As per the Parkison's Disease Foundation an estimated one million Americans suffer from the condition which results in an economic burden of approximately USD 25 billion. Globally there are approximately 10 million people suffering from the disorder. The prevelence of the condition increases with advancing age and males are more likely to suffer from the disorder compared to females. There is still no cure Parkinson’s disease,however using simple home remedies and natural treatment can help significantly improve the quality of life and improve the prognosis of the condition.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the nervous system. It usually strikes after 60 years of age; and is commoner in men than in women, though occassionally the condition may strike at an earlier age ( of 50 years). The symptoms are mild at first, but aggravate with time. The disorder was discovered by Dr. Parkinson, an English doctor, about 200 years ago.
Some of the early symptoms associated with the condition include,
As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more severe and pronounced along with manifestation of some other symptoms,
The cells in the basal ganglia of the brain begin to die and stop producing a chemical called dopamine, which transmits impulses from nerve to nerve. An insufficiency of dopamine brings about progressive loss of muscular coordination, tremors and stiffness.
Here are some natural home remedies that can help in the effective management of the symptoms associated with parkinson's disease,
The most effective treatment regimen for Parkinson's disease is levodopa, which is converted to dopamine in the brain. It helps allay the symptoms to some extent, but, long-term treatment with levodopa leads to disagreeable side effects (shortened response to each dose, involuntary movements and cramps), and its use is delayed until motor impairment become very severe.
It is somewhat difficult to predict how quickly the disorder will progress. The disease by itself is not fatal, and the life expectancy is similar to an individual not having the disease. Secondary complications, such as falling-related injuries, pneumonia and choking may be the cause of death. Nonetheless, with treatment and counseling, it is possible to decrease the intensity of the symptoms and enhance the quality of life.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the nervous system. It usually strikes after 60 years of age; and is commoner in men than in women, though occassionally the condition may strike at an earlier age ( of 50 years). The symptoms are mild at first, but aggravate with time. The disorder was discovered by Dr. Parkinson, an English doctor, about 200 years ago.
Some of the early symptoms associated with the condition include,
- Shaking and tremors
- Mild stiffness and pain of the joints
- Stooped posture
- Constipation
- Difficulty while swallowing
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| Typical Appearance of a person with Parkinson's Disease |
- Extreme rigidity of the body, known as ‘ cogwheel’ rigidity with trembling of the limbs associated with difficulty in walking
- Constant ‘pin-rolling’ movements with impassive face, infrequent blinking, expressionless face and drooling
- Obstinate constipation
- Difficulty while swallowing and talking with speech becomes slow and soft
- Slow and shuffling gait
- Incontinence of stool and urine
- Handwriting becomes small and spidery
- Anxiety and depression
- Memory loss
The cells in the basal ganglia of the brain begin to die and stop producing a chemical called dopamine, which transmits impulses from nerve to nerve. An insufficiency of dopamine brings about progressive loss of muscular coordination, tremors and stiffness.
The exact cause for the production of dopamine reduces is not known ; however experts have indicated that viral infections of the brain, exposure to herbicides and use of anti psychotic drugs could be the probably risk factors.
Home Remedies for Parkinson’s Disease
Here are some natural home remedies that can help in the effective management of the symptoms associated with parkinson's disease,
- Flax seed oil: flax seed oil nourishes the nerves and also boosts dopamine levels. 1 tablespoon of flax seed oil is recommended daily.
- Vitamin B6 rich foods: vitamin B6 works towards increasing the production of dopamine in the brain. Vitamin B 6 supplements are advocated by doctors, however, in case you are taking L-dopa; do not take B6 supplements without consulting your doctor, adverse interactions can occur. Food sources for vitamin B6 are: fish, liver, potatoes, bananas and avocadoes.
- Vitamin E rich foods: vitamin E is a potent anti oxidant which wards off damage to the cells of the body, including the dopamine-synthesizing cells in the brain. Experts say, vitamin E supplementation is beneficial for those who haven’t yet started conventional therapy. It helps slow down the progression of the disease. Also, include loads of walnuts, almonds, wheat germ and sunflower seeds in your daily diet.
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| Cooked Fish is beneficial in treatment of Parkinson's |
Parkinson’s Disease Prognosis and L-dopa Treatment
The most effective treatment regimen for Parkinson's disease is levodopa, which is converted to dopamine in the brain. It helps allay the symptoms to some extent, but, long-term treatment with levodopa leads to disagreeable side effects (shortened response to each dose, involuntary movements and cramps), and its use is delayed until motor impairment become very severe.
It is somewhat difficult to predict how quickly the disorder will progress. The disease by itself is not fatal, and the life expectancy is similar to an individual not having the disease. Secondary complications, such as falling-related injuries, pneumonia and choking may be the cause of death. Nonetheless, with treatment and counseling, it is possible to decrease the intensity of the symptoms and enhance the quality of life.
