HEALTHY LIFESTYLE FACTORS
THAT MAY REDUCE SYMPTOMS OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Reduce PD Symptoms, Naturally
Published August 21, 2012 by Dr. Shellie Gretah Fraddin, Ph.D.
PLEASE NOTE: This site offers health education information, does not promise to cure or treat any disease. We are forwarding research studies and medical expertise that have been done FYI. Before beginning any new product, please consult with your Medical Professional
WHAT IS PARKINSON'S DISEASE (PD)?
Parkinson’s disease is a common condition of the brain that typically begins in the middle to later part of life. It is a progressive condition, meaning that it continues to get worse with time. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, nor is there a way to prevent it.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) has probably existed for thousands of years. Its symptoms and potential therapies were mentioned in the Ayurveda (the system of medicine practiced in India as early as 5000 B.C.) and in the first Chinese medical text (Nei Jing), which appeared 2,500 years ago. What Causes Parkinson’s Disease? Parkinson’s disease results from the loss of brain cells in a region of the brain that controls movement. This loss creates a shortage of dopamine, which is a chemical in the brain called a neurotransmitter. This loss of dopamine results in the problems with movement that are characteristic of Parkinson’s disease. Although there are many theories as to why these brain cells die, no actual Parkinson’s disease cause has ever been proven. Current theories regarding the possible cause or causes of Parkinson’s disease include:
WHAT ARE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS OF PARKINSON’S?
ARE THERE NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS THAT MAY REDUCE PD SYMPTOMS?
Medical Reporters have interviewed medical doctors like Dr. Joel Fuhrman, MD, a board-certified family physician, and nutritional researcher, who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional and natural methods who practice complementary medicine. Many of them recommended that Parkinsonians include the following supplements to reduce some of the symptoms:
DIET AND NUTRITION
..helps to keep muscles strong and improve flexibility and mobility. Exercise will not stop Parkinson’s disease from progressing; but, it will improve your balance and it can prevent joint stiffening
Suggested Exercises: Zumba Gold Fitness Classes (standing or seated) gardening; walking; swimming; water aerobics; yoga, tai chi, qi gong.
MUSIC AND DANCE -
Why Should Parkinsonians Exercise?
Because exercise increases oxygen & glucose to the brain, which enhances brain function. The body responds by forming new capillaries to accommodate additional blood to nerve cells. There’s also an increase in brain chemicals which can protect and strengthen nerves.
The human brain is capable of creating new connections which can bypass damaged areas, thus allowing Parkinsonians to regain lost motor skills & muscle control. Regular, daily mental & physical exercise therapy can improve muscle function over time. Mind-body training occurring with certain exercises, includes retraining the brain to focus while repetitive physical movements strengthen muscles.
When the central nervous system is stimulated by physical activity, there is a slowing down of brain cell destruction. Studies show that exercise increases blood flow to various parts of the brain and increases the speed of nerve transmission through the brain.
OTHER IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
SOCIALIZING
LAUGHTER
PETS
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
SLEEP AND REST
FUN AND RECREATION
HOBBIES
MEDITATION
COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS
OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATIONS
ACUPUNCTURE
GANODERMA LUCIDUM (REISHI)
MASSAGE THERAPY
REIKI HEALING
COLON THERAPY
*******************************************************************
GANODERMA LUCIDUM AND PARKINSON'S DISEASE
STUDIES
CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2007 Aug;6(4):273-81.
1) TITLE: Chinese herbs and herbal extracts for neuroprotection of dopaminergic neurons and potential therapeutic treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Chen LW, Wang YQ, Wei LC, Shi M, Chan YS.
Source Institute of Neurosciences, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China. lwchen@pub.xaonline.com
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common and debilitating degenerative disease resulting from massive degenerative loss of dopamine neurons, particularly in the substantia nigra. The most classic therapy for PD is levodopa administration, but the efficacy of levodopa treatment declines as the disease progresses.
The neuroprotective strategies to rescue nigral dopamine neurons from progressive death are currently being explored, and among them, the Chinese herbs and herbal extracts have shown potential clinical benefit in attenuating the progression of PD in human beings.
Growing studies have indicated that a range of Chinese herbs or herbal extracts such as green tea polyphenols or catechins, panax ginseng and ginsenoside, ginkgo biloba and EGb 761, polygonum, triptolide from tripterygium wilfordii hook, polysaccharides from the flowers of nerium indicum, oil from ganoderma lucidum spores, huperzine and stepholidine are able to attenuate degeneration of dopamine neurons and sympotoms caused by the neurotoxins 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in vitro and in vivo conditions.
In addition, accumulating data have suggested that Chinese herbs or herbal extracts may promote neuronal survival and neurite growth, and facilitate functional recovery of brain injures by invoking distinct mechanisms that are related to their neuroprotective roles as the antioxidants, dopamine transporter inhibitor, monoamine oxidase inhibitor, free radical scavengers, chelators of harmful metal ions, modulating cell survival genes and signaling, anti-apoptosis activity, and even improving brain blood circulation. New pharmaceutical strategies against PD will hopefully be discovered by understanding the various active entities and valuable combinations that contribute to the biological effects of Chinese herbs and herbal extracts.
***************************************************************************************************
GANODERMA LUCIDUM AND PARKINSON'S DISEASE
STUDY
2) Zhang R, Xu S, Cai Y, Zhou M, Zuo X, Chan P. 2009.
TITLE: Ganoderma lucidum protects dopaminergic neuron degeneration through inhibition of microglial activation. eCAM. Advance Access published online on July 16, 2009.
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that impairs the motor functioning of the sufferer resulting in tremors, muscle rigidity and a slowing or loss of physical movement.
There is evidence to suggest that neuronal inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. If activated, microglia (the innate immune cells of the central nervous system) play key roles in the progressive neurodegeneration of this disease. The neurotoxic and inflammatory mediators they produce can deplete the antioxidant of dopaminergic neurons, impair mitochondrial function, inhibit the re-uptake of glutamate and initiate CNS tissue damage. This makes microglia a promising target for preventative therapy and to slow or halt progression of the condition.
Lingzhi or reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) (GL) has been widely used as a medicinal agent in China for over 1000 years. Previous studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulary activity, along with an ability to promote mitochondrial energy production. It has been shown to prevent neuronal loss following cerebral ischemia, sparking speculation that it may have other neuroprotective roles.
The researchers in this study set out to determine whether the mushroom could also protect against dopaminergic neuron degeneration and attenuate microgial inflammatory responses to endogenous or exogenous stimulus.
The GL extracts used were prepared from the fruiting body with methanol and contained mainly polysaccharides and ergosterin. Microglial cells isolated and purified from the brains of Wistar rats were cultured in the laboratory and subjected to various experiments in which they were treated with the mushroom extracts at dosages varying from 50-400 ug/mL and exposed to lipopolysaccharide or cell membrane fractions treated with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+).
It was found that GL prevented the production of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species by microglia, protected against MPP+ and LPS induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the presence of microglia, and prevented the increased expression of TNF-[alpha] and IL-1[beta] mRNA by LPS and MPP+ treated membrane. All of these effects were dose dependent with highly significant differences affected by 400 ug/mL of GL extract.
These results provide very promising evidence that GL effectively protects dopaminergic neurons against inflammatory damage by activated microglia following LPS and MPP+ exposure.
The mechanism appears to be the ability of the mushroom extract to reduce the production of inflammatory and toxic factors by microglial cells.
Further studies on the extract are warranted.
http://www.biomedsearch.com/article/Ganoderma-lucidum-protects-from-dopaminergic/215249523.html
Tessa Finney-Brown MNHAA, tessafinneybrown@gmail.com
********************************************************************
If you'd like to learn more about Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi) beverages/nutritional supplements, schedule a presentation in your office, home or church:
Contact Dr. Shellie for further information
I am available for Health & Wellness Lectures
Diet and Nutrition Counseling
Zumba Gold Fitness classes
Email: drshellie614@gmail.com, Telephone: 602-708-9018 - Facebook page
Published August 21, 2012 by Dr. Shellie Gretah Fraddin, Ph.D.
PLEASE NOTE: This site offers health education information, does not promise to cure or treat any disease. We are forwarding research studies and medical expertise that have been done FYI. Before beginning any new product, please consult with your Medical Professional
WHAT IS PARKINSON'S DISEASE (PD)?
Parkinson’s disease is a common condition of the brain that typically begins in the middle to later part of life. It is a progressive condition, meaning that it continues to get worse with time. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, nor is there a way to prevent it.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) has probably existed for thousands of years. Its symptoms and potential therapies were mentioned in the Ayurveda (the system of medicine practiced in India as early as 5000 B.C.) and in the first Chinese medical text (Nei Jing), which appeared 2,500 years ago. What Causes Parkinson’s Disease? Parkinson’s disease results from the loss of brain cells in a region of the brain that controls movement. This loss creates a shortage of dopamine, which is a chemical in the brain called a neurotransmitter. This loss of dopamine results in the problems with movement that are characteristic of Parkinson’s disease. Although there are many theories as to why these brain cells die, no actual Parkinson’s disease cause has ever been proven. Current theories regarding the possible cause or causes of Parkinson’s disease include:
- Environmental factors
- Genetic factors
- Free radicals
- Normal age-related wearing down
- A combination of some or all of these theories.
- Stiffness in the limbs and trunk
- Slow movement
- Loss of spontaneous and automatic movement (such as swinging the arms when walking)
- A shuffling gait
- A stooped posture
- Problems with coordination and balance
- Fixed facial expressions
- Speaking in a soft voice.
- Tremor
WHAT ARE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS OF PARKINSON’S?
- Depression
- Personality changes
- Dementia
- Sleep disturbances
- Speech impairments
- Sexual difficulties.
ARE THERE NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS THAT MAY REDUCE PD SYMPTOMS?
Medical Reporters have interviewed medical doctors like Dr. Joel Fuhrman, MD, a board-certified family physician, and nutritional researcher, who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional and natural methods who practice complementary medicine. Many of them recommended that Parkinsonians include the following supplements to reduce some of the symptoms:
- AntiOxidants (Vitamins A, C, E)
- Grape Seed Extract
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- NADH
- Ginkgo biloba
- B Complex
- Calcium and Magnesium
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids (DHA)
- Vitamin D3
DIET AND NUTRITION
- Fruits and veggies high in antioxidant properties (the more color the higher amounts of antioxidants)
- *Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, pomegranates, cherries)
- Apples, oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes,
- Dark green, yellow, red and purple veggies
- (spinach,brussel sprouts, kale, collards, swiss chard, dandelion greens, squash, cabbage, beets)
- High Fiber Foods (whole grain breads, pastas, grains such as brown rice, quinoa, whole oats)
- Diets high in calcium (milk and dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables)
- Fish – two or more servings of fish a week are recommended.
- Cooked dried beans
- Coffee and caffeine intake is associated with a significantly lower incidence of PD according to JAMA
- Ganoderma Lucidum, also known as Reishi, is know to support the nervous system and has anti-inflammatory properties
..helps to keep muscles strong and improve flexibility and mobility. Exercise will not stop Parkinson’s disease from progressing; but, it will improve your balance and it can prevent joint stiffening
Suggested Exercises: Zumba Gold Fitness Classes (standing or seated) gardening; walking; swimming; water aerobics; yoga, tai chi, qi gong.
MUSIC AND DANCE -
- Click here to purchase Zumba Fitness Clothes with 10% discount
- Click here to purchase Zumba Fitness DVDs and CDs, belly dancing scarves, etc. at huge discounts and free shipping
Why Should Parkinsonians Exercise?
Because exercise increases oxygen & glucose to the brain, which enhances brain function. The body responds by forming new capillaries to accommodate additional blood to nerve cells. There’s also an increase in brain chemicals which can protect and strengthen nerves.
The human brain is capable of creating new connections which can bypass damaged areas, thus allowing Parkinsonians to regain lost motor skills & muscle control. Regular, daily mental & physical exercise therapy can improve muscle function over time. Mind-body training occurring with certain exercises, includes retraining the brain to focus while repetitive physical movements strengthen muscles.
When the central nervous system is stimulated by physical activity, there is a slowing down of brain cell destruction. Studies show that exercise increases blood flow to various parts of the brain and increases the speed of nerve transmission through the brain.
OTHER IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
SOCIALIZING
LAUGHTER
PETS
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
SLEEP AND REST
FUN AND RECREATION
HOBBIES
MEDITATION
COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS
OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATIONS
ACUPUNCTURE
GANODERMA LUCIDUM (REISHI)
MASSAGE THERAPY
REIKI HEALING
COLON THERAPY
*******************************************************************
GANODERMA LUCIDUM AND PARKINSON'S DISEASE
STUDIES
CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2007 Aug;6(4):273-81.
1) TITLE: Chinese herbs and herbal extracts for neuroprotection of dopaminergic neurons and potential therapeutic treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Chen LW, Wang YQ, Wei LC, Shi M, Chan YS.
Source Institute of Neurosciences, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China. lwchen@pub.xaonline.com
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common and debilitating degenerative disease resulting from massive degenerative loss of dopamine neurons, particularly in the substantia nigra. The most classic therapy for PD is levodopa administration, but the efficacy of levodopa treatment declines as the disease progresses.
The neuroprotective strategies to rescue nigral dopamine neurons from progressive death are currently being explored, and among them, the Chinese herbs and herbal extracts have shown potential clinical benefit in attenuating the progression of PD in human beings.
Growing studies have indicated that a range of Chinese herbs or herbal extracts such as green tea polyphenols or catechins, panax ginseng and ginsenoside, ginkgo biloba and EGb 761, polygonum, triptolide from tripterygium wilfordii hook, polysaccharides from the flowers of nerium indicum, oil from ganoderma lucidum spores, huperzine and stepholidine are able to attenuate degeneration of dopamine neurons and sympotoms caused by the neurotoxins 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in vitro and in vivo conditions.
In addition, accumulating data have suggested that Chinese herbs or herbal extracts may promote neuronal survival and neurite growth, and facilitate functional recovery of brain injures by invoking distinct mechanisms that are related to their neuroprotective roles as the antioxidants, dopamine transporter inhibitor, monoamine oxidase inhibitor, free radical scavengers, chelators of harmful metal ions, modulating cell survival genes and signaling, anti-apoptosis activity, and even improving brain blood circulation. New pharmaceutical strategies against PD will hopefully be discovered by understanding the various active entities and valuable combinations that contribute to the biological effects of Chinese herbs and herbal extracts.
***************************************************************************************************
GANODERMA LUCIDUM AND PARKINSON'S DISEASE
STUDY
2) Zhang R, Xu S, Cai Y, Zhou M, Zuo X, Chan P. 2009.
TITLE: Ganoderma lucidum protects dopaminergic neuron degeneration through inhibition of microglial activation. eCAM. Advance Access published online on July 16, 2009.
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that impairs the motor functioning of the sufferer resulting in tremors, muscle rigidity and a slowing or loss of physical movement.
There is evidence to suggest that neuronal inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. If activated, microglia (the innate immune cells of the central nervous system) play key roles in the progressive neurodegeneration of this disease. The neurotoxic and inflammatory mediators they produce can deplete the antioxidant of dopaminergic neurons, impair mitochondrial function, inhibit the re-uptake of glutamate and initiate CNS tissue damage. This makes microglia a promising target for preventative therapy and to slow or halt progression of the condition.
Lingzhi or reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) (GL) has been widely used as a medicinal agent in China for over 1000 years. Previous studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulary activity, along with an ability to promote mitochondrial energy production. It has been shown to prevent neuronal loss following cerebral ischemia, sparking speculation that it may have other neuroprotective roles.
The researchers in this study set out to determine whether the mushroom could also protect against dopaminergic neuron degeneration and attenuate microgial inflammatory responses to endogenous or exogenous stimulus.
The GL extracts used were prepared from the fruiting body with methanol and contained mainly polysaccharides and ergosterin. Microglial cells isolated and purified from the brains of Wistar rats were cultured in the laboratory and subjected to various experiments in which they were treated with the mushroom extracts at dosages varying from 50-400 ug/mL and exposed to lipopolysaccharide or cell membrane fractions treated with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+).
It was found that GL prevented the production of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species by microglia, protected against MPP+ and LPS induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the presence of microglia, and prevented the increased expression of TNF-[alpha] and IL-1[beta] mRNA by LPS and MPP+ treated membrane. All of these effects were dose dependent with highly significant differences affected by 400 ug/mL of GL extract.
These results provide very promising evidence that GL effectively protects dopaminergic neurons against inflammatory damage by activated microglia following LPS and MPP+ exposure.
The mechanism appears to be the ability of the mushroom extract to reduce the production of inflammatory and toxic factors by microglial cells.
Further studies on the extract are warranted.
http://www.biomedsearch.com/article/Ganoderma-lucidum-protects-from-dopaminergic/215249523.html
Tessa Finney-Brown MNHAA, tessafinneybrown@gmail.com
********************************************************************
If you'd like to learn more about Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi) beverages/nutritional supplements, schedule a presentation in your office, home or church:
Contact Dr. Shellie for further information
I am available for Health & Wellness Lectures
Diet and Nutrition Counseling
Zumba Gold Fitness classes
Email: drshellie614@gmail.com, Telephone: 602-708-9018 - Facebook page
