Parkinson's disease nutrition

Protein and Parkinson’s Diseas

2010-10-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

Recent medical studies have proven that enjoying a diet which happens to be better in proteins is definitely an excellent section of remedy for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Anumantha Kanthasamy, professor of biomedical sciences at the ISU school of Veterinary Medicine, has been working on this concept regarding the disease, and believes that proteins could perhaps be considered a section of the cure.

The research that Kanthasamy has completed shows that there may be a definite insufficient dopamine, a chemical in the brain, in Parkinson’s patients. This research also shows that there may be a specific proteins (protein kinase-C) that kills the mind tissues that generate dopamine. it could perhaps be proposed that patients be on the low-protein diet. They nonetheless will need proteins in purchase to survive, however they need to make particular which they are following a doctor-recommended diet and enjoying the suitable proteins.

Getting the proteins You will need from Your Diet

There undoubtedly are a choice of methods that Parkinson’s patients can obtain the proteins which they will need in their diets with no obtaining too much. you can get a huge amount of delectable dietary sources, too as a choice of proteins supplements, this kind of as fluid and powdered supplements.

Protein in Meat, Poultry and bass – Lean red-colored meat, white meat poultry and bass are all excellent resources of protein, too as a choice of other vitamins and vitamins and minerals that are necessary regarding renal care. In fact, these foods undoubtedly are a handful of of the richest resources of proteins that you may be in a position to find.

Turkey requires 28 grams of proteins per hundred gram serving, and lean beef requires twenty five grams of protein. A delectable cod fillet has 22 grams of proteins per hundred gram serving, and good old tuna in essential oil requires 26 grams of protein.

Proteins from Nuts and Seeds – this could be still another terrific way for vegetarians with renal troubles to obtain the proteins which they will need in their diets. Nuts are filled with protein, and as lengthy when you are not allergic to nuts, they ought to be included into your renal attention diet. Some tasty, protein-rich nuts are cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, almonds and sunflower seeds. Also, hemp seed is a superb way to obtain proteins and it is also total of antioxidants, vitamins too as other nutrients.

Proteins from Grains – you can get a huge amount of delectable foods that you may be in a position to make from grains that are better in protein, and these foods could perhaps be vegetarian or with meat included. just between the extra desired grains which happens to be quite protein-rich is brown rice, which goes superb with a huge amount of several meats too as other foods. Barley is also a high-protein grain that ought to be considered a section of the renal attention diet, and when additional to home made chicken soup, the number proteins that you receive is within most conditions as a great offer as doubled.

Protein products – Parkinson’s patients who are not obtaining sufficient proteins from dietary resources can use any number of the terrific proteins products that are available. you can get fluid products that could work as food replacements and powdered products that could perhaps be included into shakes too as other recipes. only one desired proteins supplementation is Profect, by Protica. This supplementation provides twenty five grams of proteins and has only one hundred calories from fat per 2.9 fluid ounce serving.

Parkinson’s and Protein: A condition Study

Sam was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease a number of years ago. So far, his medications have kept his signs or symptoms pretty at bay, but he’s concerned. he’s unbelievably fascinated with watching any and all developments regarding the research because of this disease. He also enjoys reading about Michael J. Fox as he deals while using disease himself. Sam performs with his medical doctor and nutritionist for just about any food program that keeps him as wholesome as achievable and also keeps his medications working properly. For instance, he has realized to time his largest proteins foods for right after his medications are employed to make sure which they in most conditions do not interfere owning only one another.

In inclusion to good nourishment which happens to be properly timed, Sam is being encouraged to obtain actual exercise and make an effort to continue to be as active as possible. He has also joined a support special event to make sure that he can continue to be good and focused.

Another point that he’s title to be executing is adding Profect, a proteins supplementation from Protica, into his diet, each as a between-meal snack and occasionally just just before a meal. it could perhaps be easy-to-consume and arrives within a choice of flavors to make sure that he can move them near to as he needs. The benefit of Protica could perhaps be the ability to mix it with other foods or beverages if only one is wishing for to.

Sam will keep monitor of his wellness and keep monitor of for signs or symptoms that his signs or symptoms are returning or progressing. He will go regarding the medical doctor at regular intervals to make sure that he can keep his strength and his wellness at the degree that it could perhaps be at this point. He discusses tips and wellness hints with his support special event and waits hopefully for just about any treatment and even a better remedy plan.

Parkinson's Disease Nutritional Supplements

2010-10-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disease that affects nearly 1 million people in the U.S., according to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. People affected by the disease may experience stiffness in the limbs, tremor, difficulty moving and impaired balance and coordination. Parkinson's disease occurs when cells that produce the a neurotransmitter called dopamine, start to die. As a result, dopamine levels in the brain fall, which in turn leads to movement and coordination problems. There is no cure for Parkinson's disease but it can be managed with medication. Nutritional supplements may also play a role in Parkinson's disease management; however research findings are somewhat inconclusive. Always check with your doctor before taking supplements.

Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that plays an important role in energy production. It occurs naturally in every cell of the body. It plays a particularly important for the mitochondrial bodies found in every cell as mitochondria are responsible for converting food into energy. According to the charity, Parkinson's UK, people with Parkinson's disease have less coenzyme Q10 in their cells than people who don't have the condition. They also have impaired mitochondrial function, which leads to an increase in free radicals, which cause cell damage. Since coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant, it can neutralize free-radical damage. Coenzyme Q10 is found in small quantities in some foods, though Parkinson's UK notes that taking a coenzyme Q10 supplement is a more effective way of obtaining the antioxidant.

Creatine
Creatine is an antioxidant that improves mitochondrial function and helps protect brain cells from free-radical damage. Creatine has been shown to prevent the loss dopamine-producing brain cells in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. The benefit to humans has not been conclusively proved. In 2007, scientists at Rush University Medical Center initiated a clinical trial to determine whether taking a creatine supplement can slow disease progression, reports Medical News Today. According to Rush University Medical Center, the study is expected to last for at least five years to accurately determine creatine's effect on disease progression.

Vitamins
According to Medical News Today, a study published in "The Lancet Neurology" in 2005, vitamin E may reduce the risk the of developing Parkinson's disease. Lead author, Dr. Mayhar Etminan from the Royal Victoria Hospital in Quebec, says that the benefits noted during the study were confined to vitamin E obtained through the diet. Dr. Etminan said that no definitive conclusions could be made as to whether vitamin E supplements would have the same benefit. Earlier research, published in 1991 in the "Annals of Neurology," found that administering a high dose of vitamins E and C to patients with Parkinson's delayed disease progression.

by Charlotte Waterworth

Parkinson's Disease Genetic Link That Implicates the Immune System

2010-09-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

Hunt throughout the human genome for variants associated with common, late-onset Parkinson's disease has revealed a new genetic link that implicates the immune system.

The long-term study involved a global consortium, including Johns Hopkins researchers from the Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR) who performed genome-wide association studies on more than 4,000 DNA samples — half from unrelated patients with Parkinson's and half from healthy "controls." The team confirmed that a gene in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region was strongly linked with Parkinson's disease; this region contains a large number of genes related to immune system function.

The new data bolsters previous studies that hinted about a role for infections, inflammation and autoimmunity in Parkinson's disease. This genetic finding demonstrates that inflammation isn't simply a result of having Parkinson's disease, but somehow is involved as a player in its origin.

"This is an exciting finding from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) which is completely hypothesis-independent and bias-free, based solely on looking at the whole genome and finding out what genes might be related to Parkinson's," says Kimberly Doheny.

It was long believed that common, late-onset Parkinson's had no genetic components — that environmental factors were the exclusive cause. Since genes were first implicated almost two decades ago, Parkinson's has proven itself a "tough nut to crack," Doheny says, adding that a handful of GWAS done prior to this one revealed nothing new other than to confirm genes that previously had been found to confer risk.

Setting this GWAS study apart, Doheny says, was the investigators' meticulous choosing of patients and care of the DNA samples tested. The study's principal investigator Haydeh Payami describes CIDR's contribution as "huge."

It took 18 years to build the study, according to Payami, at whose insistence the collection of DNA and clinical information was standardized using the most rigorous research criteria. Patients from whom samples were taken were tracked for at least a dozen years after their initial diagnoses to assure that they indeed had Parkinson's, Payami adds, explaining that about 20 percent of Parkinson's disease patients' diagnoses are actually misdiagnoses.

A neurodegenerative disease affecting between 1 and 2 percent of people over the age of 65, Parkinson's disease can be difficult to diagnose as no definitive test exists. Its symptoms, which include tremors, sluggish movement, muscle stiffness and difficulty with balance, can be caused by many other things, including other neurological disorders, toxins and even medications.

The GWAS itself took about four months, Doheny says, and cost about $400 per sample tested; whole-genome sequencing costs about $10,000 per sample.

Since 1996, CIDR has provided high-quality genotyping services and statistical genetics consultation to gene hunters: researchers who are working to discover genes that contribute to common diseases by ferreting out variants in the genome. Its role in the Parkinson's study was to assure that the genotyping dataset was of high quality, that data cleaning was done appropriately and that association analysis was stringent.

"We now have another window into what may be going on in Parkinson's," Payami says. "This finding anchors the idea of immune system involvem

What Is the Best Diet for Parkinson's Disease?

2010-09-05T15:20:00.000-07:00

The best diet for Parkinson's disease is similar to the best diet for most people, which includes eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, preferring fish and dairy protein to meat, and eating whole grain foods. No specific diet has consistently been recommended for those with Parkinson's disease. That said, people with Parkinson's disease may benefit from some dietary changes.

Parkinson's disease is caused by increasing damage to the brains cells that produce dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that is necessary for making smooth, controlled movements, among other things. The decrease in dopamine results the most familiar symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including tremors and a shuffling gait. The dopamine deficit at the root of Parkinson's disease cannot be treated by diet alone. Eating healthy foods, though, along with beneficial fats from nuts and legumes, will supply adequate nutrition.

The risk of developing Parkinson's disease has been linked to insufficient vitamin D intake. Raising vitamin D intake in a diet for Parkinson's disease probably won't have a therapeutic effect, but it may make bones healthier. People with Parkinson's disease seem to be at more risk for osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become weaker and more prone to breaking. Vitamin D can be obtained in supplements containing 400-1,000 international units (IUs) of this vitamin. Good food sources of Vitamin D include milk and fatty fish like salmon and sardines.

People with Parkinson's are often prescribed l-dopa, a prescription drug that can raise dopamine levels in the brain. One strategy in a diet for Parkinson's disease includes eating very little protein at breakfast and lunch, and getting most dietary protein at dinner. This strategy seems to increase the effectiveness of the l-dopa drug. As with other broad dietary changes, this should be done in consultation with a qualified dietitian to ensure the diet provides enough protein as well as overall nutrition.

Those with Parkinson's disease can become constipated more easily than the general population. Drinking plenty of water and eating more fiber are good strategies for a diet for Parkinson's disease, especially one aimed at relieving constipation. Fiber intake can be raised by eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, or by taking a fiber supplement.

Parkinson's Disease & Good Nutrition

2010-08-12T12:34:00.000-07:00

While there is no special diet required for Parkinson's disease, eating well is extremely beneficial. A well balanced diet makes the body work more efficiently as well as helps medications for Parkinson's work properly. What follows are basic guides to eating well and managing symptoms of Parkinson's. To ensure your body and Parkinson's disease medications function properly, speak to your doctor and/or registered dietitian for an in depth, tailored nutrition plan.
Good Nutrition Practices for Managing Parkinson's Disease

* Eat high fiber foods. Vegetables, wholegrain foods, nuts, seeds, fava beans, and fruit will manage constipation problems as well as manage weight, and control blood sugar levels.
* Consume broad beans. Broad beans, or fava beans, contain Ldopa, which is used as a drug for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and may help in maximizing the effects of Parkinson's disease medications.
* Eat foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated fats.
* Drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water daily.
* Reduce and moderate the intake of sodium.
* Eat foods rich in antioxidants such as berries, prunes, barley, oregano, and kale.
* Daily intake of 10001500 mg of calcium can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
* Ingest easy to swallow foods such as well cooked vegetables, soup, yogurt, pureed fruit, rice, and casseroles.
* Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these substances can aggravate constipation.
* Avoid high protein foods. Certain meats and other high protein foods may hinder the body's ability to absorb levodopa (a synthetic substance used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease).
* Eat meals at the same time every day.

Too Tired to Eat Tips

Parkinson's disease along with certain medication side effects may cause you to feel to worn down to eat at all, let alone eat nutritionally. Follow the suggestions below when you find yourself too tired to eat.

* Plan periods of rest before meals to restore your energy.
* Ask family, friends, or caregivers to prepare meals so you can save your strength for eating.
* Assistance with Speech
* Choose foods that are easy to prepare.
* Participate in your local Meals on Wheels Program.
* Snack on healthy foods throughout the day such as fresh fruit, vegetables, crackers, and cereals.
* Store extra meal portions in the freezer and defrost them when you are feeling too tired to prepare a meal.
* Eat larger portions early in the day so you have lasting energy into the evening.

Parkinson's Disease and Controlling Nausea

The following suggestions can help relieve nausea. If these techniques do not help you control nausea associated to Parkinson’s disease, consult your doctor.

* Drink liquids between meals rather than during meals. Drink slowly.
* Drink ice cold sugary or clear liquids. Sugary drinks may relieve an upset stomach.
* Avoid acidic juices such as grapefruit and orange juices as they may worsen nausea.
* Avoid greasy or sweet foods.
* Eat light, bland foods especially when your stomach is uneasy.
* Eat slowly, chewing food completely.
* Do not mix hot food with cold food.
* To avoid getting nauseated from the smell of hot foods, eat foods that are cold or at room temperature.
* Eat small meals frequently throughout the day.
* Avoid heavy activities after eating as such movement may trigger or worsen nausea.
* Rest after eating, keeping your head elevated.
* Try to eat food even when you feel nauseated.
* Keep light, bland snacks next to your bed in case you wake up feeling nauseated.

Parkinson's Medications & Meals

Treatment of Parkinson's disease includes taking medications that restore the brain chemical dopamine. While taking drugs are necessary to improve Parkinson's symptoms, they also may cause side effects, react to certain foods, or not be absorbed adequately into the body through the stomach. The following suggestions may reduce side effects and help the body absorb the medication so it can work properly.

* Take medication 1520 minutes before meals to assure more predictable absorption.
* Divide medication into smaller portions so that the pills are easier to digest.
* Taking medication with food may reduce nausea. But it consider that different food causes the stomach to empty at different rates, which means that the time taken for the medication to absorb into the gut may vary. While you're waiting for your medication to absorb completely, you may experience Parkinson's symptoms.
* Avoid high protein foods as they interfere with certain levodopa absorption such as found with Sinemet and Madopar.
* If you are going to eat foods with a lot of protein, plan to eat the meal late in the day when a slow response to medication is not as important as it is during other times.
* Take medication with 58 oz. of water to help the body absorb the medication faster.

Relief from Thirst/Dry Mouth

Common Parkinson's disease medications may cause thirst and dry mouth. To relieve these side effects follow the suggestions below:

* Suck on candy or popsicles to help increase saliva and moisten your mouth.
* Drink plenty of water (at least eight 8 oz. glasses). If you have heart problems and must limit your fluids, consult your doctor for the proper amount of water per day.
* Eat something cold and sour such as sherbet or lemon ice before a meal to help prevent dry mouth.
* Sip a drink while you eat to moisten food and help the mouth swallow food.
* Add sauces to your meals to soften food. Gravy, broth, yogurt, or salsa can be added to many recipes and will enhance the flavor of foods.
* Drink smoothies, purees, thickened juices, or blended soups.
* Talk to your doctor about any food specific issues related to your medications. For example, meals high in protein may interfere with the absorption of levodopa. So if you use levodopa, you may need to adjust the amount of protein in your diet.
* Cut back on diuretics, especially caffeine and alcohol which can leave your mouth dry.
* Don't use mouthwash that contains alcohol. Instead, reach into your spice rack for alternatives to mouthwash and remedies for bad breath. Fennel, rosemary, mint, and aniseed can be combined with water to create a refreshing mouthwash.
* Resent studies suggest that chewing gum not only increases mouth secretion, but also improves swallowing frequency and latency. Try chewing gum before a meal to stimulate secretion glands.
* Ask your doctor to recommend an artificial saliva product.

Overcoming Swallowing Problems Caused by Parkinson's

Parkinson's disease can cause someone to lose control of their throat and mouth muscles, making chewing and swallowing very difficult. People with Parkinson's disease are at risk of aspiration and pneumonia because of swallowing problems. There are dietary changes that can be made and swallowing techniques that can be practiced to ease swallowing problems. Contact your doctor if you are having problems swallowing. Your doctor will recommend a speech pathologist to examine your swallowing abilities and evaluate your aspiration risk. In the meantime here are some tips to make swallowing easier.

* Eat slowly.
* Suck on popsicles, ice chips.
* Avoid foods that stick to the inside of the mouth such as tomato skins, flaky biscuits, bran flakes, and dry mashed potatoes.
* Avoid crumbly, stringy, and dry foods.
* Softened foods such as yogurt, jelly, custard, sauces, and soups are easier to swallow. Try these individually or mix some into dry foods to make eating easier.
* Eat small portions frequently throughout the day. Do not place more than ½ teaspoon of food in your mouth at once. Try eating the portions while sipping a drink to keep the food and your mouth moist.
* Chewing gum will exercise the jaw muscles while also improving swallowing abilities.
* Position your body so chewing and swallowing is more convenient. Sit upright, tilting your head forward slightly, and remain in this position for 15 minutes after eating.
* Try to keep conversation to a minimum.
* Focus on the task at hand. Often awareness of the process of eating and drinking can assist the muscles in clearing the mouth and throat. Concentrate on swallowing frequently.
* Try to eat one texture at a time. Liquid with solids in it is often more difficult to swallow.
* Enjoy your food. Relax and focus your attention on enjoying the aromas and flavors of your food.
* Swallow two or three times per bite or sip.
* When food or liquid gets caught in your throat, clear your throat or cough gently then swallow again before taking another breath. Repeat if necessary.

Any body will benefit from eating a well balance, nutritious diet. People living with Parkinson's disease are obviously no exception. But having Parkinson's means paying a little more attention to what it is you are eating to gain as much benefit as possible.

A healthy diet not only gives us more energy but helps our bodies to work more efficiently. This is vital for those living with Parkinson's disease. Making smart diet decisions may even slow onset progression.

Nutritional Treatments for Parkinson's Disease

2010-07-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

First described in 1817 by Dr. James Parkinson, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a term used to describe specific loss of motor function. Over 50,000 new cases of Parkinson’s are diagnosed each year [Source: NINDS]. This disease is characterized by four specific symptoms: tremors, rigidity, slow movements, and a loss of coordination and balance. Walking often becomes very slow, and patients often experience tremors in the hands, arms or face while at rest. Patients are at a high risk of falling due to the loss of balance and coordination, and muscle stiffness. The disease typically progresses with further deterioration of motor skills though medication may slow these effects. Doctors are now studying nutritional therapies for prevention and treatment of afflicted patients.

Nutritional approaches for treating Parkinson’s should not rest solely on vitamins. The diet must include fresh, organic fruits and vegetables and water. Artificial preservatives and ingredients will serve no benefit to brain health. Clinically, patients have more success treating symptoms early in the course of the illness. Later stages of the disease usually require more aggressive dosing and more time for results. Prevention should remain a focus. Eliminating excess toxins from the workplace and home, sound sleep and a healthy diet are integral to a healthy brain and prevention of chronic conditions.

Another area of major concern for Parkinson’s disease, along with many other chronic diseases, is toxin damage. Even as a developing fetus, we are exposed to all kinds of toxic insults. These can be in the form of pesticides, heavy metals, cleaning chemicals and pollution. In the past 100 years, toxins from various sources have dramatically increased while the nutritional value of the food we eat has substantially decreased. This is a costly combination that many experts believe is leading to chronic diseases including Parkinson’s, dementia and autism [Source: Etminan].

Parkinson's disease: diet and nutrition

2010-07-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

Eating the right food is important for any person, but for people with Parkinson's (PD) it is essential to maintain the right dietary intake. Difficulty with swallowing and chewing, or manipulating a knife and fork, are not excuses for eating the wrong foods. With medication having to be taken before or after meals, it is important to eat regularly and well, as this will not only help in digestion, but will aid the absorption of medication.
Medication and meals

It is usual to take medication 15-20 minutes before meals to assure more predictable absorption, or take tablets divided in half (i.e. same amount but cut in two). Take levodopa 30 minutes before meals if response fluctuations are worsening.

People with PD are often advised to take levodopa with meals. By reducing levodopa absorption, food may reduce side effects such as nausea on first exposure to levodopa medication but when people start experiencing motor (or movement) fluctuations, other factors need to be considered.

Unpredictability is a major feature of severe motor fluctuations. Although people experience the fluctuations every day, the timing of dramatic changes in motor disability, and the amount of 'on' and 'off' time per day, vary even if the medication regime is constant. Research is now indicating the role that food plays in this unpredictability.

Different food causes the stomach to empty at different rates, which means that the time taken for levodopa to get from the stomach to the part of the gut where it is absorbed will vary as well.

Another factor leading to unpredictable motor fluctuations is that the effect of the medication on symptoms may not correspond to the amount of levodopa in the bloodstream. This is because of the competitive effect of amino acids (found in protein) which are also in the blood.

Protein competes with or interferes with Sinemet or Madopar absorption at 2 sites: during absorption at the part of the gut nearest to the stomach, and as it passes from the blood to the brain. If a meal high in protein is eaten at the same time as medication is taken, less levodopa will be absorbed into the intestine and less absorbed across the blood/brain barrier.

For people on Sinemet or Madopar noticing fluctuations in mobility, protein manipulation may be helpful. For example, reducing protein earlier in the day may help avoid the unpredictable motor fluctuations and may aid the response to the medication. Having the day's protein meal in the evening may also be useful, as slow response to medication may not be as important as at other times of the day.

It would be most unwise for any person with PD to put themselves on a low protein diet without consulting their doctor or dietician. Problems such as weight loss, poor immunity and other complications from lack of sustenance could result if the diet is too low in protein.
Weight loss

Weight loss is common in PD, in spite of increased caloric intake. A special programme must be worked out with each person to determine individual needs.
Causes of weight loss

* Tremor may use extra calories: energy is used while inactivity is increased.
* The desire for food may be reduced because of reduced sense of smell, nausea, depression and cognitive impairment.
* There may be changes in the brain thermostat for weight control, raising the metabolic rate.
* Damage to the hypothalamus can cause central appetite suppression.
* Tiredness and weakness in the arms can slow down speed of eating, making people give up before the meal is finished.
* Difficulty chewing and swallowing makes meal times tiring, as do poor-fitting dentures.

Types of food

High protein foods

* All meat — red and white, fish, sausages, preserved meats.
* Dairy products — milk, yoghurt, ice cream, cheese and egg whites.
* Legumes — kidney beans, lima beans, lentils, soya beans.
* Gelatin.
* Nuts of any kind, including peanut butter.

Some of these foods are essential in order to achieve a balanced diet. A very low protein diet is not balanced and can lead to deficiencies in zinc, iron and calcium, and other elements.

Foods low in protein

* Cereals — wheat biscuits, rice bubbles, corn flakes, semolina, rice, pasta, white bread (not enriched), tapioca, sago.
* Vegetables — green and yellow, cooked or raw, potatoes.
* Fruit — all fresh, tinned, stewed or dried.
* Soups — clear, vegetable, not creamed or containing lentils or peas.
* Spreads — honey, jam, Vegemite, marmalade, treacle.
* Sweets — boiled lollies, butterscotch, jelly beans, gum (very little nutritional value: included for interest and variety only).
* Fats — margarine, unsaturated oils, salad dressing, mayonnaise.
* Beverages — tea, coffee, soft drinks, cordial, soda water.

High fat foods (providing maximum calories)

* Oils, butter, margarine.
* Cream, sour cream, ice cream, mayonnaise, cheese.
* Peanut butter.
* Chocolate, Milo, Ovaltine, cocoa, drinking chocolate, full-cream milk.
* Eggs.
* Meats such as ham, luncheon meat and sausages.
* Biscuits, cakes and pastry.

High sugar foods

* Dried fruits.
* Chocolate.
* Honey, marmalade, jams.
* Fruit juice.
* Confectionery.
* Biscuits and cakes.

Energy supplements may be added to food without changing the taste.
Other dietary guidelines

Moderation and balance are the keys to any diet. Drink plenty of liquids throughout the day and remember that food that is difficult to swallow can be modified (e.g. moistened, minced or pureed). A qualified dietitian may need to be consulted.

* Eat a balance from all the food groups.
* Maintain calories at 25-30 calories per kilogram of body weight with additional calories if dyskinesias are present.
* Carbohydrate to protein proportion should be 4-5:1.
* Recommended daily protein allowance is 0.8 g/kg of body weight.
* Fibre and adequate fluids (6-8 glasses of water daily) are important in the control of constipation. Fibre is present in breads, vegetables, cereals, and fruit with the skin on.
* If calories are needed, they are best added in the form of complex carbohydrates and unsaturated fats; cholesterol consumption should kept lower than 300 mg daily.
* The benefits of multi-vitamins remain unclear. If a person is taking levodopa rather than Sinemet, only pyridoxine(B6)-free vitamins should be taken.
* Pay careful attention to daily calcium intake; 1000-1500 mg will help reduce the risk of broken bones from osteoporosis.
* Iron supplements may interfere with Sinemet absorption so should be taken separately.
* If appetite is poor, take smaller meals every 2-3 hours, perhaps with a little alcohol (if medically allowed).
* Broad beans contain dopamine; some people find they help in maximising the effects of medication.
* Depression and cognitive impairment may reduce appetite.
* The sense of smell may also be reduced; stronger flavours and aromatic foods can be used to make food more interesting.

Swallowing difficulties

Your speech pathologist can give specific individual advice about swallowing difficulties and food management.

It is important not to eat soft food all the time (unless that is all you can manage safely), as the muscles in the jaw need exercise too. While each individual will have different problems and therefore different solutions, the following suggestions may help.

* Food that is soft and moist, with a good flavour and smell, tends to be easier to swallow: custards, jelly, pureed fruit, sauces, spices and herbs.
* Avoid foods which are hard, dry, crumbly or stringy.
* Avoid mixed consistencies (e.g. solid plus liquid).
* Be careful with foods which stick to the roof of the mouth or get caught around the mouth: dry mashed potatoes, tomato with skin on, biscuits, bran flakes, hard-boiled eggs.
* Thicker fluids (e.g. nectars, milk shakes) may be easier to control and swallow than thin, clear liquids, as they move more slowly.
* Keep food presentation appetising: flavour, smell and appearance of food.
* Relax and enjoy your food. It is good to have a break between mouthfuls and take sips of water during the meal. This will not only help you relax but also allow you to clear your throat and mouth. You may need to swallow twice to clear each mouthful.
* Eat smaller portions more frequently, especially if time for meals is limited.

Possible problem foods

* Mixed textures, such as liquid with 'bits' in it (e.g. minestrone soup or watery mince).
* Flaky biscuits.
* Hard toast or nuts, chocolate, grains, seeds.
* Fresh white bread (try wholemeal bread; it is easier to swallow).

Foods that may be easier to swallow

* Boiled milk.
* Mousse, custard, yoghurt, ice cream.
* Souffle, omelette.
* Casseroles.
* Soup.
* Fruit juice, pureed fruit.
* Pancakes (with syrup etc.).
* Rice.
* Well-cooked vegetables.
* Banana.

If you are using more and more liquid meals, it is important to keep up your energy intake. Your dietitian may recommend appropriate supplements and guidelines. You can make liquid foods thicker by using instant pudding, yoghurt, gelatine or instant potato powder.
Hints to avoid nausea and gastric upset

* Take medication with small amounts of food (usually not protein).
* Eat only when you are hungry.
* Eat foods which you know you enjoy.
* Avoid fatty food.
* Avoid spicy foods or gassy drinks.
* Avoid too much caffeine or nicotine.

Summary

Probably the most important point to remember is that good nutrition is based upon a balanced diet including a variety of foods from the main food groups, in particular, plenty of fruit, vegetables, complex carbohydrates, some protein and fluids. For people with PD, this may also involve a rearrangement of protein-rich meals. Maintaining a balanced diet helps to ensure a minimum of weight loss and a healthy outlook on life.

Health benefits of coffee

2010-07-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

Lately, the list of foods that are generally considered to be healthy seems to be shrinking. In the era of trans-fat avoidance and pre-packaged health food bars, it's comforting to find out that the morning joe we've been slugging back for years might actually have some benefit to our health.

Coffee contains antioxidants. Antioxidants are also found in many fruits and vegetables and they work to neutralize unstable molecules, also known as free radicals. Free radicals damage healthy cells and are thought to contribute to cancer, as well as suppressed immune funtion, and lethargy. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated varieties of coffee contain similar levels of antioxidants, so even those sensitive to caffeine can benefit from coffee consumption in this respect.

Like cancer, Parkinson's Disease is not well understood and its cause it still a mystery to scientists. However, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that those who do not drink coffee were three times more likely to develop the disease. While this prognosis was originally attributed to coffees caffeine content, studies were unable to replicate the results when other sources of caffeine were substituted. While the jury may still be out when it comes to why coffee starves off Parkinson's, the evidence appears convincing enough to warrant its consumption.

Of all of coffees benefits, some of the most substantial evidence centers around diabetes. Coffee, as well as decaf coffee, improves insulin sensitivity and works to prevent high blood sugar. This effect is so pronounced, that a 2004 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that those who drank four cups of coffee daily were 35 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Since type 2 diabetes is approaching pandemic proportions, this is especially good news for coffee drinkers.

It is a rare event when a scientist will put his reputation on the line by making matter of fact statements. But in 2003, Professor D'Amicis, the head of Italy's Nutrition Information Unit was recorded saying "signifigant data shows us how drinking coffee could provide a real benefit to our health." Professor D'Amicis research focused on coffee in its relation to liver and gall bladder health. D'Amicis' own research, confirmed by numerous follow up studies, showed that coffee consumption provides significant reduction in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cirrhosis related liver disease. In addition, the research showed that men who drank at least four cups of coffee a day had a 30 to 40 percent reduction in gallstone disease.

While it sometimes seems that with every published study, we are forced to once again remove something from our diets and from our cupboards; in the case of coffee, it appears that science has allowed us the freedom to enjoy our brew with a guilt free conscience. So brew a pot of your favorite grind and drink up! Your body will thank you later.

Nutrition and Parkinson's Disease

2010-06-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

by Sandra Frank, Ed.D., RD, LDN

There is no special diet for people with Parkinson's disease. The nutritional goals include:

* Eat well-balanced meals.
* Consume adequate calories to maintain body weight within a normal range.
* Minimize food and drug interactions.
* If chewing, choking or excessive coughing becomes a problem, provide food consistency easily tolerated.
* Feeding may become difficult and a referral to an occupational therapist may be necessary for adaptive eating utensils.

Eat Well-Balanced Meals
Eat a variety of foods. Include foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, bran, cereals, rice and pasta. Limit intake of salt, sugar and foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Drink eight cups of water per day. Balance exercise and food in order to maintain your weight within a healthy range. Ask your doctor if alcohol will interfere with any of your medications.

Medication and Food Interactions
Medication used to treat Parkinson's disease may cause nausea. Let your doctor know if nausea is a problem. There are several ways to control nausea, including:

* Drink clear liquids, such as water, broth, fruit juices without pulp (apple juice, grape juice or cranberry juice), Clear sodas, sports drinks and plain gelatin.
* Avoid juices with pulp and orange and grapefruit juices.
* Eat and drink slowly.
* Beverages should be consumed between meals, not with the meal.
* Choose bland foods such as saltine crackers. Avoid greasy and fried foods.
* Eat smaller meals, more frequently throughout the day.
* Foods should be eaten cold or at room temperature.
* After eating keep your head elevated and avoid brushing your teeth.

Some medications for Parkinson's disease may cause thirst or dry mouth. Include 8 or more cups of liquid each day, unless other medical conditions require you to limit your fluid intake. Add sauces to foods to make them moister. Try sour candy or an ice pop to help increase saliva.

Malnutrition may become a problem for a person diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. This could be related to depression, nausea, difficulty feeding, problems with swallowing, chewing, coughing and/or a loss of interest in food.

Patients who experience swallowing difficulties should consult a physician. The doctor may recommend a swallow study to determine the food consistency best tolerated. If feeding becomes difficult, a referral to an occupational therapist may be necessary for adaptive eating utensils.

Vitamin B6 levels low in arthritis and Parkinson’s disease

2010-06-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

by Newsletter Editor

Vitamin B6 levels are low in the general population and in arthritis and Parkinson’s disease, according to findings from three new studies.

In the first large study of vitamin B6 in the general population, researchers measured blood plasma levels of vitamin B6 in 7,822 males and females at least one year old. Nearly 25 percent of those who did not take supplements had low levels of vitamin B6, as did 11 percent of supplement users. Four groups were more likely than most to have low vitamin B6 levels, including women of childbearing age—especially those taking or who had taken oral contraceptives—male smokers, non-Hispanic African-American men and men and women over age 65. Three in four (75 percent) of women who had taken oral contraceptives and did not take vitamin B6 supplements had very low levels (deficiency) of B6. Investigators noted that the federal government uses the same blood plasma measure to set the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin B6 and that even those who said they consumed more than the RDA had low vitamin B6 levels.

In an arthritis study of women over age 55, including 18 women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 33 healthy women, researchers measured blood levels of vitamin B6, folate, fats and signs of inflammation. Participants weighed the food they ate for seven days and described their pain and ability to perform daily tasks. Compared to the healthy women, women with RA had lower levels of vitamin B6, folate and more inflammation. Because the women in both groups consumed the same amounts of nutrients, doctors theorized that those with RA do not absorb vitamin B6 as well as healthy people and may need to take supplements.

In a Parkinson’s disease (PD) study, researchers examined the diets of 5,289 healthy participants over age 55 and followed up for 10 years. Those who consumed at least 231 mcg of vitamin B6 per day were 54 percent less likely to develop PD than were those who consumed less than 185 mcg per day.

An Ibuprofen A Day Could Keep Parkinson's Disease Away

2010-06-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

New research shows people who regularly take ibuprofen may reduce their risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to a study released that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 62nd Annual Meeting in Toronto April 10 to April 17, 2010.

The research involved 136,474 people who did not have Parkinson's disease at the beginning of the research. Participants were asked about their use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen.After six years, 293 participants had developed Parkinson's disease.

The study found regular users of ibuprofen were 40 percent less likely to develop Parkinson's disease than people who didn't take ibuprofen.Also, people who took higher amounts of ibuprofen were less likely to develop Parkinson's disease than people who took smaller amounts of thedrug. The results were the same regardless of age, smoking and caffeine intake.

"Ibuprofen was the only NSAID linked to a lower risk of Parkinson's,"said Xiang Gao, MD, with Harvard School of Public Health in Boston."Other NSAIDs and analgesics, including aspirin and acetaminophen, did not appear to have any effect on lowering a person's risk of developing Parkinson's. More research is needed as to how and why ibuprofen appears to reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease, which affects up to one million people in the United States."

The study was supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Source: American Academy of Neurology (AAN)

Six once-forbidden foods that aren’t so bad for us

2010-05-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

Care2 via Sarah Krupp, DivineCaroline

For years, nutrition advice could be summed up something like this: If you like eating or drinking (fill in the blank), it’s bad for you. Health experts blacklisted sugar, butter, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, and eggs.

The Grim Reaper, it seemed, doubled as tiramisu cake. So we abstained from these forbidden foods or flagellated ourselves while indulging in them. No longer!
Researchers have found that these foods are less sinful than we thought and, in some cases, can actually provide health benefits. Plus, eating real foods in moderation is better for you and the planet than eating processed imitations.
Find out what makes these “bad” foods not so bad after all.

1. Butter is (sometimes) better
We all know that butter isn’t good for us. But, according to the scientists at Harvard Health Publications, a little butter isn’t so bad and is actually better than stick margarines.

Margarine was thought to be heart-healthy because, unlike butter, it doesn’t contain cholesterol or saturated fat. But the common process to convert liquid oil into margarine by adding hydrogen atoms creates harmful trans fats that, like butter, increase bad cholesterol in the blood while decreasing the good kind.
The hydrogenation is essential to create the stick margarine, but many of the soft margarines in tubs are now made with fewer or no trans fats and some health experts recommend those over butter. As for the overall fat and calorie content, it’s a tie–neither will do your waistline any favors, so use them sparingly.

2. A good egg
Nutritional experts had long maligned eggs because they are high in cholesterol, but more recent research revealed that saturated fat -- not cholesterol -- poses the greatest risk. Plus, eggs provide protein, iron, and lutein, a nutrient that helps stem age-related eyesight decline. (Spinach and other leafy greens are also good sources of lutein.)

The American Dietetic Association considers eating eggs in moderation a healthy habit and suggests removing some of the egg yolks to reduce fat and cholesterol. For example, in a recipe that calls for two whole eggs, the association recommends substituting with two egg whites and one whole egg.

3. The case for coffee
Forgoing coffee was like a badge of honor in health nut circles, but not any longer. Recent studies have refuted caffeine’s link to heart disease, cancer, and high blood pressure. In addition, health experts now tell us that filling up our mugs has health benefits.

According to the American Medical Association, regular coffee drinkers are less likely to have type II diabetes, and their caffeine habit may reduce the risk of developing colon cancer, liver disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Researchers have also seen a reduced risk of dementia among people who drink three to five cups of coffee a day.

4. Sweet sin or simply sugar?
Cane sugar earned a bad rap, sparking a move to replace it with everything from honey to concentrated fruit juice. Studies show that the substitutes are no better than the real deal. Whatever the original source, consuming too many of these sweet simple carbohydrates can cause health problems like obesity, type II diabetes, and tooth decay. Yet, cane sugar can be part of a healthful diet in reasonable quantities.

The World Health Organization recommends limiting added sugar to 10 percent of daily calorie intake. And as for the new pariah, high fructose corn syrup, the nutrition gurus say that it’s probably no better or worse than all the rest. Although food marketers are taking advantage of the public’s negative perception of high fructose corn syrup, experts say that consumers shouldn’t be fooled by the new marketing techniques.

In terms of your health, it’s the calories that count.

5. A drink a day
For a long time, science was lockstep with Puritan thinking, shunning all alcohol. But within the last few years, there has been a growing body of evidence that alcohol in small amounts is associated with better health.
Experts believe that having a few drinks a week may reduce your risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Studies indicate that red wine in particular has positive benefits. Rich in antioxidants, including resveratrol, red wine may help prevent clogged arteries.

Be warned, though, while it’s tempting to embrace the more-is-better philosophy, three plus drinks a day will up your risk of liver, mouth, breast, and throat cancer as well as memory loss. Experts recommend one beverage a day for women and two for men.

Not exactly a night on the town, but a glass of syrah with dinner. Not bad!

6. Dispelling the chocolate myth
For ages it seems, parents and health professionals said that chocolate makes us pimply, rots our teeth, and offers no health benefits. Au contraire. Chocolate is chock full of minerals and has some of the same antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables that ward off disease, particularly heart disease.
Unlike gummy and caramel candies, chocolate doesn’t stick to your teeth causing cavities. And don’t try to blame chocolate for blemishes; researchers have found no correlation between the two. In fact, the antioxidants may improve the appearance of your skin by combating inflammation from free radicals.

Look for dark chocolate that contains at least 70 percent cocoa -- the higher the cocoa percentage, the more healthy flavanol antioxidants it contains. (Tea, grapes, blueberries, and cranberries are also high in flavanols.) The label should also say non- or lightly alkalized or non-dutch processed.

An even better way to get your flavanol fix is with natural cocoa powder; when converted into chocolate bars, the cocoa beans lose some of their antioxidants. Plus, chocolate is a mood-booster, increasing serotonin in the brain.

Now that you know the truth about these gustatory pleasures, stay calm. Resist the urge to stock up on all the goodies you have been missing. Remember that nutritionists, researchers, and doctors universally agree that moderation is the key. Drink a few cups of coffee, but don’t down the whole pot. Savor a few squares of chocolate, but try not to make eating the whole bar a habit.

And go ahead, order that piece of tiramisu every once in a while. It won’t kill you.

Six once-forbidden foods that aren’t so bad for us

2010-05-04T08:22:00.000-07:00

For years, nutrition advice could be summed up something like this: If you like eating or drinking (fill in the blank), it’s bad for you. Health experts blacklisted sugar, butter, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, and eggs.

The Grim Reaper, it seemed, doubled as tiramisu cake. So we abstained from these forbidden foods or flagellated ourselves while indulging in them. No longer!

Researchers have found that these foods are less sinful than we thought and, in some cases, can actually provide health benefits. Plus, eating real foods in moderation is better for you and the planet than eating processed imitations.

1. Butter is (sometimes) better
We all know that butter isn’t good for us. But, according to the scientists at Harvard Health Publications, a little butter isn’t so bad and is actually better than stick margarines.

Margarine was thought to be heart-healthy because, unlike butter, it doesn’t contain cholesterol or saturated fat. But the common process to convert liquid oil into margarine by adding hydrogen atoms creates harmful trans fats that, like butter, increase bad cholesterol in the blood while decreasing the good kind.

The hydrogenation is essential to create the stick margarine, but many of the soft margarines in tubs are now made with fewer or no trans fats and some health experts recommend those over butter. As for the overall fat and calorie content, it’s a tie–neither will do your waistline any favors, so use them sparingly.

2. A good egg
Nutritional experts had long maligned eggs because they are high in cholesterol, but more recent research revealed that saturated fat -- not cholesterol -- poses the greatest risk. Plus, eggs provide protein, iron, and lutein, a nutrient that helps stem age-related eyesight decline. (Spinach and other leafy greens are also good sources of lutein.)

The American Dietetic Association considers eating eggs in moderation a healthy habit and suggests removing some of the egg yolks to reduce fat and cholesterol. For example, in a recipe that calls for two whole eggs, the association recommends substituting with two egg whites and one whole egg.

3. The case for coffee
Forgoing coffee was like a badge of honor in health nut circles, but not any longer. Recent studies have refuted caffeine’s link to heart disease, cancer, and high blood pressure. In addition, health experts now tell us that filling up our mugs has health benefits.

According to the American Medical Association, regular coffee drinkers are less likely to have type II diabetes, and their caffeine habit may reduce the risk of developing colon cancer, liver disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Researchers have also seen a reduced risk of dementia among people who drink three to five cups of coffee a day.

4. Sweet sin or simply sugar?
Cane sugar earned a bad rap, sparking a move to replace it with everything from honey to concentrated fruit juice. Studies show that the substitutes are no better than the real deal. Whatever the original source, consuming too many of these sweet simple carbohydrates can cause health problems like obesity, type II diabetes, and tooth decay. Yet, cane sugar can be part of a healthful diet in reasonable quantities.

The World Health Organization recommends limiting added sugar to 10 percent of daily calorie intake. And as for the new pariah, high fructose corn syrup, the nutrition gurus say that it’s probably no better or worse than all the rest. Although food marketers are taking advantage of the public’s negative perception of high fructose corn syrup, experts say that consumers shouldn’t be fooled by the new marketing techniques.

In terms of your health, it’s the calories that count.

5. A drink a day
For a long time, science was lockstep with Puritan thinking, shunning all alcohol. But within the last few years, there has been a growing body of evidence that alcohol in small amounts is associated with better health.

Experts believe that having a few drinks a week may reduce your risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Studies indicate that red wine in particular has positive benefits. Rich in antioxidants, including resveratrol, red wine may help prevent clogged arteries.

Be warned, though, while it’s tempting to embrace the more-is-better philosophy, three plus drinks a day will up your risk of liver, mouth, breast, and throat cancer as well as memory loss. Experts recommend one beverage a day for women and two for men.

Not exactly a night on the town, but a glass of syrah with dinner. Not bad!

6. Dispelling the chocolate myth
For ages it seems, parents and health professionals said that chocolate makes us pimply, rots our teeth, and offers no health benefits. Au contraire. Chocolate is chock full of minerals and has some of the same antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables that ward off disease, particularly heart disease.

Unlike gummy and caramel candies, chocolate doesn’t stick to your teeth causing cavities. And don’t try to blame chocolate for blemishes; researchers have found no correlation between the two. In fact, the antioxidants may improve the appearance of your skin by combating inflammation from free radicals.

Look for dark chocolate that contains at least 70 percent cocoa -- the higher the cocoa percentage, the more healthy flavanol antioxidants it contains. (Tea, grapes, blueberries, and cranberries are also high in flavanols.) The label should also say non- or lightly alkalized or non-dutch processed.

An even better way to get your flavanol fix is with natural cocoa powder; when converted into chocolate bars, the cocoa beans lose some of their antioxidants. Plus, chocolate is a mood-booster, increasing serotonin in the brain.

Now that you know the truth about these gustatory pleasures, stay calm. Resist the urge to stock up on all the goodies you have been missing. Remember that nutritionists, researchers, and doctors universally agree that moderation is the key. Drink a few cups of coffee, but don’t down the whole pot. Savor a few squares of chocolate, but try not to make eating the whole bar a habit.

And go ahead, order that piece of tiramisu every once in a while. It won’t kill you.

Care2 via Sarah Krupp, DivineCaroline

Father becomes one of UK's youngest Parkinson's disease sufferers at 23

2010-03-06T13:56:00.000-08:00

By Daily Mail Reporter
A former rugby player has been revealed as one of the UK's youngest known sufferers of Parkinson's disease, aged just 23.
Father-of-one Shaun Slicker, was diagnosed with the condition - which affects the way the brain coordinates body movements - solving a medical conundrum which baffled doctors for four years.
Now Shaun has spoken about the impact the disease has had on his life and his plans for the future with five-month-old son, Leland Wiffen-Slicker.

A father aged 23 has been told he has Parkinson's Disease - making him one of the youngest people in the country to be diagnosed with the condition
Shaun, from Dunwood Park Courts, Shaw, near Oldham, Greater Manchester, said: 'After years of uncertainty finding out what was causing my suffering was in some way a relief, but it has also been devastating. "It was a life-changing moment.
'But everyone who knows me knows I'm a positive person and I'm determined to live my life as fully as I can.'

Mr Slicker first noticed a tremor in his left leg four years ago and assumed it was a trapped nerve.
Shaun, who had played rugby for Saddleworth Rangers since he was five, first noticed a tremor in his left leg in 2006.
Putting it down to a trapped nerve he ignored it, until the symptoms persisted and he began to develop a limp along with tremors in his arm and hand.
After three-years of medical examinations, neurologists finally revealed he had Young Onset Parkinson's.
While it is commonly believed Parkinson's only affects older people, one in 20 of the 10,000 diagnosed each year are under 40 years-old.
The younger a patient is the rarer the diagnosis, but children as young as seven have been found to have the condition.
There is some medical evidence suggesting that life expectancy is significantly decreased in patients aged under 50. There is also a risk of more complications from the treatments than their elderly counterparts.
Having to give up rugby and work have been the most difficult changes Shaun has made to his life. But his greatest fear was not being able to hold his son safely.
'I suffer from stiffness on the left-hand side of my body, which can prevent me from moving about much, but the daily injections of a drug called Apomorphine really make a difference,' he said.
'It's been a battle but I'm getting there and starting to live a semi-normal life.'
IN DEPTH...
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition affecting movements such as walking, talking, and writing.
It is named after Dr James Parkinson who was the first to identify the condition in 1817.
Parkinson's occurs as result of a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain. These cells produce a chemical that allows messages to be sent to the parts of the brain that co-ordinate movement.
The symptoms of Parkinson's usually begin slowly, develop gradually and in no particular order.
At present there is no cure for Parkinson's.
Around 120,000 people have Parkinson's in the UK.
Famous people with the condition include former boxer Muhammed Ali and actor Michael J Fox.
As for the future, Shaun is hoping to be spend his free time working with young people as both a rugby coach and mentor to those with behavioural problems.
The former Royton and Crompton School pupil is also keen to support the Parkinson's Disease Society in its work to find a cure and raise the profile of the disease.
In January, Shaun and 40 friends took part in a 4.5-mile fund-raising fancy-dress walk across Oldham to raise £826 for the charity.
Dr Kieran Breen, director of research at the Parkinson's Disease Society, said the charity was 'closer than ever' to finding a cure.
'Research funded by the Parkinson's Disease Society is helping people to overcome many of the symptoms of the condition.
A younger person may have many years of experiencing only minor symptoms before it becomes necessary to take medication. Keeping fit, eating well and having a positive outlook may also help people to lead a full and active life.'

Fava Beans and Parkinson’s Disease

2010-01-20T14:51:00.000-08:00

Sandra has been growing her own fava beans. They give her wonderful relief from the symptoms of Parkinson’s. We asked Sandra a series of questions about fave beans. Here are her answers:

1. How did you come to try fava beans as therapy for Parkinson’s disease?

I started searching books for possible natural treatments for Parkinson’s disease in January 2009. Came across a book “Green Pharmacy” by James A. Duke PhD. He spoke of favas for Parkinson’s disease & that started the ball rolling…lots of research and a search for seeds to plant. I am an organic gardener and am fascinated with herbs and natural medicine … so this was a new challenge for me.

2. Why are fava beans supposed to give relief from PD symptoms?

The whole aerial plant contains l-dopa. Especially, the immature green pods. Since it is a natural form of l-dopa, the body recognizes & utilizes it very efficiently. Part of this is because it is a whole food, not a synthetic, man made form … just God given.

3. How have fava beans helped you and your friend?

My friend takes a small amount of sinemet and a couple of beans at medication times. The favas are supplying most of her l-dopa. This seems to be giving her longer “on” times. Taking less sinemet seems to mean less withdrawal time from sinemet. She tries to take all of her sinemet before lunch time and then supplement in the afternoon with bean products dries bean chips/bean cookies/tincture, etc.

Personally, I am not on any pharmaceuticals for PD, and just taking a few drops of tincture when I feel PD symptoms coming on, is enough to let me get through the day symptom free.

4. Can everyone use fava beans?

No. Some people have a genetic condition called favism. People with favism have an deficiency that makes it very dangerous to use favas…consumption can be fatal. There is a simple blood test called a G6PD which detects if you have this condition and should not use fava beans. The test cost me $65. and was well worth it.

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Vitamin C

2010-01-11T10:53:00.000-08:00

(a.k.a, ascorbic acid; ascorbic is Latin for “without scurvy”)

Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that promotes the growth and maintenance of bones, teeth, skin and red blood cells. It aids in the repair of tissues and the formation of collagen, plus it helps the body resist stress and infection. It increases the absorption of iron and calcium. Vitamin C is believed to prevent cardiovascular disease, lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, fight allergies and asthma, aid symptoms of diabetes, prevent gallstones, prevent cancer, improve male fertility, prevent osteoporosis, and slow down the progress of Parkinson’s disease.

Natural Food Sources

Avocado, black currants, blueberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, grapefruit, green pepper, guava, kale, lemon, lime, mango, melon, orange, papaya, pineapple, potato, rose hip, spinach, strawberry, tomato, watercress.

Recommended Daily Allowance
Men: 90 mg
Women: 75 mg

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Coffee may have health benefits and may not pose health risks for many people

2010-01-04T09:16:00.000-08:00

By Carolyn Butler

Of all the relationships in my life, by far the most on-again, off-again has been with coffee: From that initial, tentative dalliance in college to a serious commitment during my first real reporting job to breaking up altogether when I got pregnant, only to fail miserably at quitting my daily latte the second time I was expecting. More recently the relationship has turned into full-blown obsession and, ironically, I often fall asleep at night dreaming of the delicious, satisfying cup of joe that awaits, come morning.

While I love the mere ritual of drinking coffee, I have definitely come to rely on the caffeine to make me feel more alert, energetic and often just plain better, every single day. And yet because I don't like feeling dependent on anything, I occasionally wonder whether I should give it up for good, especially when I have a particularly jittery afternoon. Can something that tastes and feels this good not be bad for you?

Rest assured: Not only has current research shown that moderate coffee consumption isn't likely to hurt you, it may actually have significant health benefits. "Coffee is generally associated with a less health-conscious lifestyle -- people who don't sleep much, drink coffee, smoke, drink alcohol," explains Rob van Dam, an assistant professor in the departments of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health. He points out that early studies failed to account for such issues and thus found a link between drinking coffee and such conditions as heart disease and cancer, a link that has contributed to java's lingering bad rep. "But as more studies have been conducted -- larger and better studies that controlled for healthy lifestyle issues -- the totality of efforts suggests that coffee is a good beverage choice."

Van Dam's research, for example, found no evidence that coffee consumption had any effect on mortality from any cause, including cardiovascular disease or cancer, even for people who drink up to six cups a day. He and his colleagues have also found that drinking coffee is associated with a reduced risk of liver disease and Type 2 diabetes. The latter is backed up by a study published this month in the Archives of Internal Medicine; it suggested that three to four cups of joe a day might reduce chances of developing Type 2 diabetes by roughly 25 percent.

And that's not all. Also this month, Harvard researchers unveiled new data suggesting that drinking coffee might lower men's chances of developing aggressive prostate cancer by up to 60 percent, with the highest benefits for those who down the most java.

Other studies have shown that coffee consumption reduces the risk of a laundry list of ailments: stroke, Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's, endometrial cancer, colon cancer and gallstones, for starters.

"The evidence is pretty clear," says Daniel Burnett, a preventive medicine and family physician in Bethesda, who notes that coffee intake can also improve mental performance and mood, decrease depressive symptoms and increase endurance and aerobic performance.

While caffeine is the star ingredient for sleep-deprived students, parents and worker bees, the fact is that in many of these studies, including the research on diabetes and prostate cancer, positive effects are similar for those who drink decaf as well.

"Most of the benefits associated with coffee are not attributed to caffeine," says van Dam, who explains that the beverage also contains antioxidants and quite a few vitamins and minerals. "We tend to focus on coffee as just a vehicle for caffeine, . . . but now we look in more detail, without bias, and see it also has hundreds of compounds that might have beneficial effects, similar to things we see in some vegetables, which makes all the [study results] seem more plausible."

Which is not to say the bean has no downside. Doctors cite risks such as miscarriage, fertility problems, anxiety and sleep issues, and warn that pregnant women and those with blood pressure problems, especially, should cut back or avoid it.

Others are more concerned about the potential for addiction. "My personal opinion on caffeine is that it's the most widely used psychoactive drug in world," says Daniel Evatt, a research fellow in the department of psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He notes that many people become tolerant to immediate perks such as alertness and increased energy, and then go through withdrawal, with headaches, low energy and other symptoms, when they try to quit.

In addition, Evatt suggests that some longtime coffee drinkers may actually be immune to benefits and not know it: The tiredness they feel in the morning is really withdrawal-related, he says, and that single or double shot just helps them get back to normal functioning, without providing a real boost. "All these things tell us that this is a substance that people can become dependent on, in the way they become dependent on other drugs."

In particular, researchers worry about children and teenagers who gulp down coffee and such high-calorie cousins as frappuccinos, soda and especially the new wave of energy drinks. "They already have enough ups and downs with emotions as it is; when you add caffeine into the mix, it's a problem -- their bodies aren't as equipped to handle it," says Evatt, who expresses concern that energy drinks are regulated as supplements instead of soft drinks. As a result, there is no limit on how much caffeine they can contain, nor are they required to list stimulant content on their labels, even though it can be 300 milligrams or more in an eight-ounce can, compared with 80 to 100 mg or so in a cup of brewed coffee.

Given some of the downsides of caffeine, even coffee enthusiasts in the research field suggest that people monitor their consumption and recognize how they react to the stimulant, looking for troublesome signs including jitteriness, tremors and difficulty sleeping. (This is particularly important because studies have shown that different people metabolize caffeine in vastly different ways; that's why a Coke or cappuccino can leave one person bouncing off the walls while another can nap straight away.)

But those of us who tolerate our daily brew well can continue to happily caffeinate, within reason. "In terms of health risks, up to around six cups a day or so seems to be fine," says van Dam, noting that "cup" generally means eight to 10 ounces of black coffee -- not a venti mochaccino or the like, with added caffeine, sugar and calories. "I think coffee is on par with tea and water, and can be a healthy choice for most people."

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

New Book - Eat well, Stay well with Parkinson’s Disease

2009-12-27T12:29:00.000-08:00

"Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease" was written by a registered dietitian with a broad base of experience counseling patients with Parkinson's. The manual provides easy to understand explanations and useful tips for managing a number of nutrition-related problems experienced by patients with Parkinson's. Complete with recipes, snack ideas and menus for the "7:1 ratio" eating plan, "Eat well, stay well" is destined to become the "nutrition bible" for patients with Parkinson's." -- Mary Harris, PhD, RD Associate Professor and Dietetic Program Director Colorado State University

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Detox Diets

2009-12-13T13:34:00.000-08:00

It is very important to regularly cleanse the body by a fast of some kind, especially in this modern age, when so many people die of cancer and other degenerative disease. These diseases can be cured by different diets which are really types of cleansing diets to help the body eliminate the toxins which are causing the disease.

In the case of treating cancer, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or even conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, cleansing diets are adapted to become maintenance diets. These diets give maximum nutrition to sustain the body and build the immune system so that it can stave off the disease. At the same time, the cleansing diet maximises the elimination process so that toxins are expelled quickly from the body. Enemas are an important part of the treatment if you have a serious disease like cancer. These are also very helpful if you undertake a simple cleansing diet such as one of these given below, especially if your body is in a toxic state and/or you have never folowed a cleansing diet before.

If don’t want to use an enema, you could visit a colonic clinic. They will rinse out the bowel for you. Colonic cleansing by a professional is not cheap, but it is well worth the money to have most of the poisons washed away. It really gives you a new lease on life. If you opt for this, then I recommend going to the clinic on the third day of your fast or cleansing diet.

If cleansing diets are new to you, then it is best that you do your chosen diet for just one day to begin with, especially if you are not going to use an enema. This is because you will be carrying poisons in the body which have been building up over a lifetime. The sudden release of these toxins from the liver and other organs, into the intestines and into the bloodstream, can make you feel sick, and this is why elimination is quickened by the use of an enema in treating disease or even when following a cleansing diet.

Three days is a fairly standard time for a cleansing diet, but you can build up to this by doing your cleanse in steps: Of course, if you have a serious disease, then you will need to follow a maintenance diet over a long period of time until you recover. Details of maintenance diets will follow this post on ‘Detox Diets’. Also look at my posts on ‘Ridding the Body of Cancer’ and ‘Preventing Cancer” for information regarding maintenance diets.

A DETOX DIET-TO START WITH: Follow the chosen method for one day to begin with. This will be, for instance, one day on the grape diet. Then eat fairly normally for two or three days, but omit dairy foods, sugar and wheat including bread. Then do two days in a row on the diet. Then two or three days again on the no-dairy, no-sugar, no-wheat diet. Then do three days at a stretch back on the cleansing diet.

There are numerous different ways in which you can cleanse the body of toxins. Here are a few easy-to-follow cleansing diets with which you can experiment. There are enough to choose from so that you may never get bored by following just one approach. See which one you might find easiest to tackle.

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Oral Antioxidant Supplements Improve Health and Prevent Disease

2009-12-03T20:11:00.000-08:00

The cellular breakdown and oxidation of cells due to free radical damage can lead to many types of diseases, premature aging, and many other harmful health conditions. Protecting the human body, inside and out, with antioxidants like vitamin E is a pro-active way to combat future cellular damage.

How Vitamin E Helps
Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals in the body that attack cells to cause tissue and cellular damage (Lifeclinic). For optimum benefits to the skin, vitamin E should be applied topically in a lotion or cream. It can absorb effectively into the skin and provide many anti-aging benefits. Internally, vitamin E works best as a supplement or found naturally in foods.

Lots of natural fruits and vegetables contain Vitamin E (Lifeclinic), including:

•wheat germ
•vegetable oil and margarine
•avocado
•whole grain products
•egg yolk
•nuts
•liver
•peanut butter
How Much is Enough
Vitamin E is fat-soluble, which means that it is stored in the fat tissues of the body for a period of several days to six months (Lifeclinic). Too much of a fat-soluble nutrient can become stored in the liver, leading to some health problems, so it's best to regulate how much vitamin E is being taken in. Mega-doses will lead to toxicity.

Only small amounts of vitamin E, like any vitamin, are required to get the job done. "Eating a normal diet of foods rich in (vitamin E) won't cause a problem" (Lifeclinic). Refrigerating fresh produce will help maintain high levels of vitamin E within; vitamin supplements should be stored at room temperature for best effectiveness.

Women need about eight milligrams per day and men need 10 milligrams per day included in their diet.

Benefits to the Body
When taken orally, vitamin E has been shown to increase and regulate the body's levels of vitamin A as well as boosting the immune system. It promotes good blood circulation and can prevent the formation of blood clots, especially in people with diabetes (Healthy Skin).

A daily vitamin E intake has been linked to the following benefits for the body (Healthy Skin):

•menstrual pain
•low sperm count
•inflammation of eye tissues
•cataracts
•restless leg syndrome
•relief from muscle cramps
•Alzheimer's disease
•Parkinson's disease
•rheumatoid arthritis
•asthma
•diabetes complication (possibly treating and preventing diabetes itself)
•cardiovascular disease
•prostate cancer
•breast cancer

Too little vitamin E, though rare, can lead to nausea and digestive tract problems, so it's best to make sure to maintain a healthy diet rich with fruits and vegetables each day.

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Vitamin D 3: Dynamo Defender of Disease

2009-11-23T21:15:00.000-08:00

Vitamin D is a very complex substance. For more than half a century vitamin D was thought only to mineralize bones. But recent studies indicate that it does much more:

•Regulates calcium in all cells (especially brain cells)
•Protects the immune system
•Regulates cell growth and cell death
•Provides antioxidant and antiviral benefits
Since foods contain very little vitamin D, the body’s major source is from that manufactured in the deeper layers of the skin. Food, even fortified milk, is a poor source of vitamin D-3. This leaves sun exposure and vitamin D-3 supplements as the two most important sources. Many forms of commercial vitamin D supplements are not the active form.

When you buy vitamin D supplements, make sure they are vitamin D-3!

Vitamin D-3 and Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is another neurodegenerative disease of aging that is strongly related to chronic brain inflammation, but different parts of the brain are involved than in Alzheimer’s disease.

This means that your best protection against developing neurodegenerative diseases is to take vitamin D-3 in higher doses than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) every day to attain maximum protection.

What Are Recommended Doses?

Recommended levels of supplemental vitamin D have recently been shown to be far too low at 200 to 400 IU a day. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that safety concerns with vitamin D toxicity are grossly exaggerated and that the daily dose should be 2,000 IU a day.

Recent reviews by health “experts” have revised the recommended doses for vitamin D from 400 IU to 2,000 IU a day, a dramatic five-fold increase. Daily doses of 10,000 IU or less have been shown to produce no complications. For daily maintenance in otherwise healthy people, 2,000 IU a day appears to be adequate. For those with autoimmune diseases, cancer or viral illnesses, higher doses may be needed — doses as high as 5,000 IU a day.

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Coffee Or Tea?

2009-11-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

By Audrey Kim

Every fall, school and life seem to pick up speed and overwhelm college students with stress, anxiety and all-nighters. Exhaustion becomes the norm that underlies all activity and it comes to replace the boundless energy we once had in the summer, just a few weeks ago.
Soon enough, our small talk in between classes will be consumed with the depths of exhaustion and its various cures, such as deciding whether to have a jolting cup of java or a cup of tea, pinkie-lifting tranquility.
The benefits of caffeine culture for college students include the ability to combat slumber and ride out the misery of sleep deprivation. As an increasing number of UC Irvine students join the ranks of those relying on caffeine to add some pep to their step, the question is whether they are putting their faith in coffee or tea.
Tessa Zelaya, a third-year social ecology major and Starbucks barista, says, ‘I drink coffee for the taste. Tea is just too watered down. I need caffeine to speed up my day, so I’ll drink around four cups.’
She adds, ‘At Starbucks, I’ve noticed that people are a lot more health conscious from the shift in orders. There are more espresso drinks instead of frappuccinos; especially non-fat lattes.’
‘Tea is healthier and lighter,’ said first-year biological sciences major Kevin Ergina. ‘It helps me urinate and it’s more tasty than coffee. Caffeine is something I try to stay away from.’
People are increasingly realizing that those caffeinated beverages they drink all night to help them finish their assignments are affecting their health, and they need to focus more on the beverage itself and less on the jolt. This critical awareness has sparked the debate over the health benefits that coffee and tea offer and spawned countless research studies.
The Journal of the American Medical Association did a report on a team of Japanese researchers who were able to link green tea consumption with decreased mortality from all causes, including cardiovascular disease. Green tea is high in polyphenols, which are compounds with strong antioxidant activity that in test-tube and animal models show anticancer and heart-protective effects.
The researchers followed 40,530 healthy adults from the ages of 40 to 79 in a region of northeastern Japan, where most people drink green tea. They monitored these adults for up to 11 years. Those who drank five or more cups of green tea a day had significantly lower mortality rates than those who drank less than one cup a day. There were also fewer deaths from cardiovascular disease.
But the results showed no such association with deaths from cancer. Nor was consumption of oolong or black tea linked to any decrease in mortality. Those teas are more oxidized in processing, which not only darkens the color of the leaves and changes their flavor but also reduces their polyphenol content.
Habitual tea drinkers’ reduced cancer risk might stem from tea’s high antioxidant capacity. Tea might protect the heart by relaxing blood vessels, inhibiting clots and reducing cholesterol levels. And researchers speculate that the fluoride and estrogen-like substances in tea may bolster bone density.
Coffee is more complicated. It has received both gold stars and black marks in the medical literature. It, too, contains antioxidants, although they have not been studied as well as the polyphenols in tea. However, evidence for the health benefits of coffee is growing.
In the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a group of investigators from Finland, Italy and the Netherlands report that coffee seems to protect against age-related cognitive decline. The scientists studied 676 healthy men born from 1900 to 1920 and followed them for 10 years, using standardized measures of cognitive function.
Their conclusion: the men who consumed coffee had significantly less cognitive impairment than those who didn’t. Three cups a day seemed to provide maximum protection.
Population studies like those help form hypotheses about relationships between dietary habits and long-term health. But scientists still have to test our suppositions in controlled conditions and measure the effects of coffee and tea on various systems of the body.
A joint study by the Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham & Young Women’s Hospital has found that there is no long-term link between coffee consumption and increased blood pressure in women.
The BBC Health reports found that coffee has been linked with a number of the risk factors for coronary heart disease, including increased blood pressure and high blood cholesterol levels.
However, no relationship has been found between coffee drinkers and the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease. Research has found that coffee may reduce the risk of developing gallstones, kidney stones and colorectal cancer.
A couple of cups of coffee a day is safe, but much more will raise the risk of other problems and side effects, including jittery hands, disruption to the sleep cycle and palpitations, not to mention stained teeth.
Yet it’s difficult to suggest a safe limit for coffee intake because of the huge variation in caffeine content of different brands and an individual’s sensitivity to the drug. People with high blood pressure and pregnant women are advised to limit their caffeine consumption.
For the rest of the population, there’s no evidence coffee does any long-term harm. Caffeine does have a mild diuretic effect, however, so try to include plenty of non-caffeinated drinks throughout the day as well.
Caffeinated and decaf coffee each contain antioxidants and other substances that may help regulate blood sugar, which may explain the apparently reduced diabetes risk. Certain compounds in coffee also appear to help prevent bile from crystallizing into gallstones. Also, caffeine may cut the risk of Parkinson’s by boosting supplies of the brain chemical dopamine, at least in men.
Although coffee often seems more ubiquitous due to the Starbucks culture, consumption of tea is quickly growing as well. One may argue the ceremony factor: tea requires patience to make, and the process is more enjoyable than the rush of making coffee.
Kombucha tea has become popular, but there aren’t any clinical findings to verify its health effects. Kombucha mushroom tea, also known as ‘Manchurian tea’ or ‘Kargasok tea,’ is not actually derived from a mushroom, but from the fermentation of various yeasts and bacteria. A starter culture is added to a mixture of black tea and sugar, and the resulting mix is allowed to ferment for a week or more.
However, research can only go so far. Dr. Soheyla D. Gharib of the Center for Wellness and Health Communication at Harvard University Health Services notes the old adage: ‘everything in moderation.’
Most students say research studies are unlikely to change their behavior, though the results may sit in the back of their minds.
‘I’m just annoyed with it all,’ said fifth-year mechanical aerospace engineering major Paul Zelaya. ‘It’s the 21st century, and we figured out how to get to the moon, but we’re still debating about whether or not we should be drinking more coffee or tea.’
Tiffanie Ramos, a second-year psychology major, says, ‘It’s not a religion. It’s just a drink.’

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Dietary supplement may stall Parkinson’s

2009-11-04T21:19:00.000-08:00

An over-the-counter dietary supplement may help slow the progression of Parkinson’s Disease, a degenerative neurological disorder marked by tremor, stiffness of the limbs and trunk, impaired balance and coordination, and slowing of movements.

The supplement, called coenzyme Q10, is a vitamin-like compound with powerful antioxidant properties that is vital for the proper function of virtually every cell in the human body.

Although it is produced naturally by the body, levels typically dwindle with age.

A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that low levels of coenzyme Q10 play an important role in many age-related diseases.

The results of several recent studies show that individuals with Parkinson’s have lower levels of coenzyme Q10 compared to those without the disorder.

Supplementation with coenzyme Q10 can help boost levels in the body and protect the specific area of the brain damaged by the disease.

In a 16-month clinical trial, researchers evaluated the effects of coenzyme Q10 in 80 individuals with early-stage Parkinson’s disease. Reporting in the medical journal Archives of Neurology, the scientists noted the supplement was safe and well tolerated in daily doses ranging from 300 mg to 1,200 mg.

At doses of 1,200 mg per day, individuals with Parkinson’s experienced significantly less functional decline and were better able to carry out activities of daily life, such as feeding and dressing themselves, compared to those treated with a placebo pill.

These findings are particularly important, since few treatment options are available and, to date, no prescription drugs have been found effective in slowing the natural course of the disease.

Coenzyme Q10 may benefit individuals with other neurological disorders. In preliminary trials, the dietary supplement was found to slow the progression of dementia in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

In individuals with migraines, coenzyme Q10 has been shown to significantly reduce the frequency and severity of headaches, especially when taken daily for a period of at least three months.

In a study published in the medical journal Cephalgia, researchers found that daily doses of 150 mg coenzyme Q10 reduced migraine symptoms by half in more than 60 percent of individuals treated.

Coenzyme Q10 appears to be just as beneficial for the cardiovascular system as it is for the brain.

The supplement is often recommended for individuals who have suffered a heart attack and for those diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

The results of several clinical trials have demonstrated that daily doses of 100 mg to 200 mg can improve cardiac function and reduce the risk of future heart attacks in these patients.

For individuals who suffer from heart-related chest pain known as angina pectoris, supplementation appears to improve exercise tolerance and to protect the heart from further damage.

Numerous studies have proven coenzyme Q10 beneficial in the treatment of hypertension. Daily doses of the supplement have been found to produce measurable reductions in blood pressure, similar to the reductions achieved with some prescription medications.

Interest in coenzyme Q10 as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of cancer arose after scientists discovered low blood levels of the substance in individuals suffering from cancers of the breast, lung and pancreas. Preliminary research indicates the supplement may be beneficial in the treatment of these cancers, especially when combined with other therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation.

Use of the supplement also has been found beneficial in the treatment of gum disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, male infertility and age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in the elderly.

While aging and poor nutrition are believed to be the most common cause of low blood levels of coenzyme Q10, there is evidence that certain cholesterol-lowering drugs, known as statins, interfere with the body’s ability to produce the substance.

More research is needed to determine whether coenzyme Q10 supplementation should be routinely recommended for individuals taking these cholesterol-lowering drugs.

It is possible to modestly boost your intake -- and your blood levels -- of coenzyme Q10 without taking a handful of pills.

Good food sources of the substance include meat, poultry and fish, as well as nuts and canola oil.

To obtain a therapeutic dose of coenzyme Q10, you’ll probably need a dietary supplement, which you can get without a prescription at pharmacies and health food stores.

Although most adults can safely take the nutritional supplement, it’s wise to consult your doctor first.

Taking coenzyme Q10 won’t keep you from aging, but it may help protect you from many age-related diseases.

Rallie McAllister is a board-certified family physician, speaker and the author of several books, including “Healthy Lunchbox: The Working Mom’s Guide to Keeping You and Your Kids Trim.” Her Web site is www.rallieonhealth.com.

She has also created www.MommyMDGuides.com, which features the advice of mommy MDs from top-notch hospitals, medical centers and universities around the country.

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Why you need more vitamin D

2009-10-27T22:45:00.000-07:00

By Susan Male-Smith

"I drink a lot of milk, so I'm probably fine." So says Boston resident Doug Bennett in response to all the recent attention given to vitamin D. But like most Americans with the same ho-hum reaction, he's oh-so-wrong. Why? Milk and other foods don't contain nearly enough vitamin D to meet most people's needs, and while your body actually makes its own vitamin D from sunlight, people are spending more and more time indoors -- and when we do go out, we slather on sunscreen, which protects against skin cancer but also prevents vitamin D production. And now that we're heading into winter ... well, you can see where this is heading.

Americans Don't Get Enough Vitamin D

An alarming three out of four Americans are seriously short of vitamin D, according to the results of a recent study conducted at the University of Colorado. And while 77 percent of Caucasians are in jeopardy, nearly all African-Americans (97 percent) and most Hispanics (90 percent) need more D. (This is because their darker skin prevents them from making as much D from sunlight as people with lighter skin.) Moreover, a new study published in the September issue of Pediatrics reports that 70 percent of children don't get enough D.

While today's vitamin D shortfalls are less dramatic than the severe, rickets-producing deficiencies of the past, it's far more insidious. Researchers have found that insufficient vitamin D has serious, far-reaching ramifications, including:

Higher rates of cancer Some of the strongest research links low D levels with colon cancer, which is much more common at northern latitudes. In fact, the active form of vitamin D inhibits cell growth, making it a natural cancer fighter. "All cancers, even melanoma [skin cancer], have a strong link to low D levels," notes Robert P. Heaney, M.D., of the Osteoporosis Research Center at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb.
Increased risk of heart disease and diabetes Among children in the Pediatrics study, those with insufficient D had higher blood pressure and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the good kind), both of which put them at risk for future heart disease. Adolescents in the study also had elevated blood sugar, foretelling a flirtation with diabetes.
More colds and flu In the University of Colorado study, "low vitamin D levels were associated with a 35 percent increased risk of respiratory infections, like the common cold and influenza," says lead researcher Adit Ginde, M.D. "For those with chronic lung conditions, the link was even stronger -- people with asthma had five times the risk of respiratory infection, those with emphysema twice the risk."
A host of other maladies As research continues, experts are finding that insufficient vitamin D levels are tied to a host of maladies, including pregnancy-related complications, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, arthritis and even dementia.
How Much Vitamin D Do You Need?

While the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is still 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day, nearly every expert will tell you that's simply not enough, and you can bet the RDA will change next year when a government panel weighs in. "Most Americans need at least 1,000 IU a day," says Ginde, "and many require even higher doses."

What about the milk that Doug Bennett touts as his saving grace? When the government mandated vitamin D fortification to prevent rickets, they set the level at 100 IU per cup. That was fine when we were aiming for 400 IU a day, but it won't get you close to the 1,000+ IU experts recommend today. Moreover, few foods contain vitamin D naturally. There's a little in fatty fish and egg yolks, but not enough to make a big difference. And from November to February, even the sun can't do its thing. It just isn't strong enough. So to make sure you get enough of this essential nutrient:

Take a vitamin D supplement. Michael Holick, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Vitamin D Laboratory at Boston University, recommends 1,000 to 2,000 IU daily, especially in the fall, winter and spring. And don't worry about getting too much; one study found that 10,000 IU a day is safe, even when taken for a year.
When buying supplements, be sure to look for D3 (cholecalciferol), which is much better absorbed than D2 (ergocalciferol).
Try to get 10 to 15 minutes of unprotected sun on your arms, neck and face every day. (The risk of harmful effects is small as long as you don't overdo.)
Ask your doctor to check the 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in your blood. For the most accurate results, get tested in the winter, when your D level is at its lowest. Aim for at least 30 ng/mL.
Vitamin D is the new "it" nutrient for a reason. Research shows it does so much more than we thought, at a time when we're getting far less than we ever did. So enjoy your milk, take a D3 supplement, get some sun and have your D blood level checked. Your body will thank you.

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Parkinson's Disease and Nutrition

2009-10-19T21:08:00.000-07:00

By Steven Panzullo

Consulting a doctor about diet and exercise especially when you have Parkinson's disease is especially important. It is also important to eat a variety of food from all the food groups and to eat foods high in fiber which may include: cooked dried beans and peas, whole grain foods, bran, cereals, rice, pasta, and plenty of fresh fruit. It is also recommended to eat foods low in fat and cholesterol. Limiting sugars and salt is also a good idea. Drinking plenty of water is good as well to help flush anything bad out of your system.

To help control any nausea that may be caused by medications for people with Parkinson's disease you can try clear or ice cold liquids, and avoid acidic drinks such as orange or grapefruit juice because they may make nausea worse. Drinking liquids between meals instead of during them may also help with nausea related to Parkinson's disease medications. Eat more cold foods to avoid getting nauseous from the smell of hot foods. It is also suggested to rest after eating and keep your head elevated to lessen the nausea.

Other tips and nutrition for people with Parkinson's disease may include drinking plenty of liquids, drinking between bites to make swallowing easier, or add sauces to foods to make chewing and eating easier, eat sour candy or fruit chews to increase saliva in your mouth to help make chewing easier as well and consult a doctor about any special concerns or problems.

People with Parkinson's disease face daily challenges and struggles, but following these dieting and eating tips may help them and their loved ones to rest easier and feel more comfortable. That way they can continue to enjoy life for as long as possible.

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

The Risks of Lowering Your Cholesterol Too Much

2009-10-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

The common mindset in much of the developed world is that lowering your total blood cholesterol below 200 mg/dL is a key to good heart health. In reality, lowering your cholesterol does nothing to address any underlying problems … and lowering it too much can seriously devastate your health.

One large study conduced by Dutch researchers found that men with chronically low cholesterol levels showed a consistently higher risk of having depressive symptoms.This may be because cholesterol affects the metabolism of serotonin, a substance involved in the regulation of your mood.

On a similar note, Canadian researchers found that those in the lowest quarter of total cholesterol concentration had more than six times the risk of committing suicide as did those in the highest quarter.
Dozens of studies also support a connection between low or lowered cholesterol levels and violent behavior, through this same pathway: lowered cholesterol levels may lead to lowered brain serotonin activity, which may, in turn, lead to increased violence and aggression.

And one meta-analysis of over 41,000 patient records found that people who take statin drugs to lower their cholesterol as much as possible may have a higher risk of cancer,while other studies have linked low cholesterol to Parkinson’s disease.

What cholesterol level is too low?

Brace yourself.

Probably any level much under 150, an optimum would be more like 200.

So how do you know if your cholesterol really is too high?

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Coffee: Not as Bad for You as You May Think

2009-09-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

Coffee, like anything else that can be mood altering, has always been a topic of controversy for health enthusiasts and even coffee drinkers themselves. Assorted people would peer quizzically at me as I drank a couple cups of coffee during a hot day and warned, “That’s dehydrating you know, why don’t you have some water instead?” When I was pregnant and my belly was the size of the moon, I remember receiving dirty looks from other patrons at a restaurant when they saw the waitress fill my mug with the ‘regular’ coffee pot, and not the ‘decaf’ one. Ordering a double shot mocha latte at nine o’ clock at night may receive comments, even from people you don’t even know, to the tune of, “Wow, you’ll never get to sleep tonight!” The warning and concern never stops, and one’s coffee habit is always quick to be criticized by others who believe that coffee is as bad for you as cigarette smoking. While coffee is mostly known for it’s negative and supposedly addictive qualities, it has a whole host of health benefits as well, as current and ongoing research is beginning to show.

Throughout the history of coffee production, there have been times where it has been proclaimed a magical cure, and other times “the drink of the devil” much like today’s always shifting viewpoint on it’s health benefits and risks. Whether it was in Mecca, where coffee houses first became popular in the 15th century, or later on as it spread to European countries in the 1600’s, many of the ill attention it received has been because of the popularity of the places where people would meet to imbibe coffee, creating a stir within the political and religious structure at the time. There was always dance and game play and auditory delight, which ruffled the feathers of the rather strict overseers at the time. Regardless of the suppression, coffee quickly production spread throughout the world and became a most prized commodity, 2nd only to the trade of oil. (- Coffee Science Information Centre:)

Through the 20th century, coffee was persecuted not for the environment it’s drinkers created, but the health risks believed to be inherent in it’s consumption. People with disorders of the nervous system, the heart, and osteoporosis can suffer adverse effects from coffee, but other than that, the negative effects are minimal. Yes, it is true that coffee is a mild diuretic, which causes the body to secrete urine more often than normal, possibly causing some dehydration. It is true that coffee is up there on the list of things that can stain your teeth easily, like cigarette smoking and red wine. It is true that slight withdrawal symptoms can be felt if you suddenly stop drinking coffee after a daily regimen of a few cups a day. Some people experience heart burn if they drink too much of it, others get the “jitters”, but these are small trite issues in comparison with the large benefits that can be reaped from drinking coffee. You probably are thinking “in moderation, right?” but in actuality- it is recommended that you drink 3 or 4 cups a day. (Kirchheimer)

The main goodness behind coffee, is the fact that the beans are a major antioxidant, like many berries, which is essential for repairing damaged cells in the body. A 2004 study showed that coffee was the greatest contributor to total antioxidant intake in dietary sources. (- Coffee Science Information Centre:) This could be one of the reasons why coffee can prevent many diseases and illnesses, along with the caffeine, which is high enough in a cup of coffee, as opposed to drinking 4 cans of soda to get the same amount. It is a quick caffeine & antioxidant fix in which you can avoid having to ingest other sugars.

The latest research is beginning to show the possibilities of coffee being responsible for lowering the chance of acquiring type 2 diabetes. Harvard researchers showed that drinking six or more cups a day gives a 54% less risk of acquiring the disease, and 30% less for women. This was based on an 18 year long study with 126,000 people. The rates fall to single digit numbers when one to three cups are enjoyed each day. While these statistics are still not enough to say beyond a reason of a doubt that coffee can really lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, it certainly looks promising, and similar cases were found in Dutch research as well. (Kirchheimer)

Another illness that most likely can be prevented by consuming 5 or more cups daily is Alzheimer’s disease. A researcher at the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute in Tampa Florida, Gary Arendash, fed lab mice an equivalent of five cups of coffee a day, and it has shown to decrease symptoms of memory loss in aging mice. The caffeine in coffee apparently can reduce the levels of two types of enzymes that cause the illness, and the cost is far less than the medication that is being used nowadays to treat Alzheimer’s. (Prevent Alzheimer’s disease by drinking coffee:) That seems to make sense, as the effects of caffeine cause one to more alert and aware of their surroundings, which Alzheimer’s inhibits incredibly.

Six studies have proved that excessive coffee drinking can lower the risk of Parkinson’s Disease by a whopping 80%. If you like to indulge in a couple of cups a day, your risk for liver cirrhosis also is lowered by 80%, the chance of colon cancer- 25%, and the number is lowered by half in the case of gallstones. (Kirchheimer)

Coffee has been known to drastically to lower the risk of illnesses and diseases that people who smoke and drink excessively are likely to get, like liver damage and heart disease. It also has been effective in helping people withdraw from heavy drug use, and the depression that it can cause. (Kirchheimer) Perhaps the antioxidants and caffeine offsets the toxins and sluggishness that other more harmful drugs can bring.

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Food For The Soul

2009-09-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

Boitshepo Giyose
Monday, 14 September 2009

Feeling Out Of Sort - Check Your Brain Nutrition!

Oh dear stress, stress, stress and more stress! Feeling out of balance? Low serotonin levels, depressed? Goodness, this is a state that more people than I care to count find themselves in. Don't despair; help is at hand, nutritionally and psychologically of course!

As I travel and see the world and its beauty and not so beautiful parts I am constantly amazed at how more similar we are as human beings and human 'doings'. We live, we eat, we thrive, yet health and nutrition is the one thing that constantly eludes us - especially brain health!

The brain is arguably the most important organ in our human package. They also say it is biggest and most important sex organ - hey, don't quote me I just live in this world...The brain is the centrepiece of the nervous system that regulates all of the body functions, which we at times take for granted such as breathing, our heart beat or the regulation of our body temperature - something very importance for all of us as the spring temperatures continue to soar and reach the upper 30s. To achieve these seemingly mundane functions however the brain needs food. Without adequate nutrition, our brains do shrivel.

Our brains also allow us to enjoy life - whether it is in sports or in the creation of an artistic masterpiece, reading a book or newspaper, the brain is key.

Therefore, the brain demands the best nutrition for optimum performance. It is not "luck" that some people are more astute, active and always seem happy. Their secret? Good nutrition that nourishes their brain and keeps their mood afloat.

All nutrients are important for the brain but scientists agree that the most crucial include vitamins A, D, E, B1, B2, B3, niacin, folate, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and the long chain fatty acids found in olive oil, fish, and nuts.

If daily requirements of these nutrients cannot be met through the regular diet, it is advisable and safe to take a quality supplement to safeguard against nutritional deficiencies especially for a pregnant woman.

Remember that brain development begins in the womb. For small babies and children, breast milk is an excellent source, otherwise a fortified food is recommended.

These nutrients are responsible for the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that send messages to and across the nerve endings of the brain and the rest of our body.

So the equation is fairly simple and logical; no nutrition, no neurotransmitter and therefore NO brain function.

Is it any wonder that when you are hungry or under a lot of stress and cannot eat probably, your brain shuts down and you experience that ever irritating mental block? Next time this happens to you just reach for a handful of nuts and a fruit or two. You will be up and running in no time.

A simple guideline for attaining these brain nutrients is to eat a balanced diet with a wide variety of foods. But importantly if you aim for vegetables, fruits, nuts, and dairy products you can be sure that you are covered and your brain will be on target.

Improved nutrition has been shown numerously to enhance mental performance, and learning capacity. Furthermore, inadequate nutrition can adversely affect learning ability and concentration.

The importance of a healthy, nutritious breakfast for brain is also increasingly being recognised. Similarly providing healthy school meals for children is important for their brain and other development for learning. The type of nutrients taken in a single meal can affect mood, behaviour and even symptoms of depression. Compounds such as amino acids are important for the synthesis of neurotransmitters and hormones, which regulate the function of the brain. Mood boosting foods contain lots of vitamins and minerals.

Fats and sugars may momentarily satisfy the taste buds and pacify a dull mood but this is short lived since the calories are empty and thereby do not supply the essential building blocks for the neurotransmitters.

This exacerbates depression and mood swings. Regular exercise, both mental and physical also plays an important role in mood regulation.

In later life, low blood levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 have been associated with depression and poor mood. That is why good nutrition for the elderly is crucial to keep them happy, feeling younger and productive.

Adequate intake of antioxidants may guard against loss of memory and brain function. Furthermore, vitamin E supplementation has been shown to retard the progression of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Keep your brain well nourished!

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Drink (coffee) for your health

2009-09-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

Feeling guilty reaching for that fifth cup of coffee today? Well, it's time to rethink our prejudices about coffee, because this is one addiction that might be good for the average Joe or Jane.

To start with, studies seem to show the risk of getting type 2 diabetes is much lower among both caffeinated and decaf coffee drinkers compared to those who don't drink it. Green tea drinkers rejoice - you, too, have lower risk. (Note, however, that if you already have diabetes, researchers warn that caffeine worsens blood glucose control, even counteracting oral diabetes medications.)

And ready for this? Drinking coffee may reduce the risk of developing gallstones, colon cancer, dementia/Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and reduces the risk of liver damage in people at high risk for liver disease. Coffee has also been shown to improve performance in endurance sports.

But the real news is that the more cups of coffee and the stronger the brew, the better. To achieve the risk reduction shown in many studies, people needed to consume between four and six cups per day. There are benefits associated with lower intakes, but the most dramatic reductions in risk required higher intakes of coffee.

Observed health benefits seem to come from coffee's powerful antioxidants and, in some cases, its caffeine. In fact, coffee is the number one source of antioxidants in the American diet. Based on serving size, coffee outranks such popular antioxidant sources as tea, chocolate and cranberries.

Caffeine, a stimulant, is the most widely consumed, and completely unregulated, drug in the world - we can find common ground! An 8-ounce cup of drip-brewed coffee contains 85 milligrams of caffeine on average, depending on the roasting and brewing method.

Used to help keep us awake and alert during monotonous/sedentary activities, caffeine can have negative effects, too. Some people are particularly sensitive to the cardiovascular effects of the drug, which can result in very fast heart rate, high blood pressure and even arrhythmias. There are also potential gastrointestinal contraindications and side effects to consider, including stomach upset and conditions such as acid reflux and heartburn. Pregnant or nursing women are advised to limit intake.

Not all cups of coffee are created equal, of course, and it is easy to turn this health-promoting elixir into a liability. You should not be getting a meal's worth of calories from your coffee. If Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts are your stomping grounds, and blended coffee drinks like the Frappaccino or Coolatta are your signature drink, be warned that even a "medium" version of such treats contain upward of 500 calories and 15 grams of mostly saturated fat. Ask about "light" blends, or better yet go for an iced coffee using a flavored grind, and keep control over the additives.

Moderation with sugar and fat is the key to keeping coffee a healthy choice. If you normally use cream or half-and-half, consider whole milk instead. Low-fat chocolate milk and low-fat eggnog add a boost of flavor without all of the saturated fat.

The technique and technology of making coffee is a matter of culture and personal choice. There are two basic methods by which coffee is extracted from the roasted beans: decoction and infusion. Decoction, what I always knew as making "cowboy" coffee, involves boiling whole beans until the flavor is released. The more common method, infusion, involves steeping ground beans in hot water and then filtering the grounds. This can be achieved with a variety of different coffee makers, from manual French press to automatic drip machine to $15,000 espresso machine.

The standard infusion is 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 3/4 cup of water (6 ounces), slightly more with a coarse grind and less with a fine grind. A coarse grind is used in percolators and French presses. A medium grind is best for flat-bottomed filter drip coffee makers. Cone filter drip coffee makers, moka pot (stove top) espresso machines and vacuum coffee pots prefer a fine grind. A fine grind is smooth to the touch, a little finer than granulated sugar or table salt. Also, lighter roasts should generally be more finely ground than dark roasts.

Many argue that great coffee requires grinding the beans immediately before brewing. Ground coffee tends to lose flavor and have a limited shelf life. It is best stored at room temperature and for just a few days. Freezing ground coffee doesn't protect the flavor. Whole beans can be stored for several weeks at room temperature and slightly longer in the freezer, about two months.

When grinding your beans, consider adding spices like cinnamon stick and cloves to put some jive in your java. Dried chilies and whole peppercorns add a distinctive fiery note and special warmth perfect for extra cold winter mornings. And, of course, buy Fair Trade and eco-friendly whenever possible.

So, drink to your health and . for your health.

Lisa Sheldon has a master's degree in clinical nutrition from the University of Massachusetts. She lives with her family in Williamstown.

Homemade Frappaccino

Consider making coffee-ice cubes with leftover coffee to prevent the drink from getting watered-down. You can easily add chocolate or caramel syrup for a flavored drink.

1 cup double-strength coffee, cold

1 cup low-fat milk

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 cups ice

Make double-strength coffee by brewing with twice the coffee required by your coffee maker. That should be 2-3 tablespoons of ground coffee per each cup of coffee. Chill before using.

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until ice is crushed and drink is smooth. Makes two large drinks.

For more information go to: www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Creatine Gives Muscles a Boost

2009-08-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

Creatine is made up of the amino acids arginine, methionine, and glycine. Most of us get about half of our creatine from food (meat and fish) and our bodies synthesize the rest. Creatine is stored in skeletal muscle tissue where it helps provide energy for the cells.

Supplementing with creatine can increase muscle mass and improve muscle strength in people with neuromuscular diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), and some studies suggest that it may enhance athletic performance in certain sports.

“The main finding of our investigation was that muscle strength remained higher in men who received a creatine supplement before and during recovery from a damaging exercise session,” said study co-author Dr. Alan Hayes of Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia. “This may be due in part to a faster muscle growth during the recovery period, but the lower levels of the enzyme, creatine kinase, noted in the days after the damaging exercise in the men who used creatine, indicates that they experienced less muscle damage.”

Parkinson's Disease: Eating Right

2009-07-20T06:17:00.000-07:00

While there is no special diet required for people with Parkinson's disease, eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet is extremely beneficial. With the proper diet, our bodies work more efficiently, we have more energy, and medications will work properly.

This article addresses the basics of good nutrition. Please consult your doctor or dietitian before making any dietary changes. A registered dietitian can provide in-depth nutrition education, tailor these general guidelines to meet your needs, and help you create and follow a personal meal plan.

The Basics

* Eat a variety of foods from each food category. Ask your doctor if you should take a daily vitamin supplement.
* Maintain your weight through a proper balance of exercise and food. Ask your doctor what your "goal" weight should be and how many calories you should consume per day.
* Include high-fiber foods such as vegetables, cooked dried peas and beans (legumes), whole-grain foods, bran, cereals, pasta, rice, and fresh fruit in your diet.
* Choose foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
* Try to limit sugars.
* Moderate your use of salt.
* Drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water per day.
* Ask your doctor about drinking alcoholic beverages (alcohol may interfere with some of your medications).

For more information and resources about Parkinson's disease you can check out www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org It's one of the most comprehensive websites on the internet for Parkinson's disease information.

HOW DOES MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE ACT IN THE BODY?

2009-07-13T10:28:00.001-07:00

Some of us may have thought Monosodium Glutamate is a preservative or contains some nutritional value. The truth is it does nothing to food aside from enhancing the flavor. In fact, MSG is an "excitotoxin" or neurotoxin that has a degenerative effect on the brain and nervous system.

Monosodium Glutamate enters the brain through membranes in the mouth and enters the bloodstream as foods containing MSG are digested. MSG is created artificially using processes that break down and change natural-bound glutamate, which the body produces, into free forms of glutamate. These free glutamates can sometimes enter the bloodstream up to 10 times faster than bound or natural glutamates.

Over the last fifty years, food processors have steady increased the amount of MSG added to foods. One of the primary and most consistent effects of MSG and other excitotoxins is triggering an insulin, adrenalin, fat storage and food craving response. That response is what causes the, "I'm hungry again an chihour after I eat Chinese food," quandary. It is also why some of us crave potato chips just after we take a full plate of it.

The affects of MSG are compounded by continued ingestion all day long, from a wide variety of different manufactured products. McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, and many sit-down chair restaurants such as TGIF, Chilis, Denny’s and Applebees use MSG in abundance. At Kentucky Fried Chicken, MSG was found to be in every chicken dish, salad dressing, and gravy. And you’ll find it on the labels of many of America’s favorite foods, like, Doritos, Lays potato chips, Top Ramen, Hamburger Helper, canned gravies, frozen prepared meals, and salad dressings (especially the low fat ones). Countless restaurants receive many of their key entrees, sauces, salad dressings, soups and more from suppliers who offer pre-prepared, pre-packaged and ready to heat menu selections. These are the items to watch out for. If a restaurant isn’t purchasing fresh produce and ingredients, and preparing each dish from scratch, then you can count on them containing MSG.

MSG HAS BEEN FOUND TO CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO SEVERAL AREAS OF THE BRAIN:

It has been clearly demonstrated that free glutamate places humans at risk, and plays a critical role in the development of several neurological disorders, but the FDA dismisses much of this extensive research. Numerous complaints have been filed since its initial use began in the 1940’s. By 1948 many major food suppliers were using MSG, and since then, its use has doubled each decade.

According to Russell L. Blaylock, M.D., author of “Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills”, “…excitotoxins play a critical role in the development of several neurological disorders including migraines, seizures, infections, abnormal neural development, certain endocrine disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders, learning disorders in children, AIDS dementia, episodic violence, lyme borreliosis, hepatic encephalopathy, specific types of obesity, and especially the neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and olivopontocerebellar degeneration”.

Nutrition for Parkinson's Disease

2009-06-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

Constipation, urinary tract infections (UTIs), thinning bones, and unexplained weight loss are all common in persons with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Preventing or managing these conditions can be accomplished through proper hydration and nutritional intake.

Proper hydration, which is achieved by drinking plenty of fluids, is important in the prevention of constipation and UTIs. Fluid replacement is important, especially when participating in physical activity. Be sure to drink fluids throughout the day, ideally water. Consuming fruits and vegetables, foods which are naturally high in water content, can also increase daily fluid intake. Side effects of anti-Parkinson medications or anticholinergic agents (i.e., Cogentin, Artane) may include dry mouth, feelings of thirst, thick or sticky saliva, dry eyes, and constipation. It is important to consume adequate fluids; again, preferably water, when taking medications. Aim for 8 glasses per day of water in addition to any other fluids normally consumed within the course of the day (such as juice, milk, or coffee). Remember to include adequate fiber in any healthy diet and be sure to consume adequate water when increasing your fiber intake in order to further prevent risk of constipation.

Persons with PD are also at risk for thinning bones and need to consider adequate nutritional intake to promote strengthening of bones and maintenance of bone density. This intake should include foods containing micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K. Continue to consume a variety of foods, and incorporate foods high in the aforementioned micronutrients, such as dairy products (i.e., low-fat versions of milk, cheese, and/or yogurt). Vitamin D maintains calcium blood levels in the body within normal limits, and is crucial for adequate absorption of calcium from the blood stream. If adequate calcium is not available, the body begins to break down bone in order to supply the needed nutrient. Often, vitamin D needs are not met by dietary methods alone. Recent research indicates that limited exposure to the sun during the spring, summer, and fall of 5 to 15 minutes per day (between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.) will provide the body with the current recommended amount of vitamin D. Allow some sun exposure to hands, arms, and face for a few minutes each day to total 60 minutes per week. In the absence of any sun exposure, be sure to increase daily intake of vitamin D-fortified foods such as milk and orange juice (products fortified in vitamin D indicate this message on their containers). Foods that naturally contain vitamin D include liver, eggs, and fatty fish (i.e., salmon). Healthy sun exposure and adequate nutritional intake may maximize a person’s vitamin D status to promote good health. In addition to healthy sun exposure and consumption of foods high in vitamin D, persons with PD may want to speak with a primary care physician about taking a supplement.

Unexplained weight loss may also occur and may be considered a nutritional risk factor if weight loss of 10% or more of usual body weight occurs.

Reference: Holick, M. (2005). The Vitamin D Epidemic and its Health Consequences. The Journal of Nutrition; 135:2739S-48S.

The Facts About Glutathione and Parkinson's Disease

2009-06-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

Author: Priya Shah

Parkinson's Disease (PD), a devastating illness, occurs in one of every 100 people over 65.

It is a slowly progressing disease of the nervous system that results in progressive destruction of brain cells (neurons) in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Death occurs usually as a result of secondary complications such as infection.

One of the mechanisms known to destroy neurons is damage by free radicals or reactive oxygen species - destructive molecules produced by oxidation of the neurotransmitter dopamine.

The Role of Dopamine

The cells of the substantia nigra use dopamine - a chemical messenger between brain or nerve cells - to communicate with cells in another region of the brain called the striatum.

When nigral cells are lost, nigral dopamine levels fall, resulting in a decrease in striatal dopamine.

The typical symptoms of PD - motor function deficiencies characterized by muscle rigidity, jerky movements, rhythmic resting tremors - are the result of low levels of striatal dopamine.

Most dopaminergic drugs used to treat PD, are aimed at temporarily replenishing or mimicking dopamine. They improve some symptoms, but do not restore normal brain function nor halt brain cell destruction.

Dopaminergic drugs are generally effective at first in reducing many PD symptoms, but over time they lose their effect.

They also cause severe side effects because they overstimulate nerve cells elsewhere in the body and cause confusion, hallucinations, nausea and fluctuations in the movement of limbs.

The Role of Antioxidants

When dopaminergic neurons are lost in the course of Parkinson's disease, the metabolism of dopamine is increased - which in turn increases the formation of highly neurotoxic hydroxyl radicals.

The most important free radical scavenger in the cells of the substantia nigra is the powerful brain antioxidant, glutathione. Glutathione levels in PD patients are low.

And as we age, levels of glutathione in the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra decreases. This appears to hasten cell death and advance the progression of PD.

At least 80 percent of the substantia nigra cells are lost before symptoms of Parkinson's disease become apparent. This is why it becomes essential to protect or maintain these cells under oxidative stress.

How does Glutathione help in Parkinson's Disease?

Several factors explain why glutathione is so beneficial in Parkinson's disease.

1. Glutathione increases the sensitivity of the brain to dopamine. So although glutathione doesn't raise dopamine levels, it allows the dopamine in the brain to be more effective.

2. Glutathione's powerful antioxidant activity protects the brain from free radical damage.

3. An even more intriguing benefit of glutathione lies in its powerful detoxification ability.

Its a well known fact that most Parkinson's patients are deficient in their ability to detoxify chemicals to which they are exposed.

The unfortunate few who harbor an inherited flaw in their detoxification pathways are at far greater risk to the brain damaging effects of a wide variety of toxins.

Glutathione is one of the most important components of the liver's detoxification system. Glutathione therapy is one of the most effective techniques for enhancing liver and brain detoxification.

Glutathione treatments considerably improve some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease including difficulties with rigidity, walking, movement, coordination and speech. A marked reduction of tremor has been observed as well as a decrease in depression.

Glutathione and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (a glutathione precursor) have been shown to be very effective in protecting the nerves in the substantia nigra from being destroyed by oxidative stress.

Glutathione Therapy in Parkinson's Disease

The practical problem in increasing glutathione levels is that taking glutathione itself as a supplement does not boost cellular glutathione levels, since glutathione breaks down in the digestive tract before it reaches the cells.

However, intravenous glutathione therapy and taking glutathione precursors are both effective in boosting intracellular levels of glutathione.

Intravenous Glutathione Therapy:

Intravenous glutathione injections have been shown to have amazing and quick results.

Dr. David Perlmutter, a pioneer in this therapy, has developed a protocol utilized at the Perlmutter Health Center for administering intravenous glutathione to Parkinson's patients.

Following even a single dosage of intravenous glutathione - often in as little as 15 minutes - the ability to walk, turn around and move their arms is almost completely restored.

Glutathione Precursors:

Dietary antioxidants and supplements that increase cellular glutathione, such as alpha lipoic acid, NAC, pycnogenol, the herb silymarin (milk thistle), are effective in restoring normal function.

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and un-denatured, whey protein both supply glutathione precursors intracellularly, enhance the body's production of glutathione and aid the detoxification process.

Other nutritional supplements which aid the detoxification process include selenium, vitamins E and C.

Omega 3’s Protects Against Parkinson’s

2009-05-30T18:52:00.000-07:00

New research findings show that omega-3 fats in your diet may protect your brain cells. It works by preventing the misfolding of a protein resulting from a gene mutation in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s.

Researchers developed a cell model with a mutation of the Ataxin-1 gene, which induces the misfolding of the protein. These deformed proteins cannot be properly processed by the cell machinery, resulting in tangled clumps of toxic protein that eventually kill the cell. But the omega-3 fat docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) protects cells from this defect.

Dr. Bazan laboratory who leads this study discovered earlier that neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1), a naturally-occurring molecule in the human brain that is derived from DHA also promotes brain cell survival. In this system NPD1 is capable of rescue the dying cells with the pathological type of Ataxin-1, keeping their integrity intact.

For healthful diet, go Mediterranean

2009-05-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

For healthful diet, go Mediterranean

Date published: 5/3/2009

THE Mediterranean eating plan is best at preventing heart disease, better even than a low-fat diet.

That's according to a massive review of nearly 200 scientific studies, just published in Archives of Internal Medicine. The Mediterranean diet and variations have made headlines repeatedly in the past few months.

The review suggested that the eating plan reduced the risk of heart disease by 37 percent, regardless of a person's exercise habits or weight.

A variation of the eating plan that includes nuts may be even more powerful. Spaniards who followed a Mediterranean plan with generous amounts of olive oil reduced heart disease risk by 40 percent; those who also ate an ounce of nuts a day had a whopping 70 percent drop in risk.

The nuts offered were a mix of almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts. That study, called PREDIMED, was convincing because it was both large and long-term, following 9,000 people over a year.

Another version of the Mediterranean diet that emphasized fewer starchy foods and more fiber reduced non-HDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) by 8 percent in only 12 weeks. When a soy shake supplemented with sterols, hops and acacia was added to the plan, cholesterol levels dropped by 18 percent.

Past studies have linked the Mediterranean eating pattern to lower risks of diabetes, strokes, dementia, asthma, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.

MEDITERRANEAN PYRAMID

The Mediterranean diet is named for the region where it originated. It's high in fruits, vegetables, olive oil and seafood.

In 1993, a Boston nonprofit group, Oldways Preservation Trust, plus the Harvard School of Public Health and the World Health Organization, created a Mediterranean Diet Pyramid. Last month, they updated it to increase the emphasis on fish, seafood and spices.

According to Oldways, the eating plan:

Emphasizes plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables, potatoes, breads and grains, beans, nuts and seeds

Recommends less-processed food and more seasonally fresh and locally grown foods to maximize vitamins and antioxidants

Uses olive oil to replace other fats such as butter and margarine

Allows daily cheese and yogurt

Allows fish, eggs and poultry a few times a week, and up to 16 ounces of red meat total in a month

Recommends fresh fruit as the typical daily dessert, and limits sweets to a few times per week

Urges regular physical activity

Pass the Java: The Healthy side of coffee

2009-05-02T04:25:00.000-07:00

(NaturalNews) Have you been trying to kick the coffee habit? Well, before you say good-bye to your favorite morning drink forever, you may be interested in hearing coffee may not be so bad for you after all. In fact, it's been linked to a variety of health benefits. Did you know that one study shows even one cup of coffee each day can cut your risk for Parkinson's disease in half?

Coffee's full of healthful components like magnesium, potassium and vitamin B3. And coffee is the American's number one source of antioxidants, says one 2005 study from the University of Scranton. Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that one cup of coffee can have more antioxidants than a serving of blueberries or oranges. Antioxidants play a key role in reducing the inflammation which is associated with many health problems ranging from heart disease to rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr. Joe Vinson, a chemistry professor who led the Scranton study, says, "Antioxidants are your army to protect you from the toxic free radicals, which come from breathing oxygen and eating sugar, that start chronic diseases. Antioxidants help stave off cancer, heart disease, diabetes and stroke."

It may be the high level of antioxidants that helps coffee protect the heart. Researchers from Norway looked at data involving more than 27,000 women in the Iowa Women's Health Study and found women who drank 1-3 cups of coffee each day had a 24 percent reduction in risk of heart disease compared with women who didn't drink coffee at all. Women who drank as much as five cups a day showed up to a 19 percent decrease in risk of death from all causes. However, the study also concluded that more is not always better. Drinking more than six cups of coffee per day did not seem to increase benefits significantly.

Analysis of a collection of studies from the Journal of the American Medical Association showed evidence that consuming coffee can lower the risk of developing type II diabetes. Studies which looked at decaffeinated coffee showed similar results. The benefits increased with the amount of coffee drank: up 28 percent for those who drank at least four cups per day, and up 35 percent for people who drank more than six.

However, just because coffee is good for you doesn't mean you should overload your body with caffeine. Rob van Dam is a Harvard scientist and the lead author of a study which showed the amount of caffeine in just two cups of coffee can constrict blood flow to the heart.

"I wouldn't advise people to increase their consumption of coffee in order to lower their risk of disease," says Dr. Van Dam, "but the evidence is that for most people without specific conditions, coffee is not detrimental to health. If people enjoy drinking it, it's comforting to know that they don't have to be afraid of negative health effects."

Fortunately, most of these benefits can still be enjoyed if you drink decaffeinated coffee, so you don't have to take in surplus caffeine just for the antioxidants' sake. It's also a good idea to look for coffee made from organic sources to limit your exposure to chemical pesticides. At any rate, rest assured you can enjoy your morning cup of joe without regret - so long as you go easy on the sugar.

Parkinson's partially linked to pesticides

2009-05-02T04:12:00.000-07:00

Parkinson's partially linked to pesticides

UCLA researchers have provided strong new evidence linking at least some cases of Parkinson's disease to exposure to pesticides. Researchers have suspected for some time that pesticides may cause the neurodegenerative disorder, and experiments in animals have shown that the chemicals, particularly the fungicide maneb and the herbicide paraquat, can cause Parkinson-like symptoms in animals. But proving it in humans has been difficult because of problems in assessing exposure to the agents.

Parkinson's is a disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs the sufferer's motor skills, speech and other functions. It is not fatal of itself, but complications often are. The disease has been recognized since the Middle Ages but became more prevalent in the 20th century. As many as 180 of every 100,000 Americans develop it.

To explore a potential connection to pesticides, epidemiologist Beate Ritz of UCLA and her graduate student Sadie Costello, now at UC Berkeley, studied public records of pesticide applications in California's Central Valley from 1974 to 1999. Every application of pesticides to crops must be registered with the state. Working with Myles Cockburn of USC, they developed a tool to estimate pesticide exposure in areas immediately adjacent to the fields.

They then identified 368 longtime residents who lived within 500 yards of fields where the chemicals had been sprayed and compared them to 341 carefully matched controls who did not live near the fields.

They reported in the current issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology that people who lived next to fields where maneb or paraquat had been sprayed were, on average, about 75% more likely to develop the disease. But those who developed the early-onset form of the disease -- contracting it before the age of 60 -- had double the risk of contracting it if they were exposed to either maneb or paraquat alone and four times the risk if they were exposed to both. In most cases, the exposure occurred years before the onset of the disease. Exposure to other pesticides did not appreciably alter the risk.

"The results confirmed two previous observations from animal studies," Ritz said. "One, that exposure to multiple chemicals may increase the effect of each chemical. That's important, since humans are often exposed to more than one pesticide in the environment. And second, that the timing of the exposure is also important."

-- Thomas H. Maugh II

Fish Oil Protects Against Diseases Like Parkinson's

2009-04-26T04:23:00.000-07:00

Fish Oil Protects Against Diseases Like Parkinson's

ScienceDaily (Apr. 20, 2009) — Dr. Nicolas Bazan, Director of the Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Boyd Professor, and Ernest C. and Yvette C. Villere Chair of Retinal Degenerative Diseases Research at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, will present new research findings showing that an omega three fatty acid in the diet protects brain cells by preventing the misfolding of a protein resulting from a gene mutation in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Huntington's.

He will present these findings for the first time on April 19, 2009 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Nouvelle C Room, at the American Society for Nutrition, Experimental Biology 2009 Annual Meeting.

With funding from the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Bazan and his colleagues developed a cell model with a mutation of the Ataxin-1 gene. The defective Ataxin-1 gene induces the misfolding of the protein produced by the gene. These misshapened proteins cannot be properly processed by the cell machinery, resulting in tangled clumps of toxic protein that eventually kill the cell. Spinocerebellar Ataxia, a disabling disorder that affects speech, eye movement, and hand coordination at early ages of life, is one disorder resulting from the Ataxin-1 misfolding defect. The research team led by Dr. Bazan found that the omega three fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), protects cells from this defect.

Dr. Bazan's laboratory discovered earlier that neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1), a naturally-occurring molecule in the human brain that is derived from DHA also promotes brain cell survival. In this system NPD1 is capable of rescue the dying cells with the pathological type of Ataxin-1, keeping their integrity intact.

"These experiments provide proof of principle that neuroprotectin D1 can be applied therapeutically to combat various neurodegenerative diseases," says Dr. Bazan. "Furthermore, this study provides the basis of new therapeutic approaches to manipulate retinal pigment epithelial cells to be used as a source of NPD1 to treat patients with disorders characterized by this mutation like Parkinson's, Retinitis Pigmentosa and some forms of Alzheimer's Disease."

Vitamins Found to Prevent Disease

2009-04-19T02:31:00.000-07:00

Vitamins - Small Complex Nutrients Found in Food
Major Players in Maintaining Good Health

© Linda Mundorff
Apr 14, 2009
Vitamin Choices, Linda Mundorff
In the body, vitamins play a vital role, from aiding in the production of blood cells, hormones, and energy, to boosting the immune system and preventing disease.

Vitamins are organic or carbon-based compounds that are necessary for normal function, growth, and maintenance of body tissue. Vitamins are categorized as either water-soluble (vitamins B and C,) or fat-soluble (vitamins A, D, E, and K) . Water soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and must be replaced daily while fat-soluble vitamins are stored, and depending on individual needs, daily replacement may not be necessary.
Role of Vitamins

Vitamins have many functions within the body, some vitamins:

* Are required to breakdown foods during digestion
* Are necessary to produce blood cells
* Assist in the formation of hormones
* Participate in energy-producing reactions
* Boost the immune system

Vitamin Preservation

To get the full benefit of vitamins, especially the water-soluble ones, foods should be eaten as close to whole and natural as possible. For example, produce that is eaten close to harvest has the highest vitamin content, than produce that must travel long distances to get to your grocery store. In addition vitamins can be lost due to improper handling or storage, such as being exposed to air, light, heat, and alkalinity (neutralization of acids).
Natural vs. Synthetic

In nature, vitamins come from a variety of foods such as B vitamins which are predominately found in dark green leafy vegetables while Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, nuts, and wheat germ. Attempting to memorize the various dietary sources of all vitamins is not necessary as The National Institute of Health has an excellent reference site on the Internet.

Basically, natural vitamins are extracted from foods while synthetic vitamins are produced in a laboratory. Chemically both are exactly the same and generally work the same within the body. But there are exceptions such as in vitamin E which is twice as potent in its natural form than its synthetic form, and conversely, folic acid which is more potent in its synthetic form than in its natural form.

As previously mentioned, attempting to capture all of the nutritional benefits from food is sometimes difficult due to improper handling and storage. But there are issues related to synthetic vitamins as well, for example, not all vitamins are created the same. Vitamin production varies greatly, and one of the biggest issues is with chemical substitutes that do not metabolize as well as the original, but are easier and cheaper to produce.

As a consumer it is important to do the research and always read the label to:

* Determine how much active ingredient vs. additives or fillers are in the supplement.
* Determine the source of the dietary ingredient ( rose hips is one source for vitamin C)
* Check for type and amount of additives (gelatin, starch, stabilizers, and dyes)
* Dosage - how many pills are necessary per day to reach recommended requirement.
* Check for known potential allergens as you might be allergic to one of the inert ingredients.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Vitamin deficiencies usually happen over time and are almost always related to poor dietary intake:

* Insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables.
* Starvation diets.
* Meal replacements lacking proper vitamin supplementation.
* Cigarette smoking.

Also important to note is that the symptoms related to deficiencies are not always obvious, and sometimes are misdiagnosed. The most common disorders related to deficiencies are:

* Scurvy > Vitamin C deficiency
* Beriberi > Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency
* Rickets > Vitamin D deficiency
* Pellagra > Vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency

Lastly, when dietary intake of fat soluble vitamins is adequate and symptoms of deficiencies are evident, one of two conditions might be the cause:

* Fat malabsorption syndrome (which blocks fat soluble vitamins from being absorbed) or
* A liver defect (that prevents the production of the proteins needed for vitamin transport).

Vitamins Found to Prevent Disease

Numerous studies have found promising results that certain vitamins might reduce the incidence of:

* Heart disease
* Parkinson's Disease
* Osteoporosis
* Neurological Disorders
* Aging Process

But there have been numerous conflicting studies, as in The Oxford University Clinical Trial Service that found daily doses of vitamins had shown no improvement in heart disease, cancers, and cataracts, among others.

In conclusion, vitamins are an important part of a healthy diet and provides many benefits to the overall function of the body.

Read more: http://vitamins-minerals.suite101.com/article.cfm/vitamins_small_complex_nutrients_found_in_food#ixzz0D782UkNC&B

13 Foods to Avoid

2009-04-12T04:34:00.001-07:00

13 Foods To Avoid

As a doctor I have made it my mission to educate as many people about the philosophical pitfalls of believing "If it's on the shelf, it must be safe." In the US, we suffer from something called the "shortest healthy lifespan". That means we spend more years battling chronic disease than our peers from the 12 industrialized nations. There are many factors leading to this problem, but one of the obvious is how loaded our diets are with artificial chemicals.

1. Soda. Ahh, the good old American beverage. Soda is everywhere. It is marketed hard, and found at birthday parties to church functions. Nothing could be worse for the body than a splash of insulin overloading sugar soup. Almost every person I counsel on weight issues has a soda or diet soda addiction. (See also: The Top 10 Diseases Linked to Soda.)

2. Avoid Soy. Many patients in my office ask about soy products. This article is designed to help uncover some of the things many people are not aware of. Here is some of the research on soy. A 2001 literature review suggested that women with current or past breast cancer should be aware of the risks of potential tumor growth when taking soy products, based on the effect of phytoestrogens to promote breast cancer cell growth in animals.

A study found high consumption of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are found in most types of vegetable oil including soybean oil, may increase the likelihood that postmenopausal women will develop breast cancer. The most serious problem with soy may be its use in infant formulas. "The amount of phytoestrogens that are in a day's worth of soy infant formula equals 5 birth control pills," says Mary G. Enig, Ph.D., president of the Maryland Nutritionists Association.

3. Monosodium Glutamate. The word you need to know is excitotoxicity which means too much activity, it is the pathological process by which nerve cells are damaged and killed by glutamate and similar substances i.e. (MSG). This occurs when receptors for the neurotransmitter are bombarded and can cause excitotoxicity by allowing high levels of calcium ions to enter the cell. Calcium influx into cells activates a number of enzymes. These enzymes go on to damage cell structures such as components of the cytoskeleton, membrane, and DNA.

Excitotoxicity may be involved in spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) such as Multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, Alcoholism and Huntington's disease. It's no wonder why the US leads the world in neurodegenerative diseases. Millions of people consume this product and don't even know the side affects.

4. Aspartame. It's a non-nutritive sweetener about 180 times sweeter than sugar. When I speak, people invariably want to argue this point. They want their artificial sweetener. I often get comments like, "It's FDA approved." WARNING! WARNING! If the government has to "approve" something for consumption THERE IS A PROBLEM! It is simply approved until enough people die, than it will be unapproved. Your health is your responsibility. Guard it well.

5. Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup. If you have seen any of the advertising material for HFCS high-fructose corn syrup, the marketers are trying to convince us this is a natural product. HFCS or crystalline fructose or hydrolyzed fructose, it convert to triglycerides and adipose (fat) tissue within one hour of consumption. The cheapest ingredient in the processed food industry is HFCS. The sad part about this debate is not whether HFCS cause problems, because that is settled with this research article. The fact that mercury is found in 50% of products with HFCS should be more of a concern to every parent.

6. Hydrogenated Oil or Partially Hydrogenated Oil. Never buy foods with these ingredients since they are trans fats. Trans fats are deadly, causes heart disease, cause weight gain, and once more, other medical problems.

7. Avoid Sugar. In fact, the sweetener seems to prompt the same chemical changes in the brain seen in people who abuse drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Sugar that is processed turns out as refined white powder.

8. Don't Be Fooled By "Natural" and "Artificial Flavor". These words, most of the time, mean that the food is loaded with chemicals and grown with pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and herbicides. The bottom line-eating organic food is best.

9. Avoid Artificial Color. If anything has dye in it, stay away. A dye is a chemical poison.

10. Avoid Palm Oil. This is a very unhealthy oil that is cheap to manufacture. It also has the wrong essential fatty acid ratio, which means it increase the inflammation circulating in your blood. Inflammation is being tied to almost all disease processes.

11. Dextrose, Sucrose, and Fructose. There are chemically made sweeteners. There are not good for the body at all. So, it's best to avoid them.

12. Avoid Sucrulose and Splenda. This is a man-made sweetener that most people have heard of. In spite of the hype, it is unnatural, artificial, and man-made. The problems it can cause are increases in appetite, depression, allergies, etc., all depending on the person's genetic makeup. It is best to avoid these products.

13. No Enriched Bleached White Flour. This flour has no fiber. It has no nutritional value, and is highly refined. Eat organic wheat flour or other organic flours such as rye, millet, etc. Shoot for 20 grams of fiber a day.

Is there a link between Parkinson's Disease and Gluten Intolerance/Celiac Disease?

2009-04-05T04:37:00.001-07:00

Is there a link between Parkinson's Disease and Gluten Intolerance/Celiac Disease?

* By Wendy Cohan
* Published 04/2/2009

I caught a spot on Oprah today with the actor Michael J. Fox discussing his battle with the neurological symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. He's always been an engaging persona, and I enjoyed the segment. As a nurse, I've always had a strong interest in neurological disorders, and have done a lot of reading on the links between Celiac disease and neurological disorders, especially gluten ataxia. At this point, Michael's symptoms are very noticeable and greatly affect the day-to-day activities of his life. Toward the end of the segment, he related that many of his symptoms "mysteriously disappeared" on a recent trip to the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Dr. Mahmet Oz, Oprah's frequent medical spokesman, was also a guest on the show, and was tossing out ideas of why this might be, everything from "they eat a lot of chili's" to the benefits of high altitude, or on medications that Michael took to help with adapting to the altitude. But, I grew very excited by the prospect that Michael J. Fox's improvement was a response to, however accidental, a gluten-free diet! Because, I knew from personal experience that the diet in this part of Asia is largely based on daily consumption of dhalbhat, or rice and dahl (small yellow lentils). Fresh vegetables are rare at high altitudes, but the diet is supplemented by occasional meat, except in some strict Bhuddist or Hindu areas. In 1980 I lived in a neighboring small kingdom of Nepal, and ate almost exclusively a diet of rice, dhal, some vegetables, and occasional sheep or goat meat. Dates, peanut butter, and raisins rounded out our diet, washed down with copious amounts of chai tea, made with black tea and canned evaporated milk. Granted that I also was exercising vigorously much of the time, but looking back, this was when I was at the healthiest, strongest, and most vital in my entire life. Unbeknownst to me, my travels had excluded gluten from my diet for nearly six months. Upon my return to the U.S., and binging on all my favorite gluten-laden foods, I suffered severe intestinal distress, lasting nearly two years. Of course, at the time, both my doctors and I attributed all of my gastrointestinal symptoms to parasites, bacterial infections, and other health problems common to returning travelers. It was decades later that I was diagnosed with a gluten problem, and finally began to recover my health. So, back to the possibility of excluding gluten from the diet having a beneficial effect on Parkinson's, or a possible link between Parkinson's and celiac disease or gluten intolerance, I have to say that I haven't found much evidence. But, that doesn't mean I believe the link doesn't exist. There are many established links between other neurological disorders and neurological symptoms and the consumption of gluten in sensitive individuals. What I would love to see now is readers responding to this blog, or sending me an email, sharing personal stories, links to articles, etc. on this topic.

5 Fab Foods

2009-03-21T06:32:00.000-07:00

March 16, 2009 -- You eat, and eat, and eat and eat. So why not stock up on foods that offer real health benefits?

Red Yeast Rice: This extract, used in Chinese meals, may be good for your heart. In a study of about 5,000 Chinese adults who had previously had a heart attack, researchers found a form of the extract reduced the risk of dying from heart disease or having another heart attack. They also found red yeast rice extract reduced deaths from cancer by two-thirds. However, researchers say the findings about the effects on cancer deaths are not conclusive and need to be investigated further. The red yeast rice extract gives Peking duck its red color. One of the original cholesterol-lowering drugs, lovastatin, was originally extracted from yeast rice.
(Source: Medical News Today: Red Yeast Rice Extract and Heart Disease)

Eggs: Eggs have not been known as a "healthy" food until recently. Over the past few years, many researchers have studied the health benefits of this food. Recent findings indicate that eating eggs every day does not increase levels of "bad" cholesterol in the blood. Eggs are a good source of protein and 11 essential nutrients. Eggs also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants from the carotenoid family that contribute to improving eye health and protecting eyes from ultraviolet rays. These carotenoids help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
(Source: Alberta Egg Producers)

Coffee: Coffee is undoubtedly a popular beverage among Americans, but new research suggests drinking it could ward off a host of diseases. Harvard researchers analyzed data on 126,000 people for as long as 18 years and found that drinking one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily can reduce the risk of diabetes. Having six cups or more each day cut men's risk by 54-percent and women's by 30-percent when compared to those who did not consume the beverage. At least six studies suggest that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80-percent less likely to develop Parkinson's disease -- with three studies showing the more they drink, the lower the risk. (Source: WebMD, Coffee: The New Health Food?)
Honey: Penn State researchers found that honey may be a safe and effective alternative to cough medications for children. Their study showed a small dose of buckwheat honey given before bedtime provided better relief of nighttime cough and sleep difficulty in children than no treatment or a cough suppressant medication. Cough is the reason for nearly 3 percent of all outpatient visits in the United States. Consumers spend billions of dollars each year on over-the-counter cough medications despite little evidence that these drugs provide significant relief.

Chocolate Milk: A study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found plain old chocolate milk may be as good or better than sports drinks like Gatorade in helping athletes recover from strenuous exercise. In the study, nine male cyclists rode until their muscles were depleted of energy. They rested for four hours and then biked until exhaustion. During the rest period, the cyclists drank low-fat chocolate milk, Gatorade or Endurox R4. During a second round, the cyclists who drank the chocolate milk were able to bike about 50 percent longer than those who drank Endurox and about as long as those who drank Gatorade.

For More Information, Contact:

Rick Cushman
Media Relations Representative
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 955-2240
Richard.cushman@jefferson.edu

New Research Shows Disease Fighting Power of Tumeric

2009-03-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

Turmeric has been used in India for its powerful medicinal properties for centuries. A new study shows that turmeric has powerful healing powers. The cancer and infection fighting ability of turmeric was found by University of Michigan researchers by using a special technique that allowed scientists to watch how turmeric has earned the name “holy powder” in India.

Curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric fights infection and promotes good health by entering blood cells, to keep things orderly. The findings could lead to powerful compounds that can be used to fight disease. "The membrane goes from being crazy and floppy to being more disciplined and ordered, so that information flow through it can be controlled," says the study author.

The Michigan research team, led by Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy, observed how curcumin in turmeric behaves inside the cell membrane, using solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The special technique allowed the researchers to watch how curcumin changes the structure of the cell membrane.

The result of the disciplinarian type action exhibited by curcumin in turmeric improves the function of the cell membrane, increasing the body’s resistance to cancer and infection. Turmeric exerts its healthy influence on cell membranes indirectly, contrary to the more commonly held belief that turmeric has a direct effect on cell membranes.

"Probing high-resolution intermolecular interactions in the messy membrane environment has been a major challenge to commonly-used biophysical techniques," says Ramamoorthy. The special NMR technique was developed by the U-M research team for use in the study that reveals exactly how curcumin in turmeric improves cells resistance to cancer and infection.

The scientists want to see if other plant compounds interact with cells the same way as curcumin. Such a comparative study could lead to the development of potent compounds to treat infection and other diseases," explains Ramamoorthy.

Interestingly, Dr. Ramamoorthy developed an interest in how proteins interact with cell membranes as the result of his own experiences. Ramamoorthy experienced firsthand how turmeric can help cure a cold, and ease congestion when he was given remedies containing turmeric as a child.

The research group is exploring other ways that curcumin might help fight diseases like type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, with the same special technique his team used to find how turmeric keeps cells membranes orderly to help fight infection and malignancy.

Journal of the American Chemical Society

7 Nutrition Tips for Increasing Brain Power

2009-03-07T07:01:00.000-08:00

From Daniel G. Amen, M.D., for About.com

Here is the seven step plan to get your diet under control and to use food as brain medicine.
Increase Water Intake - Given that your brain is about 80 percent water, the first rule of brain nutrition is adequate water to hydrate your brain. Even slight dehydration can raise stress hormones which can damage your brain over time. Drink at least 84 ounces of water a day. It is best to have your liquids unpolluted with artificial sweeteners, sugar, caffeine, or alcohol. You can use herbal, non-caffeinated tea bags, such as raspberry or strawberry flavored, and make unsweetened iced tea. Green tea is also good for brain function as it contains chemicals that enhance mental relaxation and alertness.
Calorie Restriction - Substantial research in animals and now in humans indicates that a calorie-restricted diet is helpful for brain and life longevity. Eating less helps you live longer. It controls weight; decreases risk for heart disease, cancer, and stroke from obesity - a major risk factor for all of these illnesses; and it triggers certain mechanisms in the body to increase the production of nerve growth factors, which are helpful to the brain. Researchers use the acronym CRON for "calorie restriction with optimal nutrition," so the other part of the story is to make these calories count.
Fish, Fish Oil, Good Fats and Bad Fats - DHA, one form of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, makes up a large portion of the gray matter of the brain. The fat in your brain forms cell membranes and plays a vital role in how our cells function. Neurons are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. DHA is also found in high quantities in the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye. Research in the last few years has revealed that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help promote a healthy emotional balance and positive mood in later years, possibly because DHA is a main component of the brain's synapses.
Lots of Dietary Antioxidants - A number of studies have shown that dietary intake of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables significantly reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairment. The research was done because it was theorized that free radical formation plays a major role in the deterioration of the brain with age. When a cell converts oxygen into energy, tiny molecules called free radicals are made. When produced in normal amounts, free radicals work to rid the body of harmful toxins, thereby keeping it healthy. When produced in toxic amounts, free radicals damage the body's cellular machinery, resulting in cell death and tissue damage. This process is called oxidative stress. Vitamin E and Vitamin C and beta carotene inhibit the production of free radicals.
The Best Antioxidant Fruits and Vegetables - from the US Department of Agriculture: Blueberries, Blackberries, Cranberries, Strawberries, Spinach, Raspberries, Brussels sprouts, Plums, Broccoli, Beets, Avocados, Oranges, Red grapes, Red bell peppers, Cherries and Kiwis.

Balance Protein, Good Fats and Carbohydrates Given the weight issues in my family, I have read many of the diet programs popular in America. Some I like a lot, others make me a little crazy. The idea of eating protein and fat only, avoiding most grains, fruits and vegetables may be a quick way to lose weight, but it is not a healthy long term way to eat for your body or your brain. The best thing in my mind about the Atkins Diet and its many clones is that they get rid of most of the simple sugars in our diets. Diets high in refined sugars, such as the low fat diets of the past, encourage diabetes, tiredness, and cognitive impairment. Yet, to imply that bacon is a health food and that oranges and carrots are as bad as cake seems silly. The more balanced diets, such as The Zone by Barry Sears, Sugarbusters by H. Leighton Steward and a group of Louisiana based physicians, the South Beach Diet by cardiologist Arthur Agatston, and Powerful Foods for Powerful Minds and Bodies by Rene Thomas make sense from a body and brain perspective. The main principles to take away from these programs is that balance is essential, especially balancing proteins, good fats, and good carbohydrates. Having protein at each meal helps to balance blood sugar levels; adding lean meat, eggs, cheese, soy, or nuts to a snack or meal limits the fast absorption of carbohydrates and prevents the brain fog that goes with eating simple carbohydrates, such as donuts. At each meal or snack, try to get a balance of protein, high fiber carbohydrates, and fat.
Next: Pick Your Top 24 Healthy Foods…

6. In order for you to stick with a "brain healthy" calorie restricted nutritional plan you must have great choices. I am fond of the book Super Foods Rx by Steven Pratt and Kathy Matthews. It lists 14 top food groups that are healthy and reasonable in calories. I am going to add several other choices that are especially good for the brain. Choose between these 24 foods each week. They are healthy, low in calories, and help us reach the goals of consuming powerful antioxidants, lean protein, high fiber carbohydrates and good fat.
The American Cancer Society recommends five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Mixing colors - eating from the rainbow - is a good way to think about healthy fruits and vegetables. Strive to eat red things - strawberries, raspberries, cherries, red peppers and tomatoes, yellow things - squash, yellow peppers, small portions of bananas and peaches, blue things - blueberries, purple things - plums, orange things - oranges, tangerines and yams, green things - peas, spinach and broccoli, etc.

Lean Protein

Fish - Salmon (especially Alaskan Salmon caught in the wild - farmed fish is not as rich in omega-3-fatty acids, tuna, mackerel, herring (also listed under fats)

Poultry - chicken - skinless, and turkey - skinless

Meat - lean beef and pork

Eggs - enriched DHA eggs are best

Tofu and Soy products - whenever possible choose organically raised

Dairy products - low fat cheeses and cottage cheese, low fat sugar free yogurt and low fat or skim milk

Beans, especially garbanzo beans and lentils - also listed under carbohydrates

Nuts and seeds, especially walnuts - also listed under fats
Great recipe - soak walnuts in water and sea salt overnight, drain and sprinkle with cinnamon - natural blood sugar balancer - and low roast 4 hours at 250 degrees -- makes them easier to digest.
Complex Carbohydrates

Berries - especially blueberries - brain berries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries
Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit

Cherries

Peaches, plums

Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts

Oats, whole wheat, wheat germ oatmeal needs to be the long cooking kind as instant has a higher glycemic index since the manufacturer has broken down the fiber to speed cooking time and basically make it a refined carbohydrate. Same goes for bread, look for at least 3 grams of fiber. Remember unbleached wheat flour is white flour, it must say whole wheat.

Red or yellow peppers (much higher in Vitamin C than green peppers)

Pumpkin squash

Spinach - works wonderfully as a salad, or a cooked vegetable, adds fiber and nutrients

Tomatoes

Yams

Beans - also listed under proteins
Fats
Avocados

Extra virgin cold pressed olive oil

Olives
Salmon - also listed under protein
Nuts and Nut Butter, especially walnuts, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, pecans and almonds - also listed under protein
Liquids
Water

Green or black tea
7. Plan Snacks - I love to snack; just like to munch on things to get through the day. When snacking it is helpful to balance carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Since I travel frequently, I have learned to take my snacks with me, so I am not tempted to pick up candy bars along the way. One of my favorite low calorie snacks are dried fruits and vegetables. Not the kind of dried fruits and vegetables stocked in typical supermarkets that are filled with preservatives, but the kind that just have the dried fruit and veggies. A company called Just Tomatoes1, from Walnut, California makes great products. When you have dried fruit or veggies - all carbohydrates - add some low-fat string cheese or a few nuts to balance it out with protein and a little fat.
Copyright © 2005 Daniel G. Amen, M.D.

About the Author:
Daniel G. Amen, M.D., is a clinical neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and brain-imaging expert who heads up the world-renowned Amen Clinics2. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association3 and has won numerous writing and research awards. He writes a monthly column in Men's Health called "Head Check" and has published nineteen books, numerous professional and popular articles, and a number of audio and video programs. His books include Making a Good Brain Great4 - Harmony Books; October 2005;$24.00US/$34.00CAN; 1-4000-8208-0, Preventing Alzheimer's, Healing Anxiety and Depression5, Healing the Hardware of the Soul, Healing ADD, and the New York Times bestseller Change Your Brain, Change Your Life6. He is an internationally renowned keynote speaker and a popular guest expert for the media, with appearances on CNN, the Today show, The View, and other venues.

Published 12/08/05

This About.com page has been optimized for print. To view this page in its original form, please visit: http://womenshealth.about.com/od/fitnessandhealth/a/goodbraingreat.htm
©2009 About.com, Inc., a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved

Parkinson's Disease: Eating Right

2009-02-25T11:02:00.000-08:00

This article addresses the basics of good nutrition. Please consult your doctor or dietitian before making any dietary changes. A registered dietitian can provide in-depth nutrition education, tailor these general guidelines to meet your needs, and help you create and follow a personal meal plan.

The Basics

Eat a variety of foods from each food category. Ask your doctor if you should take a daily vitamin supplement.
Maintain your weight through a proper balance of exercise and food. Ask your doctor what your "goal" weight should be and how many calories you should consume per day.
Include high-fiber foods such as vegetables, cooked dried peas and beans (legumes), whole-grain foods, bran, cereals, pasta, rice, and fresh fruit in your diet.
Choose foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Try to limit sugars.
Moderate your use of salt.
Drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water per day.
Ask your doctor about drinking alcoholic beverages (alcohol may interfere with some of your medications).

Medication and Food Interactions

The medication, levodopa, in general, works best when taken on an empty stomach, about ½ hour before meals or at least 1 hour after meals. It should be taken with 4-5 oz. of water. This allows the medication to be absorbed in the body more quickly.

For some patients, levodopa may cause nausea when taken on an empty stomach. Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often accompanies the urge to vomit, but doesn't always lead to vomiting. Therefore, your doctor may prescribe a combination of levodopa and carbidopa (called Sinemet) or carbidopa by itself (called Lodosyn). If nausea is a continual problem, your doctor may be able to prescribe another medication to relieve these symptoms. There are also tips listed below that can help relieve nausea.

Also, ask your doctor if you should change your daily protein intake. In rare cases, a diet high in protein limits the effectiveness of levodopa.

Controlling Nausea

There are several ways to control or relieve nausea, including:

Drink clear or ice-cold drinks. Drinks containing sugar may calm the stomach better than other liquids.
Avoid orange and grapefruit juices because these are too acidic and may worsen nausea.
Drink beverages slowly.
Drink liquids between meals instead of during them.
Eat light, bland foods (such as saltine crackers or plain bread).
Avoid fried, greasy or sweet foods.
Eat slowly.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
Do not mix hot and cold foods.
Eat foods that are cold or at room temperature to avoid getting nauseated from the smell of hot or warm foods.
Rest after eating, keeping your head elevated. Activity may worsen nausea and may lead to vomiting.
Avoid brushing your teeth after eating.
If you feel nauseated when you wake up in the morning, eat some crackers before getting out of bed or eat a high protein snack before going to bed (lean meat or cheese).
Try to eat when you feel less nauseated.

If these techniques do not seem to ease your queasy stomach, consult your doctor.

Relieving Thirst/Dry Mouth

Some Parkinson's disease medications may make you thirsty. Here are some tips for relieving thirst and dry mouth:

Drink 8 or more cups of liquid each day. But, some people with Parkinson's disease who also have heart problems may need to limit their fluids, so be sure to follow your doctor's guidelines.
Limit caffeine (contained in coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate) as it may interfere with some of your medications and may actually make you more thirsty.
Dunk or moisten breads, toast, cookies, or crackers in milk, tea, or coffee to soften them.
Take a drink after each bite of food to moisten your mouth and to help you swallow.
Add sauces to foods to make them softer and moister. Try gravy, broth, sauce, or melted butter.
Eat sour candy or fruit ice to help increase saliva and moisten your mouth.
Don't use a commercial mouthwash. Commercial mouthwashes often contain alcohol that can dry your mouth. Ask your doctor or dentist about alternative mouthwash products.
Ask your doctor about artificial saliva products. They are available by prescription.

I am Too Tired to Eat in the Evening, What Should I Do?

If you are often too tired to eat later in the day, here are some tips:

Save your energy. Choose foods that are easy to prepare. Don't waste all your energy in preparing the meal because then you'll feel too tired to eat.
Ask your family to help with meal preparations.
Check to see if you are eligible to participate in your local Meals on Wheels Program.
Keep healthy snack foods on hand such as fresh fruit and vegetables, pretzels, crackers, high-fiber cold cereals.
Freeze extra portions of what you cook so you have a quick meal when you're too tired.
Rest before eating so you can enjoy your meal.
Try eating your main meal early in the day so you have enough energy to last you for the day.

I Don't Feel like Eating, What Should I Do?

Here are some tips for improving poor appetite.

Talk to your doctor; sometimes, poor appetite is due to depression, which can be treated. Your appetite will probably improve after depression is treated.
Avoid non-nutritious beverages such as black coffee and tea.
Eat small, frequent meals and snacks.
Walk or participate in another light activity to stimulate your appetite.

Here are some tips to help you eat more at meals.

Drink beverages after a meal instead of before or during a meal so that you do not feel full before you begin eating.
Plan meals to include your favorite foods.
Try eating the high-calorie foods in your meal first.
Use your imagination to increase the variety of food you're eating.

Here are some tips to help you eat snacks.

Don't waste your energy eating foods that provide little or no nutritional value such as potato chips, candy bars, colas and other snack foods.
Choose high-protein and high-calorie snacks. High calorie snacks include: ice cream, cookies, pudding, cheese, granola bars, custard, sandwiches, nachos with cheese, eggs, crackers with peanut butter, bagels with peanut butter or cream cheese, cereal with half and half, fruit or vegetables with dips, yogurt with granola, popcorn with margarine and parmesan cheese, bread sticks with cheese sauce.

How Can I Make Eating More Enjoyable?

Make food preparation an easy task. Choose foods that are easy to prepare and eat.
Make eating a pleasurable experience, not a chore. For example, liven up your meals by using colorful place settings and play background music during meals.
Try not to eat alone. Invite a guest to share you meal or go out to dinner.
Use colorful garnishes such as parsley and red or yellow peppers to make food look more appealing and appetizing.

Maintaining Your Weight

Malnutrition and weight maintenance is often an issue for people with Parkinson's disease. Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy weight.

Weigh yourself once or twice a week, unless your doctor recommends weighing yourself more often. If you are taking diuretics or steroids, such as prednisone, you should weigh yourself daily.
If you have an unexplained weight gain or loss (2 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week), contact your doctor. He or she may want to modify your food or fluid intake to help manage your condition.

Here are some tips for gaining weight.

Ask your doctor about nutritional supplements. Sometimes supplements in the form of snacks, drinks (such as Ensure or Boost), or vitamins may be prescribed to eat between meals to help you increase your calories and get the right amount of nutrients every day. But, be sure to check with your doctor before making any dietary changes or before adding supplements to your diet. Some can be harmful or interfere with your medication.
Avoid low-fat or low-calorie products. Unless other dietary guidelines have been recommended. Use whole milk, whole milk cheese, and yogurt.

Here are some high-calorie recipes to try.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake

Makes one serving; 1090 calories per serving.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
1 1/2 cups chocolate ice cream

Directions:
Pour all ingredients into a blender. Mix well.

Super Shake

Makes one serving; 550 calories per serving

Ingredients:

1 cup whole milk
1 cup ice cream (1-2 scoops)
1 package Carnation Instant Breakfast

Directions:
Pour all ingredients into a blender. Mix well.

Super Pudding

Makes four 1/2 cup servings; 250 calories per serving.

Ingredients:

2 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 package instant pudding
3/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder

Directions:
Blend milk and oil. Add pudding mix and mix well. Pour into dishes (1/2 cup servings).

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience Center

Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, WebMD

Disease de jour: vitamin D deficiency

2009-02-17T16:06:00.000-08:00

For every month, there is a disease, and in February, it’s vitamin D deficiency. (It’s also Heart Health Month and I’m sure I’ve neglected to mention a slew of others.)

If you haven’t heard, vitamin D — or the lack thereof — is a hot health topic. The McClean, Virg.-based UV Foundation says that people in states above the 37th parallel (read sun-starved) are increasingly susceptible to the affliction.

The Foundation recently targeted a news release to media outlets in the state of Washington, including this newspaper. We didn’t tell them that, despite the winter inversion doldrums of late, Central Washington still gets more than 300 days of sunshine annually.

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increasing the risk of heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, rickets and many types of cancer. It’s also the suspected culprit behind winter-time complaints, including fatigue, depression and aches and pains.

- Leah Beth Ward

Want to reach Leah Beth Ward?
E-mail her: lward@yakimaherald.com

Confusion About Mediterranean Cuisine

2009-02-12T07:49:00.000-08:00

February 11, 2009, 1:14 pm

What is a Mediterranean diet anyway? This week researchers reported on a link between Mediterranean-style eating and better brain health. But every time a new report emerges on the health benefits of Mediterranean eating, many consumers are left scratching their heads. How could countries that gave us pizza, lasagna, steak frites and lamb souvlaki teach us anything about healthful eating?

Here are answers to some common questions about Mediterranean eating and health.

What foods are included in the typical Mediterranean diet?

Mediterranean eating is focused on simple cooking and includes all the foods you already eat, just in different proportions. The diet is plant-based in nature, with a heavy emphasis on fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, seeds, beans and olive oil. Eggs, dairy, poultry and fish are consumed regularly, but the portions are smaller than typically consumed in a Western diet. Meat makes only an occasional appearance, and it’s usually added in small amounts to make sauces, beans and pasta dishes more flavorful. Refined sugar and flour and butter and fats other than olive oil are consumed rarely, if at all. Mediterranean eating also typically includes moderate consumption of red wine. One of the key components of Mediterranean eating has to do with the elevation of the meal as a social event. Meals are consumed at leisure with family and friends.

“One of the basic tenets is the enjoyment of food, and respect and pleasure of food,” says Nicki Heverling, program manager for the Mediterranean Foods Alliance, part of Oldways, the nonprofit food issues think tank that has promoted Mediterranean eating for nearly two decades. “When you’re in the Mediterranean, your meals are three hours and you savor your food.”

Why do so many of my recipes for French, Italian and Greek foods have loads of cheese and meat in them?

The Mediterranean eating plan is based on foods that have traditionally been consumed by communities situated along the Mediterranean sea. Many of the recipes we typically associate with Mediterranean countries don’t come from coastal communities, but from regions farther to the north. Today’s Mediterranean diet pyramid is largely based on the dietary traditions of the Greek island of Crete and southern Italy around the 1960s, when rates of chronic disease were among the lowest in the world, and adult life expectancy was among the highest. Unfortunately, many of the communities where the diet was first studied have changed dramatically, a concern chronicled in the recent Times story “Fast Food Hits Mediterranean; a Diet Succumbs.”

How do we know Mediterranean eating is good for you?

The original work that sparked scientific interest in Mediterranean eating habits came from researcher Ancel Keyes at the University of Minnesota. His landmark seven countries study focused on the link between eating habits along the Mediterranean and better health, despite inferior medical care in the region. Research on the diet took off in the 1990s, as scientists noted that people in Mediterranean countries lived longer and had low rates of serious disease despite high rates of smoking and drinking. Last year, the British medical journal BMJ published an extensive review of Mediterranean diet studies. It found that the eating plan is associated with significant health benefits, including lower rates of heart disease, cancer, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s. More recently, researchers found a link between Mediterranean eating and diabetes risk as well as lower blood pressure. The Oldways Web site offers a lengthy list of studies of Mediterranean eating and health.

Do I really have to eat meat only once a month?

While the traditional diet included meat only about once a month or on special occasions, most health experts say adhering to Mediterranean eating doesn’t have to mean giving up meat. It just means consuming smaller portions less often. If you are packing your diet with produce, nuts, legumes and whole grains, you won’t have a lot of room left on your plate for big servings of meat anyway. “What we try to convey to people is don’t cut anything out of your diet you enjoy,” says Ms. Heverling of Oldways. “Make smaller portions and when you have it, really enjoy it. In the traditional diet, someone wasn’t eating a 12-ounce Porterhouse steak. They ate small bits of meat in a sauce. It was there to get flavor and taste from. Meat is delicious and they knew that.”

How can I learn more about Mediterranean eating?

The Web is filled with resources. Click on the links above, or visit the Oldways Web site to get started. The Mayo Clinic also offers a useful summary of the eating plan. About 150 products are labeled with the Med Mark from the Mediterranean Foods Alliance. And “The New Mediterranean Diet Cookbook: A Delicious Alternative for Lifelong Health” received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly and includes a foreword by New York University nutritionist Marion Nestle.

Finally, the Mediterranean diet has its own food pyramid. A version can be found on the Oldways site, or below you can find one created by the Greek Health Ministry to explain the diet. They pyramids have some differences but both support the idea that a Mediterranean diet is largely based on plant foods and whole grains.

The Mediterranean Diet (The New York Times)

Coffee drinkers show lower dementia risk

2009-02-05T14:34:00.001-08:00

Tue Feb 3, 2009 4:20pm GMT

By Amy Norton

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - In more good news for coffee lovers, a new study suggests that middle-aged adults who regularly drink a cup of java may have a lower risk of developing dementia later in life.

Whether coffee itself deserves the credit is not yet clear, but researchers say the findings at least suggest that coffee drinkers can enjoy that morning cup "in good conscience."

The study found that among 1,400 Finnish adults followed for 20 years, those who drank three to five cups of coffee per day in middle-age were two-thirds less likely than non-drinkers to develop dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

The findings, reported in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, add to a string of studies finding that coffee drinkers have lower risks of several diseases, including Parkinson's disease, certain cancers and diabetes.

No one is recommending that people start drinking coffee to ward off any disease, however. Researchers do not know if it's components of coffee itself -- like caffeine or certain antioxidants -- or something else about coffee drinkers that explains the recent study observations.

The current study was an epidemiological one, explained lead researcher Marjo H. Eskelinen, which means it can point to an association between coffee and dementia risk, but does not prove cause-and-effect.

Still, "the results open a possibility that dietary interventions could modify the risk of dementia," Eskelinen, a doctoral candidate at the University of Kuopio in Finland, told Reuters Health.

There are a few potential reasons why coffee could help stave off dementia, researchers point out. One reason is related to the fact that coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and diabetes, in turn, is linked to a higher risk of dementia.

Coffee also contains plant chemicals, such as chlorogenic acid, that act as antioxidants and may help protect body cells from damage over time. For its part, caffeine may have a protective effect on brain cells because it blocks receptors for a chemical called adenosine, which has depressant effects in the central nervous system.

More research is needed to determine whether coffee is truly protective, but for now, Eskelinen said, "those people who have been drinking coffee can still do so in good conscience."

SOURCE: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, January 2009.

Eat Less, Remember More?

2009-01-28T09:15:00.000-08:00

By Rachel Zelkowitz
ScienceNOW Daily News
27 January 2009

Did Grandma seem forgetful at the holiday parties last month? It could be time to put her on a diet. Sharply reducing calories improves memory in older adults, according to one of the first studies of dietary restriction and cognitive function in humans.

Research on the benefits of an extremely low-calorie diet stretches back to the 1930s, when scientists found that rats lived up to twice as long when they nibbled less than control animals. Since then, some studies with rodents and nonhuman primates have shown that this spare diet, known as calorie restriction, improves some markers of diabetes and heart disease, such as blood glucose and triglyceride levels, and possibly prevents neurological declines similar to those seen with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. In humans, however, the results have been mixed. Subjects on low-calorie diets generally have lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels than their chow-happy counterparts. But these studies were small, and none was designed to test how calorie restriction might affect cognitive performance.

To fill that void, neurologist Agnes Flöel and her colleagues at the University of Muenster in Germany recruited 50 healthy elderly subjects. The average volunteer was 60 years old and overweight, with a body mass index of 28. The researchers randomly assigned the volunteers to one of three groups. Twenty people were instructed to reduce their daily calorie intake by 30%, while still eating a balanced diet of nutrient-rich carbohydrates, fats, and lean proteins. Another 20 were told to keep their caloric intake the same but increase their consumption of unsaturated fatty acids, such as those found in salmon or olive oil. (Previous studies have linked a diet rich in these fats to improved cognition.) The remaining 10 volunteers did not change their diets.

After 3 months, all of the volunteers took a memory test in which they were shown 15 words and asked how many they could remember after 30 minutes. On average, those in the calorie-restriction group showed a 20% improvement over their baseline memory scores taken before they started their diets. Subjects in the other two groups showed little or no improvement, the researchers report online this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. "Our study only provides some of the first evidence on the impact of [calorie restriction] on memory in the elderly, but this study has to be followed up now," Flöel wrote in an e-mail to Science. Her team plans to conduct larger studies to determine exactly how calorie restriction enhances memory.

Neuroscientist Laura Dugan of University of California, San Diego, cautions that subjects in the study were overweight at the outset, so their memory improvement could have come from returning to a healthier body weight rather than from simple calorie restriction. Being overweight can cause sleep apnea, for example, which could interfere with cognitive function. But Giulio Pasinetti, a neuroscientist at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, praises the study as the first controlled test of calorie restriction and memory. "The most important message is that moderation in lifestyle--dietary lifestyle--is probably beneficial for our mental activities," he says.

Top 10 healthiest foods to eat

2009-01-22T08:38:00.000-08:00

by Melissa Martinelli, Atlanta Food Examiner

We all know there are no real magic foods. The road to optimum health is not in a pill or one magic food. But there are foods that pack such a nutritional wallop and possess such powerful health benefits, that they are referred to as "super foods".

This healthy food list consists of foods that are nutrient dense. That is, they have more nutrients per calorie than most other foods. They have also been proven to contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that prevent disease: from cancer to heart disease to arthritis, and many more.

These super foods are perfect for heart healthy, low fat cooking and most fit perfectly into a low carb lifestyle as well.

The 10 healthiest foods are foods that are so exceptionally good for us that we should include them in our healthy diet on a regular basis. Our list of super foods is arranged alphabetically, not in order of importance. Each is an amazing food, jam packed with health giving benefits.

The 10 Healthiest Foods to Eat

1. Berries
Berries are extremely rich in antioxidants which help protect the cells in our bodies from damage and therefore from diseases like cancer. Among other things they are also an excellent source of Vitamin C and soluble fiber. Blueberries might help reverse the short term memory loss that often comes with aging.

2. Broccoli
Broccoli (and other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and cabbage) helps fight cancer, especially breast, colon and lung. It boosts the immune system. Broccoli also contains antioxidants and a substance called sulforaphane, which research is showing to be a powerful cancer fighter and preventer.

3. Citrus Fruits
The citrus bioflavanoids in oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit have anti-cancer and antioxidant properties.
Many of these citrus bioflavanoids have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and blood clot inhibiting abilities.

4. Garlic
Numerous studies have shown that regular consumption of garlic can lower our blood pressure. It also prevents the blood from being overly sticky and decreases LDL cholesterol (the "bad" one) while increasing the good HDL cholesterol.

5. Nuts
Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, a special type of fat that is essential for our bodies, but that the body cannot produce. Omega-3 essential fatty acids protect us against heart disease.

Almonds are also known for their ability to help lower LDL cholesterol levels.

6. Oats
Oats also help reduce cholesterol. Research shows that one bowl of oatmeal per day can reduce cholesterol by up to 23%. Oats are also considered an excellent grain for diabetics as they have less impact on blood sugar levels than some other grains.

7. Salmon
The Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and other fatty fish may help prevent heart disease and stroke by lowering the body's rate of blood clotting.

8. Spinach
Spinach's secret weapon, lutein, makes it one of the best foods in the world to prevent cataracts, as well as age related macular degeneration, the leading cause of preventable blindness in the elderly.

9. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and as such helps to protect the cells in our bodies from damage.

10. Turkey
Turkey is one of the leanest protein foods and is low in calories, making it an excellent healthy food choice. Turkey also contains selenium which has been shown to inhibit cancer development, improve the immune system, and aid in the metabolism of our thyroid hormone.

You can see that the top 10 healthiest foods, or "super foods", are also some of our favorites. By including these super foods in a healthy diet on a regular basis you can easily gain many health benefits.

Making healthy food choices just got easier.

Health Corner

2009-01-13T18:26:00.000-08:00

DATE: Monday, 12 January 2009 (Vol. 26, No. 04)

WEBSITE: www.mmegi.bw DATE: Monday, 12 January 2009 (Vol. 26, No. 04)

R. CHINDOMU
S. CHIDZOMBA&
K. BHAGAT

Drink Up

Morning coffee
The caffeine content of coffee may wake you up and give you a bit of a buzz in the morning, but what else does it do? Some research suggests that drinking large amounts of coffee can increase the risk of developing heart disease, while other studies show that there is no link and coffee is actually beneficial. Drinking four to five cups of coffee a day may help to protect against Type 2 Diabetes, Alzheimer's disease liver cancer and Parkinson's disease.

A nice brew
There is growing evidence that drinking tea daily can be beneficial to heart health. Tea contains antioxidants that work by neutralising the damaging free radicals in the body. Recent research has shown that tea improves blood flow and the ability of the arteries to relax, however adding milk counteracts the protective effect against cardiovascular disease.

Water
Recent work concluded that women who consumed five or more glasses of water a day
were 41percent less likely to die from a heart attack than those who drank less than two glasses. The protective effect of water was even greater for men. Good news for weight loss, as evidence shows that many people mistake thirst pangs for hunger pangs and reach for the biscuits or crisps, instead of water.

Red wine and dark coloured beers contains strong antioxidants called polyphenols, these work by neutralising the damaging free radicals in the system. However, drinking more than moderate amounts over a short time period may cause damage that outweighs any benefits to the heart.

Juicy Juice
A glass of fruit juice can add one portion to your five a day and provide a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants. Juices containing 'super' foods such as blueberries and pomegranates are becoming more popular. The high concentration of vitamins in these juices makes them an idea way to top up your vitamins intake.

You are what you eat
Every day we are bombarded with information from advertisers or the media and celebrity endorsed fad diets are never far from the news. It can be hard to know who to listen to when it comes to eating the right foods.

Eating a healthy balanced diet is the only solution to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Make sure you and your family eat a wide variety of foods, choosing the right amounts from each food group.

The five food groups
. Bread, cereals and starchy foods
. Fruit and vegetables
. Milk and dairy foods
. Meat, fish and high protein foods

Foods containing fats and sugars
It is important to eat a wide range of foods from each group. Starchy foods should make up a third of your diet, fruit and vegetables another third. The remaining third should comprise of moderate amounts of dairy and protein and a small amount of foods containing fats and sugars.

Eating for a healthy heart
. Eat lots of starchy foods like bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and chapattis. Choose wholemeal or wholegrain options where possible.

.Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. Ideally, choose different types and colours of fruit and veg to get a full range of vitamins and minerals.
. Choose low fat yoghurts, cheese, skimmed milk.
. Trim all visible fat from meat and use
fat-free cooking methods.
. Eat oily fish twice a week. Fish contain Omega 3, which is good for your heart.

Small changes
Chuck out your deep fat fryer and try steaming, baking, boiling or grilling instead, so that you don't need to use oil or fat.

Salt
Eating too much salt raises blood pressure and this can cause heart disease and stroke.
Nearly 75percent of the salt we consume is hidden in processed foods, such as cereals, ready meals, biscuits, soups and even bread. So even if you never add salt at the table or when cooking, you are probably still eating too much. Simply using fresh ingredients when cooking means you can control the amount of salt and other additives in your food. Use herbs, spices and garlic to flavour meals.
prof@cardiacclinic.co.bw

Toxins in the Body or Drug Interactions?

2009-01-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

Question:

A good friend is suffering from atypical
Parkinson’s - no more specific diagnosis yet:
Speech almost incomprehensible, weakness,
exhaustion, cramps, falls.

No tremor. Worsening very fast. She is 55
years old. She was on lithium for more than
25 years; Was weaned slowly and off completely
one week ago. Weaned off Depacote June 07.
Took other meds with lithium over the years
for bipolar swings.

She currently is off all meds except vitamin D
and some Bs. Randy Mentzer sounds like he might
have insight into whether and how drugs could
underlie, worsen or improve her condition. To
convince her to get a consult I need more
information about whether he has background
relevant to her specifics.

Please advise re Randy Mentzer or any other resource -
diagnostic or palliative - that might be useful.

Response:

My extensive experience in researching the
factors that produce the symptoms of Parkinsons
lead me to conclude that your friend’s quite
serious complications are caused by possible drug
interactions, drug depletions and/or toxicity.

Taking lithium for 25 years could have led to
chronic (or therapeutic) toxicity. The symptoms
of lithium poisoning are similar to those
that you describe. Drugs can remain in the
tissues of our body long after we stop
taking them.

As you state, she has also taken other medications
which might have exacerbated her symptoms. Thus,
there may be drug-drug interactions at play here.

Taking a medicine for a protracted period can
also induce mineral, vitamin and hormonal depletions.
So, on top of everything else, your friend may be
experiencing the effects of drug depletions.

For clients of ours with such problems, we always
refer them to Randy Menzer who does the research
necessary to figure out what might be causing the
symptoms. Some people give consultations by
talking off the top of their heads. Randy asks
a ton of questions, takes copious notes, researches
each person’s unique situation and prepares an
extensive report which you can take to your doctor
for review and further discussion. Every person’s
situation is unique and Randy treats it as such.

If this were me, I would get a consultation from
Randy. I strongly advise that your friend get a
drug consultation from someone who has expertise
in this area if they are not called to contact Randy.
Perhaps you can find a person in your area who has the
expertise to provide such a consultation.

I personally like Randy because he suggests ways
to address the problems that are created by
drug interactions. I have known him to spend
hours and hours doing research for a single
patient. I trust Randy and that is why I refer
people to him.

You can hear him talk about these issues here:

http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com/randy.html

I also like the work of Dr. Ivy Faber. She uses
a diagnostic approach and then addresses the
problems that present themselves with
natural treatments that do not overwhelm the
capacity of the body to heal. You can check out
her information here:

http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com/ivytest.html

In short, the symptoms that are presenting
themselves are clearly serious. They may also
be symptomatic of a drug withdrawal. Symptoms of
Parkinsons typically evolve much more slowly
than what you describe in your letter.

I hope my correspondence encourages your friend
to get a consultation with someone as soon as
possible who is knowledgeable about drug-drug
interactions, toxicity and drug depletions.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
www.Parkinsons Recovery

Coffee and women's health

2009-01-03T09:43:00.000-08:00

Nearly 80% of the population drinks coffee on a daily basis. There are 80-130 mg. of caffeine in just one cup of coffee. For many years the medical community has warned the public of the health risks to women from a simple cup of Java, yet there still is very little linking coffee to health problems except in a very few cases.

The fact of the matter remains; there is little proof that any risk to women exists from drinking coffee in moderate amounts. As a matter of fact, reports have even suggested that coffee even lessen the risks of some diseases in women, such as bladder cancer. It has gotten to the point that it is almost difficult to believe anything that we hear involving the health risks of coffee involving women anymore.

Why has coffee been getting a bad rap?
1. Well of all drinks containing caffeine, coffee has the highest amount, far more than soda.
2. Since pregnant women must be cautious when carrying an infant, doctors advise against caffeinated beverages still today, despite there being no evidence of health risks. This stems from antiquated ideas and data, though.

While the caffeine in coffee can be connected to raising blood pressure and is responsible for increasing the incidence of cardiovascular disease and even high cholesterol levels, there is no connection that coffee poses more of a risk to women who consumes it than women who don't drink it. Women are not exposed to a greater risk from caffeine or coffee than men are.

While some reports contended that coffee causes an increased risk of gallstones in patients who drink the beverage regularly, other research shows that there is no correlation. Just recently there was a report that said coffee drinkers have less gallstones.

Let's dispel some of those myths about coffee and the health risks associated with its consumption. For many of us women, obstetricians and gynecologists discouraged our consumption of coffee during our pregnancies. While this was probably merely a precaution, it is a bit alarming that they have absolutely no scientific reason to do so. Does this anger you?

It seems that sometimes we don't know which study to believe. New research of late has also revealed that coffee is actually beneficial to a person's health. For example, the diuretic effect of coffee has proved that it lessens the incidence of bladder cancer in smokers, and drinking coffee regularly is also reported to lessen the onset of Parkinson's disease. Much of what we hear in the media is hype over a study that had only 200 or 500 people in it. The best advice that anyone can believe is the trusted advice of their doctor.

Let's go in search of answers that many women have about coffee. Many answers to your questions are listed below in the coffee health FAQ.

1. How much coffee is safe?
Well that depends on the brand and type of coffee. Some of the new, popular cappuccino and espresso brands are loaded with caffeine, while some of the other, more traditional brands, offer lower caffeine content. As long as your doctor does not restrict caffeine, it is safe to consume caffeinated coffee in moderation. Individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, gall stones, high cholesterol, mental illness, drug interaction problems, or who are pregnant should not consume caffeinated coffee.

2. Does caffeine effect fertility?
Yes it can decrease a woman's chances of getting pregnant, but it is in no way unsafe to drink a moderate amount of coffee weekly or even daily. Even male coffee drinkers have a decrease in fertility.

3. Does drinking coffee contribute to or cause infertility and/or delayed conception?
No, there is no evidence of this.

4. Is it safe to drink coffee before conception?
Yes it is safe to consume coffee before trying to get pregnant, but as stated above, it can sometimes make it harder to conceive.

5. Does drinking coffee increase the chance of birth defects in your infant?
No, there is no evidence of this.

6. Does coffee consumption by pregnant women contribute to premature births?
No, there is no connection between birth defects and coffee consumption at this time. Some research has suggested this in the past, but it was never conclusive.

7. Does coffee make depression worse?
Yes it may. The medical community maintains that people with any psychiatric or emotional disorders should not have caffeine. For many years the mentally illness have been instructed not to consume any caffeine, and certainly not at high doses.

8. Does coffee cause cancer?
While there is no scientific proof that coffee and other drinks containing caffeine cause cancer of any kind, there is evidence that shows coffee actually helps to prevent bladder cancer. As briefly mentioned above, smokers who drink coffee daily have a much lower incidence of bladder cancer. This may be due to the fact that coffee drinkers urinate more frequently than non-coffee drinkers, so caffeine actually flushes out the bladder, which in turn lessens the smoker's risk of bladder cancer.

9. Does coffee help gallstones?
There is evidence that coffee can protect against gallstones.

10. Is osteoporosis caused or worsened by drinking coffee?
No. After extensive research, scientists agree that there is no link between cancer and osteoporosis. Even with extremely high doses of caffeine, this is not a factor.

11. Can coffee reduce the risk of Parkinson's Disease?
Yes, a recent study from the U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs in Honolulu states that parkinson's disease occurs less in people who drink caffeine on a regular basis. A Study of 8,000 men of Japanese ancestry were studied.102 of the men were diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Men didn't drink coffee had a two to three times higher rate of Parkinson's disease than the coffee drinkers did. Although it was men used in the study, reports suggest that it is likely that women would also benefit from drinking coffee where Parkinson's disease is concerned.

So, what should we ladies do? Question your doctor if he/she restricts coffee and follow their advice, but stay current on health news. Learn to tell the difference between the hype and the facts. Being educated about our health will always make us women feel better in the long run.

Gardener Weeds Out Parkinson’s Disease

2008-12-27T19:32:00.000-08:00

Aparna Atluru, HappyNews Staff

DECEMBER 15, 2008
Paraparaumu, New Zealand

Eric Harper of Paraparaumu, New Zealand was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 11 years ago. He is one of 250 Parkinson’s sufferers worldwide to take part in the medical trial of a new surgical procedure and medication.

The recent procedure consisted of a tube inserted into his small intestine, which allowed Harper to reduce his 33-tablet-a-day regimen down to one gel ampoule.

Previously, Harper was not able to walk for more than a few seconds without freezing up or entering involuntary spasms.

“I walked about four kilometers along the beach- I am over the moon,” said Harper. “It is a new lease on life for me. Miracles do happen at Christmas,” he added.

Harper is determined to work again as a gardener full-time, and got that endeavor under way my visiting the Waikanae nursery this past week, looking to plant a new garden for his wife Heidi. The nursery’s owner, Gus Evans, recognized Harper from a newspaper article, and gave him $1000 worth of plants. Mr. Harper’s dream is well on its way.

The fatty acids could protect against Parkinson?

2008-12-16T07:56:00.000-08:00

Both types of unsaturated fatty acids are contained within the membranes of nerve cells and are known to have neuroprotective characteristics, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Researchers involved in the new study, published in Neurology (2005; 64:2040-2045), wanted to build on this knowledge to determine whether a product of high unsaturated fatty acids was associated with a lower risk of Parkinson's disease.

Monounsaturated fatty acids (Mufasa) have been shown to help a bad) cholesterol, lower LDL (when substituted for saturated fat. Mufasa sources include olives, oils of canola, avocados, peanuts, nuts and seeds.

One of the main forms of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is omega-3, commonly derived from fish, which have been proven to deliver significant benefits for cardiovascular health and cognitive function. Omega-6 is also essential for human health, found in grains, most plant-based oils, poultry and eggs.

But the modern diet is loaded more heavily towards consumption omega-6 to omega-3, an imbalance that has led to the growing reputation of the latest in fortified foods and functional in the form of the supplement.

The new study may give additional weight to the discussions in favor of the Mediterranean diet, which typically consists of foods rich in Mufasa and PUFAs since it is based while you're in olive oil, nuts, fresh fish, the Fruit and vehicles. Three separate studies published this year have highlighted the benefits for heart disease of this diet in lowering cholesterol levels, lowering the risk factors for heart disease and boosting longevity.

The new population-based study in advance of the cohort involved 5289 people aged 55 or over, all of whom were free of dementia and Parkinson's disease at the baseline.

At the start of the trial participants experienced the full charge dietician, and the incidence of Parkinson's disease was detected in the examination of the in-person and continuous monitoring by the repeated coupling of computer medical records.

The duration of the study was bad six years, during which time 51 patients were diagnosed with Parkinson's. Products of the highest total fat, of Mufasa, and PUFAs were "significantly associated" with a lower risk of developing the disease, but did not find any associations for fat, cholesterol, or transport-saturated dietary fat.

"These results suggest that high product of unsaturated fatty acids might protect against Parkinson's disease," researchers concluded.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects about 6.3 million people from around the world. One in ten cases were diagnosed before the age of 50.

The cause is not understood but is thought to result from the combined effects of factors including aging, genetic predisposition and environmental exposures. Symptoms include tremors, stiffness, slow movement and poor coordination and balance.

A study published in the Archives of Neurology (59, pp 1541-1550) in 2002 coenzyme-Q10 which bind to delay the progressive disability caused by Parkinson's is thought to have been at least partly responsible for a surge in consumer demand for CoQ10, usually sourced from Japan, in the past three years. The prices are high, however, and the source is short, so the new research may present a viable alternative method of prevention.

Nutrition and Parkinson's Disease: What Matters Most?

2008-12-12T19:17:00.000-08:00

By Karol Traviss, MSc, RD

Navigating the maze of nutrition information and advice available to the public is challenging, even for a healthy consumer. Add Parkinson's disease to the mix and the challenges spiral higher. The nutritional issues faced by people with PD are complex and diverse, and many of the issues do not have clear answers.

When it comes to nutrition, what matters most? Here we help you to answer that question.

Eat a balanced diet

It is difficult for a person to feel well and maintain energy when he or she is not eating properly. Eating properly involves eating regularly (no meal skipping), eating a variety of foods from all of the food groups (grains, vegetables, fruit, milk/ dairy, meat/beans) and eating prudently to maintain a healthy weight. Although this sounds like simple advice, implementing it can be a challenge, particularly if you have a hectic lifestyle or if the symptoms of Parkinson's are affecting your ability to shop, prepare food and eat.

If you are not eating as well as you should, you may wish to consult a registered dietitian who can help assess your food intake and discuss with you strategies for improving your diet. It is also helpful to seek the assistance of others for shopping and meal preparation, and to keep easy-to-eat, nutritious foods on hand. If you have any problems with depression, this can interfere with appetite; be sure to discuss the problem with your doctor.

Maintain bone health

People with Parkinson's are prone to osteoporosis, a disease caused by low bone-mineral density. Risk factors for osteoporosis include older age, low body weight, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, limited exposure to sunlight, inadequate intake of vitamin D and calcium and lack of weight-bearing exercise.

Osteoporosis can be especially worrisome to a person with Parkinson's who faces an increased risk of falling. The inevitable result is an increased risk of fractures, which are dangerous and painful and tend to be detrimental to one's quality of life. Ask your doctor about having your bone-mineral density checked. If it turns out to be low, medical treatments may be available.

To maintain bone health, make sure your diet includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D.
People who are over the age of 50 should consume 1500 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D daily. Milk and milk products are the richest dietary source of calcium. Three servings per day are recommended (one serving is one cup of milk or yogurt, or one and one-half ounces of hard cheese). Although there are other calcium-containing foods (e.g., tofu, calcium-fortified soy-based beverages, orange juice and dark leafy greens), calcium from non-dairy sources may not be well-absorbed.

You can also obtain vitamin D by getting outdoors regularly and consuming foods rich in vitamin D (e.g., vitamin D-fortified milk, yogurt or breakfast cereals and fatty fish). If you live in a region with limited sunshine and/or do not consume many vitamin D-rich foods, use of a nutritional supplement is recommended.

Supplements come in several forms. Some are easier to tolerate than others. Your pharmacist will be able to advise you on the different kinds available.

Maintain bowel regularity

Constipation is common in Parkinson's disease. While this can be an embarrassing issue to raise with your healthcare provider, prevention and treatment of constipation is critical, as severe constipation can lead to bowel obstruction, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Although the constipation observed in Parkinson's is due in large part to the disease itself, lifestyle measures can be useful for managing it. These include eating foods high in fiber (whole grain bread, bran cereals or muffins, fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes and prunes) and drinking plenty of fluid. Then there is exercise, which helps maintain bone density as well as eases constipation.

If you are not able to achieve bowel regularity through lifestyle alone, laxatives and other bowel interventions may be required. Make sure to see your doctor if constipation persists.

Balance medications and food

The medications used for Parkinson's can themselves cause nutrition-related side-effects, such as nausea and poor appetite. Typically these side-effects are most severe when a medication is first prescribed but some individuals have continuing problems with them. Taking a small snack (such as ginger ale and a few crackers) along with medications may help to control these side-effects. If nausea or poor appetite persist, contact your doctor, as these symptoms can lead to undesired weight loss.

Amino acids (from dietary protein) can interfere with the uptake of levodopa into the brain. If you find (not everyone experiences this) that eating high-protein food (such as meat, fish, poultry and dairy products) decreases the effectiveness of levodopa, keep the meat portion of your meal to about the size of a deck of cards and take your Sinemet® half an hour prior to a protein-containing meal.

Do not use a restricted-protein diet; the problem, if you find you have one, is usually with the timing of the protein intake, not its total quantity over the course of the day.

Do "wonder" foods or supplements delay progression of Parkinson's?

Supplements (both nutritional and herbal) and dietary therapies are high on the list of complementary therapies used by people with Parkinson's. In spite of compelling theories about the effectiveness of various supplements or dietary factors in delaying progression of the disease, we lack definitive, evidence-based answers. Some therapies have been studied only in test tubes or with laboratory animals. Few human trials have been done (e.g., those examining antioxidant vitamin supplements), and most have produced disappointing results. Coenzyme Q10 is one nutritional supplement that is of considerable interest to the scientific community and is under study to determine if it has any potential benefit in Parkinson's disease.

Some foods that are in the "won't hurt and might help" (at least in theory) category include coffee (several population studies have suggested that coffee may be protective against Parkinson's, particularly in men); green tea; a variety of fruits and vegetables; foods rich in vitamin E such as wheat germ; nuts and seeds; and vegetable oil. If the antioxidants present do not help with Parkinson's symptoms, they may help with some other aspect of health so there is certainly no reason not to use them.

When thinking about the potential value of using this or that supplement, consider the factors of cost, safety and effectiveness and be sure not to be "taken in" by hyped headlines. For example, a recent headline read, Vitamin B6 May Cut Risk of Parkinson's Disease. Behind the headline: this study finding, while interesting, was only observed among smokers and the study addressed only the onset, and not the progression, of Parkinson's.

However tempting it may be to seek out "wonder" foods and supplements, at this time there is not enough evidence to suggest that they play a major role.

Adjust nutritional priorities for your situation and stage of disease

Parkinson's symptoms vary from person to person and by stage of disease. Each person must set nutritional priorities based on the issues they face. In early Parkinson's, we should all emphasize eating well and maintaining a healthy weight. As the disease progresses, we should adjust our diets to manage specific new symptoms as they emerge (such as swallowing difficulties, medication side-effects, bowel issues and eating challenges). The goal of thoughtful nutrition is not just to ease PD symptoms; it is also to allow you to continue to use food as a source of pleasure in your life.

Karol Traviss, MSc, RD is a registered dietitian on faculty at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. She has worked collaboratively with the British Columbia Parkinson's community for many years and spoke on complementary nutritional therapies at the 2006 World Parkinson Congress.

Dietary Iron Intake and Risk of Parkinson's Disease

2008-12-07T10:42:00.000-08:00

Giancarlo Logroscino, Xiang Gao, Honglei Chen, Al Wing and Alberto Ascherio

Correspondence to Dr. Giancarlo Logroscino, Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy (e-mail: giancarlo.logroscino@neurol.uniba.it).

Received for publication March 25, 2008. Accepted for publication August 1, 2008.

Dietary iron is the most important source of iron stores. Several case-control studies have described the association of high dietary iron and Parkinson's disease, but prospective data are lacking. The authors prospectively followed 47,406 men and 76,947 women from the United States who provided information through a mailed questionnaire on their diet, medical history, and lifestyle practices between 1984 and 2000. The authors documented 422 new cases of Parkinson's disease. Total iron intake was not associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease (relative risk (RR) = 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74, 1.65; Ptrend = 0.84), but dietary nonheme iron intake from food was associated with a 30% increased risk of Parkinson's disease (RR = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.92, 1.76; Ptrend = 0.02). A secondary analysis revealed that Parkinson's disease risk was significantly increased among individuals with high nonheme iron and low vitamin C intakes (RR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.32; Ptrend = 0.002). Supplemental iron intake was associated with a borderline increase in Parkinson's disease risk among men. Although the authors’ prospective data did not support an association between total iron intake (dietary and supplemental) and risk of Parkinson's disease, a 30% increased risk was associated with a diet rich in nonheme iron. This increase in risk was present in those who had low vitamin C intake.

Abbreviations: CI, confidence interval; HPFS, Health Professionals Follow-up Study; NHS, Nurses’ Health Study; RR, relative risk

Researchers Find Natural Help for Arthritis and Parkinson's Disease: Curry Spice and Grapes

2008-12-02T10:55:00.001-08:00

Sherry Baker, Health Sciences Editor

The national Neuroscience 2008 conference is underway in Washington, D.C., presenting cutting edge research on the whole spectrum of diseases impacting the brain and nervous system. Breaking news from Johns Hopkins scientists presented at the meeting suggests several natural substances could be effective in treating or preventing some of these ills. Specifically, curry spice may protect the brain from Parkinson's disease (PD) and plain table grapes appear to reduce arthritis pain and inflammation.

Researchers know inflammation and damage caused by oxidative stress are implicated in the death of brain cells associated with PD. And curcumin, derived from the curry spice turmeric, has long been known to be a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. So researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine put these facts together and came up with a laboratory model of Parkinson's disease in order to see what effect curcumin has on PD. The result? The spice provided brain cells with strong protection from injury and death.

The research team tested curcumin on nerve-like cells that make a mutant form of the protein alpha-synuclein, called A53T, which binds together inside of cells, causing harmful changes that eventually lead to cell death. A53T alpha-synuclein caused half of untreated cells to die. But when A53T cells were treated with curcumin, only 19% of the cells died. What's more, additional research showed that curcumin also reduced oxidative damage to the cells.

"These results suggest that curcumin is a potential candidate for inhibiting the oxidative damage that leads to Parkinson's disease," said Wanli Smith, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Hopkins, in a statement to the media. "This common curry spice could be a weapon to protect the brain."

The healing power of foods was also demonstrated by a study using table grapes, a fruit known to have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to a high amount of flavonoids. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine scientists say their study of powdered grapes showed the fruit reduced pain and inflammation in a rat model of arthritis. Rats were fed grape powder once a day after receiving arthritis-inducing chemical injections in their knees. A control group of animals got only sugar water. Over a period of four days after the chemical injections, the researchers tested the rats' inflammation levels by measuring knee swelling. The animals' pain responses were also measured by documenting their sensitivity to mechanical stimulation such as prodding of the rodents' paws.

The results showed the rats who were fed the grape powder could withstand stronger prodding than the sugar-fed rats. What's more, the scientists also compared the grape powder treatment with a commonly used anti-inflammatory drug, meloxicam, and found the drug alone – without the grapes – did not sufficiently reduce the animals' pain.

"I think there are two important messages here," Jasenka Borzan, Ph.D., a research associate in anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins, said in a press statement. "That consuming flavonoids through natural products like grapes can be beneficial to health in general and also specifically for reducing inflammatory pain; and that consuming natural products like grapes may also be beneficial in reducing the amount of medication necessary to reduce inflammation."

A dozen things you can do to reduce your risk

2008-11-19T11:18:00.001-08:00

Tuesday, November 4, 2008
By GARY BROWN

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, casting a spotlight on a disease that is stealing an increasing number of lives.

"As many as 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease," notes the Web site for the Alzheimer's Association.

"Alzheimer's destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Alzheimer's gets worse over time, and it is fatal. Today it is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States."

We don't have to sit and wait for the disease to strike us or our loved ones. Researchers have developed guidelines for healthy living that reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

The following guidelines were taken from a report — "Environmental Threats to Healthy Aging from Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Science and Environmental Health Network" — that indicated neurodegenerative diseases are not necessarily inevitable.

The report presents science and analysis indicating environmental factors — diet, stress, exercise and exposure to chemicals — "are key drivers in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases."

The report said people can take the following actions to reduce the risks of developing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's:

1. Practice good nutrition from the beginning of life

"Prioritize healthy and nutritious food for children, teenagers, and adults. Consumption of fast food and calorie-dense snacks ... should be reduced or eliminated."

2. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially deep-green and orange vegetables

"Fruits and vegetables provide essential antioxidants, vitamins, and other critical micronutrients."

3. Eat foods high in omega-3s

"Eat fish at least once a week. ... If using fish oil, chose a brand that has been distilled to remove toxicants. Minimize consumption of fish that are high in contaminants such as mercury and PCBs."

4. Avoid routine consumption of sugar

"Table sugar, high fructose corn syrup, maple syrup and honey, and beverages and foods containing them, cause rapid elevations of blood sugar."

5. Consume low-glycemic carbohydrates, such as whole grains and legumes (such as chick peas and lentils)

"Other examples include brown rice, pearled barley, steel-cut oats, rye, buckwheat, fruits, non-starchy vegetables, pasta, winter squashes, and tubers (yams, sweet potatoes)."

6. Modest consumption of alcohol is okay

"Beverages like red wine and green tea contain important antioxidants ... and caffeine may reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease."

7. Avoid food additives, such as aluminum

"Recent evidence suggests that dietary aluminum may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Highest aluminum levels in food have been reported in some pancake and waffle products — including mixes, frozen and restaurant varieties."

8. Reduce exposure to toxicants

"Avoid hazardous exposures to toxicants such as lead and solvents during building and remodeling projects. ... Also eliminate or reduce pesticide use in the home and on lawns and gardens."

9. Increase physical activity

"Walking more each day can improve health, prevent overweight and obesity, and help maintain independence."

10. Increase social activity

"Regular social engagement with others reduces the risk of cognitive decline in later years. Volunteer, get involved in com-munity activities, and stay in touch with family members."

11. Reduce stress

"Many of us are constantly expected to multitask and respond instantly to ever more rapid communications. Try to find even a few minutes a day to relax."

12. Exercise your brain

"Exercising your brain may be beneficial for maintaining healthy cognition. Common sense ways to do this include crossword puzzles and word games, chess, and activities that require critical thinking."_

Want to know more?

The full report is available online at www.agehealthy.org

Unintended Weight Loss

2008-11-19T10:41:00.001-08:00

Kathrynne Holden, M.S., R.D.

All too often, people with PD lose weight, sometimes a critical amount of weight, unintentionally.There are many possible reasons for this.

• Depression can cause lack of appetite and desire to eat.

• Chewing or swallowing difficulties may make it hard to eat at a normal rate; it may take hours to finish a meal

• Some have difficulty manipulating a fork and knife

• Tremor and dyskinesia burn up many extra calories

• In other instances, people with PD report their appetites are good, they enjoy eating, and yet still mysteriously lose weight.

Often this weight loss is gradual, taking place over a period of several years. In other cases, weight loss can be sudden, occurring over a period of months or even weeks.

Weight loss --why is it a problem?

Unplanned weight loss should never be taken lightly. Studies report that the loss of just ten percent of a person’s maximum lifetime weight within the past ten years raises the risk for illness, bone fracture, and even death.

When we lose weight, precious muscle mass is depleted, too. Muscle wasting makes it difficult to walk, maintain proper balance, and perform the usual activities of daily living. Furthermore, the body becomes depleted of nutrients, ike vitamins and minerals. This depletion can lead to behavior change, altered mental function, depressed immune system, weakened bones, and other undesirable conditions.

Besides these concerns, we need regular meals to maintain our energy. People with PD often experience fatigue due to the disease or medications used to treat PD; lack of glucose can make this fatigue even worse. Food supplies a steady stream of blood glucose, which our body’s cells use for nourishment, energy, and work. Without this glucose, we may feel tired, listless, apathetic.

If you have lost weight without meaning to.....

If you or someone you know has lost weight within the past few weeks, you must notify your physician and ask for a referral to a registered dietitian.Why? Your medications, laboratory reports, food preferences, and any diagnoses must be taken into consideration when planning a weight gain program. A dietitian can help you solve these problems and design a safe, personal eating plan for regaining weight.

What if I don’t feel like eating?

Medications can cause a loss of appetite. Also, people with PD often lose the sense of smell, and this affects the ability to taste, and sometimes affects appetite as well.

When your appetite is poor, a big plate of food can seem discouraging. Don’t try to force yourself to eat large meals.You’ll need to eat a bit more than you have been, but not all at one time. Instead, plan for three small meals and three or more nutritious snacks each day. Meals should range from 300 to 600 calories each, and snacks from 50 to 300 calories, totaling enough calories to prevent weight loss. If weight loss has already occurred, calories should be adequate to allow you to regain weight.

Aim for a gradual weight gain of about one or two pounds per month. A number of my clients who have experienced gradual weight loss over as muchas ten years, have regained weight in this way.

What if I can’t finish meals on time?

Several conditions may make it hard to finish a meal. Sometimes bradykinesia (slowed movement) makes it difficult to handle utensils, or cut meat.

It may help to choose softer foods, like meatloaf, soups and stews, where the meat has been ground or cooked to tenderness, and doesn’t have to be cut. Avoid raw vegetables and lettuce salads – these are difficult to spear on a fork and convey to the mouth. Cooked vegetables, vegetable juices, and vegetable soups may be better choices. Pureed soups can be sipped from a mug, avoiding the need for a spoon. This can also help if chewing becomes difficult.

Sometimes it’s hard for me to swallow, or I feel like I might choke.

If it’s hard to swallow, or if choking occurs, your physician should order a visit to a speech pathologist. This is very important because there could be a danger of inhaling food. Food particles, liquids, or even saliva in the lungs can cause a form of pneumonia called “aspiration pneumonia.” Aspiration pneumoniais a very frequent cause of hospitalization among people with PD. The speech pathologist can perform a swallowing evaluation to determine whether you are at risk for aspiration pneumonia, and if so can show you safe swallowing techniques.You may be advised to eat soft, well-cooked foods or to avoid such foods as nut butters and raw vegetables until danger of choking is past.

When depression causes weight loss

Lack of appetite may be due to depression, a condition of sadness or hopelessness.This is often a temporary condition, but if it persists, your doctor may refer you to a counselor, or prescribe a medication to help. It’s especially important to eat at this time, because lack of nutrients can make depression much worse.

Follow the guidelines under “What if I don’t feel like eating?” Aim for small meals with frequent snacks. Meals and snacks should be as nutritious as possible, in order to provide all the vitamins and minerals needed to help overcome depression. A multivitamin-mineral pill is a good idea, too; ask your physician or pharmacist to recommend one.

Keep on hand the foods you like best. It’s easier to eat foods you like than those you don’t much care about.

Keep small snacks sitting out, where you can reach them easily. If you take levodopa, low-protein snacks are especially important. A dish of ice cream, a cup of hot chocolate (make with fortified soy or rice milk substitute if necessary),a few fig cookies, may be appealing. It’s better to eat sweets than not to eat at all!

Attractive, colorful meals are usually more appealing, so make the most of garnishes, textures, and flavors. A bright, cheerful setting, and soft music, may help, too.

Bone Health

2008-11-19T10:40:00.001-08:00

Kathrynne Holden, M.S., R.D.

Osteoporosis is serious. It can cause fractures of the hip, spine, or wrist, and affects many women over age 60. However, though it’s not as widely known, men – especially men with PD – are also at risk for osteoporosis and fractures. Studies have shown that both men and women with Parkinson’s disease are likely to have lower bone mineral density, and greater incidence of osteoporosis, falls and bonefractures. Recovery from hip fracture takes longer with PD, and many people require long-term care before returning to their own home.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes weakened bones. Calcium is removed from bones, leaving tiny holes. The early stage of such bone thinning is called osteopenia; when it progresses too far, it is called osteoporosis, and the risk for fracture is greatly increased.

What are the common risk factors for osteoporosis?

• Age. Bone loss increases with age.

• Post menopausal estrogen loss in women

• Heredity and race: white and Asian women are at greatest risk.

• Long-term use of medications, such as the steroids used to treat asthma and arthritis; some cancer treatments; anticonvulsants; and antacids that contain aluminum

• Diseases that affect hormone levels, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism.

• Smoking.

• Excessive alcohol use.

• Low calcium intake.

• Too little physical activity.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

Strong, dense bones can withstand the impact of a sudden fall, while weak, brittle bones will fracture. Men and women with PD can do a number of things to prevent osteoporosis. Although we can’t do anything about age and heredity, there are other risk factors that we can control.

• Avoid unplanned weight loss – stay at a healthy weight. Losing too much weight raises the risk for bone fractures. Unplanned weight loss is accompaniedby loss of bone mass as well as muscle and fat. Let your doctor or registered dietitian help determine the best weight for you, and maintain that weight.

• Talk to your doctor:

• If you are a man or woman over age 50• If you are a post menopausal woman

• If you have a family history of osteoporosis

• If you use medications that increase the risk for osteoporosis

• If you believe you have low levels of testosterone (men)

• If you have diabetes, kidney disease, or hyperthyroidism.

Change any unhealthy habits that cause bone thinning, like smoking, excessive alcohol use, and inactivity. Get enough calcium, magnesium, and vitamins D and K.

Calcium — the bone mineral

The latest recommendation for adults age 50 and older is 1200 mg calcium per day.That amount can be found in four glasses of fortified milk or four to six ounces of cheese. But, since these foods are high in protein, they may not be helpful for those using levodopa. In fact, some people have found that dairy foods are more apt than other protein foods to inhibit levodopa absorption.Getting enough calcium can be difficult when you have PD. Here are some recommendations that will help to meet calcium requirements.

• Calcium-fortified orange juice

• Calcium-fortified rice- and soy- milk alternatives for use on cereal, in smoothies, and in many cooked dishes

• Breakfast cereals and other foods fortified with calcium

It may also be necessary to use a calcium supplement. Calcium carbonate is the richest source of calcium, but some people cannot tolerate it. Calcium citrate is often a better choice. Chewable calcium tablets are better absorbed, because they are already broken down when they reach the stomach.

Vitamin D -- for calcium absorption.

Without adequate amounts of vitamin D, calcium cannot be absorbed by the body. If you live in a sunny area, vitamin D is easy to get through about one hour per week outdoors in the sunshine with the face, hands, and arms exposed. Because vitamin D is stored, our bodies can conserve enough D during the summer to last us through the winter.

However, if you live in northern areas or if you mostly stay indoors, you may not get enough vitamin D from sunlight.The current recommendation for vitamin D is 400 IUs daily (ten mcg) for people age fifty and older; and 600 IUs daily (15 mcg) for those over age 70.

Food Sources of Vitamin D:

Fortified foods, such as milk and milk substitutes, milk products, margarine, and cereals

Fatty fish, such as salmon, and fish liver oils

Liver

Eggs

If you think you’re not getting enough vitamin D, check with your doctor or registered dietitian about a vitamin D supplement. Be careful not to take too much, since it’s stored in the tissues and can be toxic in large amounts.

Magnesium is just as important as calcium.

It helps rebuild and strengthen bone. Magnesium also has some effect as a muscle relaxant, so may be beneficial to people with PD who experience muscle rigidity as a primarysymptom.

Broccoli and other dark green vegetables, dried beans and peas, and whole grains are all rich in bone-building magnesium. For adults, the RDA is 420mg per day for men, 320 mg per day for women. Magnesium and calcium are often combined in over-the-counter nutritional supplements.

Don’t forget vitamin K. This nutrient is also important, however, it is not as difficult to get from foods as calcium and vitamin D. The adult requirement for vitamin K is 120 mcg for men and 90 mcg for women. Dark green leafy vegetables such as collards, spinach, and chard; Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce, all provide generous amounts of vitamin K.

PD and Water Needs

2008-11-19T10:38:00.001-08:00

Kathrynne Holden, M.S., R.D.

Not everyone realizes that water is considered a nutrient. But in reality, it’s quite possibly the most important nutrient of all.Yet, water is so cheap, so plentiful, and so easy to get, that we may take it for granted. We forget all the special things about water that no other drink can match.

Water dissolves the vitamins and minerals weneed. Then blood, which is mostly water, carries them throughout the body.Water also helps lubricate our joints, and acts as a shock absorber inside the eyes and spinal cord. And, when the digestive system changes the food into fuel for the body, a lot of toxins and wastes are produced. Water is the force that carries these wastes out of the body in the breath, the urine, and the fecal matter. Truly, water is a miraculous substance.

Are fluids more important if you haveParkinson’s? Yes, because those with PD are more likely to have constipation.Yet, with PD, there are so many things to think about that I believe the need for fluids often can be forgotten. However, fluids can be one of the most important aspects of dealing with PD.

How does water help constipation? The job of the large intestine, or colon, is to maintain enough water in the stool to keep it soft. But a hard stool is not life-threatening, so the colon has a low priority on water. When there’s not enough water to go around, the colon removes some water from the stool and gives it to other organs – the brain, the kidneys, the bloodstream. The stool becomes dry, hard, and difficult to pass, resulting in constipation. Although constipation has many possible causes, if you don’t drink enough water, constipation is a pretty sure bet.

But if you’re not used to drinking water, start gradually adding a half-glass a day, and work up to 6 to 8 glasses. Your system may take some time to adjust.You could find that you retain water at first, but gradually your body will release the extra fluids and stay at a well-hydrated level.

Urinary tract infections --Another reason to drink plenty of fluids

Bladder and urinary tract infections are common in older adults and people with PD. Why? The thirst sensation is blunted as we age; therefore, we don't feel thirsty, even when we need fluids. Older adults are frequently in a state of mild and prolonged dehydration. This allows bacteria to grow and thrive in the bladder and urinary tract, causing infection.

A large glass of cranberry juice daily, along with at least four (preferably eight) glasses of water, plus any juices or other beverages usually consumed, is a good idea. Cranberry juice can help prevent infections in many cases, and can also help cure them, along with medications. Cranberries contain a substance that makes it difficult for bacteria to adhere to the walls of the bladder and urinary tract.The bacteria are then flushed out by the flow of urine.

Dry mouth, dry eyes, thirst – more reasons why we need fluids

Some people report that they often feel thirsty and sometimes have dry mouth, thick or sticky saliva, and dry eyes. This may be due to anti-Parkinson medications; the anti-cholinergic drugs such as Artane or Cogentin used totreat tremor are particularly known to cause such symptoms. Dry mouth may also be caused by difficulty swallowing, sleeping with the mouth open, or mouth breathing while awake. Be sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids to counteract dry mouth.

Why is dry mouth a problem? Without saliva, bacteria can breed along the gums and cause decay and loss of teeth. Tooth loss may result in the need for dentures, which often don’t fit well or work as well as natural teeth. This sometimes means that food is poorly digested. Dentures can also cause painful sores on the gums, if they don’t fit well.

More on oral health

Other problems that affect dental health may include difficulty brushing, flossing and/or rinsing the mouth due to rigidity of the tongue, jaw and facial muscles. People with PD should discuss good oral care with their dentists. Provide a list of all the medications you use. Your dentist can recommend anartificial lubricant to help keep the mouth moist, if necessary. Also ask whether you need fluoride treatments or rinses.

If you are drinking six to eight glasses of water daily, plus juices and other beverages, yet still feel that your mouth is dry, try sipping water frequently and swishing it around your mouth to keep it moist.You should also report dry mouth to your dentist, who may suggest a fluoride rinse or artificial saliva, or even sugarless chewing gum.

Dry eyes

The automatic blink reflex is diminished in Parkinson’s disease, causing less frequent blinking.This often results in tired, dry, itchy eyes even in a person who drinks plenty of water. Using artificial tears 2-3 times daily, available over-the-counter in pharmacies, is often recommended. Check with your doctor or optometrist to see if this solution might be helpful to relieve dry eyes.

Excessive thirst / no thirst

Feeling very thirsty can be a sign of acute dehydration. Chronic dehydration, on the other hand, doesn’t always cause a feeling of thirst, yet causes many hospitalizations and may even result in death. Chronic mild dehydration, therefore, can be even more dangerous, because it goes unrecognized until it’s too late. Unfortunately, many PD medications can raise the risk for dehydration, both chronic and acute.

Note:The thirst mechanism slows down with age. Unlike the hunger signal that tells us our body needs fuel, thirst awareness may not activate until we’re already dehydrated. Also, older adults are more likely to take medications that change the amounts of sweat and urine produced, including drugs for respiratory conditions, urinary incontinence, diuretics, and PD.

Unless your doctor has ordered a fluid restriction, the best bet is to drink plenty of plain water, a minimum of 4-8 glasses per day. If you drink caffeine containing drinks or alcoholic beverages, be sure to drink extra water.

People with PD have many concerns -- medications and their effects, timing of meals and levodopa, job responsibilities, family concerns, and much more. Sometimes the most basic need of all can be forgotten: the body's need for water.

Signs of dehydration

• Urinary tract infections

• Low back pain

• Mental confusion

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Dry tongue, longitudinal furrows in the tongue

• Dry mouth, cracked lips

• Sunken eyes

• Dark urine, infrequent need to urinate

• Difficulty swallowing liquids

• Difficulty speaking

• Upper body weakness

• Weight loss

If you experience dry mouth, dry eyes, or excessive thirst, write down how much water you drink daily, and check to see if you’re drinking enough. If not, try adding half a glass per day until you reach the recommended level.

Constipation

2008-11-19T10:37:00.001-08:00

Kathrynne Holden, M.S., R.D.

What is constipation and why does it occur so frequently with Parkinson’s?

Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. It occurs among many people with PD. Possible reasons include:

1) PD may cause some degeneration of the nerves of the GI tract.These nerves control “peristalsis” – the rhythmic movement of the GI tract, including the colon. When they are affected, peristalsis slows down. Slowed peristalsis of the colon means that the stool moves very slowly, becoming dry and hard

2) Medications used to treat PD (levodopa, dopamine agonists, selegeline, amantadine, anticholinergics, and others) can also cause constipation, again by affecting peristalsis.

3) People with PD often have a craving for sweets, which contribute to constipation by replacing the high-fiber foods that help to soften the stool and speed peristalsis.

4) Very few people drink enough fluids, which are needed to help keep the stool soft and bulky.

Why is constipation a cause for concern? Isn’t it mainly just a nuisance?

At first, constipation may seem more of a nuisance than a real concern. However, there are several concerns, all of which have occurred in some people with PD.

• A person who is frequently constipated, over a long period of time, may develop hemorrhoids, a condition in which part of the tissues lining the anus slip outside, becoming enlarged and painful.

• Another concern is the possibility of bowel impaction, also known as fecalimpaction — a condition where dry, hard feces accumulate in the colon and cannot be passed. Sometimes watery feces may pass around the impaction, as diarrhea, leading the person to believe s/he is not constipated. Bowel impaction can be very painful, and may require hospitalization. In extremecases, surgery may be necessary.

• Still another consideration is that chronic constipation can raise the risk for colorectal cancer.

If constipation is caused by medications or by PD, how can it be controlled?

It’s important to get enough fiber and fluids each day. Besides helping to prevent constipation, fiber can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, prevent many chronic diseases, and often aids people with diabetes in controlling their blood sugar. Fluids, especially water, work hand-in-hand with fiber to keep the stool bulky.

What does fiber do?

Fiber, along with water, keeps our bowels working smoothly. Insoluble fiber works like a partner with water. Each bit of fiber soaks up water like a little sponge and swells up to many times its size. All these little water-soaked sponges add bulk to the stool, making it soft and easy to pass.They also exercise the muscles of the intestine, so they stay strong and healthy. More frequent bowel movements are often the result.This not only helps prevent constipation, it can also prevent or ease hemorrhoids. These occur when we strain to pass the stool. Fiber may also lower the risk of colon and rectal cancers.

Why can’t I just use laxatives?

Many people prefer laxatives, which are powerful, but work in a different way. Laxatives stimulate the nerve endings of the colon, causing rapid removal of bowel contents. Over time, stimulant laxatives damage the lining of the colon, causing even greater difficulty with constipation.

What sources of fiber are best?

Fiber is found only in plant foods. Foods highest in insoluble fiber are whole grains, cooked dried beans, and fruits and vegetables with edible skins. Wheat bran is an excellent source of insoluble fiber. People who experience constipation should aim for 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily.

If you’re not used to eating whole-grain foods, or apples and potatoes with the skin, it’s best to increase the fiber content gradually. Bloating and gas can occur as the system tries to get used to the unusual load of fiber. Products like Beano have helped many people enjoy a fiber-rich diet. If it’s difficult for you to get enough fiber daily, consider using a product such as Unifiber, which can be added to foods or liquids, and even tube feedings.

What about fluids?

Fluids are just as influential as fiber. Without fluid, fiber particles remain dry and harden, actually making constipation worse. Four to eight glasses of water per day, plus juices, milk, and other beverages are necessary.

What if fiber and fluids aren’t sufficient to manage constipation?

• Diet should be your first treatment for constipation. However, sometimes peristalsis (muscle action in the large intestine) is slowed enough in Parkinson’s disease that other therapies may be indicated. If you get plenty of fiber and fluids, yet still have fewer than three bowel movements per week, it may be necessary to take further steps.

• A remedy used in some hospitals is called the Prune Juice Cocktail. Mix together:

1/2 cup applesauce

2 tablespoons wheat bran (“miller’s bran”)

4-6 oz prune juice

Store in refrigerator.Take a tablespoonful per day at first, gradually increasing until you find the amount that works best. Most people find this mixture quite palatable.

• Some patients report that a serving of prunes or prune juice including pulp 2-3 times per week is beneficial.

• It may be helpful to combine these two suggestions – have a daily spoonful or two of Prune Juice Cocktail, and 2-4 times per week, have a serving of cooked prunes.

• Ask your doctor about a fiber supplement, such as Metamucil, Citrucel, or Unifiber. Metamucil and Citrucel can be stirred into liquids, and are found in most drug stores and grocery stores. Unifiber can be mixed with liquids or stirred into thicker foods, like mayonnaise, applesauce, cooked cereals, and other foods; and if needed, can also be used in tube feedings. Your pharmacist can order Unifiber if not in stock or phone Niche Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Roanoke, Texas 76262, 1-800-677-0355.

• Manual “belly massage” from the bottom of the ribcage to the top of the pubic bone, performed 2-3 times daily, sends mechanical signals to the bowel to “keep things moving.”

• Train yourself to “honor the urge” to have a bowel movement. It may not always occur first thing in the morning or only at home! Likewise, be aware that the natural position for evacuating the bowel is squatting. Raised toilet seat devices may aid mobility, but are not ideal for bowel function.Try hiking your feet up on a small bench while sitting on the toilet.

• Ask your physician about using an over-the-counter stool softener such as Colace or Pericolace. If bowel motility is good but stool is dry and hard to pass, some health practitioners also advise occasional use of infant-sized glycerin suppositories to soften stool in the lower colon and reduce straining.

If you’ve tried all these solutions and still have a problem with constipation, you may need to consult your physician to see if prescription medications or referral to a specialist is indicated.

Protein and Levodopa Protein and Levodopa

2008-11-19T10:36:00.000-08:00

Kathrynne Holden, M.S., R.D.

A combination of levodopa with carbidopa or benserazide, known as the brand name Sinemet, Madopar, and other names, is an important medication used in treating Parkinson’s disease. However, there are some barriers to absorption of regular (quick-release) Sinemet/Madopar by the body.

1) If you take your Sinemet with a meal, or just after a meal, it may take avery long time for the Sinemet to be absorbed.This is because the stomach takes about one to three hours to empty food. If Sinemet is mixed with food, it takes the same amount of time to clear the stomach as the food does.

2) A high-fat meal takes even longer to clear the stomach. Fat is digested very slowly compared to carbohydrate and protein. If Sinemet is taken with a high-fat meal, it is further delayed in clearing the stomach.

3) Protein in the meal is broken down in the intestine into amino acids.These aminos must travel across the intestinal wall to get into the blood.Then they must cross the blood-brain barrier to enter the brain. Sinemet also must transit the intestine and the blood-brain barrier using exactly the same carrier system as the amino acids.

Most meals contain a large amount of protein, and the amino acids use up all the “carriers.” The Sinemet must wait until the carriers are free again, in order to cross over into the bloodstream. The same thing happens when Sinemet tries to get to the brain, where it does its work. Once more, amino acids clog all the “carriers” and Sinemet can’t get through to the brain. Therefore, it’s best to take Sinemet 30 to 60 minutes before eating a meal. This allows the Sinemet to be quickly absorbed before the food can interfere.

PROBLEM: Many people experience nausea when they first begin to use Sinemet. This usually disappears after a few weeks, although some people continue to feel nausea as long as they use Sinemet.

SOLUTION: Take the Sinemet along with some foods that don’t contain protein. Ginger tea is a good choice for many people, because it often “settles the stomach.” A graham cracker or soda cracker along with the ginger tea may help, too — these are very low in protein, and should not interfere with the absorption of Sinemet. You can find ginger tea in health food stores. Ginger ale may also be helpful for some people. If your nausea is not relieved after a few weeks, discuss this with your doctor, who may wish to prescribe an anti-nausea medication. What about Sinemet CR/Madopar HBS?

Sinemet CR (“Controlled Release”) and Madopar HBS and their generic forms, are designed to be released slowly into the blood over a long periodof time, providing a continuous, smooth, supply of levodopa. It was also designed so that it can be taken with a meal. However, it requires more time to become effective than regular Sinemet, and taking it with food means it will be even longer before it takes effect. If you spend a great deal of time in an “off state” (time when medications are not working) then it may be best to take Sinemet CR 30-60 minutes before eating a meal, just as you do regular Sinemet.

On-off fluctuations. In the early stages of PD, the brain continues to produce dopamine, although in reduced amounts. Medications such as the levodopa in Sinemet boost this amount, so a steady supply of dopamine reaches the brain at all times. Later on, the brain ceases to produce dopamine in any significant amount, and must rely totally on Sinemet. This is when “on-off fluctuations” start to occur.

When levodopa begins to take effect and there is a good dopamine response, the person is said to be “on,” functioning and moving well. As the levodopa begins to lose its effect and movement becomes more difficult; the person is said to be “off” or experiencing a “wearing off” phenomenon. These on-off fluctuations are a common problem in patients who have taken Sinemet for several years.

New medications, such as the agonists ropinerole and pramipexole, and the COMT-inhibitor tolcapone, have greatly extended the effectiveness of levodopa, and decreased “off time.” Nevertheless, in advanced PD, fluctuations can still be a problem.

The nutritional concern at this point is the amino acids previously discussed. These must cross the cells of the intestinal walls to get into the blood, and then must cross the blood brain barrier to get into the brain. These amino acids use exactly the same pathway as levodopa to get into the bloodstream and the brain.

Therefore, a meal high in protein combined with Sinemet can seriously interfere with levodopa absorption, particularly at the level of the brain receptors. Research indicates that many people who experience "on-off" fluctuations can benefit by adjusting their protein intake.For those wishing to adjust their protein intake, there are three ways currently considered feasible.

1) Balanced protein plan. This is the plan I highly recommend. With the help of a registered dietitian, determine your protein needs; if you are otherwise healthy, this will be about 1/2 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day. Then, divide this amount equally among three meals, morning, midday, and dinner. For most people, this will result in less protein than the typical western diet provides; also, it will be evenly divided, providing for more consistent levodopa absorption. Be sure to take the levodopa at least 30 minutes before meals; if you need to eat snacks between meals, choose those with little or no protein – fruit, juices, etc.

2) Evening protein. I do not recommend you attempt this plan without the assistance of a registered dietitian. High-protein foods are eaten only in the evening, so that mobility is improved during the day. This plan is not ideal, however, because mobility is greatly reduced during the night time, and many people find they have difficulty turning in bed, or getting up at night. Some people then forego eating any protein in the evening, so as to have better control of PD symptoms throughout the night; such deprivation leads to protein starvation and illness, even hospitalization. If you are extremely protein-sensitive, ask for a referral to a registered dietitian, who can assess your protein needs and help you plan a safe and effective “evening protein menu.”

3) High-carbohydrate (high-carb) plan. Eat meals that consist of a ratioof five-to-seven parts carbohydrate to one part protein (5:1 to 7:1).

In the small intestine, carbohydrate breaks down into glucose, and enters the bloodstream. Protein breaks down into amino acids, which enter the blood stream with glucose. A high ratio of carbohydrate to protein causes a large amount of insulin to be released into the blood. Insulin removes some of the amino acids from the blood and may help lower the competition between aminos and Sinemet.

The high-carb meal plan appears to work well for about two-thirds of the people who try it. It allows small amounts of protein throughout the day, and a more natural menu. It has disadvantages, however:

- it is difficult to understand and plan meals and recipes in such a high ratio

- it is very difficult to devise a menu under 1800 calories per day, and this is too much food for some people

- it is difficult to eat meals away from home – restaurants, friends’ homes, and traveling all pose problems for those wishing to maintain a high-carb diet plan.

- furthermore, a high-carb diet could make some conditions, like diabetes, lung disease, and high serum triglycerides, much worse.

A high-carb menu plan should only be undertaken with the help of a registered dietitian. An RD can determine your individual protein needs, and provide accurate information on the amounts of protein and carbohydrate in foods. It should also be discussed with one's physician first. Some people find it so successful that they may need less levodopa, and your physician needs to work closely with you to determine the correct amount. Otherwise, you might find yourself over medicated.

Other protein-related information. Meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, and eggs are all very high in protein. For many people, milk in particular block slevodopa, to a greater extent than other protein-rich foods. To get better results from your Sinemet, use high-protein foods moderately, along with large helpings of fruits, vegetables, and grains.This means that at a meal you should eat a small portion (3-4 ounces) of meat, poultry, fish, cheese, or eggs, accompanied by fruit, vegetables, and bread, cereal, pasta, or other grains.

If milk is a problem for you, a good substitute is a “milk alternative” such as soy or rice milk. Be sure to choose the kinds that are fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Westsoy soy beverage has a fortified version. Rice Dream also carries a fortified version. You can get these products at larger grocery stores or at health food stores.

Carnation Instant Breakfast is inexpensive, and an Instant Breakfast Shakeworks well for most people, as long as it’s made using soy or rice milk, and some fruit. However, it contains a small amount of dried milk, and those who are very sensitive to milk protein may not be able to use Instant Breakfast.

Plant protein is a good choice for part of your protein needs. Plant protein (dried beans, nuts, and seeds) contains a high ratio of carbohydrates to protein, whereas meat, fish, and poultry contain no carbohydrate. It’s a good idea to eat several servings of cooked dried beans, peas, or lentils each week. Legumes have more fiber than any other food. Fiber helps with constipation and is heart-protective as well. Good choices are bean soup, refried beans, three-bean salad, and patties made from soy protein, like Morningstar Farms “Better’n Burgers” or Boca Burgers.You can find these and others in the freezer case at the grocery stores.

The Significance of Nutrition in Parkinson’s

2008-11-19T10:35:00.002-08:00

Kathrynne Holden, M.S., R.D.

Why is nutrition of special importance for those with Parkinson’s disease (PD)?

Nutrition won’t cure PD, or slow its progression, so why is itimportant?

The answer is that PD impacts many aspects of health. It can slow the gastrointestinal tract, causing constipation, slowed stomach emptying, and swallowing problems; it can lead to loss of the sense of smell, and of taste. Medications used to treat PD can cause nausea and appetite loss. And, one of the most important medications, levodopa, must compete with protein for absorption from the small intestine.

People with PD are at increased risk for malnutrition; yet, with attention to diet, you will feel better, ward off nutrition-related diseases, and prevent hospitalization. A stay in the hospital can be costly, traumatic, and painful, but for those with PD, there are additional concerns.

• Some hospital staff members are unfamiliar with the special medications used with PD.

• Timing of medications can be difficult for staff, who may already have complicated schedules in place.

By following good nutrition practices, you’ll feel better, and are much more likely to stay healthy and avoid the hospital.

What is optimal nutrition for people with PD?

There is no single answer. PD affects each individual quite differently; some factors that can change your dietary needs include your age, your gender, whether you haveany other diagnosed conditions such as elevated blood pressure, food allergies, diabetes, etc. Also, medications used may have a wide range of side effects that can impact nutritional health. That includes medications for heart disease, blood pressure, and other conditions, as well as PD medications; it also includes many over-the-counter medications.

We will therefore discuss some of the most common concerns, some of which can become serious enough over time to require hospitalization. These include:

1. Bone thinning. Studies have shown that people with PD are at increased risk for bone thinning – both men and women alike. Other research has demonstrated that malnutrition, unplanned weight loss, and falls greatly increase the risk for bone fracture and other disabilities. As PD advances, it can increase the likelihood of falls. For those with PD, therefore, it’s especially important to eat meals that provide the bone-strengthening nutrients — particularly calcium, magnesium, and vitamins D and K. Also important is regular exposure to sunlight (which provides vitamin D, a bone-strengthening vitamin), and weight-bearing exercise, such as walking. Nutrients, sunlight, and weight-bearing exercise will help to keep the bones strong, preventing fractures and hospitalization.

2. Dehydration. PD medications can raise the risk for dehydration. Many people with PD don’t realize how important water is for health. Dehydration can lead to confusion, weakness, balance problems, respiratory failure, kidney failure, and death. In the United States, dehydration is responsible for about 1.8 million days of hospital care each year (about ten days per patient), and costs more than $1 billion annually.

3. Bowel impaction. PD can slow the movement of the colon, causing constipation. This makes it extra important to get enough fiber in the daily menu. If not dealt with properly, constipation can lead to a mass of dry, hard feces, impossible to pass normally. This is called bowel impaction. People with bowel impaction may require hospitalization, sometimes even surgery.

4. Unplanned weight loss. People with PD often lose weight without meaning to, due to nausea, loss of appetite, depression, and slowed movement. Unplanned weight loss together with malnutrition can lead to a weakened immune system, muscle wasting, loss of vital nutrients, and risk for other diseases. A loss of ten percent of the maximum lifetime adult weight is a predictor for illness and death. For example, if a man’s normal adult weight was 150 pounds, and he loses 15 pounds without meaning to -- even if over a period of several years -- he is at increased risk for illness and death.

5. Medication side effects. Medications perform important roles in helping to manage PD symptoms; however, in some people they can have unwanted side effects. Taking more than one medication increases the likelihood of these adverse effects, and it’s a good idea to watch carefully for any changes upon starting a new medications.

Furthermore, many people with PD use drugs for other conditions, such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, etc. These medications may also have undesirable side effects or contribute to additive side effects. Some common side effects of PD medications include:

• nausea

• appetite loss, often followed by weight loss

• edema (fluid retention in the tissues)

• compulsive eating, and weight gain

6. Protein-levodopa interaction. One of the most important medications used to treat PD is levodopa (Sinemet, Sinemet CR, Madopar, Dopar, Larodopa, Prolopa, Syndopa). However, levodopa must compete for absorption from the small intestine with proteins in food, and it may be necessary to take care with the timing of meals and medication.

PD is a complicated disease, that affects each person differently. Still, there are many similar needs, such as the need for dietary fiber, fluids, and nutrients, that are common to most people with PD.

Your general nutrition needs

The Food Guide Pyramid can be adapted for use as a general guide to nutrition for those with PD. However, the pyramid does not distinguish among whole-grains vs. refined grains, or plant proteins and animal proteins, and these are important differences for those with PD. Studies have found that a high-fiber diet with plenty of plant foods can enhance the absorptionof levodopa, alleviate constipation, and provide the nutrients most needed in PD. So we must adapt the Food Guide Pyramid to obtain the best foodchoices to combat PD.

A daily menu based on whole grains, with plenty of vegetables and fruits, calcium-rich foods, and smaller portions of high-protein foods is the best possible choice for people with PD. The whole grains contain the fiber that helps control the constipation that often occurs in PD, as well as aiding in the management of blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart disease. Vegetables and fruits provide the antioxidants, phytochemicals, minerals, and vitamins that nourish and support the muscles, nervous system, and organs of the body. Calcium is particularly important, as it helps keep the bones strong, preventing fractures. And protein keeps the muscular system healthy; strong, toned muscles help to maintain balance and strength.

Isn’t it best to eat fresh vegetables and fruits?

Not necessarily. The processes of canning and freezing produce have advanced greatly, so that more nutrients are retained. Ideally, it’s best to eat some raw and some cooked or processed produce. However, if chewing or swallowing is difficult, or if it takes too long to eat raw vegetables and fruits, it’s fine to eat canned foods or cooked frozen foods.

How many servings should I have daily?

Each group in the Pyramid has a minimum and a maximum number of servings. The Breads and Grains group, for example, recommends six to eleven servings per day. A small or inactive woman needs about six servings, whereas a man or a larger or more active woman needs more servings.

What’s a serving size?

Servings are small and not difficult to incorporate into a daily eating plan. Here are some examples:

Serving sizes from the food guide pyramid:

Breads and grains group

6-11 servings daily

(Choose whole grain foods as often as possible, rather than refined flours and grains)

1 slice bread

1 6" corn or flour tortilla

1 oz ready-to-eat cereal

1/2 cup cooked cereal, rice or pasta

4 small crackers

2 large crackers

1/2 bagel or English muffin

Vegetable group

3-5 servings daily

(Choose several servings of red, yellow, orange, and dark green leafy vegetables each week; these are especially rich in antioxidants)

1/2 cup cooked vegetable

1/2 cup chopped raw vegetable

6 oz vegetable juice

1 cup raw leafy greens

Fruit group

2-4 servings daily

(choose several servings of citrus fruits, berries, and cherries each week; these are high in protective phytochemicals and antioxidants)

1 medium apple, banana, or orange

1/2 cup fresh berries or cherries

15 grapes

1/2 cup applesauce

1/4 cup dried fruit

3/4 cup fruit juice

Calcium (dairy) group

3 servings daily

4 oz canned sardines or salmon, including bones

2 cups cooked kale, chard, or collard greens

2 cups cooked navy beans

1 cup milk or yogurt, or fortified milk alternate (such as soy or rice “milks” fortified with calcium and vitamin D)

1 1/2 oz natural cheese

Protein (meat) group

2-3 servings daily

(Choose several servings of cooked dried beans each week, for their fiber, folate, and minerals)

1 cup cooked dry beans, split peas, or lentils

2 large eggs

4 TB peanut butter

2-3 oz cooked meat, fish or poultry

Fats, oils, & sweets

Use sparingly; choose non-hydrogenated vegetable oils and nut butters

Fats: Butter, margarine, sour cream, mayonnaise, salad dressing, oil

Sweets: sugar, jam, jelly, honey, syrup, soft drinks, desserts.

What about taking nutritional supplements, such as vitamins and minerals?

A multivitamin-mineral supplement is a good idea for most people, especially as we age. The aging metabolism is less well able to absorb and use vitamins and minerals, and supplements may help.

However, you should always discuss supplements with your registered dietitian. After age 50, iron supplements are not recommended unless you are anemic. Use of many medications, such as diuretics and blood thinners, in conjunction with supplements, can seriously impact your health. If you are at risk for hemorrhagic stroke, high-dose supplements of vitamin E may not be advisable. Also, some diseases, such as kidney disease, can be worsened by use of supplements. Discussion with a physician and a registered dietitian can help you choose the right supplements in the right amounts for your unique needs. Your pharmacist can help you select inexpensive, high-quality brands.

Vitamin B6 and Parkinson’s disease.

Before the combinations of levodopa/carbidopa and levodopa/benserazidewere produced, people with PD were prescribed levodopa alone. It was found that vitamin B6 prevented the absorption of the levodopa, so people were advised not to eat foods rich in B6, or to take B6 supplements.

Now, however, the medication commonly used combines carbidopa orbenserazide with the levodopa. These “protect” the levodopa, so that vitamin B6 in reasonable amounts is no longer thought to be a problem. It’s generally recommended that vitamin supplements for people using carbidopa-levodopa or benserazide-levodopa contain no more than about ten-fifteen milligrams of B6 daily; some people can tolerate more than that, others may be more sensitive. If you are sensitive to B6, or if you need to take very large amounts (over 15 mg), take the B6 at least two hours apart from the levodopa. You should inform your physician if you intend to use such large supplements of B6. Food sources of B6 include chicken, fish, pork, eggs, brown rice, soybeans, oats, whole wheat, peanuts, and walnuts, also fortified products such as cereals.

Bloating, obsessive eating, weight gain.

Some people find that after beginning PD medications, they experience abdominal bloating. They may also find that they have an urge to eat excessive amounts of food, which contributes to both abdominal bloating and weight gain. They may also have edema (fluid retention), often in the feet or lower legs, sometimes in the upper body.

A compulsion to eat should be reported to your doctor. Some people find that counseling is therapeutic and helps them to control the urge to over eat. Edema should also be reported, because it can cause both weight gain and elevated blood pressure.

If you experience edema, it will be important to control salt and sodium intake, because this can aggravate fluid retention in the tissues. Also, increase use of vegetables and fruits, which contain potassium and other minerals that help to flush fluids out of the tissures. It may be helpful to elevate the legs several times a day: sit back with your feet and legs resting on a chair or stool that is the height of the chair you are sitting in. This can help to drain fluids from the feet and legs.

Low Vitamin D Level Tied to Parkinson's

2008-11-19T10:35:00.001-08:00

Study: Vitamin D Insufficiency Often Accompanies Parkinson's Disease

By Miranda Hitti

WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Oct. 13, 2008 -- Parkinson's disease patients may be particularly likely to have low blood levels of vitamin D.

Researchers report that news in the Archives of Neurology.

They studied 100 Parkinson's disease patients, 100 Alzheimer's disease patients, and 100 healthy adults of the same age as the Parkinson's and Alzheimer's patients.

Participants provided blood samples, which showed vitamin D insufficiency in 55% of the Parkinson's disease patients, compared to 41% of the Alzheimer's patients and 36% of the healthy participants.

Vitamin D deficiency, in which people have even less vitamin D than people who have vitamin D insufficiency, was also more common among the Parkinson's patients (23%), compared to the Alzheimer's patients (16%) and the healthy participants (10%).

The findings held regardless of people's age, gender, and presence or absence of an Alzheimer's-related mutation in the APOE gene.

The study was a snapshot in time -- it doesn't prove that low levels of vitamin D cause Parkinson's disease or that taking vitamin D would help prevent Parkinson's.

But those possibilities should be studied, note the researchers, who included Emory University's Marian Evatt, MD, MS.

Fruits and veggies the foundation of anti-inflammatory diet

2008-11-19T10:34:00.000-08:00

Dr. Andrew Weil, For the Calgary Herald

Q: I want to try your anti-inflammatory diet, but I'm not sure how many servings of each type of food are desirable.

Can you provide specific instructions?

A: Your question is very timely, because I recently designed a food pyramid for the anti-inflammatory diet to do just that. It is now available on my website.

As you know, the anti-inflammatory diet can help prevent the chronic inflammation that contributes to the development of heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and other age-related disorders. It is also a cornerstone of treatment for such autoimmune diseases as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

In addition to reducing inflammation, the diet provides steady energy and ample vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and dietary fibre. If you need to lose weight, it can help with that, too, but the diet wasn't designed as a short-term plan for weight loss. Rather, it is a way of selecting and preparing foods based on scientific research that can help you achieve and maintain optimum health over your lifetime.

When you look at the pyramid, you'll see that the diet steers you toward a wide variety of foods, ranging from lots of fresh vegetables and fruits (the foundation of all meals) to cooked Asian mushrooms, healthy herbs and spices and dark chocolate as a sweet treat. It minimizes consumption of the processed and fast foods that are some of the major contributors to chronic inflammation.

If you adopt this diet, each day you'll also be eating three to five half-cup servings of whole and cracked grains, one to two half-cup servings of beans and legumes, five to seven servings of healthy fats (one serving is equal to one teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil or organic, expeller-pressed canola oil; two walnuts; one tablespoon of freshly ground flaxseed; or one ounce of avocado). For daily protein and omega-3 fatty acids: two to six four-ounce servings of wild Alaskan salmon, herring, sardines and Alaskan black cod, a.k.a. sablefish.

You'll be going easy on other sources of protein, limiting servings to one to two per week of omega-3 enriched eggs, natural cheese (one ounce equals one serving), eight-ounce servings of dairy and three ounces of poultry or skinless meat.

The beverage category emphasizes tea -- two to four cups of white, green or oolong teas per day -- and if you drink alcohol, you can plan on a glass or two of organic red wine daily. In addition to dark chocolate, healthy treats include sorbet and unsweetened dried fruits. In the text accompanying the food pyramid, you'll find specific serving sizes for all the foods included.

I think you'll find the pyramid very easy to use. It may also introduce you to a variety of foods you haven't eaten before. Be adventurous. Try Anasazi beans, sea vegetables and bean-thread noodles, for example.

To access the interactive version of my Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid, visit my website at drweil.com. Good eating and good health!

Dr. Andrew Weil is director of the program of Integrative Medicine of the College of Medicine, University of Arizona. He is an internationally recognized expert on medicinal plants, alternative medicine and the reform of medical education.

Beer has some of the same benefits as wine

2008-11-19T10:27:00.000-08:00

Lynda Murray MA, RD, LD, CSSD

Who would have thought there would be benefits to downing a cold one? The research continues on how beer, a 1,000-year-old beverage, might be beneficial to health.

We've known for some time about how wine might be "health insurance" against heart disease, but beer now also holds this claim to fame.

What's your preference? Ales, bitter, lagers, stout or wheat beers? Research shows that one drink a day for women or up to two drinks a day for men may reduce the chance of stroke, as well as heart disease – for starters. Then a whole keg of beer benefits follows, such as reduced risk of osteoporosis, high cholesterol, blood clots, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, diabetes, dementia, Parkinson's disease and gallstones. Yes, I am referring to beer, not omega 3 fatty acids.

An average beer is cholesterol free, fat free, contains 13 grams of carbohydrates, 25 milligrams of sodium, along with trace amounts of protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and vitamins B, B2 and B6.

It has been suggested that consuming one to two beers a day can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 30 percent to 40 percent over those who don't drink at all. Beer contains the same amount of antioxidants that red wine has and nearly five times as many antioxidants as white wine.

Alcohol is also praised for its ability to increase the amount of good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. One glass of beer a day has been shown to significantly increase HDL cholesterol levels.

Beer also helps prevent the buildup of homocysteine, an amino acid linked with heart problems.

A recent report indicates that drinking wine or liquor can result in an increase in this negative homocysteine by 10 percent, while drinking beer did not.

Alcohol has also been shown to have a beneficial effect on inflammation, blood thinning and reducing the tendency for blood to clot. Think reduced heart attack and stroke.

Beer also may be associated with lower levels of insulin resistance. Eventually, beer may prove to be as protective for keeping diabetes at bay as a glass of wine. Other lifestyle factors typically associated with wine connoisseurs – such as healthier diet, exercise, limited nicotine, higher education level and income – are the positive benefits linked to this beverage of choice. It is believed that the alcohol is responsible for the protective effect noted, and wine can't alone claim the monopoly on heart and vascular benefits seen.

Weakened bones, fragile for fractures, are common among elderly people. Studies suggest that beer might benefit bones by the increase in blood estrogen levels. It is speculated that the flavenoid content of beer or minerals such as silicon are responsible. More research is continuing.

It has been estimated that more than 4.5 million Americans suffer from dementia or cognitive mental decline. This is expected to climb as life expectancy increases. The exact mechanism is not known at this time, but theories range from reduced narrowing of blood vessels in the brain, reduced risk of diabetes and psychological benefits.

A study of 51,000 people showed the risk of developing Parkinson's disease dropped by 30 percent for those who drank beer. Other protective lifestyle factors include maintaining ideal bodyweight and consuming black tea. Depression and exposure to heavy metals could increase risk. Head trauma increased Parkinson's disease risk 4 percent to 10 percent, providing additional fuel to the "wear your helmet" argument.

Beer in cooking is believed to have its roots in Western Europe. Alcohol is unique, because it has a much lower boiling temperature than water and evaporates quickly, leaving the characteristic taste of the beer behind.

Beer can be used as meat marinades. The alcohol both tenderizes and adds flavor. It can also be used in batters for fried foods, added to gravies to spice up the taste, or used in place of water or broth in soups and stocks. Try using beer as a cooking base for steaming sausages, shellfish or clams.

Malty beers add a sweet/nutty taste, while hop lagers can add a bitter/herbal flavor. Beer increases in bitterness as it simmers, so use a sweeter beer when cooking for long periods of time.

BEER BURGERS

1 large egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (4-ounce) can diced chilies, drained
1/3 cup crushed saltine crackers
1/3 cup beer
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound lean ground beef
6 slices cheese
6 hamburger buns

Preheat grill.
In a large mixing bowl, combine egg, garlic, chilies, saltines, beer, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, cayenne pepper and ground beef. Mix well.
Divide beef mixture into six patties. Grill 7 to 9 minutes on each side, turning once or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Top each burger with a slice of cheese.
Serve on buns.
Serves 6.

Remember these potential health effects are only for those who follow the moderation guidelines of one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. This doesn't mean you get to save your quota up and have seven or 14 beers on Friday night.

Drinking in excess of these guidelines has been associated with an increased risk of several serious health problems, such as cancer, high blood pressure and liver disease. Be warned that excess drinking can lead to liver damage, dangers of drunk driving and damage to fetuses of pregnant women, just to name a few.

A dozen things you can do to reduce your risk

2008-11-15T08:03:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 4, 2008
By GARY BROWN

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, casting a spotlight on a disease that is stealing an increasing number of lives.

"As many as 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease," notes the Web site for the Alzheimer's Association.

"Alzheimer's destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Alzheimer's gets worse over time, and it is fatal. Today it is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States."

We don't have to sit and wait for the disease to strike us or our loved ones. Researchers have developed guidelines for healthy living that reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

The following guidelines were taken from a report — "Environmental Threats to Healthy Aging from Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Science and Environmental Health Network" — that indicated neurodegenerative diseases are not necessarily inevitable.

The report presents science and analysis indicating environmental factors — diet, stress, exercise and exposure to chemicals — "are key drivers in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases."

The report said people can take the following actions to reduce the risks of developing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's:

1. Practice good nutrition from the beginning of life

"Prioritize healthy and nutritious food for children, teenagers, and adults. Consumption of fast food and calorie-dense snacks ... should be reduced or eliminated."

2. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially deep-green and orange vegetables

"Fruits and vegetables provide essential antioxidants, vitamins, and other critical micronutrients."

3. Eat foods high in omega-3s

"Eat fish at least once a week. ... If using fish oil, chose a brand that has been distilled to remove toxicants. Minimize consumption of fish that are high in contaminants such as mercury and PCBs."

4. Avoid routine consumption of sugar

"Table sugar, high fructose corn syrup, maple syrup and honey, and beverages and foods containing them, cause rapid elevations of blood sugar."

5. Consume low-glycemic carbohydrates, such as whole grains and legumes (such as chick peas and lentils)

"Other examples include brown rice, pearled barley, steel-cut oats, rye, buckwheat, fruits, non-starchy vegetables, pasta, winter squashes, and tubers (yams, sweet potatoes)."

6. Modest consumption of alcohol is okay

"Beverages like red wine and green tea contain important antioxidants ... and caffeine may reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease."

7. Avoid food additives, such as aluminum

"Recent evidence suggests that dietary aluminum may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Highest aluminum levels in food have been reported in some pancake and waffle products — including mixes, frozen and restaurant varieties."

8. Reduce exposure to toxicants

"Avoid hazardous exposures to toxicants such as lead and solvents during building and remodeling projects. ... Also eliminate or reduce pesticide use in the home and on lawns and gardens."

9. Increase physical activity

"Walking more each day can improve health, prevent overweight and obesity, and help maintain independence."

10. Increase social activity

"Regular social engagement with others reduces the risk of cognitive decline in later years. Volunteer, get involved in com-munity activities, and stay in touch with family members."

11. Reduce stress

"Many of us are constantly expected to multitask and respond instantly to ever more rapid communications. Try to find even a few minutes a day to relax."

12. Exercise your brain

"Exercising your brain may be beneficial for maintaining healthy cognition. Common sense ways to do this include crossword puzzles and word games, chess, and activities that require critical thinking."ਉ

Want to know more?

The full report is available online at www.agehealthy.org