As with any disease, there are varieties of natural therapies that may be of use to some patients. Typically, there are a few different pharmaceuticals used to treat Parkinson’s, which are for motor control and mood stabilization.
The typical treatments include symptomatic, neuroprotective, as well as cure-based strategies. Treating the symptoms involves the use of pharmaceuticals to increase dopamine production. Neuroprotective treatments often involve tissue removal or brain surgery, known as DBS (deep brain stimulation).
The cure based strategies include a variety of natural treatments, which can be used to increase the quality of life, and lower the risks associated with PD.
It’s the latter that we will cover here, discussing the most effective natural therapies that can be used in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease.
Choose the Right Foods
Food can make a difference to your symptoms and how the disease progresses. The key is eating whole foods including lean proteins and organic fruits and vegetables as well as fatty fish. As constipation is a common issue in PD patients getting plenty of fiber is vital so ensure you are choosing natural foods that are high in fiber. Drink green tea and plenty of water, and follow the Mediterranean diet where possible.
Just as there are foods that can help, there are foods that can harm PD patients. Avoid processed foods, as additives tend to make symptoms worse. Additionally, while protein is important it’s vital that you don’t eat too much of it.
The same goes for sugars. Sweeteners and alcohol. Another consideration you should keep in mind is any food allergens that you may have. You should avoid any food you are allergic to (or even have an intolerance of) as this can exacerbate PD symptoms.
Supplements
There is a variety of supplements that may be of use for PD patients, consider the following:
- Vitamins C, D, and E are the first supplements you’ll want to speak to your doctor about. PD patients require plenty of calcium, and C fights free radicals while E is helpful for brain health.
- Omega 3 fatty acids are vital for brain health so if you aren’t a big lover of fish you may want to consider a supplement like fish oil.
- Coenzyme Q10 is another supplement, which was touted as a possible way to slow down the progress of the disease, however, the Parkinson’s Foundation reports that a trial was halted after no evidence was found. This isn’t a negative, though; as it can help, researchers close in on other remedies, which can be of use to patients.
Movement Techniques
We know that exercise is recommended for Parkinson’s patients, but there are varieties of exercises that can be of use, not just traditional cardio exercises. WebMD suggests that yoga is an effective course of treatment, while the Mayo Clinic takes it further by also recommending Tai Chi and meditation.
Exercises involving stretching are effective as many PD patients experience stiff muscles, which can make movement more difficult. It’s also wise to move with caution as balance and coordination are affected by PD as well.
Water aerobics is also an excellent option as it’s low impact and provides all of the benefits of exercise without needing to worry about falls.
Speak to your doctor about potential natural therapies that may be of use to you. These can be used in addition to your traditional course of treatment for added relief. You may also want to consider having acupuncture or massage as this recommended as a means of relieving pain. There are suggestions that having a pet can also be of use as well.
