Parkinson's disease
Lifestyle stresses, psychological/emotional stresses, environmental exposures
and certain illnesses cause our systems and organs to degenerate leading to
poor health and immunity. This deterioration gets compounded as we are constantly
exposed to multiple toxins present in the food, air and the water that we consume.
As we advance with age, our body goes through several physiological, metabolic
and biological changes that can bring about a marked slowing down of the regeneration
process. This can only be reversed through a multi-pronged approach towards
health, wherein the physical, physiological, psychological, emotional and spiritual
dimensions of wellness are addressed through regular practice of yoga, pranayam,
meditation, healthy/nutritious foods, cosmic nutrition, exercise, adequate
rest and relaxation.
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disease affecting the nervous system.
This disease, also known as a motor system disorder, especially of the elderly,
is characterized by tremors (the head and limbs of the patient shake) and
stiffness (muscular rigidity); the patient is unable to initiate movements
quickly and has a characteristic bowed posture and immobile face.
Parkinson’s disease is also associated with degeneration of nerve centers deep within the brain; these nerve centers are known to be closely linked with the control of posture and movement. The reasons for the changes in the brain are not fully known, although a few cases of Parkinson are believed to be related to brain damage caused by toxic substances such as carbon monoxide or high concentrations of manganese. Others may be caused from the use of certain drugs but, in these particular instances, the signs and symptoms of the disease are reversible.
Recent researches/studies have clearly shown the importance of neurotransmitters in Parkinson’s disease. It is characterized by symptoms like loss of appetite, muscular rigidity, shuffling gait, speech impairment, stooping, slowness of movement, impaired co-ordination, imbalance and tremors, especially of the thumb, forefinger or of the entire hand. Intensity of symptoms varies from person to person. Some may experience severe tremors, while for some these may be minor. Symptoms appear when there is an imbalance of the two chemicals Dopamine and Acetylcholine in the brain. These chemicals are able to facilitate the transmission of impulses across the junctions between nerves. Sufferers of Parkinson’s disease show depleted levels of one of these neurotransmitters, Dopamine, normally found in marked concentrations in the basal ganglia and brain stem nuclei. Since the 1960’s, treatment for Parkinson’s disease has been concentrated on remedying this deficiency. A recent study showed people who eat plenty of vegetables, legumes, fruits, cereals, and fish are at a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s than those whose diets least resembles the classic Indian diet. Regular exercise is also important as is engaging in mind-challenging activities. Inflammation in the brain and obesity also play a major role in Parkinson’s.
Treatment and management of Parkinson’s disease
A lot of work is being conducted to study the role of environmental factors, toxins, genetic factors etc. as possible causes. Work and research is also on for development of new drugs that can have effects on delaying, preventing or reversing the condition. Although there is no cure for the disease as yet, there are medications like Levodopa that can relieve or alleviate symptoms like gait problems and tremors.
Along with the medical community, it is imperative for the patient’s family and friends to come together and lend support and cooperation to manage the disease as patients often suffer from depression, embarrassment and other psychological problems.
Some ways or methods of preventing Parkinson's is to ensure total wellness through a proper choice of foods, mental and physical exercises, and staying active.
- Include foods rich in essential fatty acids, like walnuts, linseeds, and olive oil. These foods counter inflammation that contributes to abnormal brain functions and, therefore, help people who are at risk from Parkinson’s.
- Broccoli, strawberries, almonds and other foods rich in vitamin C and E are particularly good for people suffering with Parkinson’s as these foods contain anti-oxidants that neutralize the free radicals that may cause Parkinson’s.
- Berries, pomegranate juice, apples and other flavonoid- rich foods and drinks help Parkinson patients as flavonoid is a protective chemical. Flavonoid-rich fruits included apples, cranberry and grapefruit too. Vegetables that include flavonoid are asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, garlic, kohlrabi, kidney and lima beans, onions, peas and spinach.
- Green tea also helps protect the brain from degenerative damage because it helps neutralize dangerous inflammatory chemicals before they can reach the brain and cause extensive damage. There is a very strong link, between food and the cognitive function of people.
- Protein provides the building blocks for most of the body's tissues, nerves and internal organs (including brain). Proteins are used to make neurotransmitters and are essential to improve mental performance and thus helps people who have Parkinson’s or at risk of it.
- Some of the most brain-healthy fruits are prunes, raisins, blackberries, raspberries, plums, oranges, red grapes and cherries. Brain-healthy vegetables include kale, broccoli, beets, bell pepper, corn and eggplant. For most degenerative disease like Parkinson’s one is recommended to include the above items in their diets.
- Pistachio also known as the “green almond” is beneficial to the brain too as they are nutrient-dense nuts. They are rich sources of phyto-nutrients, vitamins and minerals, including thiamine, vitamin B6, copper, manganese, potassium, fibre and magnesium, which are excellent for the brain.
- Eliminate junk food, sugar, aerated drinks, artificially colored and flavoured foods.
- People suffering from Parkinson’s should switch to organic food as it is safe and nutritious.
Sample Diet
Breakfast: Oat porridge OR Ragi (nachni) porridge with cow’s milk/low fat milk
Mid-morn: 1 banana/a glass of orange juice
Lunch: 1 cup steamed rice OR soft rotis (mixed grains), dal, soft cooked vegetables, salads
Evening: 1 cup diluted soy milk, soaked almond/pistachio + fruit
Dinner: 1 bowl of mixed vegetable soup, dalia/vegetable pulao with stir fried vegetables with tofu or paneer/cottage cheese (made from low fat milk)
