. 

As always, check out my ideas to improve
your gut function with your doctor before you
decide to do anything. Always treat anything
I say as information that needs to be discussed 
and evaluated with your medical doctor. 

May your constipation resolve with
each passing day.

May your energy rebound as your gut
function improves. 

Your body and your pocketbook will thank you. 

Robert C. Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

 © 2008 Parkinsons Recovery

Testimonial for Centering Prayer, Meditation and Massage

“While I’m new to the PD world (diagnosed 12/07),
I’ve been “experimenting” with meditative and
action techniques to help me cope…
Brief background: I hold a pair of Masters
degrees, was, until recently, Head Librarian
at Ohio University-Chillicothe (Ohio) campus,
and have an extensive background in
Zen meditation/Martial Arts–I hold Dan
rank in Karate-do, have been a member of
US teams in international MA competitions,
etc.

“My feelings/findings, so far:”

1. “Karate or any other “hard” art is “out”–
I get dizzy, confused, even while performing
a kata!”

2. “Zazen (meditation) is effective, as long as my discomfort
level with PD and its effects doesn’t prevent
me from “going deep”.”

3. “My wife and I have joined a local Lutheran
“Centering Prayer” group; the combination of
Zazen and Do-Zen, sitting in meditative prayer,
then moving silently, is effective in helping me
to “forget” the PD and its effects and to
relax…  While moving in the Sanctuary of the
church, I have had good results from
“gathering Chi” and “spinning Chi” with my
hands while walking.” 

4. “I have started getting massages, which
help to relax my body IMMENSELY. The
massager is tuned in to MA theories and
practices, by the way, which helps…
He has commented that my high tolerance
for pain helps him perform the massages,
since I don’t flinch (MANY years of MA
“torture” to account for that!).”

“Oh, I’m 60 years of age…”

Stan

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

 © 2008 Parkinsons Recovery

I am currently on a regimen of Staleevo, Azilect and CoQ10. Are There any Supplements I should Take to Reverse Symptoms?

Question:

I am currently on a regimen of Staleevo, Azilect and CoQ10.
My major problems are balance, muscle weakness (mostly left sided),
worsening manual dexterity and some cognitive deterioration
(including short-term memory problems).

Are there any supplements to add or anything else I should be
doing to help slow progression or reverse symptoms?

Response

There are four parts to my response. 

  • When you take more than two prescription
    medications and/or supplements there is always
    the chance of a drug/supplement interaction. 
  • Supplements may not help people with
    Parkinson’s because their digestive systems
    do not work properly.  
  • An alternative to taking supplements
    is to have a nutritional IV. This therapy
    involves infusing vitamins and minerals 
    directly into the blood stream, by passing the
    digestive system altogether.
  • Pay very close attention to what you eat.
    What we put into our bodies has a much more significant 
    impact on how we feel than anything else we can do.

Every one’s situation is unique. I may have a deficiency in
magnesium today. You may have a deficiency in calcium.
The critical issue turns on how you can determine what
your body needs, not what my body needs.  

One alternative that works for some people is to ask your
doctor to run a set of lab tests to determine if any
deficiencies exist.  You will then have an idea of what foods to
eat and what supplements you should be taking.

The downside of this alternative is that it is very expensive
and the results are only applicable for the present. Needs of your
body are always changing, so what your body needs today may
shift by tomorrow. Our bodies are in a constant flux
of change.

A second alternative is to give your body the
basic vitamins and minerals that it needs to
maintain balance and vitality. It is a good idea
to take a multi-vitamin supplement as we age. 
There are also super anti-oxidants foods and
vitamins that help the body maintain 
hormonal balance (e.g.: vitamin B6, B12, folic acid,
amino acids, fish oil, etc.).

I am writing extensively about the benefits of specific 
vitamins and minerals for people that have the symptoms
of Parkinson’s in the Parkinsons Recovery Newsletter.
Keep you eyes posted for updates. Keep in mind that 
I am not a medical doctor -I am a researcher – and
therefore thus I am not qualified to offer advice 
about what you should or should not take. 

The downside of a decision to take supplements that
one expert or another suggests is this: There may be
adverse reactions with the supplements and the prescription
medications that you are taking. It is not necessarily a good
idea to pour one supplement after another into your body without
taking into consideration the consequences.   

When you take more than two prescription
medications and/or supplements the possibility
of an adverse interaction always exists.  

I believe that one of the best choices a person can make
who takes more than one prescription medication is to have a
comprehensive nutritional consultation. This is what
is done  for everyone who enrolls in our Jump Start to
Wellness Program.
 Our nutritional consultations are
done over the phone by Randy Mentzer, a licensed
pharmacist in Washington and a certified clinical 
nutritionist.  

My experience is that people with Parkinsons often feel lousy
because their medications are working against one another.
Randy does a comprehensive review of your medical history
and offers a set of individualized recommendations
that you can take to your doctor for further review and
discussion.  

I personally do not have any idea if there are any
contraindications from the medications and supplements
you listed in your question. Randy helps out our clients
with all such questions. 

Randy tells me that there is a good chance of problems
if a person takes two prescription medications. He also
tells me that there is a 100% chance of adverse
interactions if you take five or more medications. Be sure to
listen to my interview with him at Jump Start. 

I believe that a good step to take on the road to recovery
is to request a thorough investigation of any potential
interactions that may be coexistent with the medications
and supplements you currently take. 

Ask a certified clinical nutritionist for a full evaluation. 
They are the health care providers who know about drug
interactions and are in a position to recommend good
alternatives if problems with interactions are identified.

Any prescription drug may be perfectly safe and useful when
used alone. But when combined with a second
drug, the same drug can create horrible problems for a person.
Randy often has to do additional research to understand
the implications of combining certain medications together. 

So, let’s say that you have checked out the medications that
you are currently taking and have resolved any issues and
problems that have been identified. Perhaps you reduced 
doses or switched medications at the recommendation of
your doctor. Or, perhaps what you are taking now is
not creating any problems.

You now decide to bite the bullet and take a group  
vitamins and supplements that one expert or another
says should offer you relief from the symptoms of Parkinson’s.
You spend $300. You take the supplements for a month. 

To your grave disappointment, there is no improvement. 
You don’t feel worse but you certainly do not feel any better.

What is happening here? Might you just as well have 
poured the $300 down your kitchen sink? The answer to
this question may be yes!  

Supplements often do not help people with
Parkinson’s because their digestive systems
are shut down.

I of course have no idea if digestion is a problem for you.
You do not mention digestion as a problem in your list
of symptoms. I do know that digestion is a problem for many
people as they age and for many people with Parkinson’s. 

For example, when we eat wheat, the walls
of our intestines gradually become crusty with a
cement like paste. Nutrients pass through the
entire digestive track without being absorbed. 
They are discharged from the body in tack –
literally.

A second step on the road to recovery is thus to take
an assessment of any digestive blockages you might have. 
Excellent alternatives exist on ways to detox and
clean out your digestive system.

Naturopaths are skilled at being able to help you detox
your digestive system. Colon Therapists are trained
to clear out the debris and pathogens that may have
been residing in your colon since you were 12 (or 20
or 30 or…). There are nationally certified programs that
train people to do a colon cleansing safely and effectively.    

Depending on the therapy you choose, it can potentially
take months to get your digestive system back on track. 
What do you do in the meantime? How do you help yourself
feel better now? 

An alternative is to by pass the digestive
system altogether by having a doctor or
naturopath administer nutritional IV’s.
This therapy involves the infusion of
vitamins and minerals directly into the
blood stream through an IV. 

With Nutritional IV’s you are mainlining the nutrients
directly into the blood stream. The digestive system is
by passed, so it does not matter if it is not working
properly. Nutritional IV’s should be done only to jump
start the systems in your body so that you can
begin to feel better quickly. The idea is to get your
body back on track so it can do the work it knows how to do
so well: Keep your hormones in balance and your spirits high. 

 Do not plan to receive nutritional IV’s for long. They are
simply a way to help you feel better quickly so that
you have the energy needed to heal.    

There are many experienced and highly qualified doctors 
(MD’s and naturopaths) who administer nutritional IV’s
to patients. If you choose this path it is important to find someone
who is certified, experienced and equipped to adminster 
nutritional IV’s in a sterilized environment. We have a link
on our Parkinsons Recovery website to the naturopath we
recommend to people living in Olympia.

What we put into our bodies has a more significant 
impact on how we feel than anything else we can do
for ourselves

My final comment in response to your question is perhaps the most
important. The one single thing you can do to feel better is to
maintain vigilance on what you eat and drink. What we eat
has everything to do with how we feel.

In my workshops I sometimes draw a large circle on a
flip chart. The circle represents the sum total of everything
you can do for yourself to feel better (exercise, laughter,
mind challenges, stress and trauma release, etc.).  I then
put a dot inside the circle. The dot represents the 
contribution supplements typically make to helping people
get relief from their symptoms. 

The far more significant factor is the food we put into out bodies.
Good nutrition consumes a huge chunk of this circle. 
All things considered, the best thing you can do for yourself 
to get relief from the symptoms of Parkinson’s is to be mindful 
of what you put into your body. 

Eat well and I promise that you will feel better soon. 

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D
Parkinsons Recovery

 © 2008 Parkinsons Recovery

An Encouraging Report from One Man who Takes Sinemet with Mucuna

What happens if you take Sinemet and Mucuna

 at the same time?  The following account was

written by Max. Max forwarded the following

account to me this week and gave me permission

to make it public. Max has Parkinson’s and

lives in Canada.  

 

 

 

 

 

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

 

 

 

 

 

“I’m  53 years old (or young).  I was diagnosed
with PD back in March 2001. I had a minimal
exposure to PD meds back then, just long
enough (one month on Sinemet) to see an
improvement. That convinced me that I have PD.
Whatever PD is.”

“I started taking lots of vitamins, antioxidants,

eating better, exercising the best I can,

meditating, acupuncture, Ti-Chi, tried PDrecovery,

Chi-Gong, visualizing techniques, energy work,

etc. etc. I’m sure it all helped, but eventually

I needed a walker and could barely take care

of myself.”

 

“By February of 2006, 5 years later, I was having

a hard time using a walker and was looking

into getting a wheelchair. I couldn’t take it any

longer, so I regrettably broke down and decided

to take Sinemet. “

 

“In about a week, Sinemet started to work. And in

about a month, I was a completely different person.

I could walk, got my balance back, started to gain

back my normal weight and I could even ride my

mountain bike again.””

 

“But in only 6 months of taking Sinemet, I found

it was taking longer and longer to kick in, not lasting

as long and sometimes it wouldn’t kick in at all.

Sometimes I would take 1 1/2 tablets of

Sinemet CR 200/50, at a time, with no effect at all.”

 

“Talk about being scared all over again. I knew

getting on Sinemet would be a limited ride,

but I never thought it could be this short for me.”

 

“When I heard about “Mucuna Pruriens” 

(Zandopa also called HP-200), a natural herb from

India, in the fall of 2006, I got very interested.

The first time I tried it, I felt some improvement.

In about two months, I gradually reduced my

Sinemet CR 200/50 from 5 tablets a day to

only 1 tablet a day (break it into 1/3’s) and

I take it with Mucuna. “

 

“I feel like this “Mucuna” (Zandopa) is

REALLY HELPING me a lot. I take it

3 or 4 times a day and can pretty well

function normally when the herbs kick in –

not bad considering that I was ready

for a wheelchair. When the herbs wear off,

my PD symptoms still come back,

but not nearly as bad as before. “

 

“I’ve been taking Mucuna and Sinemet for

the past 1 1/2 years. I’m currently taking

1/2 a tablet of Sinemet (200/50) with

1 tsp of powdered Mucuna (Zandopa)

3 or 4 times a day. In 3 hour intervals.

I also take Ashwaganda & Brahmi. I try

not to take anything in the evening or

before I go to bed. I like to give my body

a break and give it a chance to build up

its own dopamine over night. It seems

to work because I can go for an hour

walk in the morning before I take my herbs.”

  

“I purchase Zandopa directly from India:    

http://mall.coimbatore.com/bnh/zandu/zandopa.htm

 

“From my own personal experience,

if anyone with pd wants to try Mucuna,

I recommend that you take it slowly.

You might want to get some small

measuring spoons, the kind used for

cooking. I’ve started taking a level

1/4 tsp of powered Mucuna (Zandopa)

3 times a day for the first week.

A 1/2 tsp 3 times a day for the second week.

And I worked my way to 3/4 tbsp 4 times a day

by the 4th week. “

 

“I also gradually reduced my Sinemet

from 4 (200/50) tablets per day to only

one pill a day in a couple of months.

I break the Sinemet pill into quarters.

I take the Sinemet at the same time as

the Zandopa 4 times a day.”

 

“It works best if you take it at least

1/2 hour before meals or at least

1 1/2 hours after a meal. I mix the

Zandopa in half a glass of water.

I use a small hand held blender to

mix it, it gets rid of the sludge at the

bottom. Personally I don’t mind the

taste, but I do add some juice to it

(cranberry, etc.)”

 

“I’m doing all this on my own right now,

but you should let your doctor know

what you’re doing.  I keep a record

(date, time of day, amount, when it

kicked in, faded out, and effects

(good or bad) meals time, etc.”

 

“Just take it slowly. If you feel anxious,

hyper, antsy, or have a lot more energy

than normal, you know you’re taking too

much.”

 

“I space the doses by three hour ’till

the next one. I take just enough to be

normal without feeling anxious. It works

extremely well for me; I’m really surprised

more people with pd don’t take it.” 

 

“My pd hasn’t gotten any worse in the past

1 1/2 years of taking Mucuna. If anything

I’ve gotten better in some areas.

 

I no longer have any balance problems,

haven’t been constipated for over a year now.

No longer have any tremors unless I’m stressed.

Can ride a bike, jog, walk normal etc. when

the herbs are in my system. But I did have to

increase my intake of Mucuna. I’m not taking

1  level tsp. And 1/2 a tablet of Sinemet (200/500)

3 or 4 times a day.”

 

“I’m not having any negative side effects at all

from taking Mucuna. My body has adapted to it.

I believe the body can repair itself, taking Mucuna

is a natural plant product. It  helps me regain my

strength so I can take care of myself. A great

website on Mucuna is:”

 

http://www.parkinson.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=459&srcid=379

 

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

 

 © 2008 Parkinsons Recovery

 

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